Influence of fruits and vegetables active packaging on refrigeration systems efficiency

Resumen

The proper design of the container for fresh fruits and vegetables is very important for the correct and rapid cooling of these packaged foods. Both the bulk packaging and the primary packaging must have adequate openings, such as macro-perforations in the film that closes the primary packaging or ventilation windows as in the case of bulk packaging crates (whether cardboard or plastic). Consequently, the heat transfer coefficient will be increased, and a significant reduction in cooling time can be achieved, thus reducing the specific energy consumption (in kWh/kg of produce) in the refrigeration installation during the pre-cooling process, and during storage and transport at marketing temperature. On the other hand, the active packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables can achieve a significant decrease in respiratory activity and, therefore, a reduction in the heat produced (in kWh/kg of produce) by respiration during pre-cooling, cold storage and refrigerated transport.