Numerical simulation and experimental verification of temperature variation during controlled atomosphere cold storage of fruits and vegetables

The controlled atomosphere(CA) cold storage of fruits and vegetables was studied. The mathematical model which describes the heat transfer process during C.A. cold storage was developed. A computer program was worked out by means of finite differential method method so that the temperature dropping of fruits and vegetables could be simulated by numerical method during C.A. cold storage. The process of temperature dropping was measured by experiment. The predicted temperature variation was compared with the measured values. The maximum deviation between the simulated temperature and the experimental temperature is within 2℃. The simulation results agree with experimental data well. Therefore, the mathematical model can be used to predict the variation of temperature during C.A. cold storage. It is helpful for scientific operation of refrigeration equipment and it provides theory foundation for optimization design of C.A. cold storage system of fruits and vegetables.