A Review of the Energy-Saving Potential of Phase Change Material-Based Cascaded Refrigeration Systems in Chinese Food Cold Chain Industry

Xinyu Meng, Yijian He, Lijuan He (), Chenlei Zhao, Lifang Wang, Wenxi You and Jingbo Zhu
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Xinyu Meng: Environment and Energy College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Yijian He: Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Lijuan He: Environment and Energy College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Chenlei Zhao: Environment and Energy College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Lifang Wang: Architectural Engineering College, North China Institute of Science and Technology, Langfang 065201, China
Wenxi You: Environment and Energy College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Jingbo Zhu: Inner Mongolia Association of Refrigeration, Hohhot 010000, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-28

Abstract: As the global demand for food increases, the efficiency and environmental sustainability of refrigeration systems have become increasingly critical issues. Cascaded refrigeration systems (CRSs) are widely used in the Chinese food cold chain due to their capacity to meet a wide range of temperature requirements. However, energy consumption of these systems is always high. If phase change materials (PCMs) are combined with the refrigeration systems, the energy-saving effect is remarkable. The paper reviews the integration of PCMs within CRS, focusing on their potential to reduce energy consumption, thereby improving food safety and reducing reliance on conventional, electricity-intensive refrigeration methods. The study categorizes and explores the low-temperature applications of PCMs in CRS, providing novel insights into enhancing energy efficiency in food cold chain logistics. Despite most PCM research focusing on single-stage systems, this review innovates by introducing PCM integration in multistage cascade systems, which is particularly relevant for low-temperature requirements. The discussion encompasses the structure, working fluids, and applications of CRSs in the cold chain, emphasizing the role of PCMs in sustainable cold chain management. The review concludes by highlighting the need for further research on PCMs in CRS, especially regarding their economic viability and large-scale implementation potential.

Keywords: Chinese food cold chain; cascade refrigeration system (CRS); phase change materials (PCMs); cycle configuration; energy saving (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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