Abstract: A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bay. An air dam selectively permits or prevents airflow through portions of the airflow opening such that airflow may be allowed to flow through the entire opening, only a portion of the opening, or none of the opening.

Abstract: A system and method controls a heat transfer system for palletized product. A controller and an array of sensors cooperate to control chillers and fans to efficiently change the temperature of product within the cases, while collecting and providing data regarding the efficacy and overall spatial profile of the freezing or other temperature-control operation. These data can be used to provide user feedback, optimize the temperature-control process, and ensure a desired performance of the system.

Abstract: A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bay. An air dam selectively permits or prevents airflow through portions of the airflow opening such that airflow may be allowed to flow through the entire opening, only a portion of the opening, or none of the opening.

Abstract: A modular air handler is adapted for installation in a racking assembly behind palletized product. The air handler operates to move air through the adjacent layers of palletized product upon placement of the palletized product in the adjacent space. The air handler can be deactivated in order to prevent unnecessary air flow when no palletized product is present in the adjacent space. A number of the modular air handlers may be provided for a racking assembly, such that individual pallet bays may be activated or deactivated as palletized product is deposited or withdrawn from the various pallet bays of the rack.

Abstract: A modular air handler is adapted for installation in a racking assembly behind palletized product. The air handler operates to move air through the adjacent layers of palletized product upon placement of the palletized product in the adjacent space. The air handler can be deactivated in order to prevent unnecessary air flow when no palletized product is present in the adjacent space. A number of the modular air handlers may be provided for a racking assembly, such that individual pallet bays may be activated or deactivated as palletized product is deposited or withdrawn from the various pallet bays of the rack.

Abstract: A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bays. An air seal is formed at the periphery of each opening by resiliently flexible side seals and a top seal to form a highly airtight interface between the pallet assembly and the adjacent airflow opening. When a pressure differential is developed between the chamber and the pallet bay, air is efficiently drawn substantially exclusively through the pallet assemblies with minimal leakage. The flexible sealing arrangement accommodates pallet assemblies with unevenly stacked rows of cases without significant loss of system efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow management around palletized cases of goods in a warehouse storage facility are provided, in which airflow around each individual layer of cases is facilitated while airflow “spillage” around the sides, top or bottom of pallet assemblies is minimized or eliminated. One exemplary device for such airflow management includes palletized product spacers disposed between respective layers of vertically stacked cases, in which the product spacers facilitate a substantially unidirectional longitudinal airflow. Another exemplary airflow management device is a series of automatically adjustable air dams disposed at the tops of respective pallet assemblies which prevent air spillage and establish intermediate air manifold spaces. Yet another device is a lateral pallet spacer prevents direct abutment of the side surfaces of neighboring pallet assemblies and thereby ensures that the air manifold spaces are in fluid communication with the spacers of multiple pallet assemblies.

Abstract: An installation and method for freezing and cold storage of palletized product. A chiller is provided in the interior of a cold storage warehouse space that maintains the temperature of ambient air within the space below freezing. A plurality of racking structures each define an air flow chamber having air intake openings on opposite sides thereof and an air outlet to enable freezing air to be drawn into the chamber through the intake openings and exhausting into the warehouse space. Pallets on pallet guides are pressed against the intake openings such that freezing air is drawn through the palletized product to thereby quickly freeze the product. The pallet structure and air flow chambers are arranged in spaced-apart rows to enable a forklift to pass down the aisles so as to place and remove the palletized product.

Abstract: A high efficiency airflow management system can be used to reliably and consistently draw air through palletized product stacks with a minimum of energy expenditure. A racking system is provided with a grid of pallet bays separated from an air plenum/chamber by a wall having an airflow opening for each pallet bays. An air seal is formed at the periphery of each opening by resiliently flexible side seals and a top seal to form a highly airtight interface between the pallet assembly and the adjacent airflow opening. When a pressure differential is developed between the chamber and the pallet bay, air is efficiently drawn substantially exclusively through the pallet assemblies with minimal leakage. The flexible sealing arrangement accommodates pallet assemblies with unevenly stacked rows of cases without significant loss of system efficiency.