| Abstract: | A system which positively directs cooling air through containers of perishable fresh vegetables increased the cooling rate to the extent that some vegetables in bulk bins could be cooled in one eighth of the time taken without positive ventilation. In cardboard boxes, produce could be cooled seven times more quickly. The resultant increase in the cooling load was met by a cooling tower using chilled water from an ice bank, to cool the air with minimal dehydration. Vegetables cool quickly in this way and maintain freshness. So far, there are eight experimental and commercial stores in the United Kingdom using this system. |
