Experimental research on configuration optimization of a frost-free refrigerator-freezer with the parallel circuit cycle

Abstract This paper presents an experimental research on configuration optimization of a frost-free refrigerator-freezer with the parallel circuit cycle based on the analysis of circuit switching characteristics. Through combination optimization of R-fan voltage, F-fan voltage, R-capillary tube flow capacity, refrigerant charge, structure of suction pipe, F-compressor speed and R-compressor speed, the system could save 9.27% energy consumption compared with the initial condition. The experimental results also showed that the larger the R-capillary tube flow capacity, the larger the flow rate of the RC, resulting in the quickly temperature drop in R-cabinet and slowly temperature drop in R-cabinet based on “R-cabinet temperature priority” control strategy. Additionally, the R-cabinet temperature drop rate decreased with the increase of ambient temperature but the F-cabinet temperature drop rate was almost unaffected by the ambient temperature.