Integrated curing and storage system

Abstract

When the storage facility is in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment and the outdoor temperature is lower when curing is performed, the high-humidity air cools on the ceiling of the facility, causing water to condense and fall onto the stored items as condensation, which can be a problem. [Solution] The storage facility has a double-layered ceiling, with the inner ceiling sloped at a 1 / 100 or greater angle toward the back of the storage facility in the short direction, and a mechanism for discharging condensation that occurs within the double-layered ceiling is installed. Air that has been adjusted in temperature and humidity by an air conditioning unit is supplied into the storage facility from within the double-layered ceiling to perform curing. After curing, the system switches to cooling operation, creating an environment within the storage facility suitable for low-temperature, high-humidity storage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system that can perform the curing and storage of root vegetables and fruit vegetables such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins in an integrated manner while preventing condensation, and also to a storage method including the curing and storage using this system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend to actively export Japanese agricultural products overseas. For example, sweet potatoes are one of the many exported items. However, when shipped overseas, sweet potatoes are often mixed with other items and transported in temperature and humidity environments that are not optimal for sweet potatoes. For this reason, it is necessary to improve their shelf life in advance, and there is a growing need for a processing process called "curing," in which sweet potatoes are exposed to a high-temperature, high-humidity environment for several days.

[0003] Curing is a processing method in which root and fruit vegetables such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins are placed in a hot and humid environment after harvest for a certain period of time to heal wounds, prevent decay, and improve quality. The processing method and conditions generally involve storing sweet potatoes and other root and fruit vegetables in a temperature range of approximately 30-35°C and a relative humidity of approximately 85-95% for 3-7 days, which allows a cork layer (cell wall layer) to form under the skin of the root and fruit vegetables, sealing any wounds that may have occurred during harvest. Following the curing process, the vegetables are usually stored in a low-temperature, high-humidity environment.

[0004] Patent Document 1 provides a cooling container that has high cooling efficiency, low running costs, and is easy to maintain. The cooling container has a container body for storing and preserving fruits and vegetables, a cooling device for cooling the inside of the container body, a water recovery means for recovering water that condenses inside the container body, and a curing unit for curing the contents stored inside the container body.

[0005] Patent Document 2 provides a method for preserving the freshness of sweet potatoes and a method for transporting them that uses a refrigerated container to achieve low-cost curing and curing during transport. The method is characterized by including a loading process in which sweet potatoes are loaded into a refrigerated container, a curing process in which the inside of the refrigerated container is kept at a temperature of 29-33°C and a humidity of 80% or more and the sweet potatoes are stored for 3-5 days, and a storage process in which the inside of the refrigerated container is kept at a temperature of 11-17°C and a humidity of 80% or more after the curing process and the sweet potatoes are stored. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7630790 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-078465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Conventional curing equipment often creates a high humidity space by using forced humidification methods, such as steam or ultrasonic humidifiers. As a result, some water droplets are unable to evaporate and remain, wetting the sweet potatoes in the storage facility. For example, wet sweet potatoes can cause mold and reduce their storability. In addition, a separate drying process is required after the curing process, which adds another step to the process.

[0008] The curing process disclosed in Patent Document 1 involves operating a curing unit to heat water stored in a water storage tank, pumping the hot water up to a drain pipe, spraying the hot water through spray holes in the drain pipe and dropping it onto a heat exchanger, thereby warming the air from below. The heated air and water vapor evaporated from the water storage tank are said to warm the entire contents. Furthermore, if condensation from the ceiling of the storage compartment drips onto the sweet potatoes during curing, the patent also states that it is possible to reverse the rotation of the circulation fan to change the flow of warm air inside the storage compartment from below to above. However, this method inevitably causes condensation to drip onto the sweet potatoes, and reversing the rotation of the circulation fan is likely to stall the curing process.

[0009] Patent Document 2 describes the temperature, humidity, and time for the curing step and the subsequent cooling step, but does not describe at all how to prevent condensation.

