United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA/600/S2-91/060 Nov 1991
vxEPA Project Summary
Review of Energy Efficiency of
Refrigerator/Freezer Gaskets
Majid Ghassemi and Howard Shapiro
The report gives results of an inves-
tigation of the significance of heat leak-
age through gaskets in household re-
frigerator/freezers, explores different
design features, and suggests further
study if necessary.
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory, Research Tri-
angle Park, NC, to announce key find-
ings of the research project that is fully
documented In a separate report of the
same title (see Project Report ordering
information at back).
Introduction
Home refrigerators are the largest con-
sumers of electricity among household
appliances and are consuming an esti-
mated 8% of the total electricity used in
the U. S. Recent studies show that gasket
area heat leakage may account for as
much as 21% of the total thermal load.
The purpose of this study was to inves-
tigate the significance of heat leakage
through the gaskets in household refrig-
erator/freezers, explore different design
features, and suggest further study if nec-
essary. This report presents the results of
an extensive literature review, interviews
with refrigerator/freezer and gasket manu-
facturers, and some engineering analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study included: 1)
Manufacturers will likely incorporate im-
proved gasket technology in the 1993 mod-
els. 2) There is little certainty about the
magnitude of gasket heat leakage, al-
though most believe it is significant. The
significance will increase with introduction
of advanced types of insulation. 3) Double-
door gaskets do not offer much potential
due to several practical limitations and the
advancement in single-gasket technology.
4) Gasket infiltration may cause a signifi-
cant portion of the load. 5) Safety require-
ments are critical for home refrigerator/
freezers. It is unlikely that a mechanical
door latching device would meet these
requirements, even if it meets energy con-
servation goals.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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M. Ghassemi and H. Shapiro are with Iowa State University, Engineering
Research Institute, Ames, IA 50011.
Jane C. Bare is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Review of Energy Efficiency of Refrigerator/
Freezer Gaskets," (Order No. PB92-106913/AS; Cost: $17.00, subject to
change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental
Research Information
Cincinnati, OH 45268
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA PERMIT No. G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA/600/S2-91/060
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