Maintaining the Right Temperature in Potato Storage with a Mobile Air Conditioner
Maintaining the Right Temperature in Potato Storage with a Mobile Air Conditioner Proper storage of potatoes requires precise temperature control, as fluctuations can directly impact their quality and shelf life. For small-scale farms, the challenge is often finding a versatile and cost-effective solution that doesn’t require major upfront investment. The HP-19 mobile air conditioner from Rex Nordic offers a practical and flexible answer. Norwegian potato farmer Per Try Søgnesta tested the HP-19 in his potato storage — and also managed to heat his workshop using the same device. Cost-Effective Temperature Control for Potato Storage Per Try faced a common problem shared by many farmers: how to maintain the ideal temperature in a potato storage space without skyrocketing energy costs. Storage temperature has a direct impact on the taste, structure, and usability of potatoes. Early potatoes store best in humid conditions between +10 and +13 °C, while regular table potatoes need cooler conditions around +4 to +6 °C. For potatoes grown specifically for French fry production, like Try’s, the optimal storage temperature is between +6 and +8 °C. Traditional storage systems relying on outdated methods or external weather conditions often fail to deliver the necessary climate controlled storage. Building a cold room in Norway can cost up to one million NOK (approximately £72,000), and the lack of flexible portable solutions limits options for small producers. Try needed an affordable and adaptable alternative — and found it in the quiet portable air conditioner unit, HP-19. Key Challenges in Potato Storage Potatoes are sensitive to storage conditions, requiring precise control of temperature, humidity, and ventilation. • Too warm → potatoes sprout and soften • Too cold → they freeze and convert starches, affecting flavor and texture ➡ The HP-19 enables accurate temperature control and consistent air circulation throughout the entire storage period — ideal for reliable climate controlled storage. HP-19 in real use: Field test in Norway Try installed the HP-19 portable air conditioner unit to test its performance in cooling his potato storage. He was able to adjust the temperature precisely to +6.7 °C — the ideal setting for potatoes intended for frying. He was impressed with how quickly the unit reached the target temperature and how well it maintained that level despite varying outdoor conditions. The HP-19 also kept energy consumption low throughout the trial, offering a clear improvement over previous methods where fluctuations increased both risks and operating costs. The unit includes an effective air conditioner exhaust hose, allowing warm air to be vented out efficiently. Try redirected the exhaust heat to his workshop, giving the device a valuable second function. As summer approaches, Try expects to gain even more insights into the unit’s performance in warmer conditions. However, he already sees great potential for HP-19 — particularly for smaller-scale agricultural operations. Why HP-19 Is a Smart Choice for Agricultural Use More affordable than building a cold room Installing traditional cold storage is a major investment. The HP-19 offers a much more economical solution for small and medium-sized farms. Mobile and flexible This mobile air conditioner suits both temporary and long-term needs. It can easily be moved between spaces depending on the season or storage demand. Cooling and heating with one unit While it cools the storage area, the unit’s warm exhaust air can be redirected to heat another space — maximizing energy use and efficiency. Quick setup and easy to use No permanent installation is required. The HP-19 is ready to go out of the box — perfect for urgent or seasonal storage needs. Smart control via app Equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioner remote control via smartphone, users can monitor and adjust temperature in real-time — from anywhere. This ensures better response to changes and more stable conditions. Powerful enough for up to 550 m³ The HP-19 can cool or heat spaces up to 550 cubic meters efficiently. Learn more about Rex Nordic’s HP-19 mobile air conditioner. (Need more power? Explore the HP-60 model.)