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Automation in the Cold Chain

10/03/2025
Automation in the cold chain aims to control refrigeration systems, ensuring higher-quality products for consumers. Automation can be implemented at every stage, including production areas, cold storage of manufactured products, transportation (all types of refrigerated vehicles), post-shipment cold storage, and display (such as dairy cases, bottle coolers, refrigerated shelves, cabinets, and pastry displays).


Within refrigeration system automation, the following control processes are executed:

i. Temperature-Humidity-Pressure Control: Ensures that the refrigerated area remains within the desired values (temperature, humidity, and pressure).

ii. Compressor Control: Activates or deactivates compressors in stages to achieve the desired setpoints. If an inverter is present, it adjusts the frequency according to the cooling demand, optimizing energy consumption.

iii. Fan Control: Manages evaporator and condenser fans by activating or deactivating them in stages to maintain optimal conditions. If an inverter is available, it adjusts fan speed based on system requirements, enhancing energy efficiency.

iv. Defrost Control: Activates and deactivates heating elements in real time or based on a preset schedule to prevent excessive frost buildup.

v. Auxiliary Outputs: Enables various functions such as curtain operation, door opening/closing, and lighting control.


vi. Alarms: The following alarms can be activated to ensure proper system monitoring:

  • Low-pressure alarm
  • High-pressure alarm
  • Sensor failure alarm
  • Compressor safety alarm
  • Fan safety alarm
  • Low compressor temperature alarm
  • High compressor temperature alarm
  • Low condenser fan temperature alarm
  • High condenser fan temperature alarm
  • Low refrigerated area temperature alarm
  • High refrigerated area temperature alarm
  • Clock failure alarm
  • Time data loss
  • Door open alarm, etc.

Alarms can be monitored via the device interface, detected through an integrated buzzer, or signaled with external visual or audible alerts. Through remote monitoring, alarms can be transmitted to authorized personnel via SMS, fax, or email using dedicated software and devices.

vii. Remote Monitoring: Given the physical separation of management, administrative, and technical units within the cold chain, real-time system tracking has become essential. A remote monitoring infrastructure using local or internet connections enables the following functions:

  1. Centralized monitoring of multiple cold rooms, cabinets, and display units
  2. System control
  3. Modification of controller parameters
  4. Data logging (temperature, humidity, etc.)
  5. Alarm notifications displayed on the interface and sent to authorized personnel via email or fax
  6. Control of multiple stores from a single system

Source: Food Safety and the Cold Chain - Prof. Dr. Onur Devres 
Expert in the Industrial Refrigeration System Industry.
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