Cooling System Efficiency Determination Using Power Consumption Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the efficiency of cooling systems comprising multiple electrically powered cooling devices are complex and require retrofitting with sensors, leading to reluctance in optimizing cooling device efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors and records the total electrical power consumed by the cooling system, using corresponding values of estimated electrical power consumption and total rated cooling capacity to determine the system's efficiency by estimating the total rated cooling capacity based on power consumption data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor retrofitting methods are used to determine cooling device efficiency, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses its own existing operational data (power consumption and cooling capacity) to determine efficiency, without requiring external sensors or additional measurement equipment. The system serves itself by leveraging data already available from its normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The method extracts efficiency information from existing operational parameters (power consumption and cooling capacity) without adding new sensing components. It takes out the efficiency determination problem from the complex sensor retrofitting approach and solves it using available data.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensor retrofitting methods are used to determine cooling device efficiency, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses its own existing operational data (power consumption and cooling capacity) to determine efficiency, without requiring external sensors or additional measurement equipment. The system serves itself by leveraging data already available from its normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to monitor cooling device parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method continuously monitors power consumption and cooling capacity during normal system operation, allowing efficiency to be determined at any time without stopping the cooling system or performing separate measurement procedures. The useful action of cooling continues uninterrupted while efficiency data is collected.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an efficiency of a cooling system including a plurality of electrically powered cooling devices, the cooling system is configured to ramp the total cooling capacity up and down by turning the one or more cooling devices on and off either fully or partly. The method involves providing corresponding values of estimated electrical power consumption and total rated cooling capacity and monitoring and recording the total electrical power consumed by the system.