Frosting and defrosting characteristics of household refrigerators and freezers: Recent progress and perspectives

Refrigerators and freezers are now common household devices, and they consume a considerable amount of energy each year. The deposition and accumulation of frost on the surface of the refrigerator evaporator is inevitable and always has a significant negative impact. The periodic defrosting is necessary for household refrigerators, which increases the energy consumption and the compartment temperature. This paper presents the key findings concerning the frosting and defrosting characteristics of refrigerators and freezers based on the existing literature in 2000 similar to 2023. In the first part, the frosting research is summarized. Firstly, the parameters affecting the frost formation of the refrigerator evaporator are analyzed. Then, the structure of the 'no-frost' evaporator is introduced. Meanwhile, the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of the 'no-frost' evaporator are discussed. Two methods for improving 'no-frost' evaporator performance are also presented. The second part focuses on the defrosting research, including an analysis of defrosting energy consumption. Four methods to improve refrigerator defrosting performance are also summarized. Suggestions are made for future research initiatives and essential improvement measures. This review strives to serve as a valuable reference for the study of frosting and defrosting characteristics in household refrigerators and freezers.