Building a physics-based virtual refrigerated container filled with fruit in ventilated packaging

We build a validated physics-based model of a refrigerated container filled with fruit in ventilated packaging. This model of a virtual container is the basis for simulations in an accompanying paper on citrus fruit shipped overseas from South Africa to Europe. The model is used to understand better how the cargo cools and when and where food quality is lost in these supply chains. We build a computational fluid dynamics model with a two-phase porous media approach that simulates the airflow in the container and the cooling process of every fruit. This container can be considered aerodynamically to be a slot-ventilated enclosure. We also model the fruit's thermally-driven quality loss. Using a two-phase porous media approach for the ventilated cargo and modeling temperature-driven fruit quality evolution are two steps forward compared to most existing physics-based refrigerated container models. We validate the porous media model implementation. We define and apply actionable metrics for every fruit inside the cargo, such as remaining shelf life upon arrival and seven-eighths cooling time.•This model can help reduce food loss and increase supply-chain resilience.•This model is an essential building block of a refrigerated container's digital twin.•This model can support stakeholders in improving cargo temperature control and resulting fruit quality preservation.