Vegetable storage technology

How to Choose the Right Vegetable Storage Technology

Selecting the optimal vegetable storage system requires evaluating several factors — including budget, crop type, volume, logistics and the long-term storage goals of your facility.

There are two primary storage technologies used worldwide: bulk storage and container storage.
Each has unique strengths and technical requirements.

1. Bulk Storage

Bulk storage is widely used because it allows large volumes of produce to be stored in a cost-effective way. It is especially suitable for onions, potatoes and beets.

Air-Preparation Chamber

A stable microclimate is essential for bulk storage.
The air-preparation chamber should be located along an outer wall and separated from the internal storage room. Fresh air enters through intake valves, where humidity and temperature are adjusted using:

• Recycle valves

• Heaters

• Humidifiers

• Coolers

The conditioned air flows into the storage chamber to maintain optimal temperature, moisture and airflow.

Bulk Storage with Underfloor Ducts

In this system, high-pressure fans push conditioned air through cement underfloor ducts.
This air then moves into the storage area, where it heats, cools or ventilates the produce as required.

Waste air is mixed with fresh air through recycle or intake valves.
To prevent condensation, storage rooms are equipped with special fans, sometimes fitted with heating elements.

A centralized automated control system monitors and adjusts:

• Air temperature

• Produce temperature

• Relative humidity

• External climate conditions

This ensures precise and stable storage conditions.

Bulk Storage with Perforated Air Circuits

This option is used when installing underfloor ducts is not possible — for example, in an existing building.
A perforated metal air circuit is placed on the floor surface, distributing conditioned air through slots and ducts.

Pros

• Can be installed inside older or pre-built facilities

• Fast and relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Reduces total storage capacity by ~7%

• Air circuits may be damaged by equipment such as lift trucks, requiring replacement (approx. 10% annually)

Despite these drawbacks, the storage quality is nearly equivalent to systems with full underfloor ducting.

2. Container Storage

Container storage offers advanced microclimate control and superior crop safety, making it ideal for facilities that require:

• Selective unloading

• Fast logistics

• High-quality monitoring

• Reduced spoilage

• Mechanized handling

• The ability to store different crops in one room

It is suitable for cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic.

Main Disadvantage

The required containers increase the initial investment cost.

Types of Container Storage Technology

1. Aspiration System

Vegetables are stored in containers inside framed buildings equipped with suction fans.
Suitable for: potatoes, beets, onions and garlic.

How It Works

• A second internal wall with vertical openings is built parallel to the outer wall.

• Behind it lies the air-preparation chamber with high-pressure fans.

• Fans pull waste air from between the containers or mix it with fresh air before recirculating.

• Air temperature is controlled via intake and exhaust valves.

Containers are placed with 50 cm spacing, stacked 6–7 meters high, and covered using metal aspiration covers.

Use Cases

• Drying

• Curing

• Cooling

• Maintaining long-term storage conditions

Refrigeration may be added during hot months or when rapid temperature reduction is needed.

Advantages

• High level of crop safety

• Quick start-up and operation

• Automated control with humidity monitoring

2. Slotted Wall Storage System

A container-based system for framed buildings made from light steel structures and sandwich panels.
Suitable for: potatoes, beets, onions, garlic.

System Features

• A ventilation chamber (1.5–2 m wide) runs along the outer wall

• A false ceiling (2 m above floor level) holds high-pressure fans

• Fresh air enters through plenum valves

• Waste air exits through emission valves

• Air is pushed through horizontal wall slots directly into the containers

• Sensors monitor temperature, humidity and CO₂

• Automated controller manages fans and valves

Because airflow moves from bottom to top, lower containers receive stronger ventilation.
This system ventilates 8–10 containers, so storage length should be at least 14–15 m.

3. Pressure System

Another container storage solution for framed buildings.
Typical building widths: 12 m, 16 m, 20 m, 24 m
Optimal length: 24 m (longer buildings reduce ventilation efficiency)

How It Works

• A ventilation chamber (1.5–2 m wide) is placed along the wall

• Vertical holes (0.4–0.5 m) at 80% wall height allow air to pass into container corridors

• Self-deploying airbags channel air through the produce

• Fresh air enters through plenum valves

• Fans push air from top to bottom into the container rows

• Waste air exits naturally through intake valves

Advantages

• More intensive airflow than aspiration systems

• Higher storage quality

• Higher cost due to airbags

4. EveryAir System

An upgraded pressure system.

Key Feature

A 30 cm-wide perforated film is installed in the central passage between container rows (8–10 m from the ventilation wall).
This helps distribute air evenly throughout the entire storage, improving airflow uniformity and crop preservation.

5. Dragon-M System

A fast-build container storage technology for potatoes, carrots, cabbage and beets.
Can be installed in both framed and arched buildings.

How It Works

• Fan and cooling units are mounted on the wall or floor

• System handles everything from air preparation to delivery

• May include heating, cooling, high-pressure fans and directional air ducts

• Cold air descends between containers, then warms and recirculates

• Waste air is exhausted or mixed with fresh outside air

Units use aluminum profiles and axial blowers with air output up to 75,000 m³/h.

Strengths

• Quick to build

• Less expensive than advanced systems

• Ideal for small facilities

• Can use cold outside air in winter to reduce electricity usage

Recommendation

For stable humidity, Dragon-M should be used with humidification systems.

Looking to choose the right storage technology for your crops?