[0010] The storage facility is a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, and the outdoor temperature is often lower when the curing process is carried out. As a result, the high-humidity air cools on the ceiling of the storage facility, causing water to condense and fall onto the stored items as condensation. To prevent this, stored items such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins are often covered, but this increases the amount of work required. Furthermore, it is not possible to completely prevent water droplets from falling, and blocking the airflow with a cover worsens the storage environment.

[0011] As described above, since the surface of sweet potatoes typically becomes wet during conventional curing, it is usually necessary to incorporate a drying process after the curing process is completed. Generally, sweet potatoes are often air-dried outdoors, which increases the time and effort required and can also cause deterioration in quality due to exposure to low temperatures at night.

[0012] Furthermore, since the inside of the storage facility is wet after the curing process is completed, problems such as poor hygiene can arise if the storage facility is left unattended.

[0013] Furthermore, curing is a process that is carried out from autumn to winter, and there is also the problem that the equipment used for curing cannot be used during other seasons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an integrated curing and storage system for root vegetables and fruit vegetables, which comprises a long storage facility surrounded by insulated walls for storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables, and an air conditioning unit for conditioning the interior of the storage facility, the storage facility has a double-layered ceiling, and conditioned air from the air conditioning unit is blown into the interior of the double-layered ceiling to condition the storage facility, the inner ceiling of the storage facility is sloped downward in the short direction at an angle of 1 / 100 or more toward the back of the storage facility so that condensation formed within the double-layered ceiling can be discharged, and the entrance to the double-layered ceiling is equipped with an internal heater for heating the air blown out from the air conditioning unit, and the air conditioning unit is equipped with a water circulation system including a sprinkler, a heat exchanger, a circulating water tank with a circulating water heater, and a circulating water pump, a refrigerant circulation system that supplies refrigerant from a refrigerator installed outside the storage facility to a fin coil, and an internal air suction fan that draws air from the storage facility and supplies it to the air conditioning unit.

[0015] In the curing process, the air in the storage chamber drawn in by the air suction fan is circulated through the circulating water heater. Circulating water tank The circulating water from the storage facility is dripped from the sprinkler and passes through the heat exchanger and fin coil, where it comes into direct contact with the circulating water, adjusting the temperature and humidity, and the temperature-adjusted and highly humidified air passes through the double ceiling heater of the storage facility and is supplied into the storage facility through the double ceiling, adjusting the temperature and humidity inside the storage facility to a temperature and humidity suitable for curing treatment. In this case, the temperature-adjusted and highly humidified air may or may not be heated by the double ceiling heater, depending on its temperature.

[0016] During the storage process, the circulating water heater is turned off, and circulating water from the circulating water tank is dripped from a sprinkler. Meanwhile, the refrigerator is turned on, and frozen refrigerant is supplied to the fin coil. As a result, the air inside the storage facility drawn in by the inside air suction fan is converted by the air conditioner into low-temperature, high-humidity air suitable for storage inside the storage facility, and then supplied into the storage facility. In this case, the temperature of the air blown out from the air conditioner is lowered below the specified inside temperature, and a dehumidification operation is performed by reheating the air using a double ceiling heater installed immediately after the air outlet to bring the specified inside temperature to the storage facility. This point will be described in detail later.

[0017] As described above, the present invention has the advantage that the curing process and storage process can be carried out in an integrated manner by using the same storage facility and the same air conditioning device and appropriately changing the processing conditions.

[0018] In the present invention, the storage facility has a double-layered ceiling, and the inner ceiling of the storage facility has a slope that descends by more than 1 / 100 in the short direction toward the back of the storage facility, so that condensation water generated within the double-layered ceiling is not brought into the storage facility but is discharged outside. This is a measure to prevent condensation from forming inside the double-layered ceiling when the outside air temperature is low, as the double-layered ceiling has a slope that descends by more than 1 / 100 toward the back, and the condensation water inside the double-layered ceiling flows along the slope to a water receiving device installed at the back, then passes through a condensation water recovery pipe and is discharged outside the storage facility through an overflow pipe.

