Experimental and Numerical Study of the Performance of an Open-Type Multi-Deck Refrigerated Cabinet with Single and Dual Air Curtain

Abstract

This study utilizes a simplified two-dimensional time-dependent computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model to compare the performance of single- and two-layer air curtains in an open-type multi-deck refrigerated display cabinet. Two layers of air curtain generate a more effective invisible barrier from ambient air impact that can reduce electrical energy consumption and maintain a uniform temperature distribution within the cabinet. The CFD model of a refrigerated display cabinet was validated by the experimental data. The results showed a two-layer air curtain advantage over a single air curtain. Electrical energy consumption decreased by 18.5%, and the average temperature of the test products decreased from 5.75 °C to 5.17 °C. The results obtained are important for cabinet design to improve the quality of product storage and reduce energy consumption.