Computational Modelling of Airflow and Heat Transfer during Cooling of Stacked Tomatoes: Optimal Crate Design

A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to predict the airflow and heat transfer in half of a pallet layer tomatoes. The numerical experimental results were compared, good agreement obtained between both using root-mean-square error (RMSE) absolute relative deviation (ARD) values as criteria. validated CFD then used minimise product temperature heterogeneity by optimising rate crate design. downward flow air along central parts crates an upward close lateral walls observed. Three different total ventilated areas (TVAs) tested study their influence on uniformity cooling rate. MTD ATD decreased from 6.8 3.5 °C 1.5 0.7 °C, respectively, when TVA increased 11 15%.