Ludhiana: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has been awarded a federal patent for a groundbreaking "Mobile Thermoelectric Refrigeration System" aimed at transforming small-scale storage and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables. This eco-friendly unit maintains the freshness, texture, and nutritional value of horticultural produce for extended durations, marking a sustainable advancement for agricultural cold chains.
Eco-Friendly Cooling Technology
Unlike conventional refrigerators that depend on heavy mechanical compressors and chemical refrigerants, this field-deployable unit operates on the thermoelectric cooling principle, which is 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 typically associated with standard cooling systems.
Developed by PAU Scientists
The green technology was jointly engineered by a team of four university scientists: principal scientist Dr. Gagandeep Kaur Sidhu, post-doctoral fellow Dr. Chavan Prasad, principal scientist Dr. M.S. Alam, and additional director of research (agricultural engineering) Dr. Mahesh Kumar.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar noted that the system is specifically tailored to function as a dual storage-cum-mobile refrigeration unit for small-scale stakeholders, making it highly effective for farmers, roadside vendors, and retail market traders. Endorsing the innovation, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, director of research at PAU, emphasized 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 Rights (IPR) Cell, lauded the research team for their breakthrough contribution to sustainable cold-chain technologies and agricultural engineering intellectual property.
