Performance Evaluation of a Refrigeration System for Fresh Maize Storage

Aims: In this research project, a refrigeration system that will preserve the quality of fresh maize was developed.

Study Design: Design of refrigeration system.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between August 2017 and February 2018.

Methodology: The designed system consists of a cooling cabinet, compressor, condenser and an evaporator. The cabinet was designed to store up to 15 kg of maize and a compressor of 1/6 hp was used. The equivalent condenser and evaporator were selected with an equivalent expansion valve. R134a was used as the refrigerant. The cabinet walls were fabricated from mild steel (outside wall), stainless steel (inner wall) and glass wool (insulator).

Results: The fabricated system stores fresh maize above its freezing temperature of -1ºC. The system operating temperature ranges from -4 to 2.5ºC with a relative humidity of 90 to 95% for eight hours.

Conclusion: The fresh maize was stored for ten days without noticeable changes in the physical appearance and taste of the maize.