Stage 1: Problem Identification
1.1 Description of the Problem
Post-harvest crop losses are a serious problem in many farming communities. After
harvesting, crops such as maize, tomatoes, and ground nuts are often stored in poorly
designed storage structures that allow excessive heat and moisture to enter. When crops are
exposed to high temperatures, their rate of respiration increases and microorganisms grow
faster, leading to rapid spoilage and loss of quality. One of the main causes of this problem
is heat transfer between the external environment and the storage structure.
Therefore, there is a need to design an improved storage system based on physics principles
of heat transfer and thermal insulation to help maintain favourable storage conditions for
harvested crops.
1.2 Statement of Intent
The intent of this project is to design a crop storage structure that reduces heat transfer from
the environment into the storage chamber. The design will apply principles of thermal
insulation to maintain a relatively stable internal temperature. By minimizing heat transfer
through conduction, convection, and radiation, the storage system aims to reduce the rate of
crop spoilage and improve post-harvest preservation.
1.3 Design / Project Specifications or Parameters
The design of the storage structure will consider the following parameters:
Structure Design: A storage container with double walls to allow insulation between
layers.
Insulation Materials: Materials such as sawdust, foam, or dry grass may be used to
reduce heat conduction.
Reflective Surface: The outer surface may be covered with reflective material to
reduce heat transfer by radiation.
Ventilation System: Small controlled vents may be included to regulate airflow and
prevent moisture build up.
Temperature Monitoring: A thermometer will be used to observe internal
temperature changes.
Size of Storage Unit: The design will be suitable for small-scale farmers and easy to
construct using locally available materials.
Stage 2: Investigation of Existing Storage
Methods
Idea 1: Ordinary Storage Containers
Description:
Farmers traditionally store harvested crops in sacks. These containers are widely
used because they are cheap and easy to access. Heat from the environment can
easily enter the container through conduction (through the container walls) and
convection (air movement inside and around the container). As temperature rises,
crop respiration and microbial activity increase, accelerating spoilage. Humidity can
also enter, causing mold growth and moisture-related losses.
Merits
Simple and easy to construct
Low-cost and materials are widely available
No special skills required
Demerits
Provides poor control of temperature and humidity
Crops are more prone to spoilage
Does not protect against heat, moisture, or pests
Idea 2: Raised Platforms / Storage Bins
Description:
Crops like maize, beans, or ground nuts are stored on raised platforms or in
wooden/bamboo storage bins. This reduces contact with the soil, which often
contains pests like weevils, rodents, and fungi. The elevation also allows air to
circulate underneath, slightly reducing moisture accumulation. However, it does not
control heat transfer from the environment, so crops can still spoil during hot or
humid days.
Merits
Reduces pest and rodent attack
Improves air circulation
Cheap and commonly applied
Uses locally available materials
Demerits
Temperature inside still fluctuates with weather
No insulation against heat
Does not prevent moisture-related spoilage
Idea 3: Thatched Granaries / Local Silos
Description:
Traditional granaries or silos made from clay, mud, straw, or thatch are used in rural
areas to store grains. Thick walls provide some thermal mass, slightly stabilizing
internal temperature. They protect crops from pests and rain but often have gaps that
allow air and moisture to enter, leading to spoilage during hot or humid conditions.
Merits
Moderate protection against pests and rodents
Uses locally available materials
Culturally accepted
Thick walls provide limited insulation
Demerits
Limited control of temperature and humidity
Prone to spoilage during extreme heat or humidity
Construction requires skill
Idea 4: Metal Drums with Covers
Description:
Metal drums or barrels with fitted covers provide a better seal than sacks, helping
prevent pest entry. However, metal conducts heat very well, so the internal
temperature quickly rises with sunlight or ambient heat. Moisture may condense
inside, causing mold growth.
Merits
Prevents some pest entry
Easy to seal
Affordable
Durable and reusable
Demerits
Metal conducts heat quickly, causing internal temperature fluctuations
No insulation
Condensation may occur, leading to moisture-related spoilage
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas / Possible
Design Solutions
Idea 1: Double-Wall Insulated Storage Box
Description:
A storage box with two layers of walls, with insulating material (e.g., sawdust, dry
grass, or foam) in between. The trapped air reduces heat conduction, keeping the
internal temperature more stable. The box can be made of wood or cardboard.
