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Study on Charging Characteristics of Phase Change Cold Storage Balls in Refrigerated Containers Based on Simplified 2D Axisymmetric Heat Transfer Model

Author

Listed:
  • Yuhang Liu

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Chunlong Zhuang

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Hongyu Zhang

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Guangqin Huang

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Boheng Fu

    (Chongqing Audit Center, Chongqing 400060, China)

  • Fei Gan

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Ziming Liao

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Xinyi Zhang

    (Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University, Chongqing 401331, China)

Abstract

To address the reliability requirements for refrigerated container transport in the cold chain, this study established an experimental platform for phase change cold storage balls. A two-dimensional axisymmetric simplified heat transfer model of the three-dimensional cold storage ball was developed. The reliability of the model was verified through charging experiments. While ensuring a certain level of accuracy (average error less than 10%), the model significantly improved computational efficiency (completing calculations in only 49 s), offering a practical reference value. Based on the established 2D axisymmetric simplified heat transfer model, this study focused on the influence of secondary coolant (ethylene glycol solution) parameters on the charging performance. The results indicate that a smaller diameter of the cold storage ball and a higher flow rate lead to a higher freezing rate of the ball. Under the conditions set in this study, the optimal diameters were determined to be 80 mm and 60 mm, and the optimal inlet flow rate was 3.917 m 3 /h. This simplified model can provide a reference for the optimal design of phase change cold storage systems in refrigerated containers.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuhang Liu & Chunlong Zhuang & Hongyu Zhang & Guangqin Huang & Boheng Fu & Fei Gan & Ziming Liao & Xinyi Zhang, 2025. "Study on Charging Characteristics of Phase Change Cold Storage Balls in Refrigerated Containers Based on Simplified 2D Axisymmetric Heat Transfer Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:15:p:3979-:d:1710264
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdolmaleki, L. & Sadrameli, S.M. & Pirvaram, A., 2020. "Application of environmental friendly and eutectic phase change materials for the efficiency enhancement of household freezers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 233-241.
    2. Hongyu Zhang & Fei Gan & Guangqin Huang & Chunlong Zhuang & Xiaodong Shen & Shengbo Li & Lei Cheng & Shanshan Hou & Ningge Xu & Zhenqun Sang, 2022. "Study on Heat Storage Performance of Phase Change Reservoir in Underground Protection Engineering," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-31, August.
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