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CFD modelling of the airflow in a cold room for apple storage: influence of ventilation and filling on cooling efficiency.

Number: 18402

Author(s) : HAVET M., EL OMARI J., KERAUDREN A., VIDOT K., TOUBLANC C., BOILLEREAUX L.

Summary

This study investigates airflow and temperature distribution in a cold room storing apples, using a steady-state, two-dimensional model implemented in ANSYS Fluent. Apple-filled crates were represented as a porous medium to account for airflow resistance while maintaining computational efficiency. Three filling configurations—low, medium, and fully filled—were analysed under two ventilation rates (20% and 40% of fan capacity). Results show that in fully filled configurations, airflow efficiently cools the apples, while in partially and moderately filled configurations, significant recirculation occurs, leading to uneven cooling. Maximum temperature increases of up to 2.6 °C were observed at low ventilation rates in the medium-filled scenario, highlighting the influence of crate arrangement and fill rate on thermal performance. Simulations also suggest that a central crate layout improves temperature uniformity at low airflow. The porous media approach proved suitable for parametric studies and will support the development of dynamic models to evaluate apple quality and energy consumption during storage.

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Pages: 9 p.

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Details

  • Original title: CFD modelling of the airflow in a cold room for apple storage: influence of ventilation and filling on cooling efficiency.
  • Record ID : 30034761
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 9th IIR International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain. Proceedings: April 12-14 2026
  • Publication date: 2026/04
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.iccc.2026.8402

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