Development and characteristics of a method for self-contained ice production using cold outdoor air in winter

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2014-04, Vol.68, p.939-946
• Main Authors: Hamada, Yasuhiro, Nagata, Tsutomu, Kubota, Hideki, Ono, Takayuki, Musha, Ryosuke
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building technical equipments; Buildings; Buildings. Public works; Cold outdoor air; Containers; Cooling; Cooling effects; Energy management and energy conservation in building; Environmental engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Experiment; Ice production; Insulation; Outdoor; Production methods; Renewable energy; Winter
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.01.091

This paper proposes a new method of ice production using a simple insulation lid and a self-contained ice production. Results of experiments in a freezer showed that ice could be produced with three proposed containers. It was possible to produce ice using a flat-plate-type simple insulation lid with the 1-ton and 0.5-ton containers. It was also proven that self-contained ice production was possible using a cap-type simple insulation lid with the 135-kg container. Outdoor experiments were also conducted. It was confirmed that ice could be produced outdoors and shown that the production method for ice intended for space cooling with a mixture of snow and water was effective. Furthermore, a method of production for high-value-added clear ice was proposed based on the outcomes of indoor and outdoor experiments. It was confirmed that all the items of the relevant standards were satisfied as a result of water quality examination of edible ice and ice intended for space cooling. •New methods of ice production using a simple insulation lid were proposed.•It was possible to produce ice using a flat-plate-type simple insulation lid with containers.•It was proven that self-contained ice production was possible using a cap-type simple insulation lid.•A method of production for high-value-added clear ice was proposed.