Agri varsity patents ‘fridge-on-wheels’ for vegetable vendors

Ludhiana: Punjab Agricultural University has been granted a federal patent for an innovative “Mobile Thermoelectric Refrigeration System” designed to revolutionise the small-scale storage and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables. The eco-friendly unit preserves the freshness, texture, and nutritional value of horticultural produce for extended periods, offering a sustainable breakthrough for agricultural cold chains.

Unlike conventional refrigerators that rely on heavy mechanical compressors and chemical refrigerants, this field-deployable unit operates on the thermoelectric cooling principle based on the Peltier effect. By passing direct current (DC) through two dissimilar semiconductor materials to transfer heat, the system completely eliminates the harmful environmental impacts commonly associated with standard cooling systems.

The green technology was jointly engineered by a four-member team of university scientists: principal scientist Dr Gagandeep Kaur Sidhu, post-doctoral fellow Dr Chavan Prasad, principal scientist Dr MS Alam, and additional director of research (agricultural engineering) Dr Mahesh Kumar.

Dr Mahesh Kumar noted that the system is specifically tailored to act as a dual storage-cum-mobile refrigeration unit for small-scale stakeholders, making it highly effective for farmers, roadside street vendors, and retail market traders.

Endorsing the innovation, varsity director of research Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt emphasised that such eco-friendly interventions are vital for enhancing the overall efficiency of regional agricultural supply chains. Similarly, Dr Manjeet Singh, dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, highlighted its importance in maintaining fresh produce quality during transit without degrading the environment.

Dr Khushdeep Dharni, associate director of the technology marketing and Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Cell, lauded the research team for their breakthrough contribution to sustainable cold-chain technologies and agricultural engineering intellectual property.