[0019] The present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The storage facility is surrounded by insulated walls 10 and is a rectangular parallelepiped with its sides elongated in plan view. An air conditioner 16 is located on one short side. An air conditioner 16 is attached to an interior air suction fan 17. This storage facility is characterized by a double-layered ceiling, with an air outlet 26 of the air conditioner 16 connected to the double-layered ceiling. The interior ceiling 27 of the double-layered ceiling has a downward slope of 1 / 100 or more on the short side. This allows condensation water generated within the double-layered ceiling 11 to flow along the slope on the short side to a water receiving device 28 located at the rear (long side) of the storage facility. This water receiving device 28 is also connected to a condensation water recovery pipe 29 at a small slope, and further merges with the overflow pipe 34 of the circulating water tank 20 of the air conditioner, allowing the condensation water to be drained outside the storage facility. The appropriate inclination of the shorter side of the double ceiling inside the storage compartment 27 is 1 / 100 or more. If it is too gentle, the flow of condensation water will be poor, but there is no need to make the inclination as steep as 1 / 10.

[0020] The opposite side of the double ceiling from the air conditioner outlet 26 is an air inlet 13 to the storage compartment 12. Temperature- and humidity-controlled air from the air conditioner 16 is supplied through the air inlet 13 to the storage compartment 12, maintaining the temperature and humidity of the storage compartment 12 at a level suitable for curing and storage treatments. After a period suitable for curing (i.e., 3-7 days) has elapsed, a heater 14 is installed inside the double ceiling near the air outlet 26 of the air conditioner in order to maintain the temperature and humidity of the storage compartment 12 at a level suitable for storage treatment. The air inside the storage compartment is then returned to the air conditioner 16 via an air suction fan 17 installed in the air conditioner, and then circulated. A relief valve 15 is installed in the storage compartment to maintain a constant air pressure inside the storage compartment. As will be described later, the relief valve 15 also functions as an air intake for ventilation.

[0021] In the present invention, an air conditioner 16 is used that brings air into direct contact with water to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air. A circulating water heater 32 is installed in a circulating water tank 20 located at the bottom of the air conditioner. During the curing process, water heated by the circulating water heater 32 in the circulating water tank 20 is sprayed from a sprinkler 18 located at the top of the air conditioner, and the air is heated to a temperature range appropriate for the curing process when it comes into direct contact with air flowing from bottom to top through a heat exchanger 19 and a fin coil 23. Furthermore, as the water partially evaporates during heating, the relative humidity of the air blown out from the air conditioner 16 becomes 99.9%.

[0022] At this time, all of the air blown out from the air conditioning unit 16 flows into the double ceiling 11 installed above the storage room 12. By using a ceiling duct ventilation system with a double ceiling in this way, the temperature inside the double ceiling 11 becomes the highest even when the outside temperature is low, so condensation does not occur on the inside surface of the storage room inner side 27 of the double ceiling facing the storage room. Furthermore, the storage room inner ceiling 27 of this double ceiling has a downward slope of 1 / 100 or more in the short direction, so even if condensation occurs inside the double ceiling 11, the condensed water does not accumulate, resulting in a system that maintains hygienic conditions.

[0023] To reiterate, condensation water inside the double ceiling 11 flows along the slope of the storage interior ceiling 27 onto the wall at the back (longer side) and into a water collection device 28 attached to the wall. The water collection device 28 is sloped toward the air conditioning unit, and eventually joins the overflow pipe 34 of the air conditioning unit 16 before being drained outside the storage. As a result, the root vegetables and fruit vegetables inside the storage unit do not get wet during the curing process, and there is no need to provide a separate process for removing the root vegetables and fruit vegetables outside the storage unit to dry them.

[0024] After the curing process is complete, the circulating water heater 32 of the air conditioner 16 is shut off to stop heating, and the circulating water pump is also temporarily stopped, and the air conditioner is then cleaned. Cleaning the air conditioner is a process to restore the quality of the circulating water, which has been degraded by silica components and other substances in the circulating water. After the circulating water in the circulating water tank is completely replaced, the circulating water pump is turned on. This process is then repeated two or three times.

