An experimental research on energy efficiency of a beverage cooler with the latent heat storage

Abstract

The experimental study has been performed on a beverage cooler with latent heat storage, on the unit which can be considered as representative for the whole market of similar equipment. Studies of the energy efficiency of such a refrigeration equipment were not previously performed due to a lack of interest in present relations between customers and suppliers, which makes the presented study original and a good starting point for further research. Experimental study focused on energy consumption and energy efficiency measures concerning a control system of beverage coolers with latent heat storage (ice bank). Results show that replacement of a thermostat with an ice bank relay as a control device can provide two main benefits: up to 15% reduction of energy consumption and significant decrease of refrigeration system start-ups what can extend service life of compressor. An analysis of intermittent mode of operation of the agitator (mixer) integrated into the latent heat storage was investigated resulting in up to 55% reduction of energy consumption in stand-by mode and 17% reduction during the refrigeration system operation. Optimization of ice bank mass could give additional reduction in energy consumption, but it requires additional research on dynamic behaviour of the cold storage.