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REVIEW OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER GASKETS
Citation:
Ghassemi, M. AND H. Shapiro. REVIEW OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER GASKETS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-91/060 (NTIS PB92-106913), 1991.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The report gives results of an investigation of the significance of heat leakage through gaskets in household refrigerator/freezers, explores different design features, and suggests further study if necessary. The report gives results of an extensive literature review, interviews with refrigerator/freezer and gasket manufacturers, and some engineering analysis. (NOTE: Home refrigerators are the largest consumers of electricity among household appliances and are consuming an estimated 8% of the total electricity used in the U.S. Recent studies show that gasket area heat leakage may account for as much as 21% of the total thermal load.) The study found that: (1) manufacturers will likely incorporate improved gasket technology in 1993 models; (2) there is little certainty about the magnitude of gasket heat leakage, although most believe it is significant (significance will increase with introduction of advanced types of insulation); (3) double-door gaskets do not offer much potential due to several practical limitations and the advancement in single-gasket technology; (4) gasket infiltration may cause a significant portion of the load; and (5) safety requirements are critical for home refrigerator/freezers (it is unlikely that a mechanical door latching device would meet these requirements, even if it meets energy conservation goals).
