Modification And Performance Evaluation Of A Cold Room Storage Structure
The title “Modification and Performance Evaluation of a Cold Room Storage Structure” encapsulates a comprehensive exploration into enhancing and assessing the effectiveness of a refrigerated storage facility. This study delves into the strategic adjustments made to the existing cold room structure, aiming to optimize its functionality and efficiency. By integrating innovative modifications, the objective is to elevate the overall performance of the storage system in preserving perishable goods. The evaluation process involves meticulous analysis, incorporating key parameters such as temperature control, energy consumption, and storage capacity. The research endeavors to provide valuable insights into the enhanced functionality of cold room storage structures, shedding light on the sustainable modifications that contribute to an improved and resource-efficient refrigeration solution.
The cold storage structure was modified and evaluated for the storage of fruits and vegetables at the department of agricultural and bio-environment engineering of Kwara State polytechnic, Ilorin; the cold storage structure consists of the following components; compressor, evaporator, condenser, accumulator, dryer, etc. the variable factors are temperature and relative humidity. The cold storage structure was tested with the following fruits; watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes and apple .these samples were stored under two conditions (ambient and cold storage) for period of three days which was monitored at four hours intervals with constant supply of electricity. Using a constant relative humidity of 85% throughout the experiment. The result revealed and average physiological weight loss of the samples on both ambient and cold storage, which are 7.8g, 3.3g, 21.3, 10.5 for ambient samples while3.5g, 0.8, 3.8, 2.6 for cold storage sample respectively.
The cold storage structure performs satisfactorily when evaluated and it’s recommended for the storage of fruits under controlled conditions.
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Content
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Problems Statement 2
1.3 Aims and objective of the project 2
1.4 Justification of the Project 3
1.5 The Scope of the Project Work 3
CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Development of Cold Room Structure for fruit and Vegetable 4
2.2 Harvest Handling and Transport of fruit and Vegetable 5
2.2.1 Harvesting Principle of fruit and vegetable 5
2.2.2 Handling of fruit and Vegetable 5
2.2.3 Transport of Fruit and Vegetable 5
2.3 Storage Guidelines for Fruit and Vegetable 6
2.4 Heat Load Factor Normally Considered in Cold Storage Design 6
2.5 Expected Storage Life 7
2.6. Factors Affecting the Performance of Storage Structure 7
2.7. Principle of Refrigeration 10
2.7.1 Evaporation 11
2.7.2 Compressor 11
2.7.3 Condenser 12
2.8 Reviews on Existing Work on a Cold Storage Structure 12
CHAPTER THREE:
MATERIALS AND METHOD
3.1 Modified Area on the cold Storage. 14
3.2 Description of the Cold Room Storage System. 15
3.3 Designed Consideration 17
3.3.1 Cold Storage system 17
3.3.2 Capacity of the cold storage system 17
3.3.3 Power Requirement for cold storage system 17
3.3.4 Nature of Fruits and vegetables 18
3.4 Design Calculation and Analysis 18
3.4.1 Capacity of the Cooling Chamber 18
3.4.2 Heat transfer Analysis of the System 19
3.5 Materials Selection Consideration 20
3.5.1 Strength 20
3.5.2 Durability 20
3.5.3 Rigidity 20
3.5.4 Thermal Properties 21
3.5.5 Food safety 21
3.5.6 Availability of Materials 21
3.5.7 Gas Selection 21
3.6 Installation procedure and assemble 21
3.6.1 Application of the Installation 21
3.7 Working Principle of Cold Storage System 23
3.8 Cost Analysis 23
3.8 Performance Evaluation 25
3.8 K.1 Source of Material 25
3.8.2 Sample Preparation 26
3.8.3 Experimental Procedure 26
3.8.4 Output Parameters 26
CHAPTER FOUR:
DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
4.0 Results and Discussion 30
4.1 Performance Evaluation, Result and Discussion 30
4.2 Discussions 31
4.2.1 Discussion on average weight and temperature of sample both in cold storage and at
mbient condition 31
4.2.2 Discussion on Physiological Weight Loss of Samples 32
4.2.3 Discussion on temperature against time interval in cold storage and
ambient condition 32
CHAPTER FIVE:
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion 45
5.2 Recommendation 46
References 47
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Fruits and vegetables are of great nutritional value. They are important sources of vitamins and minerals thus, essential components of human diet. Consequent upon this, there had been increased trade or commerce activities surrounding these commodities. Vegetable production forms a substantial percentage about 25% of the major food crops cultivated in the tropics and so it is the source of livelihood for a considerable section of the population (Idah, 2007).
Fruits and vegetables in their fresh forms contain high percentage of water. They are living and hence carry out their physiological function of respiration thereby absorbing and releasing gases and other materials from and to their environment. These activities lead to their deterioration in transit and storage, which is more rapid under conditions of high temperature and humidity. As a result, heavy losses are encountered in these produce. Fruit and vegetable are generally classified as perishable crop if not quickly preserved when harvest they shrivel wither or rot away rapidly especially under hot condition. Highly perishable ones likes’ leafy vegetables, tomatoes asparagus etc. even in storage have a recommended refrigeration storage life of less than one week (Ndukwu, 2011).
