A new hybrid cold storage material

(1) Argyle Secondary School, British Columbia, Canada, (2) University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

https://doi.org/10.59720/21-118
Cover photo for A new hybrid cold storage material

Transportation of biological samples, such as cryopreserved mammalian cells, at ultra-low temperature, has been critical for medical research and services. The general public has now recognized another vital role of ultra-low temperature transport due to its irreplaceable role in delivering various vaccines that can protect us from deadly viruses. This study focuses on the cold storage material to facilitate the low-temperature transportation of vaccines and other commodities such as seafood. Dry ice does not suffice for the long-range transport of these products to rural areas. We propose using a combination of dry ice and ethanol, which has a higher thermal capacity, thermal conductivity, and latent heat, to produce a much more sustainable cooling solid for an extended period of cold transportation. We performed a detailed analysis of the performance of this new cold solid material to examine the feasibility of using it for shipping vaccines. The calculations showed that the new substance’s cold storage capacity is 47.6 percent higher than dry ice. Therefore, this new combined substance is more appropriate for ultra-low temperature transportation. It is a promising new cold storage technology. Furthermore, the unique cold storage material combination presents a more economical and environmentally friendly transport cooling solution.

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