Articles
Heat and mass transfer dynamics during loading in industrial-scale controlled atmosphere storage of apples
Article number
1456_13
Pages
103 – 110
Language
English
Abstract
Effective apple preservation in cold storage depends on understanding thermal and moisture dynamics.
Apples undergo complex heat exchange with surrounding fruit and air, influenced by varying temperature, humidity, and airflow, especially in large-scale facilities.
Optimizing storage design and cooling efficiency requires insight into these heat transfer processes.
Integrating direct heat flux measurements into real-time monitoring can support smarter cooling control and extend produce shelf life.
In this study, real-time data were collected to evaluate the interplay between the heat and mass transfer in apples during loading and cool-down phases in an industrial-scale 50t controlled atmosphere storage (1 kPa O2 and 2.5 kPa CO2). Parameters monitored included apple surface and air temperature, relative humidity, fruit surface heat flux and condensation.
Condensation on the apple surface was detected during the loading phase at all monitored positions, whereas no condensation occurred during the cool-down phase once the room was filled and cooling stabilized.
Wetness sensor readings confirmed surface condensation events, which corresponded with transient fruit mass increases and dew point undershoot events.
Heat flux data indicated rapid heat release from fruit immediately after each loading event and can be associated with evaporation of the condensed water.
The findings improved insights into cooling processes and enable better real-time monitoring of fruit conditions, thus contributing to more efficient and sustainable postharvest management of apples.
Apples undergo complex heat exchange with surrounding fruit and air, influenced by varying temperature, humidity, and airflow, especially in large-scale facilities.
Optimizing storage design and cooling efficiency requires insight into these heat transfer processes.
Integrating direct heat flux measurements into real-time monitoring can support smarter cooling control and extend produce shelf life.
In this study, real-time data were collected to evaluate the interplay between the heat and mass transfer in apples during loading and cool-down phases in an industrial-scale 50t controlled atmosphere storage (1 kPa O2 and 2.5 kPa CO2). Parameters monitored included apple surface and air temperature, relative humidity, fruit surface heat flux and condensation.
Condensation on the apple surface was detected during the loading phase at all monitored positions, whereas no condensation occurred during the cool-down phase once the room was filled and cooling stabilized.
Wetness sensor readings confirmed surface condensation events, which corresponded with transient fruit mass increases and dew point undershoot events.
Heat flux data indicated rapid heat release from fruit immediately after each loading event and can be associated with evaporation of the condensed water.
The findings improved insights into cooling processes and enable better real-time monitoring of fruit conditions, thus contributing to more efficient and sustainable postharvest management of apples.
Authors
T.G. Hoffmann, A.D. Sonawane, R. Jedermann, U. Praeger, F. Büchele, D.A. Neuwald, B. Sturm, P.V. Mahajan
Keywords
cold chain, cold storage, fresh produce, postharvest, refrigeration
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