Phase Change Materials + Solar PV:
Coolinno Provides a Green and Energy-Saving Solution for Cold Storage and Cold Chain Logistics

With the rapid development of the cold chain logistics industry, ensuring continuous low-temperature operation in cold storage facilities and reefer trucks—especially in areas with unstable power supply or frequent blackouts—has become a critical pain point. Germany-based Coolinno combines Phase Change Materials (PCMs) with solar photovoltaic technology to deliver an efficient, energy-saving, and reliable temperature control solution for the cold chain industry.

Challenges Faced by Cold Storage Facilities and Reefer Trucks

In many regions, particularly remote villages, islands, or areas with weak power infrastructure, cold storage and reefer trucks often encounter:

1、Unstable power supply with significant voltage fluctuations;

2、High electricity costs;

3、Frequent power outages leading to temperature fluctuations and significant cargo loss;

4、High operating costs and pollution from diesel generator backups.

Traditional refrigeration methods rely on continuous electricity to run compressors. Once a power outage occurs, temperatures rise rapidly, potentially spoiling food, medicine, and other temperature-sensitive goods within hours. This represents not only an economic loss but also a public safety risk.

Phase Change Materials: The Key to Passive Cold Storage

PCMs can absorb or release large amounts of latent heat at a constant temperature. Coolinno encapsulates high-latent-heat, chemically stable PCMs into modules or panels, which are then installed inside cold storage rooms or within the insulated walls of reefer trucks.

Working Principle:

When electricity prices are low or solar PV generation is sufficient, the refrigeration system operates, and the PCM "freezes" to store cold energy. During a power outage or when electricity is insufficient, the PCM slowly "melts" to absorb heat, maintaining the internal temperature within the set range (e.g., -18°C, 2–8°C, etc.).

Practical Effect:

Temperature stability can be extended by 8 to 24 hours, significantly reducing the risk of temperature excursions due to power loss.

Integration with Solar PV: Zero-Electricity-Cost Cold Chain

Coolinno deeply integrates PCMs with solar PV systems.

Daytime PV Power Supply:

During the day, PV panels installed on rooftops or vehicle roofs generate electricity to power the refrigeration unit, cooling the cold storage or reefer truck while simultaneously storing excess cold energy in the PCMs.

Night or Low-Light Conditions – Using Stored Cold Energy:
After sunset, the refrigeration system stops or runs at low power, relying entirely on the PCMs to release stored cold energy and maintain low temperatures.

Reduced Battery Dependency:

Compared to pure electrochemical energy storage, PCM-based cold storage systems have lower costs, longer service lives, and no fire risk, making them particularly suitable for cold chain applications.

Practical Advantages of Coolinno's Solution

Energy savings exceeding 50%: By shifting cooling loads and using direct PV power, grid electricity costs are significantly reduced.

No temperature rise during power outages: Even in areas with frequent blackouts, stable temperatures can be maintained for 24 hours, reducing cargo loss rates to below 1%.

Short payback period: Compared to diesel generator solutions, Coolinno's solar-cold coupling system recovers its additional costs within 2–3 years.

Environmentally friendly and low-carbon: Reduces diesel consumption and electricity waste, supporting carbon neutrality goals.

Application Cases

In a remote farm in Africa, Coolinno built a 50 m³ solar PV + PCM cold storage facility. The local area experiences 6–8 hours of power outages daily. After installation:

1、Fruit and vegetable shelf life was extended from 2 days to 14 days;

2、Approximately 40,000 RMB (approx. $5,500 USD) was saved annually in diesel costs;

3、The system operated for 2 years without any failures.

In another case, a cold chain transport company adopted Coolinno's PCM-equipped reefer trucks, combined with flexible rooftop PV panels. Even during power outages on a single trip, the truck could maintain -18°C for up to 12 hours, completely solving the problem of temperature control interruptions during long-distance deliveries.

Future Outlook

Coolinno will continue to optimize PCM phase change temperature ranges and thermal storage density, while developing intelligent control systems that automatically adjust charging/discharging strategies based on weather forecasts, electricity price signals, and solar PV power output. We believe that the combination of PCMs and solar PV will become the standard configuration for cold chain infrastructure in off-grid and power-unstable areas.

From cold storage warehouses to reefer trucks, Coolinno places PCMs at the core and solar PV as the driving force, delivering safer, more economical, and greener temperature control solutions for the global cold chain logistics industry.

If you are facing power supply instability or looking to reduce cold chain operating costs, please contact us for a customized energy-saving solution.