Simulation of multi-deck medium temperature display cabinets with the integration of CFD and cooling coil models

Abstract

In this paper, the model for the multi-deck medium temperature display cabinets is developed with the integration of CFD and cooling coil sub-models. The distributed method is used to develop the cooling coil model with the airside inputs from the outputs of the CFD model. Inversely, the airside outputs from the cooling coil model are used to update the boundary conditions of the CFD model. To validate this cabinet model, a multi-deck medium temperature display cabinet refrigerated with a secondary refrigerant cooling coil was selected as a prototype and mounted in an air conditioned chamber. Extensive tests were conducted at constant space air temperature and varied relative humilities. The cabinet model has been validated by comparing with the test results for the parameters of air at different locations of the flow path, and temperatures of refrigerant and food product, etc. The validated model is therefore used to explore and analyse the cabinet performance and control strategies at various operating and design conditions.