Evaluation of energy performance of domestic frost-free refrigerator with uniform air flow distribution

Energy performance improvement in domestic refrigerator plays significant role in the reduction of energy bill. The guidelines from Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star ratings are considered for it. The present work represents evaluation of energy performance of top mount frost free domestic refrigerator with modification in the air flow distribution. CFD simulations are carried out on the base and modified models of the refrigerator. The variation in the type of air flow distribution fan, design of coil cover, type of ducting is considered for the analysis. In the second stage of CFD simulations optimization of multi flow duct (MFD) design for fridge compartment is presented. The effect of variation of evaporator and condenser design is also analyzed. The CFD simulation approach helped to understand air flow pattern inside refrigerator and validate the concepts before finalization of optimized design. It is figured out from this CFD analysis that in case of modified model, energy consumption is reduced significantly, and temperature variation is reduced by 256%. The experimental validation of the modified model of refrigerator is conducted to determine energy performance and pull-down temperature variation. The results of experimentation are in close match with the results of simulation.