Energy optimization of batch freezing tunnel for meat.

Paper published in poster form during the conference. A large amount of meat is frozen in batches in blast freezing tunnels. These tunnels are designed according to old rules of thumb, and they are in most cases running a constant air flow. By optimizing the running conditions of the tunnel, extensive energy savings can be obtained. A Danish ELFORSK research project regarding the energy saving potential of industrial blast freezing tunnels verify these savings. The project covers testing of an industrial tunnel combined with laboratory tests, models, and CFD calculations.This paper presents the results of the project. The focus is on the possibilities to either optimize the efficiency of the tunnel or to reduce the freezing times. Optimization is achieved through modelling and testing. The optimization of the fans, the air flow through the tunnel, and the control strategy are investigated.