Upgrading controls can be an effective way to improve the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of industrial refrigeration systems, and can thus be an important consideration for sustainability managers looking to decarbonise their operations.
Industrial refrigeration systems typically have complex control systems that manage various components, including compressors, fans, pumps, and valves. Upgrading these controls can provide greater control over the system's operation, enabling more precise adjustments to be made to optimise performance and reduce energy consumption.
Some examples of control upgrades that can be implemented in industrial refrigeration systems include:
Advanced control algorithms: Advanced control algorithms can improve the system's ability to predict and respond to changes in operating conditions, resulting in more efficient operation and reduced energy consumption. Generally industrial refrigeration systems have fixed setpoints for compressors, condensers, pumps etc, these do not need to fixed and should be dynamically controlled based on production and weather.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs): VFDs can be used to control the speed of motors in the system, allowing them to run at a variable speed that matches the system's demand. This can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to running motors at a constant speed.
Energy management systems (EMS): EMS can be used to monitor and control energy usage in the refrigeration system, enabling adjustments to be made to optimise energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
By upgrading controls in an industrial refrigeration system, sustainability managers can achieve significant energy savings and reduce carbon emissions, while also improving system reliability and performance. Additionally, many control upgrades can be implemented with relatively low capital costs and can provide a quick return on investment.