Phase-change Material-based Thermal Management for Energy-efficient and Sustainable Food Preservation Systems

Domestic refrigeration units contribute significantly to household energy consumption. Despite advances in compressor efficiency and insulation, energy demand remains high due to temperature fluctuations and compressor cycling. This paper proposes an innovative PCM-assisted cooling system to stabilize internal temperatures, reduce compressor workload, and lower energy consumption. The integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) in domestic refrigerators represents a transformative approach to thermal management, leveraging latent heat storage to mitigate the inefficiencies inherent in conventional vapor compression cycles. By embedding PCM panels with phase transition temperatures around 0-5°C, the system can absorb excess heat during door openings or off-cycles, thereby minimizing temperature swings that trigger unnecessary compressor activations. Experimental validations from recent studies demonstrate potential energy savings of 25-40%, aligning with global sustainability goals under frameworks like the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, this technology extends to off-grid food preservation, where PCM-based pods maintain sub-ambient temperatures without electricity, addressing food waste in developing regions. A comparative analysis of organic PCMs, such as paraffin wax, and inorganic options like salt hydrates reveals trade-offs in thermal conductivity and cost, with encapsulated hybrids offering optimal performance. Thermodynamic modeling, including exergy analysis, underscores reduced entropy generation and enhanced coefficient of performance (COP). Challenges such as material encapsulation and scalability are discussed, alongside future directions involving nano-enhanced PCMs for superior heat transfer. This work not only quantifies benefits through CFD simulations but also proposes adaptive control algorithms integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time optimization. Ultimately, PCM-assisted systems pave the way for energy-efficient, resilient food preservation, potentially cutting global refrigeration-related CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 15% by 2030.