Harvest Guard: Affordable zero-energy cooling chambers for farmers' cost-effective storage

Dr Angam Raleng *

Introduction : Storing freshly harvested crops poses a multifaceted challenge for farmers, encom- passing various logistical, environmental, and economic factors. Farmers must contend with the perishable nature of their produce, requiring prompt and efficient storage solutions to mitigate post-harvest losses.

In regions lacking adequate infrastructure, the absence of reliable cold storage facilities can exacerbate the difficulty, as temperature and humidity control are crucial for preserving quality. Additionally, the financial burden associated with investing in modern storage technologies or facilities can strain the resources of small-scale farmers.

Unpredictable weather patterns, such as extreme temperatures or humidity levels, further complicate the storage process, making it imperative for farmers to adopt adaptive strategies and risk management practices.

So, the difficulty of storing freshly harvested crops underscores the need for sustainable, accessible storage solutions that address the unique challenges faced by farmers in diverse agricultural landscapes. Thus, the concept of Zero energy cooling chamber (ZECC) was born.

Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC): Global hunger can be attributed primarily to food waste. When food storage capacity is limited, agricultural produce is rendered useless. "Many of the food being gathered is either never sold or is not eaten.". Losing food shortages takes a toll on people's lives in addition to the possible profit.

Originally developed in India, a Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) is a tiny room composed of bricks and sand that farmers can use to preserve just harvested goods before shipping it to market. The ZECC uses evaporative cooling technology to create the cool environment needed for fruits and vegetables to be stored after harvest.

An inner chamber, a layer of wet sand surrounding it, and another wall enclosing it make up the Zero Energy Cool Chamber (ZECC), an environmentally friendly food preservation system designed to keep food fresh in a hot, dry climate.

The ZECC works similarly to a traditional refrigerator, but it's less expensive and uses less energy than a typical fridge. It runs entirely on water and requires no electrical energy at all.

The concept of passive evaporative cooling is used to cool the central storage area. Because of the heat source from the produce being stored and the difference in humidity between the sand layer and the outside air, the liquid water molecules in the sand layer go through the outer layer and evaporate.

The chamber can maintain a relative humidity of more than 90% and a temperature that is 10 to 15 degrees Celsius lower than the outside air. It works best during the dry season and in the winter to prevent severe frost in northern zones.

Construction : Start by laying 3 empty crates on the ground and using bricks to mark the corners to denote where the inner wall building will start. The distance between this wall and the containers that will be placed within the ZECC should be 4 fingers, or roughly 7-8cm. As is customary in construction, arrange the bricks in an overlapping, staggered pattern; cement is not necessary.

Measure the distance between the inner and outer walls using the breadth of 4 fingers, or roughly 7-8 cm. Stack two crates on top of one another to find the height at which to build the ZECC. The height that results will be the height of the ZECC.

Construct a portion of the outer wall after finishing the inner wall. As you proceed, add sand to the area between the two walls anduse the watering can to assist settle the sand. To allow the cover to rest on, the inner wall may be one brick layer higher than the outer wall.

To create a cover that is lightweight and manageable, use a material that is practical, such a bamboo, straw, gunny bags, reed-woven mat. Apply water 3-4 times a day to the sand for effective cooling. Construction of ZECC should take place in a shaded area, near water, and exposed to wind and breeze.

Importance of Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) : A zero-energy cooling chamber holds significant importance in the agricultural sector and beyond, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the storage of perishable goods. Here are some key reasons why zero-energy cooling chambers are important:

1. Energy Efficiency: Zero-energy cooling chambers are designed to operate without a continuous external power supply, relying on renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This energy-efficient approach reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional cooling methods and contributes to overall sustainability.

2. Cost Savings : By harnessing renewable energy for cooling purposes, farmers can significantly reduce their operational costs. The use of zero-energy cooling chambers minimizes reliance on conventional energy sources, mitigating the financial burden on farmers, particularly those in resource-constrained or off-grid areas.

3. Off-Grid Accessibility: In regions where access to a reliable power grid is limited, zero-energy cooling chambers offer a practical solution for preserving harvested crops. This enhances the resilience of agricultural communities, allowing them to store and market their produce without being constrained by the availability of electricity.

4. Reduced Environmental Impact:Traditional cooling methods often involve the use of refrigerants that can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. Zero-energy cooling chambers, powered by renewable energy, help minimize the environmental impact by eliminating or reducing the need for harmful refrigerants.

5. Preservation of Crop Quality: Maintaining optimal storage conditions, including controlled temperature and humidity levels, is crucial for preserving the quality and nutritional value of crops. Zero-energy cooling chambers provide an effective means to extend the shelf life of perishable goods, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security.

6. Climate Change Adaptation: As climate change introduces greater variability in weather patterns, the resilience of agriculture becomes increasingly important. Zero-energy cooling chambers offer a climate-smart solution, allowing farmers to adapt to changing conditions while minimizing their carbon footprint.

7. Community Empowerment:Implementing zero-energy cooling solutions empowers local communities by reducing their dependence on centralized and often unreliable energy infrastructure. This localized approach enhances self-sufficiency and contributes to the sustainable development of rural areas.

Scope and Future of Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC):

The scope and future of zero-energy cooling chambers are promising, driven by the increasing global focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the need to address challenges in agriculture and food security. Several factors contribute to the positive outlook for the development and adoption of zero-energy cooling chambers:

1. Technological Innovations:

Ongoing technological advancements contribute to the development of more efficient and cost-effective zero-energy cooling solutions.
Innovations in insulation materials, temperature control systems, and smart monitoring technologies improve the overall performance and reliability of these chambers.

2. Government Policies and Incentives:

Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable agriculture and are implementing policies and incentives to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
Subsidies, grants, and other incentives can drive the deployment of zero-energy cooling solutions in the agricultural sector.

3. Global Food Supply Chain Resilience:

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global food supply chains. Zero-energy cooling chambers can enhance the resilience of local and regional food systems by reducing dependence on centralized storage facilities and transportation over long distances.

4. Capacity Building and Training:

To maximize the benefits of zero-energy cooling solutions, efforts should be directed towards capacity building and training programs for marginal farmers. Providing education on the installation, operation, and maintenance of these chambers ensures their effective use and longevity.

5. Integration into Agro-Processing Ventures:

Zero-energy cooling chambers can serve as a catalyst for the development of small-scale Agro-processing ventures among marginal farmers. By enabling them to store and process their produce locally, farmers can add value to their products and access wider markets.

Conclusion:

Zero-energy cooling chambers offer a promising avenue for improving the livelihoods of marginal farmers. It represents a sustainable and forward-thinking solution for the storage of perishable goods.

Through affordability, off-grid suitability, and climate resilience, these technologies can empower marginalized agricultural communities, reduce post-harvest losses, and contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas.


Collaborative efforts involving governments, NGOs, and the private sector can play a pivotal role in ensuring that these solutions reach and benefit the most vulnerable segments of the farming population.As technology continues to advance, these chambers hold great promise for addressing challenges in agriculture, contributing to sustainable development, and promoting resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.


For further details contact: -
Public Relations& Media Management Cell,
CAU, Imphal.
Email: [email protected]