Merits
Reduces heat transfer into the storage system
Maintains more stable internal temperature
Simple to construct with locally available materials
Demerits
Requires more materials than ordinary boxes
Slightly higher construction cost
Only reduces heat by conduction; does not actively cool crops
Idea 2: Reflective Surface Storage Box
Description:
A storage container covered with reflective material such as aluminium foil or light-
colored paint. This reduces radiative heat gain from sunlight. It can be combined with
a single or double-wall structure for extra insulation.
Merits
Reduces heating from solar radiation
Lightweight and inexpensive
Can be applied to existing containers
Demerits
Only addresses radiation, not conduction or convection
Less effective in very hot climates without additional insulation
1. Idea 3: Evaporative Cooling Storage Chamber
Description:
A storage chamber using the principle of evaporative cooling. The design consists of
two porous walls with water or wet sand in between. As water evaporates, it absorbs
heat from the inner chamber, lowering the temperature inside. This method actively
cools crops without electricity.
Merits
Actively lowers internal temperature
Uses no electricity; environmentally friendly
Effective in hot, dry climates
Reduces microbial activity and slows crop respiration
Demerits
Requires a constant water supply
Less effective in humid environments
Construction may be more complex than simple boxes
Idea 4: Integrated Storage System (Insulation + Reflective +
Evaporative Cooling)
Description:
A combined design using double-wall insulation, reflective surfaces, and evaporative
cooling. This integrated approach minimizes heat transfer by conduction, convection,
and radiation while actively cooling the storage chamber.
Merits
Maximizes reduction of heat transfer
Maintains stable, lower temperature inside
Can significantly reduce post-harvest crop losses
Practical for small- to medium-scale farmers if water and materials are
available
Demerits
Higher initial construction cost
Requires more planning and maintenance
Water supply needed for evaporative cooling
Stage 4: Development / Refinement of
Chosen Design
4.1 Indication of Choice
The chosen design is the Integrated Storage System combining double-wall insulation,
reflective surfaces, and evaporative cooling. This design addresses the main cause of post-
harvest crop spoilage: heat transfer and temperature fluctuations.
4.2 Justification of Choice
Reduces heat transfer: Double-wall insulation slows conduction, reflective surfaces
minimize radiative heat, and evaporative cooling actively removes heat.
Maintains stable temperature: Keeps internal temperature lower and more
constant, slowing crop respiration and microbial growth.
Environmentally friendly: Uses no electricity, relying on natural principles of heat
transfer and evaporation.
Reduces spoilage: Helps preserve crop quality, extend shelf-life, and increase market
value.
Practical for small-scale farmers: Can be constructed from locally available
materials (wood, sand, sawdust, clay, or aluminium foil).
4.3 Developments / Refinements
Refinement 1: Storage Structure Design
Two-layer walls with insulating material such as sawdust, dry grass, or foam
between layers.
Inner chamber designed to fit a moderate quantity of crops for small-scale farmers.
Gaps sealed to reduce convection.
Refinement 2: Reflective Surface
Outer walls coated with white paint or aluminium foil to reflect solar radiation.
Minimizes heat entering via radiation.
Refinement 3: Evaporative Cooling Mechanism
Water or wet sand placed between walls to allow evaporation.
Heat from the inner chamber is absorbed by the evaporating water, reducing internal
temperature.
Ventilation holes designed carefully to allow air flow for evaporation while
minimizing heat gain.
Refinement 4: Temperature Monitoring and Optimization
Thermometers or simple temperature sensors to monitor internal temperature.
Evaluate design by comparing temperature fluctuations with traditional storage.
Adjust water quantity or insulation thickness for optimal cooling.
4.3 Description of the Design in Practice
Double-Wall Insulation
The storage chamber has two walls with insulating material (e.g., sawdust or
foam) between them.
The trapped air reduces conduction, slowing the transfer of heat from the
environment to the crops.
This keeps the internal temperature relatively stable, even during hot days.
Reflective Surface
The outer walls are covered with white paint or aluminium foil, which reflects
incoming solar radiation.
This reduces heat gain through radiation, especially during sunny periods.
