MNRE releases draft solar cold storage design for input

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expressed its interest in receiving input from the public and stakeholders regarding the initial design specifications for solar cold storage (SCS). It is intended that the storage capacity of the SCS, which ranges from 2 MT to 10 MT, be exclusively powered by solar photovoltaic as a distributed renewable energy source (DRE). The determination of parameters for the SCS aims to facilitate installation at any site throughout India. The guidelines and specifications primarily focus on storage and preservation facilities within the temperature range of 4?C to 15?C, catering to both perishable and non-perishable commodities, such as fruits and vegetables. The proposed specifications are designed to fulfill all CSC and cooling requirements as outlined in the National Horticulture Board standards. The operational life of the SCS system is expected to be a minimum of 10 years from the date of commissioning. In the SCS system, a solar module array is employed to convert irradiance into DC electrical energy, which powers the refrigeration unit. The DC power propels the refrigeration system, delivering cooling for products stored within a cold chamber. The inclusion of a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) is deemed essential to optimize power utilisation from the module array, maximising input for the refrigeration unit and battery charging. The controller, which is required to have protective features, must be housed in a cabinet with a minimum IP-65 protection rating. Adequate safeguards within the controller are imperative to ensure the protection of the solar cold storage system.