Three innovative teenagers from Indore, India—Dhruv Chaudhary, Mithran Ladhania, and Mridul Jain—have developed a groundbreaking solution to a pressing healthcare challenge: transporting vaccines and medical supplies in areas without reliable electricity. Their invention, named Thermavault, is a portable refrigerator powered by a chemical reaction using salt and water, eliminating the need for electricity.
The Science Behind Thermavault
Thermavault operates on the principle of endothermic reactions, where certain salts absorb heat when dissolved in water, thereby lowering the surrounding temperature. After extensive research and testing of over 150 salts, the team identified ammonium chloride and barium hydroxide octahydrate as the most effective. Ammonium chloride maintains temperatures between 2°C to 6°C, ideal for most vaccines, while the combination with barium hydroxide can achieve sub-zero temperatures, suitable for certain vaccines and organ transplants.
Design and Functionality
The Thermavault is constructed as an insulated plastic container with a copper-lined inner chamber where medical items are stored. The salt solution is placed between the plastic exterior and the copper interior. As the salts dissolve in water, they absorb heat, cooling the contents without the need for external power sources. Notably, the salt solution is reusable; by boiling off the water, the salts can be recovered and used again, making it a sustainable option for remote areas.
Recognition and Future Plans
This innovative project earned the trio the 2025 Earth Prize, along with a $12,500 award. They plan to use these funds to manufacture 200 Thermavault units for testing in 120 hospitals. Their goal is to obtain certification from the World Health Organization and expand the use of Thermavault to improve healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
The Thermavault stands as a testament to how youthful ingenuity and scientific principles can converge to create solutions with profound global health implications.
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