MetaFridge Public Data
Access AC power data from Aucma CFD-50 vaccine storage refrigerators deployed in low-resource health facilities across Kenya. This dataset provides unprecedented insights into power quality challenges in healthcare infrastructure and equipment protection.
The MetaFridge dataset spans Q2 2017 through Q2 2025, featuring 10-second interval measurements of line frequency, voltage, and current. Collected by New Horizons at Global Health Labs, this data enables researchers to extend work on power conditioning equipment standards and reduce equipment damage from AC power problems.
Healthcare Power Quality Monitoring in Kenya
The MetaFridge dataset represents a comprehensive repository of AC power data collected from Aucma CFD-50 vaccine storage refrigerators ("MetaFridges") deployed in low-resource health facility settings across Kenya. Originally designed by New Horizons, a division of Global Health Labs, these devices were created to improve power conditioning equipment standards and reduce equipment damage from AC power problems.
The dataset spans Q2 2017 through Q2 2025, featuring 10-second interval measurements of line frequency, voltage, current, and real power during normal operation. MetaFridges include rechargeable batteries that power electronics during outages, automatically switching to low-power mode with 10-minute sampling intervals until power is restored or the battery is depleted. While this data was originally collected by New Horizons, nLine is publishing this dataset after making key transformations: chunking quarterly files into monthly files, adding column headers, and converting from txt to parquet format for improved accessibility and analysis.
Key Details
- Geographical Coverage: Kenya
- Temporal Coverage: May 2017 - June 2025
- Devices: 270 MetaFridge refrigerators
- Resolution: 10-second intervals
- Scale: Healthcare facilities across Kenya
- Measurements: Grid voltage, frequency, current, and real power
Data Quality Information
The MF Power dataset has been subjected to rigorous validation and integrity checks, ensuring a high level of reliability. We provide important context on the data characteristics for informed analysis.
- Transmission continuity: The dataset demonstrates strong continuity, with the vast majority of data captured seamlessly across years of operation. On rare occasions, brief gaps may appear due to factors such as 2G network interruptions, scheduled MetaFridge relocations, or temporary disconnections.
- No cross-device synchronization: Each device maintains its own real-time clock and is regularly synchronized via NTP. This ensures strong timestamp accuracy across the dataset, but timestamps are not tightly aligned across devices.
- 2017 dataset context: Data collected during 2017 primarily reflects device testing, manufacturing, and initial deployment. As such, it may not be representative of stable operational conditions and should be used cautiously, mainly for methodological or exploratory purposes.
Data Collection Methodology
The MetaFridge datasets were collected using Aucma CFD-50 vaccine storage refrigerators designed by New Horizons at Global Health Labs. These devices feature integrated power monitoring capabilities with key characteristics:
- High temporal resolution: Measurements taken at 10-second intervals during normal operation
- Low-power mode: During outages, devices switch to 10-minute intervals to preserve battery life
- Real-time data transmission via 2G cellular networks
- Built-in rechargeable battery for operation during power failures
- Wide-range power supply: Operates across 80V to 280V range with protection circuits
- Voltage stabilizer: Allows compressor operation across wide voltage ranges
This methodology enables continuous monitoring of power quality in healthcare settings, capturing both normal operation and outage conditions with high temporal resolution. The data provides insights into power conditioning challenges and equipment protection in low-resource settings.
Access Dataset
We are interested in hearing about novel uses of the data! To access the MetaFridge Dataset, please fill out the form below. You will receive a link to access the data page where you can:
- Download parquet files with AC power measurements from MetaFridge devices
- Access monthly data files spanning Q2 2017 through Q2 2025
- Explore power quality data from healthcare facilities across Kenya
Potential use cases for this dataset include:
- →Analyze power quality challenges in healthcare infrastructure.
- →Study equipment protection mechanisms during power outages.
- →Evaluate power conditioning standards for medical devices.
- →Identify patterns in voltage and frequency variations.
- →Develop predictive models for power system reliability.
- →Research power quality impacts on vaccine storage systems.
The dataset is licensed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license, which allows for non-commercial use and sharing with attribution. Please contact us if you have any use cases that might extend beyond these terms.
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We’re open to new partnerships, or sharing more with people interested in our work.