MODIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AN EXISTING EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge in many developing countries due to inadequate storage system, leading to rapid spoilage. This study aims to modify an existing evaporative cooling system thus, enhancing storage conditions and extending the shelf life of pumpkin leaves. A suction fan, polyurethane foam and aluminum foil was used to modify the system and evaluation was compared with storage under ambient condition serving as control over a period of seven days. Key parameters measured include temperature, relative humidity, weight loss, colour, turgidity, odour, and cooling efficiency. The results indicated that the modified system gives temperature range of 21.6-22.6 ℃ with relative humidity of 84–86% compared with the ambient conditions which gives 24.6-24.9 ℃ and relative humidity of 69-70% respectively. Pumpkin leaves stored in the cooler maintained better colour, turgidity, odour and no microbial growth till day five whereas ambient condition showed deterioration in quality after day three with a decline in weight loss. The system achieved a cooling efficiency of 78%, demonstrating improved performance over previous designs. Overall, the modified evaporative cooler proved effective, simple, and affordable, providing a practical solution for smallholder farmers and traders to reduce post-harvest losses and preserve vegetable quality where conventional refrigeration is unavailable.
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