Methodology for energy demand reduction of potato cold storage process

Abstract

In order to maintain the quality of the potatoes over time, it is necessary to store them under certain storage conditions, which minimize losses both of quality and product, preferably without using chemical treatments. Conservation chambers consume a considerable amount of energy. Between 60% and 70% of the electricity consumed is used in refrigeration. Good insulation reduces the need for cooling the potato since its optimum storage temperature for consumption is around 4-7 C and relative humidity is 85%-90%. This research studies potatoes' cold storage process to minimize the cost in the product value chain and to ensure its competitiveness in the market. A model is developed to assess energy consumption and propose measures to reduce energy, environmental, and economic costs. All this to reduce their impact within the value chain of potato consumption.Practical Applications: In this case study, different energy efficiency measures applied to the cold storage of potatoes have been implemented: replacement or improvement of the performance of refrigeration equipment, insulation and infiltrations in the refrigeration chamber, control of the product entry temperature, thermal conditioning through free-cooling, improvements in lighting equipment, technical management, and supervision of facilities, and thermographic control. The set of actions implemented has allowed to obtain a reduction in energy demand, standardized through the developed reference line, by 16.41% compared to previous years.

A Novel Based Synthesis of Silver/Silver Chloride Nanoparticles from Stachys emodi Efficiently Controls Erwinia carotovora, the Causal Agent of Blackleg and Soft Rot of Potato

“…Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is considered to be an attractive crop in the agricultural sector due to its high nutritional value as it is a good source of vitamins, proteins, energy, minerals, and carbohydrates [ 6 ]. Globally, potato is one of the most consumed foods, occupying fourth position after corn, rice, and wheat [ 7 ]. Potato is an important crop; it is not only utilized as a source of food, but as a feedstock for other industrial products.…”

Environmental impact of the production process of washing, assorting and packaging fresh potatoes and measures to mitigate it

“…This allows the product to enter the chamber with a base temperature of 17–18 °C, thus reducing the cost of cooling the product. This translates into a 3.45% reduction in electricity consumption (Sáenz‐Baños et al ., 2022).…”

“…The temperature of the potato in the storage and conservation area affects the energy needs of the cold store to maintain optimum humidity and temperature conditions (Sáenz‐Baños et al ., 2022).…”

“…All of this depends on the location of the facility where the product is being processed and the specific climatic conditions at any given time. In the practical case in question, it has been estimated that this system can be used for 62 days a year and for an average of 4.75 h a day (Sáenz‐Baños et al ., 2022).…”

“…Another way to reduce the environmental impact of the facility is to incorporate renewable energies as a source to generate the electricity consumed throughout the plant. In this particular facility, electricity consumption is around 20.3 MWh/year (Sáenz‐Baños et al ., 2022).…”