Development of a high efficiency, automatic defrosting refrigerator-freezer
The development of an energy-efficient refrigerator-freezer prototype to accelerate the commercialization of residential, high-efficiency refrigerator-freezers is described. The resulting 16-cubic-foot-prototype uses significantly less energy than the most energy-efficient automatic defrost product designs of comparable size on the market today. A computer model was developed to simulate the cabinet and refrigeration unit performance. It was used to evaluate alternative designs and optimize the cabinet insulation as well as the refrigeration component integration. Computer-optimized placement of polyurethane foam insulation in the cabinet and thicker insulation in the doors were used to reduce the closed-door heat load of the prototype. Modifications to the evaporator system provide fully automatic frost-free operation with a significantly reduced defrost energy requirement compared to a typical automatic defrost refrigerator-freezer. Resulting higher moisture levels in the refrigerator compartment enhance fresh food storage. In addition, a dual control system, different from most models which use only one active control, provides precise temperture regulation in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); Little (Arthur D.), Inc., Cambridge, MA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6344870
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-810697-1; ON: DE81024115
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AUTOMATION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CONSUMPTION RATES
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FOOD
FREEZERS
HOUSEHOLDS
MARKETING RESEARCH
MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
POLYAMIDES
POLYMERS
POLYURETHANES
REFRIGERATORS
SIMULATION
SIZE
STORAGE
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
TESTING
THERMAL INSULATION