Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Energy Conservation And Economic Analysis Of Residential Refrigerators, Robert A. Hoskins

Masters Theses

A detailed computer model is developed to calculate energy flows and electricity use for residential refrigerators. Model equations are derived from application of the first law of thermodynamics, analysis of manufacturers' literature, and related studies. The model is used to evaluate the energy (and associated initial cost) impacts of alternative designs to reduce refrigerator energy use.

Model results show that 56% of the total heat gain in a typical 0.45 m³ (16 ft³) top-freezer refrigerator is due to conduction through cabinet walls and doors. The remaining 44% is from door openings, heaters, fans, food, gasket area infiltration, …