COMPUTER SIMULATION OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS IN POTATO STORES

The optimum storage environment for potatoes destined for various forms of consumption has been fairly clearly defined.
For the purposes of this study it is assumed that a temperature of 4°C and a relative humidity over 90 % is required.

The storage of a relatively low value crop such as potatoes is economic only if it is carried out at minimum cost.
The simplest method of controlling temperature is by means of controlled ventilation with ambient air.
The effectiveness of this system depends on many factors e.g. air-flow rate, building insulation, ambient climate and ventilation controls.
The large number of variables involved, together with the geographical and temporal variability of the climate, makes physical experiment unrewarding.
The object of this work is to establish a computer simulation technique that will quickly evaluate temperature control systems once the design features of the store and the ambient climate are known.
Specifically this involves

1. the construction of a mathematical model of the heat and mass transfer processes occurring within a potato store under free and forced ventilation.

2. the use of this model to compare various methods of controlling the store temperature.

Symposium on Vegetable Storage

B. Rice

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1974.38.10