Optimal on-off control of an air conditioning and refrigeration system

Abstract

This paper presents an optimal compressor on-off control algorithm for air conditioning and refrigeration (AC&R) systems with relay feedback loop. A generic cost function involving temperature variation from the set-point, power consumption and compressor on-off cycling frequency is introduced for minimization. The optimal control scheme is tested on an AC&R system model, and three simulation scenarios for different control considerations are given to demonstrate the potential of the optimal on-off control on temperature regulation, component wear reduction, and fuel consumption saving.