Technical Resources 5 min read

How to Plan Cold Storage According to Tonnage?

Right Capacity, Low Cost, High Efficiency with Frigocare Cooling The most critical mistake made in cold storage investments is incorrect or incomplete capacity planning. Especially when the correct technical answer to th...

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Right Capacity, Low Cost, High Efficiency with Frigocare Cooling

The most critical mistake made in cold storage investments is incorrect or incomplete capacity planning. Especially when the correct technical answer to the question "How to plan cold storage according to tonnage?" is not given; High energy consumption, product waste and inefficient space use become inevitable.

In this comprehensive guide; We discuss warehouse volume calculation according to tonnage, cubic meter-weight relationship, the effect of shelving systems on capacity and sectoral solutions of Frigocare Refrigeration in full detail. ✅

📌 What is Cold Storage Planning According to Tonnage?

This planning; It is the determination of the warehouse volume and cooling load according to the total weight (tons) of the product to be stored, its physical form, packaging type (case, sack, pallet), storage period and daily circulation rate.

Correct tonnage planning provides the following advantages:

  • Optimizes investment cost by leaving no idle space.
  • Ensures that the cooling system is selected at the correct capacity (prevents the risk of Over-design or Under-design).
  • Offers maximum energy efficiency.
  • Protects the shelf life and quality of the products.

🎯 Frigocare Cooling analyzes these criteria in every project with its expert engineering staff.

🧮 From Tonnage to Cubic Meters: Technical Volume Calculation

The most common misconception in cold storage planning is the idea that each product occupies the same volume. The gross volume required for 1 ton of product varies between 2.5 m³ and 4 m³ depending on the product type.

Product Based Average Volume Table

Product Type

Gross Volume Required for 1 Ton (m³)

Meat and Meat Products

3 – 3.5 m³

Seafood

3 – 4 m³

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

3.5 – 4 m³

Milk and Dairy Products

2.5 – 3 m³

Frozen Products

3 – 3.5 m³

📌 Important Note: While calculating these values; shelf systems, pallet spacing, wall distances and air circulation spaces must be included in the gross volume.

🏗️ 7 Critical Factors to Consider in Planning

  • Product Thermal Characteristic: The specific heat capacity of each product is different. While meat requires -18°C, fresh fruit is kept between 0/+4°C.
  • Storage Period: Ultrasonic Humidification and strong insulation to prevent moisture loss are essential for long-term storage.
  • Daily Circulation Tonnage: The daily amount of product entering and exiting the warehouse directly affects the "heat load" calculation of the cooling device.
  • Air Circulation and Shelf Layout: Stacking products too close to each other cuts off air flow and causes distortions in the middle.
  • Cooling Technology: Depending on the size of the project, Split, Central or energy-friendly Natural Fluid (CO2) systems should be preferred.
  • Insulation Quality: 80-120 mm thick, high density panels are the key to energy saving in high tonnage warehouses.
  • FutureProjection:A modular infrastructure should be established, anticipating that the facility may increase its capacity in the future.
  • 🧊 Sectoral Warehouse Types and Planning Approaches

    • 🔹 Logistics Warehouses: Durable fast door systems and high cooling capacity suitable for fast entry and exit.
    • 🔹 Frozen Storage: Floor and wall insulation between -18°C / -25°C, without thermal bridges.
    • 🔹 Controlled Atmosphere (CA): Special structures that provide gas tightness and maximize fruit life.
    • Freezing Tunnels: High-pressure systems that preserve the cell structure by freezing the product within minutes.

    🌬️ Relationship between Humidity and Air Circulation and Tonnage

    It is difficult to establish humidity balance in high tonnage warehouses. Insufficient humidity; It causes the product to dry out, lose weight and lose weight. Frigocare Cooling offers sensitive humidification solutions that preserve the freshness of the product in its projects as standard.

    📦 Frequently Asked Questions About Tonnage

    • How many square meters should a 100-ton warehouse be? Depending on the product, an average volume of 300 – 350 m³ is required. Floor space can be optimized with shelving and vertical storage systems.
    • How to manage energy costs as tonnage increases? Energy consumption is minimized by using central cooling systems and inverter compressors.
    • Can different products be stored in the same warehouse? If odor and temperature requirements do not conflict, they can be stored; However, the healthiest thing is to create separate compartments (zones).

    🏆 Why Frigocare Cooling?

    ✅ Detailed tonnage and heat load analysis specific to your project.

    ✅ Turnkey industrial cooling solutions.

    ✅ Maximum energy efficiency and low operating costs.

    ✅ More than 20 years of sectoral experience and engineering power.

    📞 Contact Line: +90 545 517 79 75

    🏢 Company: Frigocare Cooling (Frigocare Refrigeration Turkey)

    🎯 Conclusion

    How to plan cold storage according to tonnage? The answer to the question is not just a simple mathematical calculation; It is the combination of product physiology, advanced technology and engineering vision. A properly planned facility returns to its investors in the form of less cost, longer product life and higher profitability.

    👉 Frigocare Cooling is your technical guide at every stage of your investment.

    📞 Contact: +90 545 517 79 75

    Frigocare Cooling – Safe Storage, Smart Investment! ❄️🚀

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