Keeping It Cool

An important part of the global food supply chain and the healthcare sector, cold transport guarantees the safe and fresh delivery of a wide range of items from the farm to our refrigerators. This segment is vital for industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals, where maintaining specific temperatures during transit is important to preserve product integrity. In today’s world, there has never been a more pressing need for effective and dependable cold transport systems as international trade grows and regulations become stricter. This article explores the many facets of cold transport, covering issues related to technology, difficulties, laws, and trends for the future.

The Impact of Temperature and Humidity

The temperature and humidity requirements are entirely determined by the specific products. Here are some key considerations:

• Frozen – Products that require extremely low temperatures – typically between -18°C and -30°C (-0.4°F and -22°F) – include seafood, meat, poultry, and ice cream. While keeping the humidity at a reasonable level (about 50%) will assist in avoiding freezer burn. Further, these items require lower temperatures to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Chilled – This group includes dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and some meats. Between 2°C and 4°C (35°F and 39°F), is the appropriate temperature range. This is where controlling humidity becomes increasingly important. Vegetables need higher humidity (about 90–95%) to avoid wilting, whereas some fruits (like berries) need somewhat lower humidity (about 85–90%) to prevent rot.

Certain temperature ranges are often necessary for the effectiveness of medications and immunizations. Transporting them usually requires a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Controlling the humidity in this situation is equally crucial; it should be kept between 50% – 60% to avoid spoiling.

Technological Advancement

HVAC systems designed for cold transport utilize various technologies to attain these precise temperature and humidity conditions. Listing down some of the major technological advancements that have been made in today’s world.

• Mechanical Refrigeration – This conventional approach makes use of refrigeration cycles based on vapour compression, just like those seen in residential refrigerators. Heat is taken up by a refrigerant and then released into the surrounding air through a condenser unit.

• Absorption Refrigeration – This method collects and releases refrigerant vapour using an absorbent substance such as lithium bromide. Since the release process is driven by heat, it is the best option in scenarios where waste heat is easily accessible, like in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facilities.

•  Cryogenic Cooling – For ultra-low temperature requirements, cryogenic cooling methods using liquid nitrogen or dry ice are employed. These methods are particularly important for transporting certain pharmaceuticals and biologicals that require temperatures below -20°C.

• Temperature Monitoring Systems – Continuous temperature monitoring is crucial. Modern systems use IoT (Internet of Things) technology to provide real-time data on the internal environment of the transport vehicle. These systems can alert operators to any deviations, allowing for immediate corrective actions.

• Dry Ice Sublimation – Dry ice, or solid carbon dioxide, sublimates (a direct transition from solid to gas) absorbing heat from the surroundings. Dry ice is useful for short-distance transportation; however, handling techniques must be followed because it presents a risk of suffocation.
• Advanced Insulation Materials – Technology related to insulation has advanced significantly. These days, Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) and Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are commonly used to increase the thermal efficiency of cold transport systems. These materials can maintain safe temperatures for extended periods of time, even in the case of a power outage.

Challenges Faced in Cold Transportation

Although it is necessary to maintain the integrity of commodities that are sensitive to temperature, cold transport is fraught with difficulties that may compromise its effectiveness and dependability. Technical, logistical, governmental, and environmental considerations all contribute to these difficulties. It is vital to comprehend and tackle these obstacles in order to enhance the cold chain’s performance. The following are the main obstacles in cold transport:

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) – The biological, chemical, and physical dangers are analyzed and controlled as part of this management system to ensure food safety. To prevent temperature variations during cold transport, HACCP makes sure that all crucial points are tracked and managed.
• Infrastructure Deficiency – Inadequate cold storage facilities and a shortage of refrigerated cars are examples of infrastructure deficiencies.
• High Expenses – High fuel prices and energy-intensive refrigeration contribute to elevated operating expenses.
• Logistical Issues – Poor supply chain management, transportation congestion, and poor road conditions are logistical issues.
• Regulatory Obstacles – The absence of uniformity in cold chain logistics regulations and their inconsistent application.
• Technological Gaps – Insufficient use of cutting-edge technologies to regulate and monitor temperature.
• Skill Shortages – A lack of skilled workers to properly manage and run cold chain systems is a sign of a skills shortage.
• Power Supply – Unreliable power supplies influence refrigeration units’ efficiency, particularly in remote regions.

Future Trends in Cold Transport

The future of cold transport will be shaped by technological innovation, increasing regulatory demands, and a growing focus on sustainability in future. Here are certain factors that will lead to making a change.

• Blockchain Technology – Blockchain can increase the transparency and traceability of the cold chain. By providing decentralized and immutable accounting, blockchain ensures that all parties in the supply chain have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the temperature and usage of goods.
• Skills Development – Focus on training programs to equip workers with the skills needed to effectively manage advanced cold chain systems.
• Automation and AI – Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to revolutionize cold transport. Automated vehicles and drones can provide more efficient and reliable delivery options, while AI can optimize routes and predict maintenance needs, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
• Sustainable Practices – Adoption of eco-friendly refrigeration technologies and alternative energy sources like solar-powered cold storage to reduce carbon footprint and operational costs.
• Infrastructure Development – Expansion and modernization of cold storage and transport networks to improve accessibility and efficiency, especially in rural areas.
• Advanced Packaging Solutions – Using innovative packaging materials and methods to improve insulation and maintain temperature stability during transportation.
• Collaboration and Partnerships – Enhanced collaboration between private sector actors, government agencies and international organizations to build a strong and integrated cold chain ecosystem.
• Government Initiatives – Enhanced support through grants, incentives, and policy frameworks to encourage investment in cold chain infrastructure and technology.