[0025] After cleaning of the air conditioner 16 is completed, a dehumidifying operation is performed to dry out water droplets adhering to the walls of the storage facility and the walls inside the double ceiling. The dehumidifying operation is performed to remove condensation that has formed inside the double ceiling 11 and water droplets that have adhered to the walls inside the storage facility, thereby maintaining a hygienic environment inside the storage facility 12. In the dehumidifying operation, air is blown out from the air conditioner 16 at a temperature lower than the set temperature inside the storage facility 12 (for example, in the case of sweet potatoes, the storage temperature is 12-15°C), and then cooled and dehumidified by reheating using the heater 14 inside the double ceiling installed immediately afterwards.

[0026] Next, the refrigerator 24 is activated to perform cooling operation, beginning cooling of the storage compartment 12. After the circulating water heater 32 is turned off, circulating water from the circulating water tank 20 is sprayed. The operation of the refrigerator 24 causes refrigerant to flow through the fin coil 23, cooling the storage compartment air drawn in by the storage compartment air suction fan 17. During this operation, the temperature of the air blown out from the air conditioner 16 is lowered below the desired storage compartment temperature, and the air is reheated by the double ceiling heater 14 installed immediately after the air outlet to achieve a "dehumidification operation" to maintain the desired storage compartment temperature. Although the humidity of the air blown into the double ceiling compartment 11 decreases, the cooling temperature and the capacity of the double ceiling heater 14 are adjusted so that water droplets remaining on the walls and double ceiling evaporate, maintaining the storage compartment humidity at 80-90% RH, the optimal storage humidity for sweet potatoes, for example. As a result, all moisture adhering to the storage compartment walls is collected by the air conditioner, maintaining the storage compartment in a hygienic state.

[0027] After the inner wall surface of the storage facility has dried, the heater 14 in the double ceiling is stopped, and cooling operation is performed by adjusting the temperature at the air conditioning unit outlet 26 so that the temperature inside the storage facility falls within a predetermined temperature range. For example, when storing sweet potatoes, the air conditioning unit 16 dehumidifies the air to set the outlet air temperature at 12-15°C and the humidity at 80-90% RH, and cooling operation is performed to maintain the optimum temperature and humidity for storing sweet potatoes.

[0028] The second invention of this application is a method for storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables, which comprises a curing process in which the stored items are cured by storing them for approximately 3-7 days in an environment with a temperature range of 30-38°C and a relative humidity of approximately 85-95%; an air conditioning unit cleaning process in which the circulating water in the circulating water tank of the air conditioning unit is completely replaced to clean the air conditioning unit; a dehumidification process in which condensation that has formed in the double ceiling and adhered to the interior walls of the storage unit is evaporated; and finally, a storage process in which the temperature inside the storage unit is kept at 12-15°C and a humidity of 75-95% RH and the stored items are stored.

[0029] In addition, the air conditioning unit 16 is capable of cooling at 1-20°C and can also be operated as a high humidity cooler by sprinkling water, so it can also be used as a storage facility for agricultural products other than sweet potatoes during the off-season. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] Because the curing process can be completed without wetting root and fruit vegetables such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins with condensation, mold growth caused by water droplets is suppressed, improving storage life compared to conventional curing processes. In addition, the curing process can be followed by a low-temperature, high-humidity storage process in an integrated operation. This means that the entire process from curing to storage can be carried out in the same container storage facility. The number of steps required for the work is also small, making it possible to reduce the number of workers required. Furthermore, hygienic conditions within the storage facility can be maintained. For example, during the sweet potato off-season, the facility can be used as a low-temperature, high-humidity storage facility for other agricultural products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the integrated curing and storage system of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the integrated curing and storage system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This system has "curing mode," "air conditioner cleaning mode," "dehumidification operation mode," and "storage mode." Each mode will be explained according to the operation.

[0033] Before the curing process begins, sweet potatoes are placed into the storage facility. The maximum amount that can be placed is determined by the size of the storage facility, and any amount below the maximum can be placed as needed. For containers, the maximum amount is as follows: In the agricultural sector, pallets measuring 1,100mm x 1,100mm are the standard, and a 12ft container storage facility can hold four pallets, a 20ft container storage facility can hold eight pallets, and a 40ft container storage facility can hold 16 pallets. For storage facilities of other sizes, the appropriate size depends on the pallet size and the dimensions of the storage facility. Furthermore, since the storage height limit depends on the ceiling height of the storage facility, it is possible to stack plastic containers on pallets up to about 2m above the floor.

