Research on the influence of heat pipes on the performance and frosting characteristics of refrigeration systems in open refrigerated display cabinet.

This study experimentally validates a configuration integrating heat pipe heat exchangers (HPHEs) on both sides of the evaporator in open refrigerated display cabinets (ORDC), demonstrating significant performance improvements across three standardized ambient conditions (24◦C/25◦C/28◦C, 60% RH). The system achieved a 4.7–10.8% reduction in defrost condensation mass, coupled with 5.9–11.8% lower energy consumption and a 30–40% decrease in compressor cycling frequency. Operational efficiency was enhanced through a 4% extension of refrigeration cycle duration and accelerated product temperature stabilization, which was 6.1% faster with post-stabilization fluctuations constrained within 2.4◦C. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed improved heat transfer efficiency, evidenced by an overall heat transfer coefficient of 33.05 W/(m²⋅K). The integration of HPHEs enables passive precooling and dehumidification of incoming air, significantly suppressing frost formation and optimizing system stability without additional energy input. This research establishes HPHEs as a technically viable solution for achieving substantial energy savings and operational reliability in commercial refrigeration applications.