Difference between revisions of "Refrigerator Energy"

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[[Image:Anatomy of Chest Freezer.png|frame|right|200px]]
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<small>return to [[Sustainability Labs]]</small> <br />
 
<small>return to [[Sustainability Labs]]</small> <br />
 
<small>return to [[Current Labs Summary]]</small>
 
<small>return to [[Current Labs Summary]]</small>
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Velit semper dolor!!
 
Velit semper dolor!!
  
=== GG Refrigerator Annual Energy Usage ===
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=== GG Refrigerator Annual Energy Usage and Control Optimization ===
 
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==== General ====
 
==== General ====
* Clear old data and reset the Kill A Watt meter. Plug in fridge, noting date and time.
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* Kill A Watt meter resets itself when unplugged (does not retain data when unplugged).  
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* Plug in fridge, noting date and time.
 
* Deploy data loggers.
 
* Deploy data loggers.
 
* Purchase rice.  
 
* Purchase rice.  
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* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtbEzr-Y2qtadEpfLWZTUTNENkMyVTNGYUN2aGFZLVE&hl=en_US Experiment Tracker] - summary of all experiments & experiment project management
 
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtbEzr-Y2qtadEpfLWZTUTNENkMyVTNGYUN2aGFZLVE&hl=en_US Experiment Tracker] - summary of all experiments & experiment project management
 
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtbEzr-Y2qtadDJVaDI3LS1BX1JiRDUtem91cWhyeWc&hl=en_US Experiment Workbook Template] - report template for actual conducting of experiment
 
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtbEzr-Y2qtadDJVaDI3LS1BX1JiRDUtem91cWhyeWc&hl=en_US Experiment Workbook Template] - report template for actual conducting of experiment
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* [http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Refrigeration_&_Food_Safety/index.asp USDA Refrigeration & Food Safety Fact Sheet]
  
 
=== Questions ===
 
=== Questions ===
 
* Where did prediction of $4 per year come from? (Tree Hugger Article)
 
* Where did prediction of $4 per year come from? (Tree Hugger Article)
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* What is our controller make/model and temperature setpoint and deadband?
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* Where was/is the original temperature sensor mounted?
  
 
=== TO DO ===
 
=== TO DO ===

Latest revision as of 12:34, 21 February 2015

Anatomy of Chest Freezer.png

return to Sustainability Labs
return to Current Labs Summary

Velit semper dolor!!

GG Refrigerator Annual Energy Usage and Control Optimization


Goals of Experiment

  • Verify the amount of energy used on an annual basis through measurement.
  • Reduce the amount of condensation collecting at the bottom of the fridge.
  • Measure the temperature gradient across the interior of the fridge (profile).

Decisions to be made from Experiment

  • Determine optimum temperature setpoint and possibly thermocouple location.
  • Determine if annual energy usage being reported needs to be adjusted.
  • Determine if condensation is normal or if it needs to be further addressed (racks in bottom, desiccant, cleaning schedule, waterproof container area, etc.).

Expected Outcomes

  • Reduce the amount of condensate and/or mitigate impact on stored items.
  • Reduce amount of temperature stratification in the fridge interior.
  • Able to more accurately predict annual cost of running the refrigerator.

Methodology


General

  • Kill A Watt meter resets itself when unplugged (does not retain data when unplugged).
  • Plug in fridge, noting date and time.
  • Deploy data loggers.
  • Purchase rice.
  • Remove any existing condensate in fridge.
  • Make controlled openings and place in bottom of fridge.
  • Run experiment for two weeks in heating season and two weeks in cooling season.
  • Complete documentation, analysis, and report results.

Process Measurements

  • Measure actual kWh using plug-in meter over time.
  • Measure temperature profile in interior.
  • Measure condensate developed weighing bag of open rice before and after period of time.

Resources Required

  • Kill A Watt meter
  • Data Loggers for temperature
  • Bag of rice
  • Food scale or postal scale to weigh rice

Planning


Participants

  • Peggy
  • Laurie
  • Helen
  • Tom
  • Kirsten
  • Mr. No Name

Collaboration

  • USL for documentation

Help Wanted

  • N/A

Scheduling & Sequencing

  • Winter two week period 12/9/2011 to 12/23/2011.
  • Summer two week period planned for July or August of 2012.

References


Questions

  • Where did prediction of $4 per year come from? (Tree Hugger Article)
  • What is our controller make/model and temperature setpoint and deadband?
  • Where was/is the original temperature sensor mounted?

TO DO

  • Plan / Do / Study / Act / Repeat