Using simplified models of cold chain equipment to assess the influence of operating conditions and equipment design on cold chain performance

•Simplified thermal models are based on a zonal approach.•Models of refrigerated vehicle, display cabinet and domestic refrigerator were used.•Ranges of models input data are presented.•Influence of variation of input data on product temperature was studied.

This numerical study presents the influence of input variables (ambient and thermostat setting temperatures) and equipment parameters (dimension, airflow rate, insulation) on the load temperatures. Simplified thermal models based on a zonal approach for domestic refrigerators, refrigerated vehicles and refrigerated display cabinets were used. The ranges of input variables and parameters, observed in practice, were presented. These ranges were obtained from laboratory studies, expertise, constructor data and literature review. The main factors which influence the load temperature in domestic refrigerators, refrigerated vehicles and display cabinets were reported. This information can be useful for cold chain management.