The Rise of Small-Scale Mobile Cold Storage: Design and Selection Insights

Advantages of Small-Scale Mobile Cold Storage

The adoption of small-scale mobile cold storage has been on the rise, owing to several compelling advantages that cater to various industry needs. One of the most significant benefits is the short installation period. Unlike traditional cold storage solutions that require extensive planning and construction, mobile cold storage units can be set up swiftly, providing an immediate solution for urgent storage requirements. This quick deployment is particularly beneficial for industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where timely storage is critical.

Efficiency and speed of use are other notable advantages of small-scale mobile cold storage. These units are designed for optimal performance, ensuring that temperature-sensitive products are stored under precise conditions. The ease of use and quick response time make them ideal for industries that need to maintain the integrity of their products without delay. Additionally, the mobility of these units allows businesses to relocate their storage solutions as needed, offering unparalleled flexibility.

Cost-effectiveness is another key factor driving the popularity of mobile cold storage. Traditional cold storage facilities often require significant capital investment and ongoing maintenance costs. In contrast, small-scale mobile units offer a more affordable alternative. They eliminate the need for permanent infrastructure and can be rented or purchased based on specific business requirements. This flexibility in acquisition and operational costs makes mobile cold storage an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Furthermore, the scalability of small-scale mobile cold storage units allows businesses to adjust their storage capacity in response to changing demands. Whether it's a seasonal spike in inventory or an unexpected surge in product demand, these units can be easily scaled up or down, ensuring that storage solutions remain cost-effective and efficient. This adaptability ensures that businesses can maintain operational efficiency without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Overall, the advantages of small-scale mobile cold storage—short installation periods, efficiency, speed of use, and cost-effectiveness—make it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of industries. As businesses continue to seek innovative solutions to their storage challenges, the demand for mobile cold storage is poised to grow even further.

Key Considerations in Designing Small-Scale Mobile Cold Storage

Designing small-scale mobile cold storage units requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure optimal functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. One of the foremost considerations is the selection of appropriate materials and insulation. High-quality insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam or polystyrene, are crucial for maintaining consistent internal temperatures, thereby preserving the quality of perishable goods. The choice of materials should also prioritize durability and resistance to wear and tear, given the mobile nature of these units.

A robust refrigeration system is another critical component. Various options are available, including compressor-based systems, absorption refrigeration, and thermoelectric cooling. The choice of refrigeration technology should align with the specific temperature requirements of the stored items and the environmental conditions where the unit will be deployed. Additionally, it is essential to consider the reliability and ease of maintenance of the chosen refrigeration system to minimize downtime and operational disruptions.

Efficient layout and space utilization are vital for maximizing storage capacity while ensuring easy access to stored items. Adjustable shelving and modular storage solutions can enhance flexibility, allowing for the accommodation of different types and sizes of products. Moreover, the design should facilitate smooth loading and unloading processes, reducing the time and effort required to manage the inventory.

Energy efficiency and sustainability should be integral to the design process. Incorporating energy-efficient refrigeration units, using renewable energy sources where possible, and implementing effective insulation strategies can significantly reduce the overall energy consumption of the mobile cold storage unit. Additionally, employing smart monitoring systems can help track energy usage and optimize performance, further contributing to sustainability goals.

In summary, careful consideration of materials, insulation, refrigeration systems, layout, and energy efficiency are crucial in the design of small-scale mobile cold storage units. By addressing these factors, it is possible to create a storage solution that is not only effective and reliable but also sustainable and cost-efficient.

Selecting the Right Mobile Cold Storage Solution

The selection of an appropriate mobile cold storage solution is a critical step for businesses requiring reliable temperature-controlled environments. The first criterion to consider is storage capacity. It is essential to evaluate the volume of products that need to be stored and ensure that the chosen unit can accommodate this capacity effectively. Overestimating or underestimating capacity can lead to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

Temperature range is another vital factor. Different products, especially in the pharmaceutical and food industries, have varying temperature requirements. It is crucial to select a mobile cold storage unit that can consistently maintain the necessary temperature range to ensure product integrity and compliance with industry standards. Some units offer adjustable temperature settings, which provide flexibility for businesses that handle diverse products.

Portability is a defining feature of mobile cold storage solutions. Assessing the ease of transportation and maneuverability of the unit is essential, especially for businesses that require frequent relocation or operate in remote areas. Factors such as the unit's size, weight, and the availability of wheels or other moving mechanisms should be considered to ensure seamless mobility.

Understanding the specific requirements of the industry and the type of products to be stored is paramount. For instance, perishable goods such as dairy products or vaccines necessitate stringent temperature control and monitoring. Hence, selecting a unit equipped with advanced temperature regulation and real-time monitoring systems can prevent spoilage and ensure compliance with health regulations.

Evaluating suppliers and manufacturers is equally important. A comprehensive assessment should include considerations like warranty, customer support, and after-sales service. Opting for a supplier with a robust support system can mitigate potential issues and ensure that the mobile cold storage unit operates efficiently over its lifespan. Warranty terms can provide additional assurance of the unit’s reliability and durability.

