Topic of Research Seminar: A Sustainable Product Design Framework for Cold Storage Systems in Agricultural Supply Chain Applications
Abstract: Post-harvest losses remain a critical impediment to food security and economic development in agricultural economies, particularly within low-resource and rural contexts. This research undertakes the sustainable product design and development of a decentralized cold storage system intended to strengthen the resilience and continuity of perishable agricultural supply chains. Employing a user-centered design framework grounded in sustainable engineering principles, the study proposes a modular and energy-efficient cold storage unit tailored to the operational realities of small and medium-scale farmers. Emphasis is placed on the integration of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, in conjunction with high-performance insulation and the utilization of locally sourced, environmentally sustainable materials. A functional prototype was developed and subjected to empirical evaluation under controlled and field conditions. Performance was assessed in terms of thermal efficiency, energy consumption, post-harvest spoilage reduction, and end-user acceptance. The results indicate a marked improvement in post-harvest preservation, with substantial reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable product innovation and decentralized cold chain infrastructure, offering a replicable and context-appropriate solution for enhancing agri-food supply chain resilience in emerging economies.
Subject field of Topic: Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Name of Speaker: Afnan Ahmed Gilani
Professional Rank of Speaker: PhD Scholar
University Email of Speaker: [email protected]
Research Group Weblink: smme.nust.edu.pk
Affiliation of Speaker: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME-NUST)
Date and Venue: Tuesday 24th June 2025 from 1600hrs to 1630hrs in DME conference room, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), NUST Islamabad