Difference between revisions of "Refrigerator Energy"
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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 === | + | === GG Refrigerator Annual Energy Usage and Control Optimization === |
---- | ---- | ||
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==== General ==== | ==== 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. | * 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 | ||
+ | * [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) | ||
+ | * What is our controller make/model and temperature setpoint and deadband? | ||
+ | * Where was/is the original temperature sensor mounted? | ||
=== TO DO === | === TO DO === |
Latest revision as of 12:34, 21 February 2015
return to Sustainability Labs
return to Current Labs Summary
Velit semper dolor!!
Contents
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
- Refrigerator Energy Workbook
- Experiment Tracker - summary of all experiments & experiment project management
- Experiment Workbook Template - report template for actual conducting of experiment
- USDA Refrigeration & Food Safety Fact Sheet
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