[0034] Here, general-purpose containers such as plastic containers are acceptable for storing sweet potatoes and other produce; cardboard, which is vulnerable to humidity, and wooden pallets, which may be prone to mold growth, are not particularly suitable. Because an air intake 13 leading to the storage facility 12 is located on the longitudinal side opposite the air conditioning unit 16, the air blown out from the air intake 13 passes through the storage facility 12 and is then sucked back into the air conditioning unit 16. For containers with T-rail floors, the air returns to the air conditioning unit 16 through gaps in the T-rail, gaps between the pallets and plastic containers, and gaps between the sweet potatoes themselves. For containers with flat floors, the air also returns to the air conditioning unit 16 through gaps between the pallets and plastic containers, and gaps between the sweet potatoes themselves. Sweet potatoes and other produce can be loaded into the storage facility all at once, or in multiple batches according to the harvest.

[0035] If there is a time lag between the time of input and the start of curing, the product is operated in storage mode under the same conditions as during storage (a temperature of 12-15°C, and a relative humidity of 80-90%, which varies depending on the origin and variety), and stored in this environment until the start of curing. The operating specifications for storage mode are described below.

[0036] Once a predetermined amount of sweet potatoes, etc., has been placed in the storage facility 12, preparations for the curing process begin. First, the water required for curing is placed into the air conditioning unit 16 through the water supply pipe 30 connected to the unit. However, water may be placed directly into the air conditioning unit's tank 20 before operation begins. The type of water can be tap water, well water, or industrial water. The amount of water placed is controlled by an electric valve, manual valve, ball tap valve, or water level monitoring and adjustment device 33 such as a float switch or water level sensor. When the circulating water pump 21 is operational and the circulating water heater 32 has reached a water level where it is completely submerged, the circulating pump 21 begins operating, and the curing process begins. This process is called the "curing mode."

[0037] This mode is a process in which a curing temperature and humidity set arbitrarily is maintained for a set period of time. Simultaneously with the start of curing mode, water is sprayed from the sprinkler 18, and water heating by the circulating water heater 32 installed inside the tank 20 also begins. The heated water is sprayed downward from the top inside the air conditioning unit, and the air is heated as it comes into direct contact with the air flowing from bottom to top. Heating can be achieved by linear heating to the desired curing temperature, or by step control, such as maintaining temperatures of 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C for one hour each before reaching the desired curing temperature. This also allows for step control of temperature and time according to the origin and variety of sweet potatoes, etc., thereby mitigating the impact of sudden temperature increases on the sweet potatoes, etc.

[0038] Although the temperature, humidity, and time required for curing vary depending on the variety and region of origin, they are 30-38°C, 85-95% relative humidity, and 72-168 hours. During curing mode operation, the water in the circulating water tank 20 gradually decreases due to evaporation, but the water level is maintained constant using the ball tap valve 38 and water level monitoring and adjustment device 33. When using the ball tap valve 38 to control the water level, the sprayed warm water can cause the ball tap valve to open and close frequently, resulting in unnecessary water inflow and the excess water being drained through the overflow pipe 34. Therefore, if necessary, an electric valve can be installed in the water supply pipe 30 upstream of the ball tap valve 38, and the valve 38 can be opened for one minute once an hour to supply water to make up for the loss, preventing unnecessary water inflow. In addition, when the water level is controlled by a float switch or water level sensor without using the ball tap valve 38, an electric water supply valve 39 is provided in the water supply pipe 30, and when a drop in the water level is detected by the water level detection device, the electric water supply valve 39 in the water supply pipe 30 opens to replenish water. When the water level recovers, the electric water supply valve 39 closes. The circulating air volume during the curing process is 1,200 m in a 12-foot container storage facility. 3 / h, 1,800m in a 20ft container storage facility 3 / h, 3,600m in a 40ft container storage facility 3 Based on / h.

