Application of short air curtains in retail display refrigerators

In Europe, Ecodesign and Energy Labelling regulations for refrigerated retail display cabinets will come into force in January 2017 and manufacturers are seeking new technologies to maximise the efficiency of their products. Conventional multi deck cabinets have a single column of cold air from the top to the bottom of the merchandising envelope. The colder, denser air causes a stack effect and pressure builds at the base of air curtain causing cold air spillage from the cabinet and compromising temperature stability and energy efficiency. By contrast, with short air curtains the merchandising envelope can be divided into separate cells between shelves. The smaller cells have a shorter air column and independent management of air movement. The net result is a substantial reduction in cold air spillage from the case and improved temperature stability. This paper presents a technical and performance comparison between short air curtain technology and conventional cabinets.