Performance studies on vapour compression refrigeration system using PCM placed between wall and coil of the evaporator

Abstract

The vapour compression refrigeration system (VCRS) plays a vital role in the food preservation and it consumes more energy. The use of energy-efficient refrigerants, phase change materials (PCMs) in the condenser and evaporator, and the replacement of existing components, as well as nano-refrigerants, are all efforts made to increase the energy efficiency of the VCRS from different perspectives. Among them, the PCMs play a prominent role and gives sustainable energy efficiency in VCRS. This paper investigates and clarifies the energy efficiency of VCRS can be improved by incorporating a PCM into the evaporator cabin. The experimental results demonstrated substantial effects on system performance such as an improvement in COP of 7.1%, a decrease in per day energy consumption by 6.7%, and comparatively smaller temperature fluctuations within the freezer cabinet. The exergy efficiency is increased and Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) is decreasing than that of the system without PCM by 7.6 and 7% respectively. This technique is integrated into the VCRS, leading to savings in energy while also being useful for power interruptions common in areas with low grid reliability.