[0039] Once the curing process in curing mode has finished for a predetermined period of time, the system immediately switches to "air conditioner cleaning mode." The "air conditioner cleaning mode" is implemented from the perspective of protecting the air conditioner, since the water inside the air conditioner evaporates during the curing process, concentrating the water and increasing the concentration of silica and other substances. First, upon switching modes, all water in the air conditioner is drained. Because the silica concentration is high and there is a risk of precipitation as the water temperature drops, the water is drained while the water temperature is high. After that, the circulating water pump 21 is operated two or three times to clean the inside of the air conditioner, ensuring that no silica-concentrated water remains inside the air conditioner. While this series of operations can be performed manually, the air conditioner cleaning mode can also be fully automated by combining it with the electric water supply valve 39.

[0040] The flow for full automation is as follows: (1) When the air conditioner cleaning mode starts, the water supply and drainage electric valves (39 and 40) are closed. (2) At the same time as the air conditioner cleaning mode starts, the circulating water pump 21 stops and the drain motor valve 40 opens. (3) When all the water in the air conditioner has been drained, the drain valve 40 closes, and then the water supply valve 39 opens. (4) When the water level reaches a level at which the circulating water pump 21 can operate, the circulating water pump 21 starts operating and the inside of the air conditioner is cleaned. (5) After circulating for one minute, the circulating water pump 21 is stopped and the drain motor valve 40 is opened. (6) (3)-(5) will be carried out three times. (7) When drainage is complete, the system switches to dehumidification operation mode. The above is the fully automated flow for cleaning the inside of an air conditioner, but it is also possible to automate only part of it, or to perform the entire process manually.

[0041] Once the cleaning of the air conditioner 16 is complete, the system switches to dehumidification operation mode. If the system is automated, the mode is automatically switched, but if the system is operated manually, the operation mode is switched by changing the settings. This mode is used to remove condensation that has formed inside the double ceiling 11 and on the interior walls of the storage facility, and to maintain a hygienic environment inside the storage facility 12. Furthermore, since sweet potatoes and the like need to be cooled immediately to storage temperature after curing, this mode also serves to cool the sweet potatoes themselves. The circulating air volume in the cooling and dehumidification mode and the storage mode, which will be described later, is 800 m for a 12-foot container storage facility. 3 / h, 1,200m in a 20ft container storage facility 3 / h, 2,400m in a 40ft container storage facility 3 Based on / h.

[0042] During dehumidification, air is blown out of the air conditioning unit 16 at a temperature lower than the set temperature inside the storage facility 12 (the storage temperature for sweet potatoes is 12-15°C), and then reheated by the double-layered ceiling heater 14 installed immediately behind it, performing cooling dehumidification. An example is provided below. Here, enthalpy refers to the total amount of energy possessed by a substance (here, air), and specific enthalpy refers to the total amount of energy of a substance per unit mass. Air blown out from the air conditioning unit 16 gains energy as it passes through the double-layered ceiling heater 14, increasing the specific enthalpy of the air before and after passing through the double-layered ceiling heater 14. The difference in specific enthalpy between before and after passing through the double-layered ceiling heater 14 is called the specific enthalpy difference. Since the absolute humidity of the air remains unchanged before and after passing through the double-layered ceiling heater 14, the specific enthalpy values ​​before and after passing through the double-layered ceiling heater are determined by setting the temperature, relative humidity, and temperature before and after passing through the double-layered ceiling heater. The air volume is as described in paragraph

[0041] , and the air density is also determined based on the temperature and humidity conditions. In this case, the product of the air volume and the air density is the mass flow rate of the air. Furthermore, since the heater capacity in the double ceiling can be assumed to be almost equal to the amount of heat given to the air, the required heater capacity can be determined from the difference in specific enthalpy of the air before and after passing through the heater and the mass flow rate of the air. For example, in a 20-foot container storage facility, when the temperature and humidity at the air conditioning unit outlet 26 are 7°C and 90% RH, if there is a heat capacity of approximately 2 kW, the temperature and humidity immediately after the heater 14 in the double ceiling will be 12°C and 65% RH, and cooling and dehumidification will be completed at the specified temperature.

