A simple optimization approach for the insulation thickness distribution in household refrigerators

Determination of the optimal insulation thickness is of great relevance in many thermal engineering applications. In this paper, a simple optimization strategy based on the Lagrange multipliers is presented. The optimal set of thicknesses is analytically found for different constraints and objective...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Trias Miquel, Francesc Xavier|||0000-0002-5966-0703, Oliet Casasayas, Carles|||0000-0003-2170-5299, Rigola Serrano, Joaquim|||0000-0002-6685-3677, Pérez Segarra, Carlos David|||0000-0003-1007-3142
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/119401
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/119401
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2018.06.014
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery--Electric equipment
Insulation (Heat)
Insulation
Optimization
Lagrange multipliers
Domestic refrigerator
Energy labeling
Refrigeració i màquines frigorífiques -- Estalvi d'energia
Aïllament tèrmic
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies::Termoenergètica::Refrigeració
Descripción
Sumario:Determination of the optimal insulation thickness is of great relevance in many thermal engineering applications. In this paper, a simple optimization strategy based on the Lagrange multipliers is presented. The optimal set of thicknesses is analytically found for different constraints and objective functions of interest for the refrigeration industry. Namely, the minimization of heat losses in a single compartment with fixed internal and external volumes and the optimal configuration for a prescribed energy efficiency index. Then, these two basic problems are extended for configurations with two compartments, e.g. domestic refrigerators-freezers, and for configurations with vacuum insulation panels. Optimization problems for realistic configurations show the great potential of the proposed methodology for industrial refrigeration applications.