Low-cost rapid-installation data monitoring and analysis system for operating status of refrigeration plant

Abstract

For refrigeration plants without building automation systems (BAS), a low-cost rapid-installation data monitoring and analysis system has been developed that can be installed without affecting the normal operation of the refrigeration system. Typical installation time is two days, and the hardware and installation cost for a canonical set of systems is approximately 5600 Chinese Yuan (780 US Dollar). Temperature data were collected from low-cost wireless measurement points on the equipment and piping of the refrigeration plant and then stored, pre-processed, and analyzed to extract parameters related to the operating status of the plant. This paper describes the methods and rules for pre-processing the data and the methods for identifyingAuthor Statement the system operating state using algorithms, including algebraic operations, statistical parameter identification based on empirical rules, and curve similarity identification. The low-cost, rapid-installation data monitoring and analysis system was applied to several refrigeration plants, and the relevant data were analyzed. The rapid data monitoring and analysis system successfully calculated and identified the energy consumption, Coefficient of Performance, Water Transport Factor, ON/OFF status, and other operating status and energy efficiency-related parameters of each item of refrigeration equipment. It also identified fault information, such as frequent start-stop and water bypass, which are common in refrigeration plants. The system costs 10% less than a traditional monitoring system. It is expected to help refrigeration plants without BAS to take the first step in establishing a monitoring system, allowing operations and maintenance personnel to better understand the operating status of the refrigeration system from a remote location, discover faults and energy-consuming behaviors in a timely manner, and improve the overall energy efficiency of the system.