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Theoretical modelling and experimental investigation of a thermal energy storage refrigerator

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  • Marques, A.C.
  • Davies, G.F.
  • Evans, J.A.
  • Maidment, G.G.
  • Wood, I.D.

Abstract

Numerical simulations using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS Fluent were undertaken to characterize the airflow and temperature distribution in a natural convection thermal energy storage refrigerator. The model compared the household refrigerator temperature stability with different phase change materials (PCM) incorporated into the storage compartment. Scenarios investigated included the PCM orientation (vertical or horizontal), PCM temperature (use of water or eutectics) and compartment designs (conventional or drawer type appliance). The results suggested that a horizontal PCM configuration produces lower compartment temperatures than a vertical configuration. The temperature distribution with a horizontal PCM was tested experimentally and the results were in agreement with the CFD predictions. Both the simulation and the experimental results suggest that a eutectic with a phase change temperature below 0 °C must be employed to maintain the compartment temperature within acceptable limits. The model indicated that combining horizontal and vertical PCMs in a full height compartment or dividing the same compartment into two drawers with a horizontal PCM configuration for each drawer are feasible design options for the household thermal storage refrigerator.

Suggested Citation

  • Marques, A.C. & Davies, G.F. & Evans, J.A. & Maidment, G.G. & Wood, I.D., 2013. "Theoretical modelling and experimental investigation of a thermal energy storage refrigerator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 457-465.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:457-465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2013.03.091
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Cheng, Wen-Long & Mei, Bao-Jun & Liu, Yi-Ning & Huang, Yong-Hua & Yuan, Xu-Dong, 2011. "A novel household refrigerator with shape-stabilized PCM (Phase Change Material) heat storage condensers: An experimental investigation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 5797-5804.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Belman-Flores, J.M. & Barroso-Maldonado, J.M. & Rodríguez-Muñoz, A.P. & Camacho-Vázquez, G., 2015. "Enhancements in domestic refrigeration, approaching a sustainable refrigerator – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 955-968.
    3. Rocha, Thiago Torres Martins & Teggar, Mohamed & Trevizoli, Paulo Vinicius & de Oliveira, Raphael Nunes, 2023. "Potential of latent thermal energy storage for performance improvement in small-scale refrigeration units: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    4. Luís Sousa Rodrigues & Daniel Lemos Marques & Jorge Augusto Ferreira & Vítor António Ferreira Costa & Nelson Dias Martins & Fernando José Neto Da Silva, 2022. "The Load Shifting Potential of Domestic Refrigerators in Smart Grids: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-36, October.
    5. Ioan Sarbu & Calin Sebarchievici, 2018. "A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-32, January.

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