Heat Dissipated By a Freezer's Condensing Unit

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of utilizing the heat dissipated by a large freezer's condensing unit. One idea is to use the heat during heating days and exhaust it during cooling days. However, it is noted that adding any device to the cooling unit may decrease the efficiency of the freezer. Rejecting the heat to outdoors may also decrease efficiency, but combining the heat pump with a water heater could potentially improve the overall efficiency. Keeping the cooling coils dust-free and using a cooler heat sink, such as cool water, are also suggested as methods for increasing efficiency. There is also a suggestion that it may not be worth the effort to try and utilize the heat from the condensing unit.
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vta10
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I am trying to come up with a way to utilize the heat that is being dissipated by a huge freezer's condensing unit. Currently the heat is being dumped permanently in the plenum.
One of the possibilities that a leaning for the most is using the heat that is being dissipated during the heating days and exhaust it during the cooling days.

Any suggestions on how to quantify the heat that is being dissipated by the condenser unit?

Heat Dissipated By a Freezer's Condensing Unit
 
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I'm not sure that there is much to be gained from here. If you add any sort of device that adds thermal resistance to the unit such as a heat engine which runs off the heat from the condenser you will reduce the efficiency of the freezer. Adding something to the cooling unit will increase the temperature of the unit (assuming the same throughput of heat) reducing the efficiency of the system.

As for rejecting the heat to outdoors to reduce indoor heating (or reduce air conditioning load) will see a similar decrease in the freezer efficiency. Theoretically you could combine the heat pump from the freezer to your water heater which could potentially improve the efficiency of the whole system combined but it just isn't really worth it.

A better method for increasing efficiency of a freezer is to simply keep the cooling coils dust free so they dissipate the heat with less work. Using a better heat sink such as cool water from a swimming pool, lake or river are more efficient then rejecting heat to hotter sinks such as air on a warm day.
 

What is the purpose of a freezer's condensing unit?

A freezer's condensing unit is responsible for removing heat from the freezer's interior, keeping the contents at a low temperature to prevent spoilage.

How does a freezer's condensing unit work?

A freezer's condensing unit operates using a process called refrigeration, in which a refrigerant is compressed, cooled, and expanded to remove heat from the freezer's interior.

How much heat is dissipated by a freezer's condensing unit?

The amount of heat dissipated by a freezer's condensing unit varies depending on factors such as the size and efficiency of the unit, but on average, it ranges from 500-800 BTUs per hour.

What factors can affect the heat dissipated by a freezer's condensing unit?

The temperature of the surrounding environment, the amount of airflow around the unit, and the cleanliness of the unit's components can all impact the heat dissipated by a freezer's condensing unit.

Is it normal for a freezer's condensing unit to feel warm to the touch?

Yes, it is normal for a freezer's condensing unit to feel warm to the touch. This is because the unit is constantly working to remove heat from the freezer's interior, and some of that heat is released from the unit itself.

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