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The challenges and solutions for cold chain in high-traffic urban environments

on May 8, 2024 by Charlie Todd Industry 100 views

Urbanization is a global trend that presents unique challenges and opportunities for the cold chain industry. With over 55{42f22524752c9315c5fc620fcf827f5a9ba4a5ec7392f3dd6acee0af5a0eb151} of the world’s population now living in urban areas—a figure projected to rise to 68{42f22524752c9315c5fc620fcf827f5a9ba4a5ec7392f3dd6acee0af5a0eb151} by 2050 according to the united nations—ensuring the efficient operation of cold chains in high-traffic urban environments has become increasingly critical. This blog post explores the complex challenges faced by cold chain logistics in densely populated cities and highlights innovative solutions that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles.

Urban cold chain challenges

Congestion and accessibility:

One of the primary challenges in urban cold chain logistics is traffic congestion, which can lead to significant delays in the delivery of temperature-sensitive products. Narrow streets and restricted areas further complicate accessibility, increasing the risk of product spoilage.

Statistical insight:

According to a study by the texas a&m transportation institute, traffic congestion causes over $160 billion in lost productivity annually in the united states alone, significantly impacting logistics operations including the cold chain.

Energy efficiency and environmental concerns:

Urban areas are also hotspots for environmental concerns, with emissions from refrigerated transport contributing to air pollution and climate change. Traditional refrigeration units used in vehicles and storage facilities are energy-intensive and often rely on greenhouse gas-emitting refrigerants.

Innovation in focus:

Advances in electric and hybrid refrigeration units are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of urban cold chains. Companies like carrier and thermo king are leading the way in developing more sustainable refrigeration technologies for vehicles and warehouses.

Innovative solutions for urban cold chains

Micro-fulfillment centers: to tackle congestion and accessibility issues, businesses are turning to micro-fulfillment centers (mfcs) located within or near urban centers. These smaller distribution hubs can expedite the delivery process, reduce travel distances, and improve the overall efficiency of the cold chain.

Case study:

In new york city, companies like amazon fresh and ocado have established mfcs to facilitate faster delivery of perishable goods, demonstrating a significant reduction in delivery times and improved customer satisfaction.

Urban vertical farming:

Urban vertical farms offer a sustainable solution to reduce the cold chain’s length by growing produce directly in cities. These high-tech farms use controlled environments to produce fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, minimizing the need for long-distance transportation and refrigeration.

Success story:

Aerofarms, a leader in vertical farming, operates several facilities in urban areas, supplying local supermarkets with fresh produce that requires minimal transportation and refrigeration, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Advanced packaging technologies:

Innovative packaging solutions are being developed to maintain the temperature integrity of perishable goods during transit. These include phase change materials (pcms), insulated containers, and smart packaging that can monitor and report the temperature in real-time.

Technology spotlight:

Smart packaging equipped with iot sensors is becoming increasingly popular, allowing companies to monitor the condition of goods in real-time and take corrective actions if temperatures deviate from the required range.

Eco-friendly refrigerated transport:

Electric and hybrid refrigerated vehicles are emerging as a solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional refrigerated transport. These vehicles produce fewer emissions and are better suited for navigating urban environments.

Pioneering effort:

In london, the adoption of electric refrigerated vans for last-mile delivery of perishable goods has been shown to reduce emissions by up to 40{42f22524752c9315c5fc620fcf827f5a9ba4a5ec7392f3dd6acee0af5a0eb151} compared to diesel vans, according to a study by the university of cambridge.

Conclusion

The challenges of managing cold chains in high-traffic urban environments are significant but not insurmountable. Through innovative approaches such as micro-fulfillment centers, urban vertical farming, advanced packaging technologies, and eco-friendly refrigerated transport, businesses can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban cold chains. As cities continue to grow, these solutions will play a vital role in ensuring the timely, safe, and environmentally responsible delivery of temperature-sensitive products to urban consumers.

Industry

Aluminium Profiling and Its Diverse Applications

on December 2, 2023 by Andrew Jones Industry 132 views

Introduction:

As we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of our exploration into the world of materials and manufacturing processes, it’s only fitting that we delve into the realm of aluminium profiling – a crucial technique that has revolutionized industries across the globe. Aluminium, known for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties, becomes even more versatile when subjected to profiling, opening up a myriad of applications that span from aerospace to construction.

Understanding Aluminium Profiling:

Aluminium profiling involves the shaping and manipulation of aluminium profiles or extrusions to achieve specific designs and functionalities. This process typically employs techniques such as cutting, bending, machining, and finishing to create customized shapes suited to various applications. The versatility of aluminium allows it to be easily transformed into intricate profiles, making it an ideal material for a wide range of industries.

Aerospace Advancements:

One of the primary beneficiaries of aluminium profiling is the aerospace industry. Aircraft, satellites, and space shuttles rely heavily on aluminium profiles for their structural components. The lightweight nature of aluminium helps reduce overall aircraft weight, contributing to fuel efficiency and improved performance. Profiling allows manufacturers to create complex structures that meet the stringent standards of aerospace engineering, ensuring safety and reliability in every flight.

Architectural Marvels:

In the realm of architecture, aluminium profiling has become synonymous with modernity and innovation. From sleek facades to durable window frames, architects and builders turn to aluminium for its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The ability to create custom profiles ensures that architects can bring their design visions to life, whether it’s for residential homes or towering skyscrapers. Additionally, the corrosion-resistant properties of aluminium make it an excellent choice for structures in diverse environmental conditions.