Government Policy and Financial Schemes

Support from the government and policies is essential to the growth and improvement of India’s cold storage infrastructure. The government wants to establish a strong and effective cold chain system that can guarantee food safety, drastically cut post-harvest losses, and assist the agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. To this end, it is implementing several programs, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks. Listed below are some of the government initiatives and policies that have been introduced to bolster the cold storage infrastructure and encourage private investment in the sector.

• National Cold Chain Development Policy – The objective of this policy is to build a strong, well-connected cold chain infrastructure to ensure food quality and minimize post-harvest losses from farm to consumer. The major component is funding for the construction of new cold storage facilities, the renovation of already-existing ones, and the creation of cold chain logistics.

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) – The major outlook of this scheme is to create an infrastructure for the food processing business that includes cold storage. There are sub-schemes like Mega Food parks that establish infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market.

• National Centre for Cold – chain Development (NCCD) – It serves as a pivotal agency to develop the cold chain sector in India. The fundamental functions include formulating standards, protocols, and guidelines for cold chain infrastructure as well as facilitating capacity building and training programs.

  Moreover, there are certain subsidies and financial incentives provided by the government to boost the sector. Firstly, there are tax benefits that reduce the financial burden on cold storage operators. It includes reduced GST rates for cold storage services, tax exemptions and reductions. Further, there is ‘Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme’ that provides financial support for the creation of cold storage infrastructure. Now, let’s discuss some of the case studies that could be pondered upon to understand the extent to which cold storage has played a crucial part in the economy. To enhance the reliability and efficiency of the overall food supply chain and support economic growth, case studies have demonstrated the significant impact and applications of solutions related to cold storage.

• National Centre for Cold – chain Development (NCCD) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the NCCD have worked together to enhance India’s cold chain infrastructure. The Integrated Cold-Chain Development Program, which aims to create a seamless network from farm to market, is one noteworthy endeavour. Significantly lowering post-harvest losses, this program has resulted in the construction of many multi-modal cold storage facilities and reefer transport networks.
• Bhusari Cold Storage – This case study describes a rooftop solar-powered cold storage facility in Bihar that also provides Agri-input shops and farmer training, among other services. It draws attention to the difficulties these facilities face due to erratic power supplies and growing energy expenses.
• Mother Dairy – A division of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Mother Dairy has set up large cold chain facilities for horticultural and dairy goods. Their cold storage-equipped retail locations, delivery centers, and refrigerated cars make up their infrastructure. This illustrates the value of a well-integrated cold chain system by guaranteeing the freshness and quality of products from the point of production to the customer.
• Blue Star – Leading provider of commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, Blue Star has created a range of cold storage options to meet the demands of diverse sectors. Large cold storage facilities for retail behemoths and modular cold rooms for small enterprises are among their initiatives. The cold storage business could adopt sustainable practices, as demonstrated by Blue Star’s advances in energy-efficient cooling systems.
• SFAC Study on Cold Storages – The availability of cold storage in five Indian districts is examined in this article by the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC). It finds gaps in the supply of fruits, vegetables, and other perishables compared to the amount of storage that is now available.
• COVID Vaccine – The COVID-19 vaccine shipment demonstrated how crucial cold transport is. For instance, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine needed to be stored at -70°C, which meant that dry ice and extremely cold freezers had to be used during transportation. Innovative approaches were used to address this problem, such as customized packaging and ongoing temperature monitoring.

Laws and Regulation Related to Cold Storage

India has put in place a thorough regulatory framework to control cold storage activities, guaranteeing the cold chain industry’s efficiency, quality, and safety. Aspects of cold storage such as food safety, infrastructure requirements, environmental concerns, and operating norms are all covered by these laws and regulations. Important laws consist of:

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 – This ensures safety and hygienic standards by regulating the production, distribution, storage, and sale of food goods, especially those that need to be transported cold.
• The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 (AGMARK) – This sets standards for grading and marking agricultural produce, including those requiring cold storage and transport.
• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – This oversees the movement of medications, making certain that they are kept and moved at the proper temperatures to preserve their effectiveness.
• The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 – This empowers the government to control the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities, including those that need cold storage and transport.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – This establishes rules and specifications for the planning, building, and maintenance of refrigerated transport vehicles and cold storage facilities.
• The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – This regulates the operation of vehicles, including those used for cold transport, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards.
• The Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007 – This controls the construction and operation of warehouses, particularly those that provide cold storage, making sure they adhere to regulations and are registered with the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).

These laws collectively ensure the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods, maintaining their quality and extending their shelf life.

Conclusion

The HVAC sector relies heavily on cold transport to ensure the timely and safe delivery of goods that are sensitive to temperature. Although cold transport systems are now far more reliable and efficient, there are still issues, especially about energy usage, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory compliance. The industry needs to concentrate on innovation and sustainability to fulfill future demands as the demand for cold transport grows due to increased global trade and more stringent regulatory requirements. The cold transport industry can guarantee the safe delivery of perishable items while reducing its environmental impact by adopting innovative technologies, government support and sustainable practices.

Ankit Kumar is currently working as Senior Floor Plan Designer (Creatives) in Cvent, however, he has been involved in various HVAC projects in the initial years of his career such as being a core team member for Mass Mutual (Singapore) in designing/modelling their entire HVAC to list a few.