Load management applied to intelligent automation of refrigerators

Abstract

The combined use of load management with power operation is one of the basic principles of smart grids. In this new type of grid, there is an integrated operation of different structures. It is important that the generation system is able to help transmission network; the transmission helps the distribution circuits, in all decision-making processes and during its operation. Also, in this concept, consumers should not have a passive role when a problem occurs in the network or in collaboration, for a better system operation. They must also assist the distribution system. This paper is a step in this assistance direction presenting a residential load-management system. An intelligent automatic system for refrigerator control is shown. Its goal is to reduce the energy consumption during the peak-load period. The main idea behind this process is quite simple; observing the consumer habits, the compressor of the refrigerator must be in operation for the minimal possible time during the peak-load period. This paper presents the theoretical foundation of the refrigeration and its operation, the proposed system, and results of some tests.