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Field test of a high efficiency, automatic defrost refrigerator-freezer

Journal Article · · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5372537
This paper describes the market evaluation and field test portion of a program to design, develop, and demonstrate a high efficiency, automatic defrosting refrigerator-freezer for the residential market. After the successful completion of Phase I of the program, which concentrated on the design, construction, and laboratory testing of a 453 1 (16 ft/sup 3/) high-efficiency refrigerator-freezer prototype, Phase II was initiated in February 1979 to evaluate the sales potential and performance of the high-efficiency refrigerator concept under field conditions, as a necessary step in creating a product that was both manufacturable and marketable. In Phase I, a survey of food consumption and storage trends, family size, and consumer buying habits led to a sales-weighted average-capacity forecast for 1985 of approximately 453 1 (16 ft/sup 3/) and identification of the top-mount, automatic defrosting refrigerator as the projected sales leader. To meet this market demand, a 453 1 (16 ft/sup 3/) top-mount was selected as the baseline for the Phase I design and development. In Phase II, a 509 1 (18 ft/sup 3/) unit using Phase I technology was chosen for the field test, since the slightly larger model better fit the participating manufacturer's new product development efforts and market.
Research Organization:
Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, MA
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5372537
Journal Information:
ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Vol. 88:2; ISSN ASHTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English