Design and Development of Modular Customised Ration Storage System Silo for Service Specific Applications during Peak Winters at High Altitude Area

Abstract

Conceptualisation of design and development of modular and customised ration storage system for Army rations sustainable up to -40°C was carried out. The Indian Armed Forces operate under various climatic conditions, which are inhospitable for cooking, storing fresh/perishable food products and carrying rations for their survival during an emergency. Hence, there was an ever-existent demand for a customised, user-friendly ration storage system. Considering a number of user-friendly features, a system has been designed comprising modular unit structures with insulated wall panels containing Polyurethane foam (PUF) sandwiched between metallic and composite material claddings. An insulated structure is required to maintain the temperature at high altitudes during extreme low-temperature conditions. The temperature and humidity are regulated and maintained using solar panels and humidly modulators. The modular structure with individual temperature and humidity control is suitable for the safe storage and preservation of fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, and milk and animal products. In case of perishable commodities of Defense supplies inclusive of leafy and tender vegetables, juicy fresh fruits, egg, chocolates, meat carcasses stored in silo are safe as its insulated structure ensures no freezing even upto -25° Celsius hence protects them from quality damage due to subzero temperature exposure and abuse. Therefore, the normal convention of the expected shelf life for each such commodity was extended approximately double the normal shelf life expected. An extensive design process involving CAD modelling followed by mechanical load simulation and analysis resulted in a robust and capable system. Each compartmentalised segment caters for an average one-ton material depending on the nature of the material. The system is suitable to store 3 tons of ration at a time to address the requirement of 100 individuals for 60 days in monsoon cut off and peak winter cut-off posts. Total energy consumption under fully load condition is approx. 2KW to maintain peak temperature gradient of 45-50°C.The outer surface of the structure can be camouflaged. The well-insulated structure ensures zero leakage and is sturdy to withstand a wind velocity of 60 km per hour and a standing snow load of 2 meters above it.