Work out cold storage capacity instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Cold store capacity is chamber volume less the 25-35% taken by aisles, wall clearances and the air plenum, multiplied by packing density. Density depends on the commodity and pack — potatoes in bulk bins run 550-650 kg/m3, apples in crates 300-350, leafy vegetables far less.
Cold store capacity
Usable volume = floor area x stack height x (1 - aisle allowance); capacity (t) = usable volume x packing density / 1000
Refrigerated air has to reach every pallet. Blocking the plenum or stacking tight to walls creates warm pockets where produce ripens and rots while the rest of the chamber stays cold.
Substantially. The same chamber may hold 2000 tonnes of potatoes or 600 tonnes of loosely packed cabbage. Always quote capacity for a named commodity and pack format.