Mini Containers to Improve the Cold Chain Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint

The cold chain—the system of refrigerated storage and transport that provides fresh produce or other essentials to be maintained at desired temperatures environmental conditions—is responsible for substantial energy consumption greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, failures in the chain lead food waste. Here, we introduce mini container concept as an alternative conventional reefers, particularly small growers. Mini containers are relatively small, insulated boxes, with conditions controlled by electric-powered central driving unit, which can aggregated needed transported non-refrigerated trucks trailers. We analyze GHG emissions tomatoes two cities representing contrasting climates, Phoenix, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, reefers proposed containers. These provide opportunity compare versus under extremely different climate conditions. results show that, expected both cases, ambient air temperature increases, also increase. For partial reefer loads less than 72% 85% Phoenix respectively, use reduces because reduced volume requiring refrigeration. In general, since fully electrified, their corresponding dramatically reduced, pre-cooled renewable energy, even eliminated.