Theoretical modelling and experimental investigation of a thermal energy storage refrigerator

• Airflow and temperature were modelled in a thermal energy storage refrigerator.
• The phase change material (PCM) orientation, temperature and appliance design were analysed.
• A horizontal PCM produces lower compartment temperatures than a vertical PCM.
• The experimental results were in agreement with the CFD predictions.
• A eutectic must be employed to maintain the compartment temperature within acceptable limits.

Numerical simulations using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS Fluent were undertaken to characterize the airflow and temperature distribution in a natural convection thermal energy storage refrigerator. The model compared the household refrigerator temperature stability with different phase change materials (PCM) incorporated into the storage compartment. Scenarios investigated included the PCM orientation (vertical or horizontal), PCM temperature (use of water or eutectics) and compartment designs (conventional or drawer type appliance). The results suggested that a horizontal PCM configuration produces lower compartment temperatures than a vertical configuration. The temperature distribution with a horizontal PCM was tested experimentally and the results were in agreement with the CFD predictions. Both the simulation and the experimental results suggest that a eutectic with a phase change temperature below 0 °C must be employed to maintain the compartment temperature within acceptable limits. The model indicated that combining horizontal and vertical PCMs in a full height compartment or dividing the same compartment into two drawers with a horizontal PCM configuration for each drawer are feasible design options for the household thermal storage refrigerator.