A cold chain method using solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at -78.5°C to maintain frozen conditions without mechanical refrigeration. Dry ice sublimates directly to gas, providing powerful cooling without liquid…
Duty Cycle
The ratio of compressor running time to total elapsed time, expressed as a percentage. A 60% duty cycle means the compressor operates 36 minutes per hour. Duty cycle reveals whether…
eCommerce Cold Chain
The specialized logistics infrastructure enabling direct-to-consumer frozen and chilled food sales through online platforms, requiring integration between digital ordering systems, inventory management, temperature-controlled fulfillment, and last-mile delivery. eCommerce cold chain…
Energy Efficiency (Cold Chain)
The ratio of useful cooling output to energy input across cold chain operations, encompassing refrigeration system performance, insulation effectiveness, operational practices, and lifecycle equipment costs. In transport refrigeration, energy efficiency…
Eutectic Plates
Thermal storage devices containing phase-change materials that absorb heat while maintaining constant temperature during melting, providing passive cooling without mechanical refrigeration. Eutectic plates work like thermal batteries—charged by freezing, discharged…
Evaporator
The heat exchanger inside the refrigerated cargo space where liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, evaporating into gas and lowering the cargo temperature. The evaporator is where cooling actually…
Express Delivery
Service category emphasizing rapid transit times, typically same-day or next-day delivery, requiring immediate route planning integration and operational capacity for time-critical shipments. For frozen food logistics, express delivery demands refrigeration…
Farm-to-Kitchen Logistics
Direct distribution systems connecting agricultural producers with end consumers or food service operators, bypassing traditional wholesale intermediaries. This model requires coordinated cold chain logistics from harvest through final delivery, maintaining…
Final-Mile Delivery
Alternative terminology for last-mile delivery, emphasizing the critical final stage of distribution from consolidation point to end customer. Usage differs geographically—”final-mile” is common in British English and international logistics contexts,…
Fixed-Speed Compressor
1960s compressor technology operating at single fixed speed, requiring wasteful on/off cycling – industry perpetuates despite variable-speed alternatives delivering 25-35% better efficiency.