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Sizing of thermal energy storage with phase change materials for a battery-free solar-powered refrigerator.

Number: pap. n. 1663

Author(s) : COCA-ORTEGON A., PRIETO J., CORONAS A.

Summary

Solar-powered refrigerators are useful for preserving food in isolated regions where there is no electricity supply or there are frequent power outages. Currently, these systems use electrical batteries for storing energy; however, other technologies, with less environmental impact and maintenance requirements, can be applied. One option is to store cold with phase-change materials.
This study evaluates the energy autonomy of a solar-powered refrigerator which has a PCM slab in contact with the evaporator wall. The objective is to size the PCM slab for a battery-free system for two tropical locations. A validated dynamic model was developed and simulations were carried out with several values of PCM slab thickness, insulation thickness, and air-change rate. Results are better for longer compressor cycle time, which can be increased when both the PCM slab and insulation thickness are higher. In addition, the control strategy was defined to improve the use of the solar resource.

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Pages: 8

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Details

  • Original title: Sizing of thermal energy storage with phase change materials for a battery-free solar-powered refrigerator.
  • Record ID : 30026276
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Developing country
  • Source: Proceedings of the 25th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Montréal , Canada, August 24-30, 2019.
  • Publication date: 2019/08/24
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.icr.2019.1663

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