Environmentally controlled storage facility for potatoes and other crops

摘要

Facilities for storing large quantities of potatoes, other tubers, vegetables, produce, and/or other crops are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a facility configured in accordance with the present technology circulates air from a pile of potatoes into one or more ceiling cavities above the potatoes to warm ceiling panels. Aspects of this embodiment can reduce undesirable water formation on the potatoes.

主权项

1. A potato storage facility comprising:
a potato storage bay; an air plenum extending adjacent the potato storage bay; at least one air inlet configured to receive air from outside the potato storage facility; at least a first air mover configured to move the air from the air inlet through the air plenum, wherein the air plenum has a first cross-sectional area toward a first end portion that receives air from the first air mover, and a second cross-sectional area, less than the first cross-sectional area, toward a second end portion that is downstream from the first end portion; a plurality of ventilation ducts extending across a floor portion of the potato storage bay, wherein each of the ventilation ducts is configured to receive a portion of the air flowing through the air plenum, and wherein each of the ventilation ducts includes a plurality of apertures for flowing the air upwardly through a pile of potatoes disposed thereon; a ceiling panel disposed directly above the potato storage bay; and at least a second air mover configured to circulate at least a portion of the air flowing upwardly through the pile of potatoes through an air passage extending above the ceiling panel.