Introduction
In the fisheries industry, it’s crucial to keep seafood fresh and safe from the time it’s caught until it reaches our plates. Many people depend on fisheries for their livelihoods, but they face big problems like keeping food safe, preventing spoilage, and managing high costs. Traditional ways of keeping seafood cool often don’t work well enough. Tan90Thermal’s innovative inorganic phase change materials (PCMs) offer a better way to solve these problems, making seafood safer and cutting costs. This blog explains how Tan90Thermal’s cooling as a service PMCs are changing the fisheries industry for the better.
Why Temperature Control is Important in PCM Fisheries
Keeping the right temperature throughout the fisheries supply chain—from catching and processing to storing and transporting—is essential. If the temperature isn’t controlled properly, seafood can spoil, lose quality, and even become unsafe to eat.
Food Safety
Seafood needs to be kept at the right temperature to stop harmful bacteria from growing. Proper temperature control ensures the seafood stays safe to eat.
Product Quality
Maintaining a consistent temperature helps keep the texture, taste, and nutrition of seafood. This is important to meet consumer expectations and stay competitive.
Regulatory Compliance
Fisheries must follow strict rules about keeping seafood at specific temperatures. Not meeting these standards can lead to fines, product recalls, and a damaged reputation.
Problems with Traditional cooling as a service Methods
Traditional methods like using ice, mechanical refrigeration, and insulated containers have several drawbacks:
Inconsistent Temperature Control
Ice and traditional refrigeration often fail to keep a steady temperature, especially during transport. Fluctuations can cause food safety and quality issues, leading to spoilage and waste.
High Energy Costs
Mechanical refrigeration systems use a lot of energy, leading to high costs. This is a bigger problem in areas with expensive or unreliable electricity.
Logistical Challenges
Using ice for cooling requires making, transporting, and managing ice, which adds complexity and costs to the supply chain.
Environmental Impact
Traditional refrigeration often uses refrigerants that are harmful to the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and damaging the ozone layer.
Tan90Thermal’s Inorganic PCMs: A Smart Solution
Tan90Thermal’s advanced inorganic PCMs offer a new and better way to tackle these issues. These materials can absorb and release heat during their melting and freezing processes, providing efficient temperature control.
How Inorganic PCMs Work
Inorganic PCMs, like salt hydrates and metallic alloys, are excellent for managing temperature because they have high thermal conductivity, stability, and are non-flammable. They can store a lot of thermal energy at specific temperatures and release it when needed to keep conditions stable.
Energy Absorption
When the temperature goes above the PCM’s melting point, it absorbs excess heat, preventing temperature spikes.
Energy Release
When the temperature drops below the PCM’s freezing point, it releases stored heat, preventing temperature drops.
Benefits for Fisheries
Using Tan90Thermal’s inorganic PCMs in the fisheries supply chain brings several benefits:
Consistent Temperature Control
PCMs keep temperatures steady, ensuring seafood stays within the safe range throughout the supply chain. This helps maintain food safety and quality, crucial for customer satisfaction and following regulations.
Energy Efficiency
PCMs reduce the need for traditional refrigeration systems, lowering energy use and costs. This is especially helpful in areas with limited energy resources.
Reduced Spoilage
Better temperature control means less spoilage, reducing waste and increasing profits. This is vital in an industry where product loss can significantly impact finances.
Simplified Logistics
PCMs simplify logistics by reducing the need for making, transporting, and managing ice. This streamlines operations, cuts costs, and lowers the environmental impact.
Environmental Sustainability
Inorganic PCMs are eco-friendly, reducing the need for harmful refrigerants and decreasing the overall carbon footprint of fisheries operations. This meets the demand for more sustainable solutions.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
Tan90Thermal’s inorganic PCMs are already making a difference in the fisheries industry, improving safety and cutting costs at various stages of the supply chain.
On-Board Storage and Harvesting
Fishing boats with PCM-based cooling as a service system can keep seafood fresh from the moment it’s caught, ensuring safety during the initial supply chain stages.
Case Study: A fishing fleet in Southeast Asia used Tan90Thermal’s PCM technology on their boats. This led to less spoilage and better seafood quality when the catch reached processing facilities. The fleet also used less fuel because they didn’t need to rely as much on mechanical refrigeration.
Processing and Packaging
Keeping the cold chain intact during processing and packaging is crucial. PCM-based systems provide reliable cooling throughout these stages.
Case Study: A seafood processing plant in Europe used Tan90Thermal’s PCMs in its cold storage and packaging areas. The plant saw a 30% drop in energy costs and better compliance with food safety rules. Steady temperature control also improved product quality and shelf life.
Transportation and Distribution
During transport, temperature fluctuations are common. PCM-based cooling solutions keep seafood within the right temperature range during transit.
Case Study: A seafood distributor in North America adopted Tan90Thermal’s PCM technology for their refrigerated trucks and containers. This cut transportation costs by 25% and reduced spoilage rates. Customers were happier with the higher quality of delivered products.
Retail and End-Use
In stores, keeping seafood cold ensures it stays safe and fresh for consumers. PCM-based systems can be used in display cases and storage units to improve temperature control.
Case Study: A supermarket chain in Australia implemented PCM-based cooling in their seafood displays and storage areas. They reported a 20% drop in energy use and fewer cases of product spoilage. Customers appreciated the high-quality seafood, leading to increased sales and loyalty.
Future Directions: Expanding the Use of Inorganic PCMs in Fisheries
The success of Tan90Thermal’s inorganic PCMs suggests many new ways to improve the fisheries industry.
Integration with Smart Technologies
Combining PCMs with smart technologies can create systems that adapt and optimize temperature control in real-time.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors can track temperature and adjust PCM performance to keep optimal conditions.
- Predictive Maintenance: IoT-enabled systems can predict maintenance needs based on usage and performance, ensuring reliable operation and reducing downtime.
Synergy with Renewable Energy
Using PCMs with renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, can make fisheries operations more sustainable.
- Solar-Powered Cooling: PCMs can store extra thermal energy from solar panels during the day and release it at night, providing continuous cooling without relying on grid electricity.
- Wind-Powered Systems: Wind-generated electricity can power PCM-based cooling systems, reducing the carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency.
Expanding Access in Developing Regions
Making PCM technology available in developing regions can boost the fisheries industry where it’s crucial for the economy.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Work with governments, NGOs, and industry groups to promote PCM technology in fisheries.
- Educational Initiatives: Educate fishers, processors, and distributors about the benefits and uses of PCMs.
- Incentive Programs: Develop programs to financially support the adoption of energy-efficient cooling solutions.
Conclusion
Tan90Thermal’s advanced inorganic PCMs are a big step forward in creating more efficient and safer cooling solutions for the fisheries industry. They provide consistent temperature control, cut energy costs, and improve food safety, solving the problems of traditional cooling methods.
Real-world examples show how PCM technology is transforming various stages of the fisheries supply chain. As the industry evolves, integrating smart technologies and renewable energy sources promises even greater efficiency and sustainability.
To maximize the benefits of PCM technology, expanding access through partnerships, education, and incentives will be essential. In a world facing energy challenges and environmental concerns, Tan90Thermal’s inorganic PCMs offer an innovative path forward, combining efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
By adopting these advanced materials, the fisheries sector can enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability, and contribute to global sustainability goals. Tan90Thermal’s commitment to revolutionizing cooling solutions with inorganic PCMs showcases the power of innovation in addressing key challenges in the fisheries industry.
