Abstract
Thermal storage can help to maintain constant temperature in a refrigerated cabinet during defrost cycles
or power outage. This contributes to reduced loss in product quality and hence less food being wasted.
Dynamic modelling was applied to study the benefits of integrating phase change material (PCM) thermal
storage in a refrigerated cabinet. The PCM was integrated in a CO2 evaporator, coupled in series with a
regular evaporator. This system was compared to a reference case with no PCM.
The results show that the maximum cabinet temperature during defrost is reduced by up to 10 K when a
PCM-enhanced evaporator is utilized. The goods temperature is constantly kept low, prolonging shelf life
and product quality. The demand for refrigerant is reduced and furthermore, compressor capacity and
evaporator size can be decreased due to reduced maximum cooling capacities, leading to overall lower
energy use. During power outages, PCM-equipped systems still provide cooling for several hours.
or power outage. This contributes to reduced loss in product quality and hence less food being wasted.
Dynamic modelling was applied to study the benefits of integrating phase change material (PCM) thermal
storage in a refrigerated cabinet. The PCM was integrated in a CO2 evaporator, coupled in series with a
regular evaporator. This system was compared to a reference case with no PCM.
The results show that the maximum cabinet temperature during defrost is reduced by up to 10 K when a
PCM-enhanced evaporator is utilized. The goods temperature is constantly kept low, prolonging shelf life
and product quality. The demand for refrigerant is reduced and furthermore, compressor capacity and
evaporator size can be decreased due to reduced maximum cooling capacities, leading to overall lower
energy use. During power outages, PCM-equipped systems still provide cooling for several hours.
