Solar-powered ice machine benefits Amazon communities

Have you ever imagined producing ice using solar energy? A group of researchers from the IEE (Institute of Energy and Environment) at USP (University of São Paulo) have achieved this feat. They have developed an innovative technology that is being used to preserve food in isolated communities in the Amazon.

The project, called Solar Ice, is part of the Quality of Life Program, of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute. The company has been testing and perfecting three machines – weighing 300 kg each – powered by Photovoltaics.

It is estimated that the same ones, installed in Vila Nova do Amanã, municipality of Maraã (AM), have a daily capacity to produce around 30 kg of ice. The equipment consists of 60 panels and a rainwater collection system, used to manufacture the ice.

The project is experimental and began in August 2015. Furthermore, they highlighted that a fourth machine was installed at Pousada Flotuante Uacari, also in Amazonas, for monitoring the team.

Solar project benefits riverside community

According to the Mamirauá Institute, before technology reached the riverside community, families who make a living from fishing and farming would travel up to 15 hours by boat to sell products and buy ice in urban centers. Because of the distance, they even paid a high price for the product sold on the boats that access the region. Now, more than 60 residents have solar energy as a way to cool water and preserve food.

The project was awarded by Google's Social Impact Challenge in Brazil, which financed the initiative. The Quality of Life Program also has partnerships with the NGO IDEAAS and GEDAE (Study Group on Development of Energy Alternatives), from UFPA (Federal University of Pará). Its actions have already directly benefited 6,6 people and indirectly benefited almost 26 people.