Studies on a Domestic Refrigerator Cabinet Temperature by Forced Convection Condensing Coil

This paper tells about an experimental investigation carried out to improve the performance of a domestic refrigerator by replacing its natural convection condenser by a forced convection condenser. The forced convection is achieved by blowing air on the condenser coil at various velocities. The surface temperature of the condensing coil, ambient temperature and the cabinet air temperatures are noted and compared with those available with natural convection condenser at constant loads. In this study R-134a has been selected as the suitable replacement for R-12. The experimental values of governing temperatures and pressures at different air velocities and cooling loads were recorded. Effect on the cooling of cabinet air is discussed on varying air velocity and cooling load. Effect on power consumption has also been discussed on varying air velocity and cooling load. It was found that the cabinet air temperature of the refrigerator goes down in comparison with that when it is operating with the natural convection condenser. This helps in longer preservation of food products in the refrigerator