IPB University Innovators Create Solar-Powered Cooling Box, Reducing Fishermen’s Operational Costs by 30 Percent
A team of researchers at IPB University has successfully developed a solar-powered cooling system for small fishing boats. This innovation is called the Solar-Powered Cooling Box (PPTS).
This technology is designed to help small-scale fishermen maintain the freshness of their catch without having to rely on ice blocks. The research was conducted as part of the Integrated Smart System Instrument for Small-Scale Fishing Vessel research project.
“Most of our fishermen still rely on ice from land. It is expensive and inefficient, especially in remote areas,” said Dr Ayi Rahmat, chairperson of the research team and lecturer in the Division of Acoustics, Instrumentation, and Marine Robotics, Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK).
Environmentally Friendly and Efficient
This cooling box relies on solar panels with a capacity of 1 kWp to 5 kWp, which are paired with LiFePO₄ batteries and a smart control system. The energy generated is used to operate a 300-liter freezer that can maintain a temperature below 4°C for a full 24 hours.
According to the technical report, the system is also integrated with the internet of things (IoT), which monitors the temperature of the cooling chamber, the position of the vessel, and the condition of the batteries in real time. Tests at the ports of Ratu, Cirebon, and Brebes showed stable performance with high efficiency without the consumption of fossil fuels.
A series of trials were conducted on three 7-9 meter vessels. During a month of sailing, the system operated well and maintained the ideal temperature for fish storage. The tests included vessel stability (pitching, yawing, and rolling), system durability, and organoleptic fish freshness tests.
“The results show that the fish remained fresh until they arrived at the port. This has a direct impact on increasing the selling value of the catch,” said Dr Ayi.
Social and Economic Benefits
This solar-powered refrigerated hold technology can reduce fishermen’s operating costs by up to 30 percent because they do not need to buy ice. In addition, fresher catches increase the selling price of fish by 10-15 percent.
This innovation also supports the blue economy and clean energy transition targets being promoted by the government. “We want small-scale fishermen to not only be users of technology, but also part of the renewable energy solution,” added Dr Ayi.
After successful trials in West Java, the IPB University team collaborated with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and industry partner PT Cahaya Hijau Indonesia. The goal is to expand implementation to potential fishing areas in Tanimbar and Morotai.
“This plan is also in line with the SeaBLUE Palka Pendingin Project program, which targets 300 fishing boats with a 3-5 kWp communal solar power system,” added Dr Ayi.
In addition to moving towards commercialization, this innovation has been registered for a technology patent and scientific publication as a form of downstreaming of IPB University’s research with registration number P00202506400.
The Solar-Powered Cooling Box symbolizes IPB University’s innovation in combining research, technology, and coastal community empowerment. With the support of renewable energy, small-scale fishermen now have greater opportunities to improve their welfare without damaging the marine environment. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)
