Novel Energy-Saving Strategies in Apple Storage: A Review

Felix Büchele, Kiran Hivare, Kartik Khera, Fabio Rodrigo Thewes, Luiz Carlos Argenta, Tuany Gabriela Hoffmann, Pramod V. Mahajan, Robert K. Prange, Sunil Pareek and Daniel Alexandre Neuwald ()
Additional contact information
Felix Büchele: Lake of Constance Research Center for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, 88213 Ravensburg, Germany
Kiran Hivare: Lake of Constance Research Center for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, 88213 Ravensburg, Germany
Kartik Khera: Lake of Constance Research Center for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, 88213 Ravensburg, Germany
Fabio Rodrigo Thewes: Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Roraima Avenue 100, Camobi, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
Luiz Carlos Argenta: Epagri Experimental Station of Caçador, C.P. 501, Caçador 89501-032, SC, Brazil
Tuany Gabriela Hoffmann: Department Systems Process Engineering, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Pramod V. Mahajan: Department Systems Process Engineering, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Robert K. Prange: Special Graduate Faculty, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Sunil Pareek: Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Sonipat 131028, Haryana, India
Daniel Alexandre Neuwald: Lake of Constance Research Center for Fruit Cultivation (KOB), Schuhmacherhof 6, 88213 Ravensburg, Germany

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: Storing apples for up to a year is a well-established practice aimed at providing a continuous, locally produced fruit supply to consumers and adapting to market trends for optimized profits. Temperature control is the cornerstone of postharvest conservation, and apples are typically kept at temperatures ranging from 0 to 3 °C. However, the energy-intensive process of the initial cool-down and subsequent temperature maintenance poses significant financial challenges with adverse effects on the carbon footprint. Higher storage temperatures could reduce cooling-related energy usage but also pose the risk of enhanced ripening and quality loss. This work explores different storage technologies aiming to reduce energy consumption, such as 1-methylcyclopropene, ultra-low oxygen, and a dynamically controlled atmosphere with raised temperatures. The integration of advanced monitoring and control systems, coupled with data analytics and energy management, in apple storage is also discussed. These strategies can be implemented without cost-intensive construction measures in standard storage facilities. Furthermore, beneficial side effects of higher storage temperatures in terms of a reduced occurrence of storage disorder symptoms and higher maintenance of quality attributes are also discussed for this special issue on sustainable horticultural production systems and supply chains.

Keywords: energy savings; carbon footprint; 1-MCP; DCA; digital twin; fruit storage; SDG 12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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