A Review on Applications of Fuzzy Logic Control for Refrigeration Systems

Abstract

The use of fuzzy logic controllers in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, RACs, has as main objective to maintain certain thermal and comfort conditions. In this sense, fuzzy controllers have proven to be a viable option for use in RACs due to their ease of implementation and their ability to integrate with other control systems and control improvements, as well as their ability to achieve potential energy savings. In this document, we present a review of the application of fuzzy controls in RACs based on vapor compression technology. Application information is discussed for each type of controller, according to its application in chillers, air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and heat pumps. In addition, this review provides detailed information on controller design, focusing on the potential to achieve energy savings; this design discusses input and output variables, number and type of membership functions, and inference rules. The future perspectives on the use of fuzzy control systems applied to RACs are shown as well. In other words, the information in this document is intended to serve as a guide for the creation of controller designs to be applied to RACs.