Contributions to Conferences

Airflow conditions in apple bins and a commercial apple cold store

Abstract

In cold stores of fresh fruit and vegetables energy consumption for ventilation and produce losses are
important cost factors. The research project COOL targets the development of an airflow sensor based
ventilation regime by modifying the fan operation and the layout of cold stores in order to achieve more
uniform air movement as low as required. Initial studies were carried out for determination of air
velocity in storage bins and a commercial apple cold store. Airflow through single bins was studied in a
wind channel. Measurements and simulations showed low air velocity inside the bin filled with produce
dummies compared to the oncoming airflow. Similar airflow was measured around an empty bin and a
bin filled with produce dummies. In the storage room airflow and temperature measurements were
carried out in horizontal gaps between dense stacked bins. Air velocity was 1-1.4 m s-1 in the middle
rows of the stack similar in different height. Lower air velocity was measured in the lateral bin rows
near the side walls, probably due to the centered position of the air cooler in the storage room. The air
velocity between the gaps was similar in different heights of the stack. In further tests the effect of
modified openings in the bins on airflow will be studied as well as different stacking layouts in a cold
store with gaps between the bin rows.