干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

In this study, an experimental investigation on performance of solar driven with direct current (DC) motor vapor compression refrigerator through indoor and outdoor tests with/without thermal storage and with/without loading is carried out in hot arid areas. The experimental setup main components are multi-crystalline Photovoltaic (PV) module, battery as a buffer for constant 12V DC and 50 liter portable refrigerator with/without PCM thermal energy storage. In addition, a theoretical model is established to evaluate the refrigerator performance when operated under different environmental conditions of the design point. Thereafter the model is used to size a larger cooling capacity solar driven refrigerator. The results show that this system can be used in remote hot arid areas for refrigeration of post-harvest crops transportation activities. From outdoor results at PCM full load condition, a COP of 1.22 is achieved and storage temperature of 5 degrees C is achieved at third day and 0 degrees C at sixth day. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.