[0043] Based on the above, the required number of heaters 14 in the double ceiling chamber 11 is installed. However, rather than installing one 2kW heater, it is preferable to install four 0.5kW heaters, for example. This allows for control of the number of heaters and allows for response when the temperature and humidity balance is disrupted. Condensation in the double ceiling chamber 11 is eliminated over time by the dehumidified air. Since the humidity inside the storage facility must be 80-90% RH, a thermo-hygrometer 37 is attached to the air intake 13 leading to the storage facility to ensure humidity inside the storage facility. If the relative humidity indicated by the thermo-hygrometer is within the 80-90% RH range, operation continues as is. If the humidity falls below this range, excessive dehumidification is indicated. Therefore, the temperature of the air conditioning unit outlet 26 is controlled to be slightly higher, and the number of operating heaters 14 in the double ceiling chamber is reduced to adjust the humidity at the air intake 13 leading to the storage facility to 80-90% RH. On the other hand, if the humidity exceeds the above range, the amount of dehumidification is insufficient, so the temperature of the air conditioning unit outlet 26 is controlled to be slightly lower, and the number of operating double ceiling heaters 14 is increased to adjust the air humidity at the air inlet 13 to the interior of the storage room to 80-90% RH. Even when the air humidity at the air inlet 13 is operating stably at 80-90% RH, the relative humidity of the air at the air inlet 13 tends to decrease as water droplets in the double ceiling 11 evaporate and decrease. In this case, as in the above case, the temperature of the air conditioning unit outlet 26 is controlled to be slightly higher, and the number of operating double ceiling heaters 14 is reduced to adjust the air humidity at the air inlet 13 to the interior of the storage room to 80-90% RH.

[0044] Next, the system switches to storage mode while monitoring the dryness status inside the storage facility. In storage mode, the entire storage facility 12 is dry. In storage mode, the double ceiling heater 14 is stopped, and only the air conditioning unit 16 is operated by the refrigerator 24. However, if the humidity exceeds a predetermined level, the double ceiling heater 14 is also operated, as in dehumidification mode. Here, circulating water from the circulating water tank 20, whose circulating water heater 32 has been stopped, circulates and humidifies the air. The temperature and humidity in storage mode are set to 12-15°C and 80-90% RH. During storage mode, the temperature is controlled to within ±0.5°C and ±5% RH of the set temperature.

[0045] During storage, the carbon dioxide concentration in the storage facility12 significantly affects the storage quality of sweet potatoes and other foods. Carbon dioxide concentrations of 3% or higher can cause carbon dioxide poisoning, which can result in an unpleasant odor and a blue discoloration of the product's appearance after heating, and must be avoided.

[0046] In this system, a carbon dioxide concentration meter 41 is installed inside the storage facility 12 and measures the concentration. When the carbon dioxide concentration reaches 2%, the ventilation fan 25 is activated and the air inside the storage facility 12 is exhausted to the outside. At the same time, air is supplied through a relief valve 15 installed on the opposite side of the ventilation fan 25 in the longitudinal direction. However, this method of supplying air is not limited to this method; an air supply fan for introducing outside air may be installed in the insulating wall 10 near the air conditioning unit 16. Furthermore, since the intrusion of a large amount of outside air into the storage facility 12 at once has a significant impact on the environment inside the storage facility (particularly the temperature and humidity), the ventilation fan is temporarily stopped when the temperature is ±2°C or more above the set temperature or when the humidity is 70% RH or below or 95% RH or above.

