Long-term Cold Storage Study

The University's Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability are setting up a long-term cold storage study on Campus.

The University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute is carrying out research into making cold storage facilities more efficient.

The study, which is being done in partnership with Eppendorf, VWR and S-Lab, proposes to investigate the relationship between energy efficiency and storage temperature in Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) freezers.

Investigating freezer temperatures

The standard running temperature of ULT freezers has not been extensivley investigated. This study aims to look at long term energy efficiency as well as sample viability at varying temperatures.

Proposed research stages

An initial stage will focus on short-term experiments such as impact of door opening, and responses to power failures.

The main stage will last for five years, and examine the impact of different storage temperatures (-80C, -70C and -60C) on sample viability for experimental application.

It will also provide associated energy consumption and internal freezer condition data.

This data will be collected and processed upon completion of the 5-10 year project and will be continually shared throughout.