Noise source identification and sound quality analysis of air-cooled frost-free refrigerator

This study investigates noise sources and sound quality characteristics of a high-end air-cooled frost-free refrigerator to guide low-noise design and acoustic optimization. Sound intensity testing identified primary noise sources, revealing that compressor vibration, condenser aerodynamic noise, and condensing fan operation dominate the noise spectrum. Sound quality analysis, conducted using a digital artificial head and psychoacoustic metrics, demonstrated that loudness is influenced by the condensing fan and air-cooling system, sharpness correlates with left-side compressor noise, and fluctuation strength is primarily affected by low-frequency compressor. This integrated approach of noise source identification and sound quality evaluation provides actionable insights for enhancing acoustic performance in air-cooled refrigerators, balancing technical noise reduction with improved user comfort.