A review of defrosting methods in cold storage

Cold storage has found worldwide applications with the development of the economy and technology. Frost deposition and accumulation on the surface of evaporators in cold storage are inevitable and can harm the refrigerating system, necessitating prompt elimination. To improve defrosting efficiency and the accuracy of predicting and controlling the defrosting cycle, the related mass and heat transport within frost, as well as the melted frost on the fin/pipe, must be clearly understood. This paper reviews the frost mechanism and characteristics in cold storage, defrosting methods, and control strategies reported over the past twenty years. The aim is to provide an overview of recent studies on cold storage defrosting, enabling researchers, manufacturers, designers, and other concerned parties to quickly obtain essential and sufficient information about defrosting methods, thus facilitating the development and completion of ongoing studies. This review identifies gaps in research on defrosting in commercial cold storage conditions and provides recommendations.