PROMETHEAN Power, the makers of a solar-powered refrigerator for use in the developing world, has unveiled its first prototype in the US this week.
Promethean Power Systems showcased its creation at the conference 'Technology Review EmTech 2008'.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology spin-off firm combines solar power with thermoelectrics - (materials that create cooling or heat from electrical current) to make a refrigeration unit for use in rural parts of India.

The system has a cooling unit that can run off both a diesel generator and 3-5 180 watt solar panels.

CEO Sorin Gramma said the firm is two years away from producing a commercial product.