COLDSTORAGEOFPOMEGRANATEAND GREEN BEANS USING SOLAR ENERGY

Abstract

The study aims to developing and evaluating a cold storage system by using converted electric energy from solar energy under Egyptian conditions for storage green beans (cv. Hama) and pomegranate fruits (cv. Wonderful). The storage conditions were temperature of (5 oq and relative humidity of 90-95% for a storage period of 16 days and 50 days respectively, and compared this system with cold storage using conventional electric energy. Cold storage using electric power converted from solar energy consisted of two parallel photovoltaic cells (PV), two batteries, an inverter, and cables in addition to a refrigerator unit (87 Watt). Some physical and mechanical such as weight loss, hardness, and total soluble solid, Juice ratio and general appearance was evaluated for green beans and pomegranate during storage periods. Testing the PV system showed that, nine hours discharge time for one battery is available during connection to the cold storage. So it was necessary to use two batteries connected in series to be suitable for refrigerator driven power and can therefore run the cooling system throughout the day without interruption under Egyptian conditions.