Keywords
Simulation
Total cooling load
Refrigerator capacity
Abstract
The use of cold storage is one of the effective methods for handling perishable crops. However, the effectiveness of this facility is greatly affected by its design making it a critical aspect of cold storage, thus, requiring technical knowledge of heat transfer. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a simulation model that can easily compute the total cooling load and refrigerating capacity of cold storage for tomatoes considering all heat sources namely; transmission heat, product heat, respiration heat, occupants’ heat, lighting heat, ventilation heat, and infiltration heat. Additional design options were also provided for better accuracy of computation. This provides convenience and accuracy in designing cold storage to ensure its effectiveness. Results showed that by varying the length of the cold storage, the total cooling load and refrigerating capacity vary directly with cold storage dimension. Also, the use of the rule of thumb method generates bigger refrigerating capacity compared to the actual refrigerating capacity needed in cold storage causing higher energy consumption and eventually, higher costs. Moreover, varying the insulation material thickness shows that total cooling load and refrigerating capacity are inversely proportional to thickness of insulation material. Furthermore, using different insulation materials shows that total cooling load and refrigerating capacity increases with thermal conductivity of insulation material. Lastly, the simulation model generates more accurate results by providing options in wall components of the cold storage so that changes in design will be considered and reflected in the computed total cooling load and refrigerating capacity.
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