During summer, cold storage units operate frequently due to high ambient temperatures and increased cooling demands. Improper maintenance during this period can easily lead to equipment failures, higher energy consumption, and even shortened service life. Here are key considerations for using cold storage units in summer, covering equipment operation, maintenance, environment, and more:

I. Monitor the Status of Core Refrigeration System Components

1. Compressor Protection and Monitoring
   • Regularly check the compressor's operating temperature (typically 70-90°C; slight variations exist by model). If the temperature exceeds 100°C, it may indicate poor heat dissipation or insufficient refrigerant—stop operation immediately for inspection.
   • Pay attention to the compressor's operating sound. Abnormal noises (e.g., metal friction, violent vibrations) may signal bearing wear or loose parts. Shut down the unit immediately for repairs to avoid further damage.
   • Ensure the compressor's overload protection devices (e.g., thermal relays) function properly to prevent motor burnout due to summer voltage fluctuations or excessive load.
2. Condenser Cleaning and Heat Dissipation
   • Summer’s high dust and humidity cause air-cooled condensers to accumulate dust and scale easily, reducing heat dissipation efficiency and cooling capacity. Clean the condenser surface of dust and oil at least once a week using a high-pressure water gun (maintain a moderate distance to avoid damaging fins) or specialized cleaning agents.
   • For air-cooled condensers, regularly inspect the fan to ensure blades are undamaged and the motor runs normally. Insufficient fan speed directly impairs heat dissipation—repair or replace promptly.
   • For water-cooled condensers, check cooling water quality and flow to prevent pipe blockages from scaling. Add descaling agents regularly and ensure the cooling tower functions properly (e.g., clear debris and inspect the spray system).
3. Inspection of Evaporators and Throttle Devices
   • If the evaporator surface frosts excessively (over 10mm), it hinders heat transfer and reduces cooling efficiency. Defrost promptly (manual defrosting or check if the automatic defrost system—e.g., heating tubes, temperature sensors—is working).
   • Inspect the expansion valve (throttle device). Blockages or incorrect opening degrees (too large/too small) cause abnormal refrigerant flow, affecting cooling performance. Have professionals adjust or replace it.

II. Ensure Sufficient Refrigerant and System Sealing

1. Regular Refrigerant Pressure Checks: Use pressure gauges to monitor high and low system pressures (refer to the equipment manual for summer standards). Low pressure may indicate refrigerant leaks—locate leaks (e.g., valve connections, pipe welds), repair them, and recharge refrigerant.
2. Avoid Overcharging Refrigerant: High pressure may result from excessive refrigerant or poor condenser heat dissipation. Release excess refrigerant to prevent compressor overload.
3. Check System Sealing: Refrigerant leaks impair cooling and may damage the ozone layer (e.g., R22 freon). Use leak detectors regularly to ensure valves, flanges, and connections are tightly sealed.

III. Protect Electrical Systems and Ensure Heat Dissipation

1. Inspect Distribution Boxes and Wiring: Ensure no water or dust in distribution boxes, and wire connections are secure. Prevent aging or short circuits due to high temperatures—use infrared thermometers to check connection temperatures regularly (address if over 70°C).
2. Protect Motors and Control Components: Ensure compressors, fan motors, etc., have good heat dissipation (e.g., clean dust from motor casings) to avoid burnout. Calibrate thermostats, relays, and other control elements regularly for accurate operation.
3. Address Voltage Fluctuations: Summer peak electricity usage may cause voltage instability. Install voltage regulators to protect equipment from damage due to overvoltage or undervoltage, especially for large cold storage units, where fluctuations can affect compressor startup and operation.

IV. Optimize Cold Storage Usage and Daily Operations

1. Minimize Door Openings and Duration: High ambient temperatures mean frequent door openings let in large amounts of hot air, increasing cooling load. Shorten door-open time; install air curtains or buffer rooms if needed to reduce cold loss.
2. Control Cargo Stacking: Store goods at least 30cm away from evaporators and fans to avoid blocking cold air circulation. Ensure uniform warehouse temperature to reduce frequent unit startups caused by local overheating.
3. Set Temperatures Appropriately: Adjust temperatures based on stored goods (e.g., -18°C for freezers, 0-10°C for refrigerators). Avoid unnecessary low temperatures that increase load. Calibrate warehouse thermometers regularly for accuracy.
4. Clean Warehouse Debris: Remove frost and standing water promptly to prevent impaired evaporator heat dissipation. Maintain intact insulation layers (replace or repair aging door seals or damaged insulation promptly).

V. Regular Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness

1. Develop Maintenance Schedules: In summer, conduct basic checks (e.g., condenser cleaning, pressure checks) weekly and comprehensive maintenance (e.g., refrigerant inspection, electrical system checks, defrost system inspection) monthly, performed by professionals.
2. Backup Equipment and Spare Parts: For businesses reliant on cold storage (e.g., food processing, logistics), prepare backup compressors, fan motors, and other critical spare parts to avoid cargo loss due to equipment failures.
3. Record Operating Data: Daily record warehouse temperatures, compressor start-stop frequency, pressure values, etc. Identify abnormalities (e.g., increased temperature fluctuations, excessive start-stops) through comparative analysis and troubleshoot promptly.