Real-world examples can provide valuable insights into the practical application of mobile cold storage solutions. For instance, a small-scale dairy farm in rural areas benefiting from a mobile cold storage unit to maintain milk freshness during transportation or a healthcare provider utilizing mobile cold storage to deliver vaccines to remote communities. These case studies highlight the versatility and effectiveness of mobile cold storage solutions in diverse settings.

The height of a general mobile cold storage is about 2.5 meters, and the maintenance structure is made of polyurethane foam insulation board. The thermal conductivity of the insulation material is about 0.03-0.05kal /m.h.℃ (0.035-0.058w/m.℃). The thickness of the insulation material is 25mm for every 7-8℃ temperature difference, and the empirical formula is ￡=(t1-t2) / (8℃)×25×10-3 (m). For a high-temperature cold storage with a volume of about 2000m³, the cold load can be 150w per cubic meter. If it is a cold storage with insulation properties, it is calculated at 100w/m³, the frozen cold storage is calculated at 150-250w per cubic meter, and the freezing room is calculated at 300w/m³. Note: The maximum value is taken for small cold storage and the minimum value is taken for large cold storage. A: In small cold storage, air-cooled condensers and water-cooled condensers are generally used, and air coolers are used in cold storage. Generally, the wind speed of air-cooled condensers is v=1.5-2.5m/s, and the heat flux is 250kcal/㎡ (heat transfer coefficient 20~30kcal/㎡.h.℃, △t=10~15℃).

B: The height of the cold storage is 2.5~3m. For cold storage with a temperature of -5℃~5℃, the ratio of the evaporation area of ​​the air cooler to the warehouse area is 2:1~4:1, and the heat flux of the evaporator air cooler is 100~150kcal/h.㎡, (heat transfer coefficient k is 10, and the temperature difference is 10, and the air volume of each square meter of the air cooler is 80~120m3).

C: In a frozen food cold storage with a storage temperature of -15℃, the cold load is 250kcal/h per cubic meter, the wind speed is 0.25~0.3m/s, and the ratio of the evaporation area of ​​the cold air unit to the storage area is 1:1~1.8:1.

The condenser heat load is 1.5 times the evaporator cold load (condenser load coefficient). The volume is 240m³, and the cold load is 100kal/h per cubic volume, then the cold load of the cold storage is 24000kcal/h.

For example, the cold storage covers an area of ​​80㎡, with a height of 3m, and a temperature requirement of 5℃～-5℃. The standard cooling capacity of the refrigeration unit is 30000kcal/h, and the heat load of the condenser is 37200 kcal/h. Two air-cooled condensers with an area of ​​72 (21600w/unit) square meters are used, with an air volume of 6000m³×4. The cold storage capacity unit was originally configured as two 80 square meter cold air units, and then 4 80 square meter cold air units were used to increase the cooling capacity. When calculating the cooling area of ​​the air-cooled condenser, directly use the cooling equipment load/250=condenser cooling area. There are three types of cold air machines: Freezing room: cooling equipment load/100=cooling area of ​​cold air machine; Low temperature storage: cooling equipment load/110=cooling area of ​​cold air machine; Low temperature air conditioning processing room: cooling equipment load/150=cooling area of ​​cold air machine. Note: The air volume per square meter in the evaporator is 80～～100m³, and the cooling capacity per cubic meter of air volume is 1～1.5kal/h, that is, the cooling capacity per square meter is 100～150 kal/h, and the air volume per square meter in the condenser is 150～180m³.

Unit refrigeration load of cold storage:

General cooling cold storage room (0℃～-2℃):

Refrigeration equipment load = 75.7 kcal/ton; Machine load = 60 kcal/ton.

Cold storage below 250 tons (-15℃～-18℃):

Refrigeration equipment load = 70.5 kcal/ton; Machine load = 60 kcal/ton.

500T～1000T cold storage (-18℃):

Refrigeration equipment load = 45.6 kcal/ton; Machine load = 40 kcal/ton.

1500～3500T multi-layer warehouse (-18℃):

Refrigeration equipment load = 35 kcal/ton; machine load = 28 kcal/ton.

4500～9000T multi-layer warehouse (-18℃):

Refrigeration equipment load = 28 kcal/ton; machine load = 21 kcal/ton.

Cooling area required per ton of goods in cold storage:

Cold storage piping below 250 tons = 0.90～1.2 square/ton.

500～1000 tons piping = 0.70～0.95 square/ton.

1000～3000 tons piping = 0.60～0.90 square/ton.

1500～3500 multi-layer warehouse = 0.55～0.68 square/ton.

The ratio of net area in cold storage to piping surface area:

Quick freezing = 1:10～1:11.

Cooling = 1:4.2 ~ 1:4.8.

Storage: less than 100 square meters = 1:1.0 ~ 1:1.1.

100 ~ 200 square meters = 1:1.0 ~ 1:1.05.

More than 200 square meters = 1:0.72 ~ 1:0.95

To be continued by contact hengliang cooling