Efficient utilization of energy enabled by form stable brine phase change cold storage gels with ultra-high latent heat towards green, safe and cost-effective fruit cold chain

Abstract

Advanced cold chain systems are essential for maintaining nutritional integrity and reducing spoilage in perishable fruits. However, conventional mechanical refrigeration incurs considerable energy consumption and operational costs. This study introduces a green, safe, and cost-effective alternative—Brine Phase Change Cold Storage Gels (BPCCSGs). With a low phase change temperature (−11.29 °C), high latent heat (242.14 J·g⁻¹), and elevated thermal conductivity (0.835 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹), BPCCSGs are well-suited for cold chain applications involving subtropical fruits. Additionally, the risk of cold storage material leakage and its consequent detriment to fruit safety could be significantly reduced by using our state-of-the-art gel packaging technique. Gel-based encapsulation effectively minimized leakage risk and prevented potential contamination. Pre-charging BPCCSGs during off-peak hours significantly improved energy and cost efficiency (3.82 × 10⁻⁵ $·J⁻¹), while reducing environmental burden. Moreover, the improvement in thermal conductivity and the optimization of the spatial layout facilitated temperature uniformity of BPCCSGs at cold storage scenarios. Finally, the integration of a 5G-enabled sensor system enabled real-time monitoring of temperatures and locations. The system was successfully deployed in waxberry logistics, ensuring real-time traceability and maintaining fruit quality, highlighting its potential for next-generation cold chain systems.