China cold storage solution provider
When planning an apple cold storage facility, one of the most common initial questions is: “How much does it cost per square meter?” However, this method of quoting is fundamentally inaccurate and misleading for cold storage projects.
Real scene of apple cold storage in use
Why Price Per Square Meter Doesn’t Work for Cold Storage:
Estimating cold storage costs solely based on floor area overlooks critical factors that significantly impact the final investment. Key variables include:
- Storage Height: A taller warehouse (e.g., high-bay storage) utilizes vertical space, dramatically increasing total storage volume without proportionally increasing the floor footprint. Cost is heavily influenced by the total insulated volume (cubic meters/feet), not just the base area.
- Number of Chambers: Dividing the storage space into multiple temperature zones or chambers requires additional walls, doors, insulation, and often separate refrigeration systems, increasing complexity and cost beyond a single large room.
- Operational Requirements: Factors like daily intake volume, frequency of door openings, and required pull-down times (how quickly the room must reach temperature after loading) directly affect the size and capacity of the refrigeration equipment needed.
- Specification & Quality: Component choices significantly impact cost. Opting for high-efficiency, reliable, internationally recognized brands for compressors, evaporators, controls, and insulation will command a higher price than basic or lesser-known alternatives. Specific temperature and humidity control precision also affect cost.
A Reference Example (Based on China Construction Costs):
To provide a rough reference point, consider a typical 500 square meter (m²) apple cold storage facility in China, with the following specifications:
- Internal Height: 3.3 meters (m)
- Total Volume: Approximately 1,650 cubic meters (m³)
- Storage Temperature: 0°C to 1°C (32°F to 33.8°F)
- Insulation: 100mm thick Polyurethane (PUR) sandwich panels for walls and ceiling.
- Refrigeration System:
- Compressors: 2 x Emerson Copeland Scroll™ compressors (Equivalent to approx. 32 HP total / ~24 kW total)
- Evaporators (Air Coolers): 4 x DD100 series units.
- Estimated Project Cost (China Market): Approximately ¥300,000 – ¥350,000 RMB.
- *(Note: This is a China-specific cost estimate. Costs vary significantly internationally based on labor, materials, regulations, and local market conditions. A rough USD equivalent at current exchange rates might be in the range of $42,000 – $49,000 USD, but this is highly indicative only).*