Abstract
This paper demonstrates the existence of an optimal on/off sequence for operating a household refrigerator that accumulates ice on its evaporator coils. Experimentally it is shown that the rate of ice formation is constant in time. The optimal (intermittent) regime of operation determined in this paper minimizes the power required by the refrigerator, maintains the prescribed temperature of the cold space, and removes intermittently the ice layer. The second part of the paper proves that a similar strategy can be used for dealing with fouling in heat exchangers, i.e. for maximizing the power output of a power plant that is diminished by the formation of scale on its heat exchanger surfaces. These optimal on/off sequences of operation for refrigerators and power plants are proven based on pure heat transfer and thermodynamics grounds. The refrigerator and power plant models employed are the simplest models possible. Consequently, the optimal on/off sequences demonstrated in this paper are fundamental features that will be present (and deserve to be identified and exploited) in the design of actual refrigerators and power plants, no matter how complicated these designs may be.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.