Beyond scenario cases, cold storage selection hinges on matching technical parameters to operational needs and prioritizing functions—avoiding blind parameter pursuit for long-term stability.

1. Core Technical Parameters

Calculate three key indicators instead of following trends:

Cooling Capacity: Determined by space “heat load” (goods, environment, internal equipment). A 20m³ unit needs 3-5kW for vegetables (high heat) but 2-3kW for frozen meat (low heat). Over-matching causes frequent compressor starts (higher energy/wear); under-matching fails to reach set temperatures.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): Prioritize “annual average EER” over nominal values. Inverter units have 20-30% higher annual EER than fixed-speed ones (good for fluctuating demands). China’s first-level energy efficiency units save 15-25% yearly on electricity vs. secondary ones.

Temperature Control: Ensure adjustable range covers needs (e.g., -5℃ to 10℃ units don’t suit -20℃ to -30℃ storage). Precision aligns with goods: ±0.5℃ for pharmaceuticals/pastries, ±2℃ for general produce.

2. Functional Prioritization

Rank by usage frequency and risk:

High-Priority: Over-temperature alarm (prevents spoilage), compressor overload protection (avoids burnout), and adjustable automatic defrosting (for 24/7 use, prevents inefficiency/waste).

Medium-Priority: Remote monitoring (multi-site management) and energy-saving mode (off-peak adjustment).

Low-Priority: Decorative features (stainless steel shell for non-corrosive areas) or touchscreens (basic panels work for simple use)—these add cost without big performance gains.

3. Supporting System Compatibility

Insulation: Match cooling capacity to insulation. Poor insulation (thin boards, gaps) forces non-stop unit operation; every 10mm insulation increase (≤100mm) cuts required cooling capacity by 5-8%.

Power: Align voltage/frequency with on-site supply. Rural areas need built-in stabilizers (±10% fluctuation). Use 380V three-phase power for ≥50m³ units, 220V single-phase for ≤20m³ units.