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Research progress on moisture transfer process and humidity control in small-scale food storage refrigeration devices

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  • He, Guixiang
  • Liu, Guoqiang
  • Zhao, Tianyang
  • Li, Yue
  • Yan, Gang
  • Su, Zilong

Abstract

The temperature and humidity distribution of airflow in small-scale food storage refrigeration devices, such as refrigerators or freezers (ROFs), directly affects the quality of stored food. Therefore, precise control of temperature and humidity is crucial. At present, temperature control in ROFs is relatively mature, but research on humidity control remains to be further advanced. This paper systematically reviews the research progress on the moisture transfer processes of airflow and the humidity control methods in ROFs. Firstly, it discusses the impact of airflow humidity on the storage quality of different types of food. Secondly, it sorts out the main moisture transfer processes inside ROFs and analyzes their influence on airflow humidity. Thirdly, it summarizes the existing humidity control methods and the application of humidity sensors in ROFs. Finally, based on the research limitations in current studies, this paper proposes future research directions. This review can serve as a reference for understanding complex moisture transfer processes and provide guidance and recommendations for food storage and humidity control in small-scale food storage refrigeration devices.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Guixiang & Liu, Guoqiang & Zhao, Tianyang & Li, Yue & Yan, Gang & Su, Zilong, 2025. "Research progress on moisture transfer process and humidity control in small-scale food storage refrigeration devices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:339:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225046328
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhao, Tianyang & Liu, Guoqiang & He, Guixiang & Yan, Gang & Liu, Peng & Wang, Changyong, 2024. "Effect of structural improvement of gaskets on the heat leakage load and energy consumption of the refrigerator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
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    4. Zhao, Tianyang & Liu, Guoqiang & Zhai, Zhijie & He, Guixiang & Yan, Gang & Liu, Peng & Wang, Juan & Wang, Changyong, 2025. "Optimization of structure-material-gap for soft gaskets used in a refrigerator-freezer," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(C).
    5. Daria Krasota & Przemysław Błasiak & Piotr Kolasiński, 2023. "Literature Review of Frost Formation Phenomena on Domestic Refrigerators Evaporators," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-30, March.
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    1. Xing, Tianyu & Li, Ming & Zhang, Yi & Wang, Yunfeng & Zhou, Xiaoyan & Zhu, Yinlong & Li, Jingwen, 2026. "Research on plant photosynthetic characteristics and regulation mechanisms in photovoltaic greenhouses under fluctuating solar radiation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).

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