A continuous/discrete simulation of controlled atmosphere (CA) cool storage systems: evaluation of plant performance/design and product quality evolution

As an application of the CA cool storage simulation model developed and validated earlier, the implications of different product loading strategies (batch-wise and step-wise) on the product quality, mechanical plants performance and design aspects were investigated by considering a hypothetical CA cool storage facility. The batch-wise product loading was found to be advantageous with regards to firmness loss of the produce but was marginally energy intensive over the step-wise product loading strategy. Moreover, the step-wise loading scheme required low capacity individual evaporators and higher plant capacity of the gas-handling unit (N2 generator and CO2 scrubber), as compared to the batch-wise product loading. It was demonstrated that using the model, appraisal of the implication of practical industrial operational procedures such as product loading strategy, on product quality and plant performance/design was possible, owing to the discrete continuous modeling approach.