Conceptual design and performance analysis of a parabolic trough collector supported multi-commodity cold storage

In this paper, a conceptual design of a parabolic trough collector supported multi–commodity cold storage based on LiBr–water absorption system has been proposed to reduce wastage of food grains. The cold storage has been designed to store three high value perishable commodities namely: potato, olive and grapefruit for different months of a calendar year. A thermal model has been developed to predict the performance of the proposed cold storage on an hourly basis. A parabolic trough collector based heating system has also been designed to meet the heat load of the generator during the sunshine hours. To make the system operational in rural areas where grid electricity may not be available, an outline for the power system based on a combination of solar PV and thermal system has been proposed. To provide power backup, an integrated solar hydrogen system has been introduced in the scheme. Finally, the performance of the proposed cold storage has been analysed for representative days of various months of a climatic cycle of Kolkata, India (22.57°N, 88.36°E). The study reinforces the need and viability of utilization of single commodity cold storages for the storage of multi-commodities round the year, powered through solar energy.