Solar Refrigeration System for Large Scale Horticulture Farmers

Author

Mutara, Tadiwanashe. M

Title

Solar Refrigeration System for Large Scale Horticulture Farmers

Abstract

A refrigeration system, in general, involves the process of cooling, and it entails removing heat and disposing of it at a higher temperature and it requires installation of refrigeration equipment. The goal of the research was to create a solar-powered refrigeration system that would be used in Zimbabwe's agriculture sector, and since horticulture is a subsector of agriculture, the researcher implemented the system to horticulture farmers. Although some efforts were made to improve agricultural production and reduce the amount of energy withdrawn from the national grid, the need to reduce the amount of energy withdrawn from the grid for refrigeration in Zimbabwe was still lacking. The primary research goals were to develop and design a refrigerator or cold room used to keep horticulture products fresh for a longer period of time, as well as to evaluate the system. The researcher went on to study some software used in simulation of the refrigeration system and the solar array as part of the research project. The methodology focuses on how the current refrigeration cycles and their effect on the system's coefficient of performance that are currently being used to build cooling. However, the system proved to be financially feasible given the country's current inflation on the day the research was authored.

Date

2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Solar Refrigeration System

Large Scale

Supervisor

Dr. Muchuweni