Evaporative Cooling
Water or wet sand is placed between the walls or on the outer layer.
As water evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from the inner chamber, lowering
the internal temperature.
Controlled ventilation allows air to carry away the evaporated water while
minimizing heat entering the chamber.
Temperature Monitoring
Simple thermometers or sensors can be used to monitor internal temperature.
Adjustments to insulation thickness, reflective surfaces, or water quantity can
optimize cooling performance.
4.4 Outcomes
Reduced Internal Temperature
The combination of insulation, reflective surfaces, and evaporative cooling
should lower the temperature inside the storage chamber by several degrees
compared to ordinary storage.
Slower Crop Respiration and Microbial Growth
Cooler temperatures reduce crop respiration and microbial activity, slowing
spoilage.
Extended Shelf-Life
Crops remain fresher for a longer period, reducing post-harvest losses.
Improved Crop Quality and Market Value
Less spoilage ensures higher-quality produce that can fetch better prices.
Environmentally Friendly
The system requires no electricity, relying on passive and natural cooling
principles.
4.5 Physics Explanation
Conduction: Insulating materials reduce heat flow through the walls.
Convection: Ventilation is minimized inside the chamber to prevent warm air from
circulating with the crops.
Radiation: Reflective surfaces bounce off sunlight, reducing heat gain.
Evaporation (Latent Heat): Water absorbs energy while changing phase, actively
cooling the storage chamber.
Stage 5: Presentation of results
ADVANTAGES
Crops have a longer shelf life
the insulation can be adjusted
Less spoilage of crops hence the crops have their original quality at the market
Cheap and requires no electricity though functions as good as a refrigerator
It is easy to transport (portable)
DISADVANTAGES
construction costs may be high
requires regular maintenance
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
6.1 Relevance to Statement of Intent
The designed portable evaporative cooling storage system successfully addresses the aim of
the project, which is to reduce post-harvest crop losses using a physics-based solution. The
design uses several physical principles such as heat transfer, insulation, radiation reflection,
and evaporative cooling to maintain a lower temperature inside the storage chamber.
The double-wall structure filled with insulating materials reduces heat transfer by
conduction, while the reflective outer surface minimizes heat gain from solar radiation. In
addition, the evaporative cooling system removes heat from the chamber as water
evaporates. These combined mechanisms help to preserve crops for longer periods and
maintain their quality.
The design is also portable and simple enough to be constructed by students or small-scale
farmers using locally available materials.
6.2 Challenges Encountered
Some possible challenges that may affect the performance of the system include:
Limited availability of suitable insulating materials.
Continuous water supply required for evaporative cooling.
Reduced efficiency of evaporative cooling in humid weather.
Possible damage to wooden or cardboard structures over time.
Difficulty maintaining stable internal temperature if the system is frequently opened.
6.3 Possible Solutions
To overcome the challenges identified above, the following solutions can be implemented:
Use locally available insulation materials: Materials such as sawdust, straw, dry
grass, or shredded paper can replace commercial insulation materials.
Rainwater collection: A small container can be used to collect rainwater to supply
the evaporative cooling system.
Improve ventilation design: Adjustable ventilation holes can help regulate airflow
and maintain cooling efficiency.
Use stronger materials: Replacing cardboard with plywood or treated wood can
improve durability.
Proper usage practices: Limiting the frequency of opening the storage chamber will
help maintain lower internal temperatures.
6.4 Recommendations
To improve the performance and practicality of the design, the following recommendations
are proposed:
Increase the thickness of the insulation layer to further reduce heat transfer.
Add a simple temperature indicator or thermometer to monitor internal temperature.
Use stronger wheels and handles to improve portability.
Conduct further testing with different crops to determine the most suitable storage
conditions.
Educate farmers and students on how to construct and maintain the storage system.
6.5 Conclusion
The portable evaporative cooling storage system provides a practical and affordable solution
to reduce post-harvest losses. By applying physics principles such as insulation, heat
reflection, and evaporative cooling, the design can help maintain lower temperatures and
extend the shelf life of agricultural produce.
Although some challenges exist, they can be addressed through proper materials, improved
design, and correct usage. With further development and adoption, this system has the
potential to benefit small-scale farmers by reducing crop spoilage and improving food
security.