Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Transit Food Storage Device with Multi-layer Energy Storage Insulation
Categories for this Invention
Category – Transit Food Storage, Energy, Energy Storage & Renewable Energy
Applications– Cold Chain Logistics, Food Retail and Distribution
Industry- Transportation and Logistics, Food and Beverage
Market – Global thermal energy storage market was valued at USD 5 billion in 2023 and grew at a CAGR of 15% from 2024 to 2033. The market’s growth will be influenced by the increasing demand for renewable energy.
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Problem Statement
- Significant agricultural produce is wasted in India due to inadequate storage facilities, leading to losses estimated at 40-50%.
- Conventional transportation methods for perishable goods, such as reefer vehicles, are capital and energy intensive, with energy costs alone accounting for approx. 30% of total transportation costs.
- Current transit food storage technologies face challenges from global temperature rises, necessitating improvements in thermal insulation and efficiency.
Technology
Innovative Thermal Insulation:
- The transit food storage device employs high thermal density energy storage (HTDES) insulation, featuring multi-layer organic materials designed to efficiently maintain food temperatures during transit.
Operational Efficiency:
- It incorporates a passive cooling system with organic HTDES slabs that absorb and release latent heat, reducing energy consumption and operational costs by approximately 40% compared to conventional methods.
Versatile Applications:
- Designed for various perishable goods including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats, the device adapts to different temperature requirements (-50°C to +10°C), ensuring optimal storage conditions without active refrigeration during transport.
Key Features / Value Proposition
1. Enhanced Food Safety:
- Maintains precise temperature control (-50°C to +10°C) to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety during transportation.
2. Sustainable Solution:
- Minimizes carbon emissions by eliminating fuel consumption for refrigeration, promoting environmental sustainability in logistics.
3. Reliable Performance:
- Employs high-density organic HTDES insulation to provide robust thermal protection and maintain stable storage conditions over extended periods.
4. Scalability and Adaptability:
- Designed for scalability from portable units to vehicle containers, accommodating varied logistics needs while ensuring efficient energy use.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Sathyan Subbiah
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1716
- IN 540450 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 5
Technology validated in relevant environment.