The Cool-X 9000
We have decided for our research project to investigate innovative ways to prevent cross contamination while using a portable cooler. Many people are sickened each year while trying to have fun at cookouts and picnics because of cross contamination of meats and the other contents of their cooler. The ice at the bottom of the cooler gets wet and soggy and inevitably seeps into your other foods carrying whatever bacteria and contaminants it has with it. We all like a good cookout, so this subject is something we can all relate to.
We have taken an ordinary full size portable cooler and modified it with the following features:
1. Ice packs mounted into the bottom. Easily removable so that they can be frozen, removing the need for messy ice
2. Solar powered fans that will circulate the cold air throughout the cooler, maintaining an even and stable temperature that is well within the food safety range
3. A hinged solar panel that powers the fans
4. Air tight compartments for the separate packaging of meats, fruits and veggies so that these items do not contaminate each other
5. A temperature gage that monitors the internal and external temperature, so that you can monitor when the ice packs may need to be changed
6. An external on/off switch to conserve energy
There are currently other solar coolers on the market, but they retail for around $250 for a cooler this size. Ours would cost roughly $49.95
We believe this could help to prevent many of the food borne illnesses that come about from cross-contamination in portable coolers.
We have taken an ordinary full size portable cooler and modified it with the following features:
1. Ice packs mounted into the bottom. Easily removable so that they can be frozen, removing the need for messy ice
2. Solar powered fans that will circulate the cold air throughout the cooler, maintaining an even and stable temperature that is well within the food safety range
3. A hinged solar panel that powers the fans
4. Air tight compartments for the separate packaging of meats, fruits and veggies so that these items do not contaminate each other
5. A temperature gage that monitors the internal and external temperature, so that you can monitor when the ice packs may need to be changed
6. An external on/off switch to conserve energy
There are currently other solar coolers on the market, but they retail for around $250 for a cooler this size. Ours would cost roughly $49.95
We believe this could help to prevent many of the food borne illnesses that come about from cross-contamination in portable coolers.
