SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING, INFERRING STATE OF HEALTH, AND OPTIMIZING EFFICIENCY OF REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

摘要

Systems and method for operating and monitoring refrigerators are described. Temperature cycles within the compartment are characterized using statistical, frequency and pattern analysis techniques to derive a steady-state characteristic of temperature within the compartment. A thermal sensor inside the conditioned area is monitored and temperature data sets can be analyzed to determine performance in comparison to a baseline, and energy consumption. Analysis of continuous temperature readings taken from individual or groups of freezers identifies patterns of variations in temperature cycles from which feedback on efficiency can be inferred. Electrical load can be determined by measuring or estimating current usage and identifying periods of time when compressors are active in the refrigerator.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring operational efficiency of a refrigeration system, comprising:
receiving a plurality of measurements from at least one sensor associated with a monitored refrigeration system, the plurality of measurements indicating current used by the monitored refrigeration system over a period of time; generating a first characteristic representing a time sequence of the current used by the monitored refrigeration system over the period of time; and determining whether a failure or loss of energy efficiency of the monitored refrigeration system is predicted by differences between the first characteristic and a baseline characteristic corresponding to a nominally operating refrigeration system.