A cold accumulator is a cooling device, which is a container in which a substance with a high heat capacity is placed. Such batteries are used in so-called cooler bags, car refrigerators, and in special containers that maintain a constant temperature. Because of this, the devices are called thermal bags, car refrigerators and other similar concepts. However, such names cannot be considered correct. The cold accumulator is only a component of these devices. In another way it can be called a cooling element. Let's take a closer look at the mechanism of operation of such an element.
The active ingredient in the device is a solution of carboxymethylcellulose. It is stored in the freezer so that it cools to a temperature acceptable for use. The solution performs a binding function, preventing defrosting. A dye is also added to give it a blue (frosty) color. Bags with cold storage batteries are used by car drivers, tourists, travel fans and various other categories of active and energetic people. It is convenient to store food and drinks in thermal bags, which, by maintaining a constant temperature, remain fresh, healthy, and do not lose the necessary taste. Along with the products, strong plastic bags containing the above-mentioned carboxymethylcellulose solution are placed. In this way, it is possible to maintain the original condition of the products.
The currently in demand items with silicone filling maintain the temperature in the thermal bag at 0–5 degrees for several days. Modern cooling elements are made using safe, environmentally friendly materials. Such components do not cause any harm to food, which means they will not harm human health. If all operating rules are followed, the cold accumulator will serve virtually for life. If your cooler bag has a large capacity, you will likely need multiple cooling attachments. Then one battery is placed at the very bottom, one at the top, and several more between the layers of products.
The devices come to the rescue in situations where you need to store perishable and frozen foods, if the refrigerator defrosts, or if there is an emergency shutdown. For 10 liters of box volume, about 600 grams of cold storage batteries are used - this is exactly the recommended proportion.
What are cold storage batteries made of?
The device consists of two main components:
- plastic container;
- solution that is placed in a container.
The solution, in addition to water itself and the already mentioned carboxymethylcellulose substance, may include:
- glycerol;
- isopropyl alcohol;
- table salt.
All such chemical compounds help increase the heat capacity of water. The temperature of the solution drops below zero degrees Celsius, and thus it is possible to preserve drink and food products. Essentially, cold accumulates first, and then it affects food and other cooled objects.
What types of cold accumulators are there?
Based on the composition of the solution, batteries are divided into the following types:
- Silicone . This option is used in thermal bags. These are very effective models that are able to maintain zero temperature in the container for weeks. Often such specimens are sold in film bags with filler;
- Gel . This option is usually used in car refrigerators. One of the important advantages is that the gel filler will not leak out of the container if it is damaged. Moreover, such models can both lower and increase the temperature. They are considered the safest and most efficient cold storage batteries;
- Saline . Such models are used to maintain particularly low temperatures in a thermal tank. They make it possible to maintain the temperature of objects up to ten degrees below zero throughout the day. The “disadvantage” of this type is obvious - if the container is damaged and liquid spills out, the refrigerated products may deteriorate. The advantage is that water can be added as needed.
Selection and examples of models
Today you can buy a variety of cold storage batteries in online stores. The main parameters to consider when choosing are listed below.
- design;
- filler composition;
- volume.
Almost all cold storage battery fillers are blue in color. But this does not matter and the color does not carry any functional load. It depends on the dye added. Therefore, if you find cold storage batteries with red or other colored filler on sale, you can buy them without any problems. The volume of most models offered on the market today ranges from 250 to 800 milliliters.
Almost all industrial-made cold storage batteries have an unlimited shelf life. Of course, subject to the rules for storing them when not in use. Many manufacturers of such models guarantee the safety of the materials from which they are made, as well as environmental friendliness.
Let's take a quick look at some common models on the market.
- This is a Russian-made cold storage battery with a gel filler. Capable of maintaining the temperature in a thermal container at about 0 degrees for several days. Among the advantages is the body of this device. It is made of high-density polyvinyl chloride, which makes it resistant to shock and drops.
- Ezetil Ice Akku. This cold storage battery is imported. Among the features, it is worth highlighting the small thickness, which saves space in the thermal bag. In addition, this model is distinguished by a wide range of supported temperatures. With its help, you can maintain a temperature from minus 25 to plus 55 Celsius during the day ;
- Ezetil Soft Ice. Cold accumulator with gel filler from the same manufacturer. Can be used to create both cold and heat in a thermal bag. In the first case, it is kept in the refrigerator for several hours, and in the second case, in boiling water for several minutes. These models maintain the temperature in the thermal container well during the first 10-15 hours;
- Arctic. These are products of a Russian manufacturer. These cold storage batteries are based on a saline solution, which is placed in a plastic case. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the quick preparation of the device for operation. That is, quick freezing.
- Green Glade. This is a Chinese gel-based cold storage battery. Attracted, first of all, by the cost, which lies in the range of 200-300 rubles. However, the plastic bag containing the gel is easily damaged;
- Cold accumulators produced under this brand provide the desired temperature of products well for a long period of time.
Ezetil Soft Ice
Ezetil Ice Akku
Freezpack
Arctic
Eva
Green Glade
How to use cold accumulators
Cold storage batteries are easily used in household refrigerators. Thanks to them, the temperature in the freezer is stabilized. As a result, the compressor turns on and off less often. This increases the freezing power and the time it takes to save food in the refrigerator when it is disconnected from the power supply. It can also be used in isothermal chambers when selling ice cream, beer, sparkling water, as well as other goods that must be refrigerated. Another area of application for cold storage batteries is medicine. In this way, you can save blood, tissues of the human body, all kinds of vaccines, medicines and other objects.
