THE EFFECT OF POTATO STORE OPERATION ON ENERGY USAGE AND WEIGHT-LOSS

The effect of various storage parameters on the power usage and tuber weight loss for a fully refrigerated potato store were investigated. A computer model validated by detailed monitoring of potato stores was used for the calculations. The store parameters considered were: stora ge temperature, store relative humidify, local ambient conditions, sto re capacity or loading factor, half cooling time and the infiltration rate or air tightness of the store. The investigation showed that the power consumptin was most affected by the storage temperature and the infiltration rate of the store, and that weight loss was most affected by the half cooling time.