There are disclosed a picking method (100) as well as an automated storage system (12) including a high-temperature zone and a low-temperature zone. The storage system comprises: at least one rack (30) including several rack levels (36) on top of each other and an aisle (32) laterally adjacent to the rack (30); a plurality of shuttle (50) in the aisle for storing and retrieving storage goods (70) in and from storage locations (42) of the at least one rack (30) and for horizontally transporting the storage goods (70); a stationary lifter (16) for vertically transporting the storage goods (70); and a tub (34) defining the low-temperature zone (52); wherein, in a height region of at least one of the rack levels (36), the tub (34): encloses, in a circumferentially closed manner, a group of contiguous storage locations (42) and the lifter (16); encloses closed downwards the group of contiguous storage locations (42); encloses closed, or closable, downwards the lifter (16); and is open upwards.

A temperature controlled storage apparatus includes a plurality of lockable storage spaces. Each of the plurality of lockable storage spaces includes one or more compartments. The temperature of each of the one or more compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of a chilled temperature or a frozen temperature. Access to the storage space is remotely programmable.

A temperature controlled storage apparatus includes a plurality of lockable storage spaces. Each of the plurality of lockable storage spaces includes one or more compartments. The temperature of each of the one or more compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of a chilled temperature or a frozen temperature. Access to the storage space is remotely programmable.

A temperature controlled storage apparatus includes a plurality of lockable storage spaces. Each of the plurality of lockable storage spaces includes one or more compartments. The temperature of each of the one or more compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of a chilled temperature or a frozen temperature. Access to the storage space is remotely programmable.

A temperature controlled storage apparatus includes a plurality of lockable storage spaces. Each of the plurality of lockable storage spaces includes one or more compartments. The temperature of each of the one or more compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of a chilled temperature or a frozen temperature. Access to the storage space is remotely programmable.

A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure (20) of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, at least one remotely operated vehicle (27) arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure (20) and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure (20), where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure (20) and the remotely operated vehicle (27), and said section of the grid structure (20) has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle (27).

A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure (20) of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, at least one remotely operated vehicle (27) arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure (20) and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure (20), where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure (20) and the remotely operated vehicle (27), and said section of the grid structure (20) has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle (27).

A cold-shed may be deployed in areas with little or no electrical infrastructure in order to provide a cold storage area for perishable goods including agricultural, dairy products, medicines, vaccines, etc. A wireless communication device may be installed in the cold-shed to allow remote management, access control, and monitoring of the cold-shed devices, including cooling units, solar power cells, batteries, power conditioners, and a variety of sensors to determine internal and external temperatures, door positions, and other information. A mobile device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device may receive information and updates via cellular networks or text messaging. The mobile device may also be used to change temperature settings, lock and unlock doors, conduct inventory management and auditing, and make other changes. The corresponding application allows an owner to manage and monitor many cold-sheds from a single mobile device.

A cold-shed may be deployed in areas with little or no electrical infrastructure in order to provide a cold storage area for perishable goods including agricultural, dairy products, medicines, vaccines, etc. A wireless communication device may be installed in the cold-shed to allow remote management, access control, and monitoring of the cold-shed devices, including cooling units, solar power cells, batteries, power conditioners, and a variety of sensors to determine internal and external temperatures, door positions, and other information. A mobile device configured to communicate with the wireless communication device may receive information and updates via cellular networks or text messaging. The mobile device may also be used to change temperature settings, lock and unlock doors, conduct inventory management and auditing, and make other changes. The corresponding application allows an owner to manage and monitor many cold-sheds from a single mobile device.

A thermal storage container is coupled to a pump for circulating cooled liquid from the thermal storage container in at least one of two circuits. One circuit includes a heat exchanger coupled to the fresh food evaporator for assisting in cooling the fresh food section of the refrigerator or for chilling the liquid. Another circuit includes a sub-cooler between the condenser and the evaporator for cooling the output from the condenser before entering the evaporator, herby increasing the efficiency of the system. A three-way valve is coupled from the output pump to couple the stored coolant selectively to one or the other or both of the coolant circuits.