Fruit and vegetable are fundamentally different from most other produce which is sold stored in the fresh (unfroze) state in that they are living they respires thus suitable ventilation must be provided. During cold storage they undergo characteristic change of senescence and of ripening of fruit (Cantwell, 2001).
Storage has been developed to ensure the supply of an agriculture product to consumers with minimized quality degradation. Orderly marketing of perishable commodities often requires some storage to balance day- to- day fluctuation between product harvest and sales or for long term storage to extend market period. (Tripath and Bhat 2000).
Cold room storage generally tends to depict the views and ideas of a system that embarks on a continual extraction of heat from its body whose temperature is already below its surrounding temperature. Thus, refrigeration inevitably is the only means of preserving food in its original freshness. (Ugwuet al, 2012).
1.2 Problem Statement
Lack of storage facilities is one of the major challenges facing perishable produce in Nigeria and result in higher post-harvest losses. Temperature plays an important role in post-harvest handling of perishable produce since it affect most of the enzymatic reaction in harvesting produce cause an increase in the rate of deterioration processing. Cooling of perishable product immediately after harvest and maintain the cold chain along the supply chain is key in slowing down the deteriorative process hence there is a need to develop a cold room that will reduce deterioration of fruits and vegetable and extend their shelf life.
1.3 Aim and Objective of the Project Work
The aim of the study is to enhance good storage facilities for fruits and vegetables under a cold room storage structure in order to prolong their shelf life and retain the quality of this perishable product for a specific period of time.
The specific objectives:
(i) To modify a cold room storage structure.
(ii) To install temperature and relative humidity controller and change some component parts of the cold storage.
(iii) To evaluate its performance on selected fruits and vegetables in terms of cooling rates, physiological weight loss, colour changes and firmness
1.4 Justification of the Project
Modification of the existing cold storage structure will bring about the improvement for spacious storing of fruit and vegetables, and proper management of cold room storage with regards to temperature, relative humidity level, air circulation, adequate space between storage bin; prolong the shelf life of all agricultural product and convince the investors on the effective performance of a cold room as a place which can retain and preserve the nutritional quality and value of perishable product over a long period of time.
1.5 Scope of the Project
The scope of this project is limited to modification, installation and performance evaluation of the cold storage structure, using okra , pear, water leaf and bell pepper under two condition (ambient and cold storage).
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Modification And Performance Evaluation Of A Cold Room Storage Structure:
Modifying and evaluating the performance of a cold room storage structure involves several considerations to ensure efficient and reliable operation. Here are key steps and factors to consider:
1. Insulation and Sealing:
- Assess the insulation materials used in the structure. Upgrade or replace them if needed to minimize heat transfer.
- Check for any gaps or leaks in the structure and seal them to prevent warm air infiltration.
2. Temperature Control System:
- Evaluate the existing temperature control system. Consider upgrading to more energy-efficient and precise control systems.
- Implement zoning to optimize temperature distribution within the cold room.
3. Humidity Control:
- Assess the humidity control mechanisms. Ensure they are effective in preventing moisture buildup, which can affect the quality of stored items.
- Consider installing dehumidification systems if necessary.
4. Energy Efficiency:
- Upgrade lighting to energy-efficient options such as LED.
- Install occupancy sensors to control lighting and refrigeration equipment based on usage.
5. Air Circulation:
- Ensure proper air circulation within the cold room to maintain uniform temperatures.
- Evaluate the efficiency of existing fans and consider upgrading to high-efficiency models.
6. Cooling System:
- Inspect and maintain the refrigeration system regularly.
- Consider upgrading to newer and more energy-efficient refrigeration equipment if the existing system is outdated.
7. Monitoring and Control:
- Implement a robust monitoring system to track temperature, humidity, and other relevant parameters.
- Use automated control systems to adjust settings based on real-time data.
8. Backup Power Supply:
- Install a reliable backup power supply to ensure continuous operation during power outages.
9. Material Handling Equipment:
- Optimize the layout and design to facilitate efficient movement of goods.
- Consider implementing automated storage and retrieval systems for better organization.
10. Safety Measures:
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Implement safety features such as emergency exits and alarms.
11. Regular Maintenance:
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule for all components of the cold room.
- Conduct inspections and address any issues promptly to avoid downtime.
12. Performance Evaluation:
- Monitor the performance of the modified structure over time.
- Analyze energy consumption, temperature uniformity, and other relevant metrics.
13. User Training:
- Train personnel on proper usage, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
14. Documentation:
- Maintain detailed documentation of modifications, upgrades, and maintenance activities for future reference.
15. Compliance:
- Ensure that all modifications and upgrades comply with local regulations and standards.
Regularly reviewing and updating the cold room storage structure based on evolving technologies and best practices will help maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency over time