Experimental investigation on cold storage system integrated with phase change material based subcooler arrangements

Abstract

Energy crisis, global warming and climatic changes all over the world exhibit the importance of energy conservation and efficient usage of existing fossil fuel in the global market. The rapid increase in technological development and the population of the world is accompanied by increased energy consumptions, leading to higher electricity and heat generation demand. In agricultural countries like India with above 17% of world population widely with agricultural land and mostly favourable metrological condition yet the country is striving for self-sustainability in terms of food products. Almost 16-30% is not reaching the market because of the post harvest loss. newlineThe post-harvest losses have a great impact in the economy of developing countries. To obstruct post-harvest losses and ensure better quality of foods, suitable cold chain is necessary, right from harvesting to market selling. The post-harvest losses can be minimized for the commodities by enhancing the storability and shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. For the preservation and efficient utilization of food commodities, the cold storage is needed. Cold storage plays a vital role in market price point on demand and time basis. It is needed for the producer to see the global market with the same initial freshness. Storing thermal energy within Phase Change Material (PCM) in cold chain application is more advantageous than conventional refrigeration system. newline