Energy-Stingy Storage Solution with a Container Dryer
The use of F‑Solutions’s smart container dryers in reducing carbon footprint in the storage of event equipment.
F‑Solutions investigated the ability of a solar-powered container dryer to keep shipping container dry around the year. The goal of the solution was to reduce the energy consumption of event equipment storage.
Innovation Trial
F‑Solution’s innovation trial investigated how a smart solar-powered container dryer keeps shipping container dry around the year. Like this, the event equipment – tables, textiles and devices – don’t have to be stored in warmed spaces that consume energy.
Based on the first trial organized in 2022, a design was compiled for the following summer. The designed device proved to be functional, but its efficiency was lacking. The results were used in the follow-up trial in 2023.
Results
Solar panels, an inverter and a desiccant type dryer, that makes drying possible on subzero temperatures, were installed on the containers. To supervise moisture, humidity sensors were used which enabled the supervision of the general humidity in the container as well as the dryness of the most sensitive air-tight storage boxes equipped with silicagel-collectors. The trial found that the use of dessicant type dryers and silicagel equalizers achieves sufficiently low humidity levels for the year-round storage of even the most sensitive materials.
98 % of the event equipment survives cold storage when the humidity control is taken care of. Out of all Vectorama’s equipment only adhevise tape, glue, smoke fluid and a dishwasher were seen as items that cannot be stored in the cold. It is advised to equip the storage spaces with fixed electricity, but solar power can be sufficient too: in any case, the energy need is significantly lower with a container dryer when compared to normal warm storage.
Thanks to the project, the event organizer decided to reduce the amount of warm storage spaces and find more room for additonal shipping containers. Additionally, it reduces cargo emissions because with warm storage items would need to be collected with a truck multiple times during the event. The shipping container enables the transportation of a 86 cubic meter container to the event location in one trip. Carbon footprint is reduced thanks to storage energy needs and logistics.
Briefly
- The trial was organized by F‑Solutions.
- The event was the online game event Vectorama in Oulu 2022 and 2023.
- The innovation trial investigated the use of a smart solar-powered container dryers in keeping shipping containers dry round the year to reduce the energy consumption of event equipment storage.
