The refrigerator is one of the most important electrical household appliances and can be found in 99.9 % of households in Germany. Its most important task is to preserve food.
The vast majority of models do this reliably, durably, efficiently, and, since the 1990s, predominantly with an environmentally friendly refrigerant (hydrocarbon).
Energy efficiency is particularly important for an appliance that runs around the clock. The energy consumption of household refrigerators has decreased significantly in recent years. The limits for achieving the best energy label have been lowered several times.
Incidentally, the energy consumption of a refrigerator is determined in the laboratory at an ambient temperature of 16 to 32 °C and a cold storage temperature of 0 to +8 °C. These tests have also been carried out at ILK Dresden.
A modern refrigerator in the highest efficiency class consumes approximately as much electricity in a year as it takes to charge the battery of an electric car.
In the field of applied materials technology at ILK Dresden, we test, examine, and research almost all materials required for a cooling circuit.
In doing so, we collaborate with manufacturers across various industries (automotive, white goods, etc.). Our goal is to make a significant contribution to improving product sustainability, the safety of refrigeration systems, and ultimately the environment.
Contact
Dr. rer. nat. Michael Goldberg
Authorised Signatory | Head of Main Department
