Cold storage: how many m², how many kW, how much for electricity?
Enter the number of pallets and the operating mode — the tool calculates area, cold room dimensions, cooling load split by heat source, compressor power, annual energy use and number of dock doors, plus what to do first to reduce the load.
What the model calculates, and what it doesn't
Area = number of pallets ÷ number of rack levels × area per single-level pallet position (including forklift aisle) by rack type. Cooling load adds three sources: heat transmission through the envelope (U × area × temperature difference), pulling down incoming goods within 24 hours (mass × specific heat × temperature difference), infiltration when doors open (air changes × volume × enthalpy difference) — then applies factors for lighting, people, forklifts, defrost and fans, and adds a safety margin.
Electric power = cooling load ÷ typical COP for the temperature range; annual energy in proportion to compressor run time. Electricity cost based on the current EVN tariff (industrial or commercial, by voltage level), split into three time bands: normal, off-peak and peak; with an option to reduce compressor running at peak hours. Not calculated: fruit and vegetable respiration, blast freezing room, expansion allowance, lighting and office power. Results are for preparing a brief and comparing options; detailed cooling load is calculated by a refrigeration engineer.
Frequently asked questions
How many kW of refrigeration does a 5,000-pallet cold store need?
For a −18 °C frozen store with 12 m high selective racking and 150 pallets/day received, the tool estimates about 150 kW of cooling and about 90 kW of compressor power. A chilled store receiving still-warm goods needs far more, because the goods must be cooled down every day.
What is the biggest heat source in cold storage?
It depends on the store. Large freezer stores are usually dominated by infiltration through doors and the panel envelope; in chilled stores receiving vegetables, fruit or still-warm meat, cooling the goods is the largest source. The tool separates the three sources and suggests where to invest first.
Are mobile racks worth it?
Mobile racking holds nearly twice as many pallets in the same area as selective racking, so the cold room is smaller, the envelope is smaller and the cooling load is lower. The trade-off is slower picking and higher racking cost.
Have real project parameters? Send them to CGD and get feedback on the design scope
This simulation stops at the principle. For a specific project, CGD builds the model on real operating data and floor plan drawings.
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