Identification of the best temperature measurement position inside a food pallet for the prediction of its temperature distribution

Abstract In this work, the accuracy of the temperature distribution inside a food pallet predicted from a heat transfer model using measurements at a single position was investigated. A heat transfer model integrating conduction and radiation inside the pallet and convection on its surface was developed and validated. Temperature measurements were simulated at a single position inside the pallet. The heat transfer coefficient was estimated from the simulated measurements and was then used with the heat transfer model to map the entire temperature distribution inside the pallet. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses indicated that the temperature should be measured near the corner of the pallet for accurate coefficient estimates, and that an accurate knowledge of the temperature measurement position is critical. Simulations indicated that temperature mapping inside a food pallet with an average error below 1.0°C can be achieved from temperature measurements at a single position inside the pallet.