Numerical simulation and experimental verification of cooling process in cool storage refrigerator

Objective  To study the temperature change rate and temperature difference during the cooling process of cool storage refrigerator.

Method  CFD simulation software was used to simulate the unsteady flow field in the refrigerator. A three-dimensional coupling model including the internal and external environment of the cooler was established. Distribution of temperature field in the storage room was analyzed during the cooling process of cool storage refrigerator. The flow distribution diagrams of cross and longitudinal sections in the storage room were obtained. Based on the established model, the effects of different fan speed, return duct area and initial temperature of cold strip on the flow field in the storage room were studied.

Result  The simulation results showed that the refrigerator could reduce the temperature of the storage room from 16 ℃ to 0 ℃ within eight minutes. The temperature in the area directly opposite to the outlet duct was relatively lower, and the temperature distribution in other areas was more uniform. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The average absolute error of temperature change in the storage room was 0.68 ℃, and the average absolute error of temperature distribution was 0.29 ℃. The cooling time could be shortened by increasing the fan speed and increasing the return duct area, or by decreasing the initial temperature of the cold strip. The rate of temperature change in the storage room decreased with the cooling time. The temperature difference in the storage room decreased with the increase of the fan speed and increased with the increase of the return duct area and the decrease of the initial value of the cold strip temperature.

Conclusion  The research results provide references for optimizing cooling parameters of cool storage refrigerator.