• Eliminate dead zones where ethylene gas accumulates and causes apple spoilage.
• Prevent moisture loss and cold damage to apples caused by excessive wind speed.
• Maximize overhead storage space to ensure clear paths for forklift operations.
• Minimize temperature fluctuations within the storage facility (maintained within ±1°C).

Risk of cold damage from direct airflow

Areas directly exposed to the unit cooler's airflow were prone to moisture loss and cold damage, leading to a decline in product quality.

Ethylene gas stagnation (dead zones)

Insufficient airflow between boxes and in peripheral areas caused ethylene gas to stagnate, accelerating spoilage and degrading storage quality.

Inefficient use of space with existing equipment

Bulky metal ducts and distribution devices occupied overhead storage space and interfered with forklift maneuvering paths.

CFD-based airflow verification

Before installation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to verify that airflow between boxes remained uniform within the 0.2–0.5m/s range, proactively eliminating potential cold spots and dead zones.

Precision laser-hole airflow control

By designing the location and size of perforations based on internal duct static pressure, we ensured uniform airflow distribution across the entire facility, regardless of the distance from the cooler.

Three-row straight-pipe indirect airflow layout

A three-row straight-pipe structure installed in front of the central cooler ensures optimal air distribution while maximizing overhead storage space and maintaining clear paths for forklift operations.

Temperature control within ±1℃

By maintaining a temperature variance of within ±1℃ throughout the entire storage facility, we have minimized environmental differences based on location and ensured long-term storage stability.

Optimal airflow of 0.3m/s achieved

We have created ideal conditions for maintaining storage quality by implementing an airflow of approximately 0.3m/s, which minimizes moisture loss on the apple surface while reducing ethylene buildup.

Over 95% correlation between simulation and actual measurements

With over 95% correlation between CFD predictions and actual data, we have confirmed a precision HVAC design verified by data rather than estimation.

Reduced risk of spoilage and maintained marketability

By simultaneously reducing the risks of cold damage, gas stagnation, and localized overheating, we have secured an environment favorable for maintaining apple firmness and storage quality.