Cold Storage Warehouse Construction: Unique Challenges and Solutions

The supply chain is the heart of a business. An efficient supply chain will ensure the supply of fresh fruits, meats and more. However, building a cold storage warehouse is not a straightforward task that any contractor can undertake. You require specialised contractors to construct a cold storage facility. In this blog, we will discuss the challenges you may face when creating a cold storage warehouse facility. You will also know why a specialist contractor is necessary to overcome the challenges of building a cold storage warehouse.

Understanding Cold Storage Warehouses

This type of warehouse has proper control over the internal weather conditions. Chilled weather with temperature control allows for the preservation of fruits, foods, meat and other products. The temperature control system is what sets the cold storage warehouse apart from an ordinary warehouse. Cold storage warehouse facilities can be of different types - frozen, chilled, or blast freezers. Not everyone with any type of product can use any of these facilities. It all depends on the type of product we are talking about freezing. Some easily decaying foods might need a warehouse with a blast freezer facility, or others may need a chilled environment to do the job. Mainly, food and beverage, agriculture or pharmaceutical companies need a cold storage facility. It helps to preserve the product quality.

What are the Challenges of Cold Storage Warehouse Construction?

Unlike the construction process of a warehouse, cold storage warehouse construction is more challenging. It involves the installation of a temperature-controlling machine and an HVAC system. An ordinary warehouse contractor does not have the expertise to construct it.

a) Temperature Control

In a cold storage facility, the temperature is cooled down using machines. Besides, the room must be insulated to keep the internal temperature within the room. Otherwise, the temperature controlling machine won’t work. If the cold storage warehouse should be energy efficient, using efficient temperature control machines, then it might not be possible. Because the entire system is a high-energy-consuming system. An overall approach can make the facility energy-efficeint and help control temperature actively.

b) Specialised Building Materials

To build the cold storage warehouse, specific materials are needed; otherwise, heat would pass through the barrier into the cold storage to increase the inside temperature. To block outside heat from entering the facility, thermal breaks are used. It ensures that heat does not get transferred through metal equipment or materials inside. Vapour barrier is also applied on the outside walls to restrict air with moisture from entering the facility. Otherwise, the moisture would turn into water when in contact with cold temperatures, forming mould.

c) Energy Consumption

With such delicate building materials to construct the cold storage warehouse building, energy consumption remains a challenge. If the building is not properly designed with proper insulation, the operating cost will increase. As a result, energy consumption will increase to make the facility cold, resulting in an increase in operating costs. Besides using insulations, sustainable energy sources can be used. Solar panels and power from wind can be effective ways to reduce operational costs.

d) Complex HVAC and Refrigeration Systems

During the construction process, the contractor must plan to install an efficient HVAC system. Besides, an efficient refrigeration system must be planned and installed to maintain a colder environment. A backup plan to keep a colder environment in the cold storage facility is necessary.

Solutions to Overcome Construction Challenges

Highly effective insulation panels and energy-efficient cold storage designs can help overcome challenging situations.

a) Advanced Insulation Techniques

High-performing insulated panels are more effective in keeping the cold temperature inside the cold storage. Otherwise, it will need more power to maintain a cold temperature inside.

b) Energy-Efficient Designs

A cold storage facility consumes high energy to control the temperature of the facility. Solar panels can also be installed as an alternative power source for an energy-efficient cold storage design. Besides, modern technology can help determine the temperature and control it as and when required. It helps maintain an energy-efficient cold storage warehouse design.

c) Sustainable and Cost-Saving Innovations

To make the facility more energy-efficient, LED lights and automated doors to control outside temperature can be used. LED bulbs can help reduce energy consumption

Conclusion

Temperature control in a cold storage facility is the main challenge. It is really difficult to construct a cold storage warehouse facility without expert supervision. So, always work with a reliable and expert contractor while building a cold storage warehouse facility. Get in touch with Warehouse Construction Contractors for energy-efficient warehouse construction.