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Application study of direct current refrigerator combining phase-change cold storage and mini-electrical storage

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  • Gao, Lei
  • Xu, Shuxue
  • Yu, Guoxin
  • Ma, Guoyuan
  • Chang, Yunxue
  • Li, Siru

Abstract

With global warming and rising energy consumption, energy conservation, emission reduction, and the development of renewable energy have become critical global priorities. In this context, phase-change refrigeration technology has emerged as a promising solution for energy savings. This paper explores the integration of phase-change cold storage technology and mini-electrical storage technology in direct current(DC) refrigerators. Firstly, household refrigerators were converted to DC operation, and a test bench for phase-change cold storage DC refrigerators was constructed. Subsequently, experimental research was carried out on the temperature maintenance time of the refrigerator after power-off and the energy-saving effect of phase-change cold storage refrigerator in the process. The results demonstrated that the temperature retention time of in the refrigerator's compartments increased by 30 h, 20 h, and 5 h, respectively, after power failure compared to the refrigerator without phase change materials. The 18-h-on/6-h-off mode is the most energy-efficient and cost-effective approach, while the 12-h-on/12-h-off mode offers significant advantages in grid load balancing and system reliability, despite causing minor temperature fluctuations. Moreover, integrating phase-change cold storage with mini-electrical storage not only enhances energy efficiency but also helps reduce carbon emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Lei & Xu, Shuxue & Yu, Guoxin & Ma, Guoyuan & Chang, Yunxue & Li, Siru, 2025. "Application study of direct current refrigerator combining phase-change cold storage and mini-electrical storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225009508
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135308
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tang, Aikun & Liu, Chang & Pan, Yuting & Cai, Tao & Zhang, Han & Jin, Yi, 2024. "Design of innovative phase-change cold storage refrigerator and simulation analysis of discharging progress," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    2. Du, Kun & Calautit, John & Wang, Zhonghua & Wu, Yupeng & Liu, Hao, 2018. "A review of the applications of phase change materials in cooling, heating and power generation in different temperature ranges," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 242-273.
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