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Lack of sufficient airflow within the warehouse is the second largest cause of
produce spoilage. To prevent spoilage due to low airflow, fans will be installed within the
warehouse to create sufficient air movement. Since electricity is not available for use,
mechanical linkages attached directly to water turbines will power the fans. These fans will
be designed to run whenever there is produce stored in the warehouse, but in the event that
the water turbines cannot provide sufficient power, natural convection from the evaporator
coil will provide some air movement. In addition to the designed natural convection, all
produce crates will be stored on racking to promote increased airflow between the levels of
crates.
Another method of increasing produce storage life is to have the interior air
exchanged at least once every 24 hours. To efficiently exchange air without putting too
much stress on the refrigeration system, fresh air inflow will be directed across the
evaporator coil. In the warmer months when the evaporator is cool, the warm fresh air will
provide both; new air and will help maintain a defrosted evaporator coil. In cooler months,
interior air exchange across the evaporator coil will heat the air before it comes in contact
with the produce, as the reversed absorption refrigeration system will heat the evaporator
coil and cool the condenser coil. Air exchange is planned to happen for five minutes every
hour to ensure adequate fresh air in the warehouse, as well as maintain a frost-free
evaporator coil in warmer months.
4.2.2.1 Insulation
Insulation used in this design consists of an outer skin constructed of stainless steel
and an inner core of urethane foam. The outside of the panel helps to protect against the
ingression of moisture that can lower the R-value of the panels. The panels used in the
design can be purchased as a used product, which helps to lower cost without losing much
efficiency of the design.