You are now on the AHDB Horticulture and Potatoes website.
Please click here to access the main AHDB website and other sectors.
Please click here to access the main AHDB website and other sectors.
- Home
- Knowledge library
- Assessment of the impact of inverter use in relation to potato store performance
Assessment of the impact of inverter use in relation to potato store performance
Summary
Applied research and commercial evaluations in the UK and overseas have shown that inverters can offer potential benefits in terms of enhanced chemical application and lower energy use in potato stores. However, what was not well understood was the impact of their use on the effectiveness of the store’s ventilation system as slowing fan speeds is taking the ventilation system outside previously-adopted limits. Reductions in fan speed could affect weight loss, air penetration and distribution but there was no data available to assess the impact of these changes on the store performance and, ultimately, the crop.
Approach
A minimum of 6 commercial stores was studied each storage season. Airflows and pressures over the range of settings used on the inverter were measured. Measurements of airflows collected during the season were used in conjunction with commercial assessments of crop quality to determine the impact of inverter use in relation to store performance, with particular reference to changes in the dynamics of air delivery to the crop and associated effects on potato quality.
Key Findings
Reduction in fan speeds resulted in a linear fall in air delivery in this study across the full range of inverter use from 15 -100% of full speed in six bulk stores which were assessed in 2007/08. However, in 2008/09, when stores were loaded more fully with wetter and dirtier crop so back pressure was therefore increased - this linear response was less evident. Fan performance at higher speeds tended to tail off at speeds beyond 75% of maximum air delivery rate. An inverter allows demand and supply for air to be matched by changing the speed of the fan. Reducing fan speed can give a proportionately higher saving on electricity use and this was confirmed in this study. However, the optimal level of savings when considered in relation to air delivery was achieved with the inverter set to allow the fan(s) to run at around 75% of its full speed.
It is recommended that potential users of inverters seek specialist advice before installing systems so that they can be guided in their use to optimise savings whilst avoiding any difficulties which might be associated with their use in specific storage situations.
Sector:
Potatoes
Project code:
R402
Date:
01 October 2007 - 30 September 2010
Project leader:
Adrian Cunnington
Downloads
201011 Final Report Inverter Use_0About this project
To provide independent data on the impact of airflows, particularly in relation to the use of inverters, in relation to store performance with particular reference to changes in patterns of air delivery to crop and associated crop quality.