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Static cooling containers: alternative solution for cold chain.

Author(s) : LABRANQUE G., KACIMI A.

Summary

The regulation requires that transportation temperature of heat-sensitive and perishable products must be similar to the storage temperature. In order to guarantee the cold chain throughout the logistic circuit, from production to consumption, demand is up for static cooling containers. The containers in this study are refrigerated by phase change material (PCM), as the only cold source, without any external energy source. The study presents the optimization of the concept, sized as a cold room and validated via performance tests. The principle is based on the combination of an insulated box that limits heat exchanges, and cooling packs that compensate the exchanged heat. The wall thickness and the related cooling load are defined on the basis of heat balance, according to the quality of insulation and eutectic packs. Heat balance takes into consideration of product requirements (temperature range, dimensions) and logistical constraints (duration, temperature profile). The melting point of the PCM is as close as possible to the product temperature. Eutectic packs are usually initially frozen to maintain product temperature, by the fusion latent heat. Heat is transferred only by conduction and natural convection, inside the container. Static refrigeration is a flexible alternative for controlled temperature shipping, lasting 1 to 120 hours, with various temperature profiles, and is practical for logistic management. It is compatible with all transportation means, adaptable to small as well as large volumes (from 1 litre up to more than 1000 litres), and can be reusable. The optimization of the concept allows safety with a reduced cost of the cold chain.

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Pages: ICR07-D2-222

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Details

  • Original title: Static cooling containers: alternative solution for cold chain.
  • Record ID : 2007-2817
  • Languages: English
  • Source: ICR 2007. Refrigeration Creates the Future. Proceedings of the 22nd IIR International Congress of Refrigeration.
  • Publication date: 2007/08/21

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