China cold storage solution provider
A 1,500 cubic meter chilled warehouse is a sweet spot for mid-sized farms, packing houses, and regional distributors—large enough to handle peak harvest, small enough to manage efficiently.
📦 Storage Capacity: How Much Can You Actually Store?
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Room Volume | 1,500 m³ (e.g., 375 m² × 4.0 m height) |
| Storage Method | Palletized cartons or bulk bins with airflow gaps |
| Typical Density | 200–220 kg/m³ (standard for ventilated fruit/vegetable stacking) |
| Usable Capacity | 260 – 300 metric tons of fresh produce |
💡 Examples:
- Tomatoes or potatoes: ～300 tons
- Mangoes or avocados: ～280 tons
- Leafy greens (packed): ～260 tons (due to bulky packaging)
This capacity typically covers 5–8 days of peak harvest output—giving you time to grade, pack, and negotiate better prices.
💰 Total Investment: What You Actually Pay
A turnkey 1,500m³ chilled cold room (0–5°C, humidity-controlled) typically costs:
48,000– 55,000 USD
Key System Features Included:
- Insulation: 100mm fire-rated PU panels with food-grade steel cladding
- Refrigeration: Industrial-grade compressor system (～40HP equivalent, e.g., Bitzer or Copeland)
- Air Distribution: 4× ceiling-mounted evaporators with electric defrost
- Humidity Control: Maintains 85–95% RH (adjustable by crop type)
- Controls: Digital thermostat + remote monitoring via mobile app
- Installation & Commissioning: Full turnkey service
⚠️ Critical: Temperature must stay stable within ±0.5°C. Fluctuations cause condensation → mold → rejected shipments.
⚡ Energy Use & Operating Cost
- Power Consumption: ～31 kW/hour under full load
- Daily Runtime: ～14–16 hours (depending on ambient temperature and door usage)
- Monthly Electricity Cost (at 0.12/kWh):∗∗≈0.12/kWh):∗∗≈ 1,550 – $ 1,800 USD
- Cost per Ton Stored: ～ 5–5– 6/month
💡 Compared to 20–30% post-harvest loss without cooling, this operating cost is negligible—and often fully offset by higher sale prices.
🌍 Real-World Insight
A tomato exporter in Nairobi, Kenya built a 1,500m³ chilled room to serve local supermarkets and export trials:
- Total Investment: $ 51,000 USD
- Capacity: Stores 300 tons of vine-ripened tomatoes
- Result:
- Reduced spoilage from 28% → 4%
- Extended shelf life from 7 days → 35 days
- Secured weekly supply contract with Carrefour East Africa
- Achieved ROI in 10 months