Parametric study of economical energy usage in freezing tunnels

Large amounts of electricity are consumed in food freezing tunnels. An actual freezing tunnel at a citrus processing plant was studied experimentally to determine its operating characteristics. A computer model was also developed, and predicted temperature profiles were compared to experimental data. A parametric study was performed to determine the effect of the bed velocity, ambient temperature, internal fan loads, and can spacing on the tunnel bed. Methods for improving the effectiveness of the freezing tunnels are discussed. It is concluded that a factor, K, the ratio of fan work divided by the useful refrigeration effect, was the best indicator of economical energy usage in the freezing tunnel.