Energy-Saving Tips: Cold-Storage Facilities

The following information is supplied by the California Energy Commission.

Electricity interruptions will most likely occur during on-peak hours, from noon to 6:00 PM, and could last for one to two hours.

If I am a packinghouse operator using cold storage facilities, what should I do?

At the packing shed

• Test your well pumps and improve pumping plant efficiency
• When replacing standard motors, buy new energy efficient electric motors
• Reduce the total dynamic head of pumps (power consumption) by installing variable speed drive controllers. These systems work best in Time of Use rate schedules on deep wells with frequent startups.
• Call your utility company and sign-up for a Time of Use (TOU) rate schedule that works for you.
• Adjust your work schedule to meet the new TOU hours.

At the cold storage facility

• Reduce the effective wall/roof temperatures by painting south facing walls and roof with light color materials.
• Reduce fan and lighting use, increase insulation and seal openings
• Install extra heat exchange surface for the condenser in order to further reduce refrigerant condensing temperature
• Make sure the temperature of the refrigerant fluid after it is cooled in the condenser is as low as possible
• Select evaporative condensers over air cooled units
• Maintain highest possible suction pressure to reduce compressor energy use

Planning for a blackout

• Start early to finish packing before noon or pack after the potential blackout period and finish after midnight, if the produce can handle cooling delays
• If cooling delays and packing interruptions are not tolerable, install the cleanest air quality backup generators to operate during the blackout

Recommendations offered by Mr. Jim Thompson, University of California, Extension Specialist.