Refrigeration of COVID-19 Vaccines: Ideal Storage Characteristics, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Various Vaccine Options

Alexandre F. Santos, Pedro D. Gaspar and Heraldo J. L. de Souza
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Alexandre F. Santos: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Pedro D. Gaspar: Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Heraldo J. L. de Souza: FAPRO—Professional College, Curitiba 80230-040, Brazil

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: This article considers the ideal storage conditions for multiple vaccine brands, such as Pfizer, Moderna, CoronaVac, Oxford–AstraZeneca, Janssen COVID-19 and Sputnik V. Refrigerant fluid options for each storage condition, thermal load to cool each type of vaccine and environmental impacts of refrigerants are compared. An energy simulation using the EUED (energy usage effectiveness design) index was developed. The Oxford–AstraZeneca, Janssen COVID-19 and CoronaVac vaccines show 9.34-times higher energy efficiency than Pfizer. In addition, a TEWI (total equivalent warming impact) simulation was developed that prioritizes direct environmental impacts and indirect in refrigeration. From this analysis, it is concluded that the cold storage of Oxford–AstraZeneca, Janssen COVID-19 and CoronaVac vaccines in Brazil generates 35-times less environmental impact than the Pfizer vaccine.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; vaccines; refrigeration; energy consumption; GWP; TEWI; EUED; environmental impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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