Case Studies of Latent Heat Storage with Phase-Change Materials in the Agroindustry Value Chain

Phase-change materials (PCM) can store thermal energy as latent heat, by means of a phase change, thus absorbing or releasing energy at a constant temperature. Distinct stages of the agroindustry value chain require thermal energy, e.g., for food processing (heat) or for its distribution (cold). In all these stages the quality of food needs to be preserved, for which temperature must be kept within tight limits, defined by standards. Additionally, these specific stages may represent an average of nearly 30% (processing) and 10% (logistics) of the agroindustry value chain energy consumption in the European Union. The use of PCMs allows foreseeing the improvement of energy efficiency in the sector while maintaining food quality.In this work, two case studies of the agroindustry value chain, where the integration of PCMs is expected to meet the previous desiderata, are analyzed. First, PCMs are used in the processing of chocolate, integrated into production equipment. Then, its performance is assessed in the distribution of fresh food, embedded in a transportation box. In both cases, experimental and/or simulation results show that improvements in the energy efficiency of the processes are obtained, while preserving food quality, and, in the processing stage, they may even support the integration of renewables.