Sales refrigeration units (SRUs) are part of the cold chain at
the distribution stage. They are designed to display and preserve
foodstuffs, whose temperature must be kept as constant as possible,
as required by regulations.
A classic refrigerated sales cabinet consists of a thermally insulated
structure, components for distributing cold throughout the cabinet,
and fittings for displaying and storing foodstuffs. The variety of
models on the market is such that a number of classification criteria
can be applied.
In order to maintain an open refrigerated space at a temperature
that differs significantly from the outside temperature (up to 50K),
an air curtain is used, especially for vertical cabinets, whose operation
and efficiency can be characterized.
Defining the required cooling capacity enables refrigeration systems
to be selected. It is determined by establishing a heat balance.
Numerical simulation of refrigeration units involves the virtual
reproduction of their actual behavior, and the use of IT resources
is justified by the complexity of the phenomena studied.