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Energy Saving Module
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Energy Saving Module(s)(ESM) represent a green technology that reduces the electricity consumption (kWh) and maximum demand (kW) of air conditioning and refrigeration compressors. The concept was first developed in Australia in 1983 by Abbotly Technologies and is now distributed by Smartcool Systems Inc.. The system works in conjunction with existing HVAC controls ensuring that the compressors work at maximum efficiency, while maintaining preset temperature levels. By preventing over-cycling by a process, known as ‘Compressor Optimisation' consumption of electricity is cut by between 15% and 25% in each case, thereby improving operating costs and cutting emmission of greenhouse gasses.
Conventional controls, including the most sophisticated Building & Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and state-of-the-art refrigeration controls, operate only on reaching pre-programmed static values to switch compressors off and on or adjust capacity. When the measured medium is within the dead band, the BEMS and controllers remain idle until a specific set value is reached. They do nothing to dynamically measure the heat load and adjust the control differential in proportion to the cooling demand or to dynamically control the cycle rate of the compressors.
The ESM is a microcomputer that records the absolute switching values of the primary controller and also measures the 'rate of change' of both the rise and fall of temperatures during the operating cycle of the compressors. With this data the ESM computes a reference heat load to match the cooling capacity and then calculates variable operating parameters. This calculation is used to minimise compressor operation within the absolute switching values, with a resultant reduction in refrigeration and air conditioning compressor run time, reduced electricity consumption (kWh) and maximum demand (kW/KVA). This is achieved while maintaining the original operating temperature.
Testing Conducted by: Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) Location: Notrica's Market, Bellwood, California Date: March 1998[1]
Testing Conducted by: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (U.S. Department of Energy) Location: ASDA / Wal-Mart Super Center, Sheffield, United Kingdom Date: December 2004 [2] [3]