Storage Characteristics and Heat Load Analysis of the Ice Storage Refrigeration System for Freshly Harvested Fruit and Vegetables

Abstract

A comparison was made between ice and conventional refrigeration storage systems using citrus (Citrus iyo Hort, ex Tanaka). Heat load analysis for the cold storage room and ice storage tank of the ice storage system was also conducted. Given that the relative humidity of the storage room set at 5°C was markedly higher for the ice storage system, the reduction in mass and volume of the stored samples was considerably less in the ice storage system. No noticeable difference between the two storage methods was observed for density, surface color, or citric acid and sugar contents. The reduction of heat load to the ice storage tank is crucial in ensuring the economic viability of the ice storage system.