CFD Analysis of Cold Storage for Performance Enhancement

Abstract

Cold storage facilities are essential for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable agricultural products like fruits and vegetables; however, inefficient airflow patterns and uneven temperature distribution within these facilities can lead to increased energy consumption and compromised product quality. This study aims to enhance the performance of cold storage rooms by optimizing airflow and temperature distribution using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Two cold storage room models were developed—the short-wall model and the long-wall model—differing primarily in the placement of cooling units and airflow direction, with the short-wall model placing cooling units along the width of the room and the long-wall model along the length. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent software to analyze temperature distribution and airflow patterns under various inlet air velocities and angles. The results indicated that the short-wall model with an inlet air angle of 7.67° provided the most uniform temperature distribution across all storage racks, maintaining the ideal temperature range of 12°C to 16°C for fruit preservation; this configuration minimized hotspots and overcooling, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and extended shelf life of the stored products. In contrast, the long-wall models exhibited less effective cooling due to uneven airflow and higher energy loss. The study concludes that strategic placement of cooling units and optimization of inlet air angles can significantly improve the efficiency of cold storage facilities; by employing CFD analysis, facilities can reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance the quality and longevity of stored agricultural products, which has important implications for the design and operation of energy-efficient cold storage systems, contributing to reduced food waste and increased sustainability in the agricultural sector.