Solar Photovoltaic Portable Cold Storage Systems with IoT Control and Automation: A Review

Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Abstract

Post-harvest losses of perishable agricultural commodities remain high in world with limited cold-chain infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply. Solar photovoltaic-powered portable cold storage systems provide an off-grid solution by maintaining low temperature and suitable relative humidity conditions that slow respiration, moisture loss, ripening, and microbial growth in stored produce. This review examines major refrigeration technologies used in portable cold storage. The energy storage approaches i.e., phase change material (PCM)-based cold thermal energy storage maintains near-isothermal conditions and reduces compressor runtime and energy consumption were discussed. The structural design factors play key role in form of insulation materials, storage geometry, and vacuum insulated panels where are evaluated because they reduce heat transfer and improve thermal stability. The environment inside the structure play a key role where sensor network, automation control, Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) networks and artificial intelligence (AI)-based control systems supports real-time monitoring and adaptive cooling management. The current limitations of low thermal conductivity and sub-cooling behaviour of PCMs, high system cost, and limited long-term field validation also discussed. Future work should focus on high thermal conductivity PCM composites, machine learning-based performance prediction, and low-cost modular system development to improve large-scale adoption and operational reliability of clean-energy postharvest preservation systems.