Numerical model for temperature identification in insulated boxes with phase change material cartridges

Abstract

This work aims to develop a numerical model that determines the transient temperature distribution in a food container that can be opened and closed during analysis. The box is insulated with polyurethane foam and equipped with two cartridges with a eutectic liquid (melting point ∼0 °C) along the top wall. The container with external dimensions (800 mm × 840 mm × 1310 mm) and a capacity of 370 l is analyzed as empty or loaded with two cups of water. The proposed numerical model is validated for this container (at the product initial temperature of 3 °C and ambient temperature of 20 °C). Two scenarios are assumed: a closed and an opened container. The results show good agreement with the values measured in a thermoclimatic chamber with the average relative error of 4.46 % and 6.87 % for the two scenarios. The presented model can be used to determine the temperature distribution of products stored in the container assuming different scenarios of its operation. The model can generate many results without having to carry out expensive experiments. The obtained results may be the basis for correcting food supply chains. They can also be used in future work to train an artificial neural network, the purpose of which may be to reduce the number of measuring sensors in insulated food containers.