Thermal bag with foil
Most often, this option is used to preserve chilled food in particularly hot weather. The reflective ability of the foil protects against sunlight and reduces its effect on the temperature inside the device.
If the inner surface of the container is made of such material, this increases the thermal insulation qualities of the bag. Such devices usually cost more, but they are more effective than regular bags. Choosing the option with foil is useful if you often go on long trips.
How to charge cold batteries
Using such devices is quite elementary. First, the battery is stored in the freezer for some time so that the temperature of the filler reaches the required value. Usually four to eight hours are enough. Afterwards it is placed in a thermal container along with the products. The placement inside the bag or box itself is not important. The main thing is that contact occurs, and you can place it both at the bottom and on the sides of the container. By interacting with food, the battery takes away heat from it and maintains the required state of food products. After use, the cooling element is removed, washed with water and put back into the freezer. If the batteries are not used for a long time, it is recommended to place them in the freezer or other cool place, protected from the sun.
Review of cold accumulators
Let's look at a couple of examples of cooling elements.
Ice substitute Arctic AX-300
The model is a means for injecting cold and increasing the shelf life of low-temperature products. This is a flat plastic container containing a bluish liquid. The composition of the liquid is such that the battery is provided with maximum heat capacity. At the same time, the battery saves the greatest amount of cold and effectively transfers it to the products that need to be preserved.
The volume of the model is 300 milliliters. Designed to maintain temperature in a container with a volume of 10 liters. The cold in the freezer is kept from six to ten hours, depending on the temperature inside the freezer. Battery life is unlimited as long as the container remains sealed. The battery dimensions are 20 x 115 x 180 millimeters.
The use of an isothermal container complete with an AX-300 cold accumulator will help you solve the problem of spoiled and stale food. This way you can easily store the following products:
- vegetables;
- milk;
- fruits;
- meat;
- fish.
Compotes, juices, yogurt, sandwiches - all this always remains fresh and does not lose the necessary taste. Keep ice cream, beer and other drinks cool with a high-performance cooling element. Now there is no problem going to the beach or hiking, because the food remains in order and will not spoil during your vacation. There is no need to deny yourself anything, and let the picnic be full of impressions!
Cold and heat accumulator Ezetil SoftIce (200 g)
Temperature accumulators are made in the form of transparent, hermetically sealed polyethylene bags. Inside there is a blue or transparent gel filler. The qualities of the gel allow the bag to be kept soft in freezing mode and used in the required form.
The dimensions of the model are 120x10x180 millimeters. Weight – 200 grams. In cooling mode, the temperature can be lowered to 18 degrees below zero. To do this, you need to hide the product in the freezer and store it there for at least two hours before use. In heating mode, the battery is placed on a hot object, for example, a battery. Can also be reheated in the microwave. The oven can only be heated in a container with water. The battery must be completely covered with water. The heating time should not exceed a couple of minutes.
The model is used to maintain a constant temperature in thermal bags, insulated containers, as well as for cooling or warming compresses. Manufacturers keep the composition of the solution secret. The required number of batteries is calculated based on the use of 200 grams of product per 6 liters of thermal container volume. If the battery is placed in an open space, it is able to maintain a temperature difference of 20 degrees for three hours.
conclusions
Cold accumulators are very useful, convenient devices for maintaining a constant temperature of food and drinks. A great find for tourists, lovers of picnics and outings. It will help you out on a hot summer day when going to the beach. The products are quite easy to use, and their service life is unlimited. In addition to cold, such devices can also retain heat. Therefore, if you want to enjoy hot corn, pies or pizza in nature, you can do it. Always fresh products at any time ensures the use of such extraordinary devices.
Reviews
Anton, Nizhny Novgorod
Some time ago I bought myself several Technokhim AX-15 cold storage batteries. We often go with our family on various picnics in the summer and take food with us. We've had a thermal bag for a long time, but we used to use dry ice in it. We carry a small amount of groceries for a family of 3 people. Our car is small and, accordingly, we bought the thermal case with limited dimensions so that it fits in the trunk without any problems.
We bought three Technokhim AX-15 cold storage batteries. I usually put one at the bottom of the bag, one on top, and one in the middle. Cools normally, food is stored without problems. Of course, they are unlikely to be able to keep ice cream at the required sub-zero temperature. But products that are usually kept in the general compartment of the refrigerator are preserved well. I was pleased with the purchase.
Victor, Chelyabinsk
Every year in the summer we go to the sea by car. To carry food with me, I bought several Freezpack cold storage batteries. I had a thermal bag for a long time, but I had nothing to do with cold storage batteries. I only carried something hot in it so that it would cool down more slowly. The cold accumulator is a plastic container with a screw cap and a carrying handle. Very comfortably. I put it in the freezer in advance, and then in a thermal case I line the bottom and walls with these batteries. It turns out that the food is inside, like in a refrigerator. Inside the plastic containers there is a liquid that looks somewhat denser than ordinary water. When it's not in season, I store these containers in the freezer. The road to the sea takes us about 20 hours. All foodstuffs were preserved normally during the journey, and those that remained with us at the end of the trip were still cool. Although the liquid in the batteries was melting. In general, the purchase for motorists is quite useful and inexpensive. One such cold storage battery cost me about 120 rubles. I have 5 of them in total. Valentin, Tambov
I have several Eva cold storage batteries with gel filler. In general, I rarely use it. Mostly they are in my refrigerator. I use it in my thermal bag when we go somewhere by car. But several times they helped me out a lot during an unscheduled power outage. The batteries lay inside and gradually released the accumulated cold. Thanks to this, the products did not spoil.
