New cooling box based on SelfChill technology expands lifespan of batteries and electronic devices in off-grid systems
In many regions where off-grid energy systems are commonly used – particularly in hot and arid areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East – high ambient temperatures significantly reduce the lifespan of batteries and sensitive electronic equipment. Since most batteries require a stable ambient temperature of 20–25 °C to perform optimally, effective thermal protection is crucial.
ARE Member Phaesun has developed an innovative, modular cooling box for batteries and electronic devices, based on the proven SelfChill technology. This solution is fully solar-powered, maintenance-free, and designed to operate under the harshest environmental conditions.
The insulated box, made from robust PVC sandwich panels, houses the batteries or sensitive components, offering excellent heat insulation and weather resistance. At the heart of the system is the new SelfChill Cooling Unit Air Outdoor, launched in 2024 — a hermetically sealed, vapour-compression refrigeration unit powered directly by photovoltaics and using the natural refrigerant R600a.
Engineered for extreme heat (up to 50 °C), the SelfChill Cooling Unit Air Outdoor uses a static condenser instead of a fan, which eliminates moving parts and ensures the unit is completely maintenance-free. Its optimised evaporator plate gently compensates for battery heat during charging and for the external heat from the environment. The result: batteries are kept within the ideal temperature range to even double their service life, reduce operating costs, and avoid premature replacements.
Key Benefits of the SelfChill Cooling Box:
- Modular & Plug-and-Play: Compatible with both new installations and retrofits.
- Highly Efficient: Maintains low internal temperatures even in extreme climates.
- Customisable: Box size, insulation and number of cooling units can be tailored to specific battery types, other devices and local weather conditions.
- Scalable: Several cooling units can be connected in parallel to scale the system according to the required cooling demand.
- Eco-Friendly Design:
-Solar-powered
-Uses natural refrigerant with low GWP (R600a)
-Reduces E-Waste by significantly extending battery lifespan - Flat-packed for shipping: Air-freight compatible with only 90g of refrigerant per unit.
- Optional monitoring system with internet connectivity for real-time performance tracking.
- Robust construction: Designed to withstand high dust levels and extreme temperatures with zero maintenance.
The cooling solution has been tested under typical arid climate conditions and is designed in close collaboration with battery manufacturers to meet their technical specifications – allowing access to extended warranty periods and maximum battery performance.
Whether as an add-on or part of a new system, Phaesun’s SelfChill cooling box offers a smart, sustainable, and reliable way to protect your energy storage investment in even the harshest environments.
Please find further info on the Cooling Box here: https://order.phaesun.com/en/product/600528.html
Please find further info on SelfChill here:
https://selfchill.org/
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