Continuous/discrete simulation of controlled atmosphere (CA) cool storage systems: model development and validation using pilot plant CA cool storage

Simulation of dynamic processes in controlled atmosphere (CA) cool room storage systems has been developed. The model consists of three interacting sub-models for the prediction of the transient behavior of the processes in the three units, namely, the cool room, the refrigeration system and the gas-handling unit. Several modules representing each of the components in these units were developed based on energy and mass balances. The modules were then arranged to form the sub-models, which were interconnected, in turn, into the global CA cool storage system model. The modules were implemented in an object-oriented computational environment, (EcosimPro) which can handle both continuous and discrete events. The model was validated using experimental data from a pilot plant CA cool storage facility. Model predictions of the most important discrete and continuous processes were found to agree to the experimental data with a maximum difference less than the observed spatial variability or at best with the accuracy level as set by the measurement instruments. As product respiration and quality models are incorporated, it is possible to use the model for optimization of plant performance with respect to the final quality of the stored product. Moreover, the handling of discrete/continuous events enables the implementation of practical operational procedures and to investigate their implication directly on the product quality and plant performance/design.