Full Description

An investigation into economical energy usage in freezing tunnels in a food processing industry was conducted. Typically, large amounts of electricity are consumed in these tunnels. An actual freezing tunnel at a citrus processing plant was studied experimentally to determine its operating characteristics, and a temperature profile of concentrate along the length of the tunnel was obtained. 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, both in existing and future designs, are discussed. It was concluded that a factor, K, defined here as the ratio of fan work divided by the useful refrigeration effect, was the most important indicator of economical energy usage in the freezing tunnel.

Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, 1984, vol. 90, pt. 1A, Atlanta, GA