10. Opening protection

On average, retail stores are closed to the public 60-65% of the time (nights and weekends). During these closed periods, virtually all refrigerated sales units remain loaded with foodstuffs. The main exceptions are certain display cases for unpackaged fragile foodstuffs, which are returned to cold storage or conservation cabinets.

The main thermal stress on the cabinet and its load comes from the opening. This represents 70% to 75% of the heat balance of the open cabinet, and therefore requires an equivalent amount of instant cooling power.

Through the cabinet opening :

• direct radiation from the environment is intercepted by visible foodstuffs;

• ambient heat and humidity are induced by the air curtain(s) protecting it.

A...