First published 2016
How to site and use sensors to monitor cold store conditions plus tips for efficient storage.
Back to: Cold store efficiency: What we can learn from Denmark
Overreliance on single temperature sensors to inform whole store conditions will give neither good nor even storage of product. Multiple sensors should be located inside the store at various positions and heights, with regular monitoring to ensure conditions are met. Wireless sensor technologies can be invaluable in getting sensor placement right, not just where it is easiest to install. However, it is important to consider that not all wireless sensors are of equal quality and the best sensors should be used, considering robustness, accuracy, sensor resolution and strength of wireless transmission. Wireless sensor interfaces are also variable and demonstration of technology is important before deciding to purchase.
Where it is not possible to install a fixed sensor (e.g. in the middle of a stack of boxes), portable loggers can be used. Additional measuring locations might include the corners of the store, as well as an array of locations across the crop, including at different heights. It is worth noting the monitoring locations, both for retrieval of the sensors and for identifying trends in measurements.
Another aspect of management leading to good efficiency is the loading of trolleys in such a manner that they can be removed from storage without needing to unload parts of the store to access them. Another site visited, Gartneriet Schroll, has designed its own boxes that can be stacked 12 high in cold stores and allow good air movement around the plants. This is similar in concept to bulk crop storage, where wooden boxes are predominant.
Back to: Cold store efficiency: What we can learn from Denmark
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