[0047] After the specified storage period, the sweet potatoes and other produce are removed from the storage facility and transported to their destination. The empty storage facility can be used as a storage refrigerator for other agricultural products even during the off-season by filling it with water and running the sprinkler system. In particular, by filling the air conditioning unit 16 with water and running the sprinkler system, the facility can be easily used as a high-humidity cooler for long-term storage of agricultural products. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. The integrated curing and storage system of the present invention 10 Insulated walls 11 Double ceiling 12 Inside the storage facility 13 Air intake to storage facility 14 Double ceiling heater 15 Relief valve 16 Air conditioner 17. Air intake fan 18 Sprinkler 19 Heat exchanger 20 Circulating water tank 21 Circulating water pump 22 Circulating water piping 23 Fin coil 24 Refrigeration machine 25 Ventilation fan 26 Air conditioner outlet 27 Double ceiling on the storage side 28 Water receiving device 29 Condensation water recovery piping 30 Water supply piping 31 Drainage piping 32 Circulating water heater 33 Water level monitoring and adjustment equipment 34 Overflow piping 35 Air conditioner outlet temperature and humidity meter 36 Double ceiling heater outlet thermo-hygrometer 37 Thermo-hygrometer at the storage facility air intake 38 Ball Tap Valve 39 Water supply valve (electric water supply valve) 40 Drain valve (electric drain valve) 41 Carbon dioxide concentration meter

Claims

1. an integrated curing and storage system for root vegetables and fruit vegetables, comprising a long storage facility surrounded by insulated walls for storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables, and an air conditioning unit for conditioning the interior of the storage facility, the storage facility having a double-layered ceiling, and conditioned air from the air conditioning unit blowing into the interior of the double-layered ceiling to condition the storage facility, the inner ceiling of the storage facility having a slope that descends in the short direction at an angle of 1 / 100 or more toward the back of the storage facility so that condensation formed within the double-layered ceiling can be discharged, the entrance to the double-layered ceiling is equipped with an internal heater for heating the air blown out from the air conditioning unit, and the air conditioning unit is equipped with a water circulation system including a sprinkler, a heat exchanger, a circulating water tank with a circulating water heater, and a circulating water pump, a refrigerant circulation system that supplies refrigerant from a refrigerator installed outside the storage facility to a fin coil, and an internal air suction fan that draws air from the storage facility and supplies it to the air conditioning unit.

2. 2. The integrated processing system for curing and storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables according to claim 1, wherein, in the curing process, the air inside the storage facility sucked in by the internal air suction fan is adjusted in temperature and humidity by direct contact with circulating water from the circulating water tank with a circulating water heater that is dripped from the sprinkler as the air passes through the heat exchanger and fin coil, and the temperature-adjusted and humidified air passes through the heater in the double ceiling of the storage facility and is supplied into the storage facility, thereby maintaining the temperature and humidity inside the storage facility at a temperature and humidity suitable for curing.

3. 2. The integrated curing and storage system for root vegetables and fruit vegetables according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the storage process, the circulating water heater is turned off, circulating water from the circulating water tank is dripped from a sprinkler, the refrigerator is turned on and frozen refrigerant is supplied to the fin coil, and the air inside the storage facility drawn in by the air suction fan is converted by an air conditioning unit into low-temperature, high-humidity air suitable for storage inside the storage facility and supplied into the storage facility.

4. The condensation water generated inside the double ceiling flows into a water receiving device installed at the back of the interior ceiling of the double ceiling, and then passes through a condensation water recovery pipe connected to the water receiving device and is discharged outside the storage facility through the overflow pipe of the circulating water tank. This is the integrated processing system for curing and storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables described in claim 1.

5. 2. The integrated system for curing and storing root and fruit vegetables according to claim 1, wherein a relief valve is provided through the insulating wall of the storage facility.

6. 2. The integrated system for curing and storing root and fruit vegetables according to claim 1, wherein a carbon dioxide concentration meter is installed inside the storage facility, and a ventilation fan is provided through the insulating wall of the storage facility.

7. A method for storing root vegetables and fruit vegetables, comprising: a curing process in which the stored items are cured by storing them for approximately 3-7 days in an environment of a temperature range of 30-38°C and a relative humidity of approximately 85-95% using the integrated curing and storage system for root vegetables and fruit vegetables described in claim 1; an air conditioning unit cleaning process in which the circulating water in the circulating water tank of the air conditioning unit is completely replaced to clean the air conditioning unit; a dehumidification process in which condensation that has formed in the double ceiling and adhered to the inner walls of the storage facility is evaporated; and finally, a process in which the temperature inside the storage facility is set to 12-15°C and the humidity to 75-95% RH to store the stored items.

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