China cold storage solution provider
A 500-ton modular low-temperature cold storage—commonly operating at −18°C—is widely used in the food, seafood, meat, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Many buyers are unsure about the real construction cost and how much product such a facility can actually store. Below, Haocool provides a clear, practical breakdown to help you plan your investment.
1. How Much Storage Volume Does a 500-Ton Freezer Require?
Based on standard density (1 ton ≈ 5 m³):
- Required volume: approx. 2,500 m³
Depending on the design height:
| Design Height | Required Floor Area |
|---|---|
| 4 m | ≈ 625 m² |
| 6 m | ≈ 416 m² |
This determines the basic structure, insulation, and equipment cost.
2. Construction Cost of a 500-Ton Low-Temperature Cold Storage
For a freezer room operating at −18°C, the typical investment range is:
- USD 90,000 – 120,000
This includes:
- PU/PIR insulated panels
- Low-temperature evaporators
- Semi-hermetic or screw compressor racks
- Electrical components
- Installation and commissioning
Final pricing varies depending on insulation thickness, compressor brand (Bitzer, Copeland, etc.), layout, racking, and energy-saving options.
3. How Much Product Can It Store?
A 500-ton freezer is designed specifically to store up to 500 tons of frozen products, but actual loading capacity depends on the product type.
Haocool Standard Storage Density
| Product Type | Storage per m³ |
|---|---|
| Frozen meat | 0.40 tons/m³ |
| Frozen fish | 0.47 tons/m³ |
| Boxed poultry | 0.55 tons/m³ |
| Mixed goods | 0.40–0.55 tons/m³ |
Actual Storage Capacity
With a total volume of 2,500 m³:
- Frozen meat: 625 tons (if fully loaded)
- Frozen fish: 550 tons
- Boxed chicken/poultry: 530 tons
However, for a 500-ton operational design, the internal racking layout is optimized for 500 tons to ensure airflow and circulation efficiency.
4. Investment Return Example
Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Type: Modular low-temperature freezer
Storage Capacity: 500 tons
Volume: 2,500 m³
Equipment: Haocool low-temperature screw compressor rack
Investment: USD 105,000
Daily Power Consumption: 480–620 kWh
Stored Products: Beef, chicken, seafood
Payback Period: 12–18 months (depending on rental/turnover rate)