Modelling and experimental validation of advanced refrigeration systems in supermarkets

Abstract

The effective use of energy and the replacement of CFC and HCFC refrigerants are two factors that have influenced the design and operation of refrigeration systems in supermarkets during recent years. The potential for increasing energy efficiency in refrigeration systems, indoor climate and refrigerated cabinets is large. Since the energy systems of a supermarket are relatively complex, improvements in one subsystem affect other systems, thus making analysis of potential improvements non-additive. A computer model, CyberMart, that predicts building heating and cooling loads, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and refrigeration system performances of a supermarket, has been developed. The focus of the model is on energy use, environmental impact (TEWI), and life cycle cost (LCC) of the refngeration system. The refrigeration system solutions included in the model are: direct system, completely indirect system, partially indirect system, cascade system, parallel system with mechanical sub-cooling (where the refrigerant in the low-temperature system is sub-cooled with the brine of the intermediate temperature level), and district cooling (that cools the condenser of the refrigeration machines). Measurements of different parameters such as outdoor and indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and compressor power have been carried out in several stores to validate the model. A theoretical description of the model and results from the model and measurements are presented in this paper.