Adaptive Refrigerator and Freezer Controls for Commercial Applications

This review investigates the energy savings potential of an adaptive refrigeration controller for walk-in freezers and refrigerators. The technology continuously monitors conditions of a refrigeration unit and controls the system components in real time. Our study monitors the use of specific components, internal temperature, humidity, and total energy consumption of a walk-in freezer (sub 32°F) and a walk-in refrigerator (over 32°F), before and after the installation of the new controller. A San Diego McDonalds Restaurant was chosen as the test site. The technology can also be applied to large and very large refrigeration applications including warehouses.

 In our study, the controller was very effective at reducing the operation of the refrigeration components while maintaining appropriate temperatures and humidity. Defrost cycles were significantly reduced. The controller installed on the freezer resulted in an overall energy reduction of about 33.6%, while the controller installed on the refrigerator reduced energy consumption by about 15.5%.