Renewable Energy Solutions:

As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, aluminium profile plays a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector. Solar panel frames, wind turbine components, and other renewable energy infrastructure often utilize aluminium profiles due to their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. The lightweight nature of aluminium also contributes to easier transportation and installation, reducing the overall environmental impact of renewable energy projects.

Transportation Evolution:

Aluminium profiling has significantly impacted the automotive and transportation industries. From car frames to railway components, the use of aluminium profiles enhances fuel efficiency without compromising on safety. Lightweight vehicles consume less fuel, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. The versatility of aluminium allows manufacturers to experiment with designs, creating vehicles that are not only eco-friendly but also visually appealing.

Consumer Electronics and Beyond:

In the realm of consumer electronics, aluminium profiling has become a staple. Laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices often feature aluminium exteriors, combining aesthetics with functionality. The excellent thermal conductivity of aluminium also makes it an ideal material for heat sinks in electronic devices, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Industry

How Factories Benefit From The Installation Of Solar Cell

on October 25, 2022 by Charlie Todd Industry 260 views

Solar energy from the sun can meet the huge global need for a year. The Sun is the most powerful source in the universe. Yet we are unable to collect a fraction of its energy. However, with industrial solar cell installation (ติดตั้งโซล่าเซลล์โรงงาน, which is the term in Thai) and solar power installation, one can create a drastic difference in this planet.

Solar power system gains clean and pure energy from the sun. Hence installing solar modules can combat the dependency of people on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here are a few benefits of installing solar cells in industrial belts.

● Electricity Saving

Electricity costs are rising day by day. The bill for the warehouse represents 15{4d41e8de783dc72247934c88b72fa73fd0fbc65984ee900f81ca57b33331f686} to 20{4d41e8de783dc72247934c88b72fa73fd0fbc65984ee900f81ca57b33331f686} of the total cost. Industry or business uses a lot of electricity to power the equipment or the interior and exterior lights. Hence the best way to control the cost is to find an alternative source of energy like solar energy.

● Protection Against Increasing Power Cost

The cost of electricity is rising at an alarming rate. Over the past few years, this has been a reason for concern for many. All Solar Energy provides a more sustainable and fixed-cost solution. This solution, however, comes with a life span of 25 to 30 years. Monitoring and maintaining the bills of your solar energy are cheap.

● Increase In The Value Of Property

Installing solar planets in industrial areas can increase the value of the place. For instance, if the factory or warehouse is meant for renting, it can help you to get quick clients. The increasing value of energy efficiency is convenient for every individual.

● Reduce Carbon Emission

Reducing the footprints and saving the planet is the need of the hour. Unlike any other fossil fuels, the energy from the Solar installation generates electricity with no inputs other than the sunlight and no ssh and waste products.

Nowadays, more companies are approaching the appliances and technology that produce low carbon emissions.

● Roof Protection

Industrial solar cell installation on the roof can help cool down the roof from the harsh sun rays. Solar panel absorbs the light to produce power and protect the roof of the factory and warehouse from direct sunlight.

At the same time, this solution helps reduce the facility’s temperature while making it convenient for the owner. With so many advantages, why would anyone not opt for solar cell installation in commercial space?

Industry

What Can a Laser Cutter Cut? The Many Uses of a Laser Cutter

on August 29, 2022 by Andrew Jones Industry 301 views

Laser cutters are amazing machines that can cut through a variety of materials with speed and precision. It’s no wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of industries like woodworking, metalworking, and even fabricating. But what exactly can a laser cutter cut? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common materials that laser cutters can handle so that you can get a better idea of the capabilities of this amazing machine.

What Does a Laser Cutter Cut?

Laser cutters can cut through various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and even fabric. When it comes to cutting wood, laser cutters can produce clean and precise cuts that would be difficult to achieve with traditional woodworking tools. This makes them ideal for cutting intricate designs or for quickly cutting large pieces of wood to size. Plus, laser cutters can also engrave images or text into the wood, making them a versatile tool for any woodworking project. It’s no wonder that laser cutters are becoming a staple in many woodworking shops as well as in many home garages and workshops.

When it comes to metal, laser cutters can handle a variety of metals, including aluminum, brass, copper, and even stainless steel. They can also cut through thicker metals, like sheet metal, with ease. However, the only thing that you need to ensure is to know whether you need fume extraction for the laser marking system so that the fumes don’t become a health hazard. This is crucial because metals can release harmful fumes when they are cut with a laser and lead to serious health problems like lung cancer.

What Other Factors Should You Consider When Cutting Metal with a Laser?

When cutting metal with a laser, you need to consider the type of metal you’re working with, as well as the thickness of the metal. Different metals will require different settings on the laser cutter in order to cut through them properly. For example, aluminum will require a lower power setting than brass, and thicker metals will require higher power settings. You also need to take into account the type of finish you want on the metal. If you’re looking for a polished finish, then you’ll need to use a different setting than if you’re looking for a more textured finish.

Finally, you need to consider the environmental factors in your workspace, like installing an extraction system as well. This is important because laser cutters produce a lot of heat and can release harmful fumes into the air. By installing a laser cutter extraction, you can ensure that the air in your workspace is clean and safe to breathe. Also, make sure that you have proper ventilation in your workspace so that the fumes can be properly dispersed.

To Conclude

Laser cutters are an amazing tool that can be used to cut through a variety of materials. And by understanding the capabilities of this machine, you can ensure that you’re using it properly and safely in your workspace. So, do not forget to take the necessary safety precautions and always consult the user manual that came with your machine. Happy cutting!