Solar-Powered Refrigerator for Low-Income Households

Engineering Design Class, Duke University

Our team designed and built a solar-powered refrigerator aimed at improving food security for low-income households in Uganda. This affordable, off-grid solution leverages thermoelectric cooling, a fan, polyurethane insulation, and a vacuum layer to ensure sustainability and portability.

Objective

To reduce food spoilage and improve food security by creating a portable and sustainable refrigeration system tailored to the needs of Ugandan families.

Process

• Conducted research on existing cooling methods and identified design criteria such as temperature control, power dependency, and safety.
• Used Pugh matrices to evaluate components for cooling, insulation, and power systems, ensuring an optimal balance between efficiency and cost.
• Selected a final design featuring thermoelectric cooling paired with a battery-powered fan, supported by polyurethane insulation and a vacuum layer.

Prototype

Developed a high-fidelity prototype consisting of a metal cooling box enclosed within insulation and wood. The device is battery-powered, energy-efficient, and capable of maintaining temperatures under 40°F, meeting both performance and cost-effectiveness goals.

Predictive Maintenance System for Argentinian Power Plant

Accenture, Dubai

Developed and implemented predictive maintenance technology for the Genelba power plant in Argentina. This system utilized vibration sensors and neural networks to predict equipment downtimes, reducing operational risks and optimizing maintenance schedules.

• Designed predictive models based on real-time sensor data.
• Selected and implemented appropriate neural network architectures for accurate forecasting.
• Delivered a comprehensive solution that enhanced the power plant’s operational reliability.

Robotics Leadership – Team Zeta

FIRST Robotics Competition, Sevenoaks School

As Head of the Mechanical Team and later Team Captain, I led the design, construction, and management of our robotics team, which qualified for the World Finals in its first year.

• Designed a two-stage climber and box arm mechanism powered by Neo motors.
• Managed a multicultural team, overseeing financial, mechanical, programming, CAD, outreach, and media efforts.
• Mentored team members in technical and leadership skills, fostering a collaborative environment.

Tech Outreach Program

Tech Service at Sevenoaks

Co-founded a student-led outreach program to teach STEM skills to primary school students in the UK.

• Collaborated with 50 student teachers to impact over 200 students across 10+ schools.
• Developed and delivered courses in coding, CAD, and robotics to foster early STEM literacy.
• Organized workshops and hands-on activities to inspire young learners and encourage innovation.