Optimal Control for Refrigeration Compressor Systems in High Dynamics Situations

Abstract:
Refrigeration systems are one of the largest energy consumers worldwide so optimization with respect to energy consumption for these systems has the potential to save a lot of energy. In most applications, the compressor is over dimensioned such that it can operate at specified environmental temperature constraints thus having to run ON/OFF control mode under normal operating conditions. Frequent starting and low-speed operation with large torque ripple and position estimation error present will decrease the overall system efficiency and reduce the stability of the drive system.
This project aims to develop robust sensorless controllers with abilities to handle continuously changing load torque and at the same time, minimizing the energy consumption. Various control methods will be developed, tested and optimized for such a system.

Funding: Innovationfund (Strategic and challenge-driven research and innovation in new technologies)