A comprehensive review of portable cold storage: Technologies, applications, and future trends

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the usage of portable cold storage technologies, as the demand for flexible and mobile solutions for storing perishable goods has expanded. The advantages of portable cold storage units include energy efficiency, portability, and use. This analysis examines portable cold storage technologies, their uses, and future prospects. We also examine the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in conjunction with portable cold storage units for the storage of perishable food items such as fruits and vegetables. Beginning with an introduction to the various types of portable cold storage units, including refrigerated shipping containers, portable refrigerators, and cold rooms, the study continues with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each. The various methods employed in portable cold storage units, such as compression refrigeration, absorption refrigeration, and thermoelectric cooling, are then discussed. The analysis also addresses the uses of portable cold storage units, including those in the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. The usage of PCMs in conjunction with portable cold storage units is then described, along with the various types and qualities of PCMs. The report continues with a consideration of future prospects in portable cold storage technologies, such as using renewable energy sources, intelligent sensors, and the Internet of Things.