A continuous/discrete simulation of controlled atmosphere (CA) cool storage systems: evaluation of plant performance/design and product quality evolution

In this paper, a controlled atmosphere storage model, developed earlier, is validated using an industrial CA cool storage facility with stepwise product loading strategy. The proposed combined continuous and discrete CA cool storage simulation model was able to represent the step response transients and continuous events, with accuracy less than the observed variability or at best with accuracy level as set by the measurement instrument. Moreover, the handling of discrete/continuous events enabled the implementation of practical operational procedures and to investigate their implication on plant performance/design and directly on the product quality. The model is a valid working model for design and optimization of CA cool storage facilities both with respect to plant performance and final quality of the stored product.