Ventilation of vegetable storage facilities: types, operating features, and selection

In order for vegetables to stay fresh for a long time and not spoil, vegetable storage facilities need proper ventilation. It helps maintain the desired temperature and humidity. This prevents mold from appearing, and vegetables do not rot as quickly. Let's take a look at the types of ventilation, how they work, and how to choose the right system.

Types of ventilation in vegetable storage facilities

With natural ventilation, air enters and exits through openings, windows, or doors. This is the simplest and cheapest method. However, it is highly dependent on the weather: in hot or cold weather, the effectiveness of such ventilation may decrease.

Mechanical ventilation systems include fans and exhaust fans. Air circulates regardless of the weather. There are several types of mechanical ventilation:

• Supply ventilation: fresh air is supplied inside.
• Exhaust ventilation: stale air is removed outside.
• Supply and exhaust ventilation: fresh air is supplied and stale air is removed at the same time, which ensures better air exchange.

Combined ventilation combines elements of these types of systems. This provides the advantages of different methods. It is possible to maintain stable storage conditions at minimal cost.

How ventilation systems work for vegetable storage

Each ventilation system has its own characteristics that are important to consider. They affect the performance of the equipment. Important characteristics of ventilation systems:

• Each type of vegetable requires its own temperature and humidity conditions. For example, potatoes are best stored at a temperature of 4-6°C and a humidity of 85-90%.
• Ventilation should ensure an even flow of air throughout the storage facility. This helps to avoid areas with high humidity or stagnant air.
• Some systems are equipped with filters that remove dust, mold spores, and other contaminants. This helps to maintain product quality.

The energy costs of ventilation systems vary. Mechanical systems require electricity. Calculate the cost of their operation so that they do not turn out to be too expensive. Sometimes cheap equipment consumes a lot of electricity. More expensive equipment pays for itself over time because it requires fewer resources.

How to choose a ventilation system

Several criteria must be considered when choosing a ventilation system for a vegetable storage facility. A suitable system maintains the necessary parameters for specific fruits and vegetables.

Other things to consider:

• The larger the room, the more powerful the ventilation system needs to be to ensure sufficient air exchange.
• In areas with a mild climate, simpler systems can be used. In areas with extreme temperatures, powerful and reliable ventilation is needed.
• It is necessary to find a balance between efficiency and the cost of installing and operating the system. It must be cost-effective.

Ventilation in vegetable storage facilities is an important factor in preserving the freshness and quality of vegetables. The right choice and installation of a ventilation system will help reduce product losses and ensure long-term storage. The characteristics of the product and its requirements in terms of conditions, room characteristics, and climate are taken into account.