Loughborough graduate wins prestigious design competition

A new portable cooling device, developed by a student at Loughborough University is expected to help to improve vaccine transportation in developing countries. The invention has been announced as the UK winner of the 2016 James Dyson Award.

ISOBAR can keep vaccines cold for up to six days and can be recharged on the go in just over an hour, providing a safe and effective means of transportation.The device was invented by Loughborough University graduate William Broadway as part of his final year project on an Industrial Design and Technology course.

So how does it work?

ISOBAR uses a chemical process to provide a long term cooling effect for vaccine delivery. A mix of ammonia and water is heated in a lower pressure vessel and as the ammonia vaporises and separates from the water into the upper chamber, it is trapped by a valve until the cooling effect is needed.

It is anticipated that ISOBAR could save millions of lives due to the fact that current vaccine programmes in developing countries do not meet the international standards for temperature safe vaccine distribution which leads to vaccines losing potency.

William said:

“I am so pleased that the technology can get a bit of the limelight. Winning the UK James Dyson Award gives me the confidence to pursue my invention with my whole heart in the knowledge that yes, I can actually make this device, and that it could have a great impact for the benefit of thousands of people.”

So why did he invent it?

Winning the award means William will now receive £2,000 to develop ISOBAR before he competes in the next round as international finalists go up against the best entries from 22 countries.

The overall winner will be announced on the 27 October with a £30,000 prize to help the inventor in further developing their idea.