Bulk Refrigeration of Fruits and Vegetables Part I: Theoretical Considerations of Heat and Mass Transfer

A computer algorithm was developed that estimates the latent and sensible heat loads due to the bulk refrigeration of fruits and vegetables. The algorithm also predicts the commodity moisture loss and temperature distribution which occurs during refrigeration. This algorithm includes the combined phenomena of transpiration, respiration, air flow, and convective heat and mass transfer. The development and performance of the computer algorithm are presented in two parts. This paper, Part I, discusses commodity thermophysical properties and flowfield parameters which govern the heat and mass transfer from fruits and vegetables. Commodity thermophysical properties include transpiration and respiration, while flowfield parameters include psychrometric properties and convective heat and mass transfer coefficients. Part I describes the modeling treatment of these properties and parameters. The second paper, Part II, discusses the heat and mass transfer models, compares algorithm results to experimental data, and describes a parametric study utilizing the algorithm. Existing bulk load heat transfer models are also reviewed in Part II.