In the world of refrigerated storage, precision is key, and a team of researchers has just taken a significant step towards enhancing the accuracy of temperature and humidity control in refrigerators. Led by Chen Aiqiang, along with Liu Zichang and Peng Gangsheng, a study published in *Zhileng xuebao* (translated to *Journal of Refrigeration*) has introduced a refined model that promises to revolutionize the way we understand and manage the storage of perishable goods, particularly fruits like peaches.
The research addresses a longstanding issue in the industry: the discrepancy between simulated and actual values in refrigerated storage environments. Traditional models, while useful, often fall short in real-world applications due to their idealized conditions. “We aimed to bridge this gap by combining numerical simulation with experimental methods,” explains Chen Aiqiang, the lead author of the study. This approach allowed the team to develop a more accurate heat and mass transfer model, incorporating factors like respiratory heat and latent heat of evaporation, which are crucial for understanding the behavior of fruits in refrigerated spaces.
One of the most striking improvements in their model is the adjustment of the dynamic viscosity coefficient and the correction of density. These refinements have led to a dramatic reduction in the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), bringing it down from a range of 1.74-2.98 K to an impressive 0.22-0.76 K. This enhanced accuracy is a game-changer for the industry, as it provides a more reliable basis for optimizing airflow organization and temperature and humidity control strategies within refrigerators.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. Accurate temperature and humidity control is not just about preserving the quality of perishable goods; it’s also about energy efficiency. By understanding the flow-field distribution and temperature change patterns more precisely, businesses can optimize their refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. This is a significant step towards sustainable and cost-effective refrigerated storage solutions.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for industries dealing with analog simulation, hypothermic storage, temperature field analysis, and relative humidity control. As Liu Zichang, one of the co-authors, points out, “Our model provides a more realistic representation of the conditions within refrigerated spaces, which can help in designing more efficient and effective storage solutions.”
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in the field by encouraging further exploration into the complexities of heat and mass transfer in refrigerated environments. It underscores the importance of integrating experimental data with numerical simulations to create more accurate and reliable models. As the industry continues to evolve, such advancements will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable refrigeration solutions.
In conclusion, the work of Chen Aiqiang, Liu Zichang, and Peng Gangsheng represents a significant leap forward in the field of refrigerated storage. Their refined model, published in *Zhileng xuebao*, offers a more precise and reliable tool for understanding and managing the storage of perishable goods. As the industry continues to grapple with the challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability, this research provides a valuable foundation for future innovations.