Characteristics and thickness effect of phase change material and frost on heat transfer and thermal performance of conventional refrigerator: Theoretical and experimental investigation

In order to design more energy-efficient refrigeration systems through means that have no impact on the environment, the use of phase change materials (PCMs) coupled to the refrigeration systems could be one of the most economically attractive solutions. Among the many possible arrangements of the PCM within a refrigerator, PCM is often on the surface of the evaporator, the location where frost forms. However, beyond a certain thickness, frost would cause an excessive increase in the refrigerator air temperature and a reduction in the energy performance of the refrigerator. The aim of the present study is to clarify the nature and characteristics of frost compared to water as phase change material (PCM), along with the mechanisms with which they affect energy performance and heat transfer within the refrigerator. This is based on a theoretical and experimental investigations conducted on a conventional refrigerator equipped with a flat plate evaporator. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.