By Josh Perry, Editor
[email protected]

Engineers at SolarX, a Spokane, Wash.-based company developing sustainable solutions for real world problems, created the xCOLD, a mobile refrigeration system that runs directly off solar power and can be used to cool medium-sized spaces.

The xCOLD system is a solar-powered refrigeration system. (SolarX)

According to the company’s website, xCOLD can be used as part of the cold chain, to produce refrigeration for locations no attached to the grid, as a backup power supply for commercial operations or anywhere that a temporary cold space is needed.

The xCOLD is designed to run 100 percent off the grid. Its solar panels produce DC electricity and avoids power conversion losses by no converting electricity to AC. There is also a patent-pending control system to manage incoming power sources while prioritizing the solar panels.

“xCOLD is designed with flexibility in mind,” the website explained. “It can be docked to a variety of spaces such as a walk-in cooler, shipping container, or tent-like structure. xCOLD also has multiple operating configurations: running as a singular unit or as a split ductless system.”

The company field tested the xCOLD in October in a sponsored water station at the Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) Color Run in Othello, Wash. There were six solar panels on a mobile array and a quick, pop-up tent.

According to a report from the day, the tent was operational for several hours and there was a difference of 20°F between air input and output. The system was also able to run at full power, while still charging its batteries.

Read more about the company in this feature from the Spokane Journal of Business, https://www.spokanejournal.com/local-news/cooled-by-the-sun-spokane-engineers-produce-solar-powered-refrigeration-system.