LS/T 1237-2025 in English

Background of Standard Development and Technological Evolution

With the continuous expansion of my country's grain reserves and increasing demands for energy conservation and environmental protection, traditional grain storage technologies are no longer able to meet modern grain storage needs. The release of LS/T 1237-2025, "Technical Specification for Temperature-Controlled Grain Storage with Air Conditioners," marks a significant step forward in the refinement and standardization of my country's grain storage technology. This standard, based on years of practical experience and combining modern air conditioning technology with the characteristics of grain storage, establishes a comprehensive technical system for temperature-controlled grain storage with air conditioners.

The technical evolution of the standard is primarily reflected in three dimensions: the shift from extensive temperature control to precise regulation, the transition from single-device management to systematic integration, and the transition from experience-based operations to standardized operations. Specifically, in terms of energy consumption control and operational efficiency, this standard proposes quantitative indicators and evaluation methods, providing technical support for energy conservation and emission reduction in grain storage enterprises.

Analysis of Core Technical Requirements

Storage Insulation Requirements

The standard sets clear technical indicators for warehouse insulation performance: the heat transfer coefficient of the warehouse roof must not exceed 0.5 W/(m²·K) and the heat transfer coefficient of the wall must not exceed 0.7 W/(m²·K). These indicators are based on extensive experimental data and thermal engineering calculations to ensure that they effectively reduce external heat input and lower the operating load of air conditioners during high summer temperatures.

Air conditioner configuration standard

The configuration principle is based on the thermal characteristics of the warehouse and the laws of air flow to ensure uniform temperature distribution within the warehouse. For flat warehouses with a span greater than 21m, the number of air conditioners should be increased by one for every 5m increase in span, reflecting a scientific and rational configuration concept.

Cooling Load Calculation Technology System

Calculation Method and Parameter Determination

Appendix A of the standard provides a complete cooling load calculation method, including key steps such as calculating the internal and external temperature difference of various parts of the warehouse, determining the heat transfer coefficient, and measuring the heat transfer area. The calculation method comprehensively considers multiple factors such as solar radiation, atmospheric transparency, and the characteristics of the building envelope.

Determining the Total Cooling Capacity of Air Conditioners

The standard clearly stipulates that the total cooling capacity of air conditioners should be no less than 1.3 times the warehouse's cooling load. This safety factor accounts for uncertainties such as equipment performance degradation and extreme weather conditions to ensure reliable temperature control.

Operational Management and Technical Requirements

Temperature Control Strategy

The standard recommends an air conditioner set temperature of 20°C to 23°C, adjustable within the range of 18°C to 25°C based on actual conditions. This temperature range effectively inhibits grain respiration and pest activity while avoiding energy waste caused by over-cooling.

Operational Mode Optimization

The standard proposes several energy-saving operational measures: utilizing nighttime operation during low electricity prices, combining cooling and ventilation technologies to store cold, and employing insulation technologies to maintain coolness. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce operating costs and improve economic efficiency.

Energy Consumption Assessment System

Assessment Indicators and Methods

The standard establishes a comprehensive energy consumption assessment system, including two core indicators: daily average energy consumption per unit area and total energy consumption per unit area in summer. The assessment method takes into account the climatic differences between different grain storage ecological zones and sets differentiated energy consumption standards.

Safety and Maintenance Requirements

Safety Management Measures

The standard sets out detailed requirements for air conditioner operational safety, including reliable grounding, dedicated power lines, and regular inspections. It particularly emphasizes the effective sealing and isolation of indoor units before fumigation to prevent phosphine gas corrosion.

Maintenance Specifications

An annual maintenance system has been established, encompassing pre-operation inspection, in-operation monitoring, and post-operation maintenance. Key maintenance tasks include filter cleaning, drainage system inspection, and seal performance testing to ensure long-term, stable operation of the equipment.

Implementation Recommendations and Outlook

Technical Implementation Path

We recommend that grain storage companies advance technology application along an "Assessment-Planning-Implementation-Optimization" path: first, conduct a thermal performance assessment of existing warehouses, then develop an equipment configuration plan based on standard requirements, strengthen operational monitoring during implementation, and finally, conduct continuous optimization based on operational data.

Standardized Operation Processes

Establish a standardized operation record system. Utilizing the Operation Record Card provided in Appendix C, systematically record operating parameters, changes in grain condition, energy consumption data, and other information to provide data support for technical improvements and experience accumulation.

Technical Development Trends

With the development of the Internet of Things and intelligent control technologies, air-conditioning temperature-controlled grain storage technology will develop towards intelligent and refined functions. In the future, this can be combined with big data analysis to achieve intelligent temperature control based on grain condition forecasts, further improving stored grain quality and energy conservation.

The implementation of LS/T 1237-2025 will significantly improve my country's grain storage technology and provide strong technical support for ensuring national food security and promoting green grain storage. All grain storage companies should carefully study the content of the standard, formulate specific implementation plans based on their own actual conditions, and ensure that the standard requirements are implemented.