Packaging Optimization and Integral Evaluation of Cooling Efficiency of Apples

Abstract

A mathematical model to research airflow distributions and heat transmission in two different packages was developed. The precooling characteristics of two packaging designs were evaluated in terms of cooling time, uniformity, apple quality and energy consumption undergoing forced air cooling. The numerical model was verified by a detailed comparison of predicted and measured results. The modelling results revealed heterogeneous cooling airflow patterns in current ventilated carton, which results in the heterogeneity of product temperature. While in new package design, especially at first layer, the seven eighths cooling time (SECT) was about three times less than the current package, and the mass loss rate was reduced by 66.4%. In addition, the chilling injury rate and maximum temperature deviation for both apple layers were decreased to 17% and ∼2.7 °C, respectively. The value of energy consumption (EC) was reduced by 65.1%.