1 research outputs found
Investigation into air distribution systems and thermal environment control in chilled food processing facilities
Air flow distribution in chilled food facilities plays a critical role not only in maintaining
the required food products temperature but also because of its impact on the facility energy
consumption and CO2 emissions. This paper presents an investigation of the thermal environment
in existing food manufacturing facilities, with different air distribution systems
including supply/return diffusers and fabric ducts, by means of both in-situ measurements
and 3D CFD simulations.
Measurements and CFD simulations showed that the fabric duct provides a better environment
in the processing area in terms of even and low air flow if compared to that with
the diffusers. Moreover, temperature stratification was identified as a key factor to be improved
to reduce the energy use for the space cooling. Further modelling proved that air
temperature stratification improves by relocating the fabric ducts at a medium level. This
resulted in a temperature gradient increase up to 4.1 °C in the unoccupied zone