Performance analysis of free air cooling conditioning chamber (FACCC) to develop improved cold chain during transportation of agricultural crops in India

Abstract

Need to improve the shelf life of agricultural crops, during short transportation using low-cost technology. The objective of this paper is to develop a household technology using the concept of free air cooling conditioning chamber (FACCC). Observed that, after harvesting the fruits and vegetables are directly transported to market without having the recommended ambient condition, thereby losing potency and lower shelf life. Designed an experimental setup on the concept of’ free cooling technique, towards the storage and transportation (logistics) of the crops at the prudent temperature. Examined and analysed the result of FACCC model, to observe a drop in the cabin temperature. Results show a productive use in increasing the shelf life of the crop. Optimization helped to improve the cold chain performance of the crop, within a recommended temperature range of FACCC.