Our research projects

Photo: Manuel Gutjahr

Project

Title
Strömungssensor gestützte Luftführung in Obst- und Gemüselagern; Strömungssimulation und -messung für Großkisten und Lagerräume als Grundlage für Kühlraumgestaltung und -betrieb
Acronym
COOL
Start
01.05.2015
End
28.02.2018
Coordinating Institute
Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)
Partner
Cargo Plast GmbH
Stiftung Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau - Bodensee
EHW Electronic GmbH
Güntner AG & Co.KG
microsensys
Plattenhardt und Wirth GmbH
Universität Bremen

Summary
High energy consumption and loss of quality are key cost factors in machine-cooled fruit and vegetable storage. The holistic approach followed in the project COOL enables energy savings of more than 20% and better quality preservation of the stored produce. The project COOL aims at the development of an application software for flow measurements and modeling of boxes and storage rooms, both for the establishment of new premises regarding design, box design and-stacking, fan selection and operation as well as for energy and product quality-related optimization of already commissioned spaces. Through this holistic approach energy savings of more than 20% from the current about 80 kWh per tonne of product and storage season are to be achieved. In the COOL project the following innovations will be developed together with SMEs: multi-directional radio-flow sensors, flow-optimized product-related large crate designs and new control strategies for the fan operation. In addition, loss-downs of stock items are to be expected. 9 partners from industry and research in the areas of cold storage, flow simulation, sensor development and control technology are involved.

Funding
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi)
Funding agency
Arbeitsgemeinschaft industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen "Otto von Guericke" e.V. (AiF)
Grant agreement number
VP2050828CL4
Funding framework
Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand