Cold store efficiency: What we can learn from Denmark

First published 2016

A range of practical tips from production nurseries in Denmark to help you improve the efficiency of your cold store. 

How to get the best from your cold store

Cold store setup and management contribute significantly to the cost of operation. Cold stores are used within horticulture in a variety of situations and for different purposes, so a ‘one type fits all’ approach is rarely the most efficient. There are, however, several considerations to be made in ensuring that you get the best from your own or rented facilities. Some of these were explored during a two-day study tour in Denmark, by a group of hardy ornamental stock growers.

Pay attention to the five key areas that impact efficiency

The five areas that can affect your cold store’s efficiency are:

Control and management

Air movement

Air leakage

Insulation

Type of equipment

This order reflects how easy or costly it is to address each: replacing equipment is the most costly and difficult, while control and store management can be relatively simple.

About the two-day study tour in Denmark

Details of the two-day study tour in Denmark in July 2016 to examine how cold stores were being used to hold, manipulate and schedule crops.

Ensure cold store equipment efficiency

A look at the role of the type of refrigerant, the size of refrigerant charge, cooling methods, and the condition of equipment such as evaporators and condensers in the efficient running of the cold store.