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Abstract
In this paper, numerical simulation and experimental research are utilized to improve the temperature uniformity inside the storage chambers of a top-mounted air-cooled refrigerator. Firstly, in order to accurately predict the temperature distribution characteristics inside the storage chambers, porous media technique as well as multiple reference frame method are used to simulate the temperature field. The comparison of monitored points between calculated and measured temperatures are conducted to demonstrate simulations show relatively acceptable agreement with experimental results. Secondly, by using computational fluid dynamics simulation, two new air-duct structures were designed on the basis of the original air-duct system, which significantly reduced freezer temperature deviation and optimized the air volume distribution ratio between freezer and refrigerating storage chamber. Finally, the influence of outlet size on the temperature uniformity, air volume and velocity distribution inside both storage chambers was investigated based on the optimized air-duct structure. The results indicate that temperature deviation in freezer storage chamber reduced from 3.7 °C/3.1 °C to 1.1 °C/0.3 °C during damper-on/damper-off condition after optimization.
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Notes on contributors
Yuzheng Ying
Yuzheng Ying is a Master candidate in the Department of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University. Her research interests are in the field of air-duct optimization of air-cooled refrigerator.
Guoqiang Liu
Guoqiang Liu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University. His research interests are in the field of heat and moisture measurement and permeability characteristics of soft and hard contacting gasket in refrigeration cabinet.
Qi Chen
Qi Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University. He received his Ph.D. degree in refrigeration and cryogenic engineering from School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2020. His main research interests are in the field of natural refrigerant and zeotropic mixture; ejector enhanced refrigeration system and system optimization of air conditioner and heat pumps.
Gang Yan
Gang Yan is a Professor in the Department of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University. He received his Ph.D. degree in refrigeration and cryogenic engineering from School of Energy and power engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2004. His main research interests are in the field of thermophysical processes in refrigeration and cryogenic systems.
Conghu Xie
Conghu Xie works for the Product Technology Branch of China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute. He received his bachelor’s degree in rubber and plastic engineering from South China University of Technology in 1988. He is mainly engaged in the research and development of home appliances.
Can Cheng
Can Cheng works for the Product Technology Branch of China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute. She received her Master’s degree in thermal engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2014. She is mainly engaged in the research and development of refrigerator product.
Qihang Lan
Qihang Lan works for the Product Technology Branch of China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute. He received his bachelor’s degree in energy and power engineering from South China University of Technology in 2018. He is mainly engaged in the research and development of refrigerator product.