Cold Storage Temperature Stabilization

摘要

This report was developed under a Task Order Support Services (TOSS) contract. The study examined both a need for food refrigeration equipment in military field environments, and potential existing and developmental technologies to meet this need. The number one barrier to provision of refrigeration is limited electricity supply, both in quantity and continuity. Therefore concepts generated under this study maintained that as a focus. The issue was examined from all angles, including power source, insulation, and cold-holding plates, also known as eutectics. In addition, passive, self- controlled methods for the safe thawing of meat were evaluated. As a model in anticipation of future requirements for military refrigeration, the study used the Containerized Kitchen (CK). As such, concepts were developed for a storage capacity of 80 cu-ft, availability of 120/208 and 50/60 Hz. power for only 10 hours each day, and average refrigeration temperatures of 37 deg F at ambient temperatures of 120 deg F. It was desired that suitable candidates would be of minimal size, weight, and fuel consumption. Solutions chosen for the near term would be based on vapor compression technology. Technological advances would ultimately provide better batteries and low-output burners, and so, better solutions. It was determined passive thawing is not viable, therefore powered systems.