Utilizing multi-layered packaging is crucial for highly perishable products, offering enhanced protection and preservation of their quality. However, the incorporation of various scales in packaging introduces complexities in heat transfer phenomena, necessitating improved ventilation around the package to optimize heat transfer. This study aimed to develop a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to predict the airflow behavior within a half layer of a strawberry pallet. The half layer comprised two trays, each containing 16 airtight clamshells (AC), representing modified atmosphere packaging. Within the ACs, the internal domain was modeled as an equivalent solid block, representing both the air and the strawberries. The primary focus is on understanding the thermal interaction between the airflow around airtight clamshells (AC) and the enclosed product. The numerical model showed a good agreement with experimental results. The proposed model can be potentially used as a design tool to improve the design of tray designs packages in order to improve the cooling efficiency.

Tray 1 Tray 2

Temperature ( C)