The addition of a Phase Change Material (PCM) in household refrigerators can reduce significantly the energy consumption of these devices and improve the temperature stability of the products. In this work, we present recent results about the use of PCM units in domestic refrigerators. These results are based on experimental measurements performed according to the standard ISO test procedure and on simulation results. The simulations are carried out using a global model including the thermal energy storage unit, the refrigerator compartment and the refrigerating system. Based on few scenarios with different ambient temperatures, load of products, and various frequencies of opening doors, the impact of the addition of PCM units on the cycling period, the average temperature of the air and the products is given. The thickness of the PCM slab and the melting temperature of the phase change material are also discussed, based on experimental measurements and simulation results.
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