The effect of the structure of a water distribution pan in an evaporation drum on a flake ice machine

Abstract Through experimental research, the performance of the flake ice machine under different structures of the water distribution pan was comparatively analyzed to enhance performance and optimize the design of the water distribution pan in the evaporation drum. An experimental bench for testing the performance of the flake ice machine was constructed, and the optimal scraping cycle under varying water distribution pan structures was determined. The results revealed a 33% improvement in the ice-making area within the water distribution pan structure, along with a 17.5% reduction in power consumption per unit of ice production, achieved through the optimal operational conditions of the flake ice machine using R404A as the refrigerant. Furthermore, the dry area was enhanced by 40%, leading to an 8% reduction in power consumption per unit of ice production. Notably, for this flake ice machine, the optimal ice-making drying ratio was found to be 1.6.