The Improvement of Energy Efficiency in Refrigeration Systems using Ultrasonic Sensors

Abstract

Climate change is still an important issue that needs concrete support and action. Refrigerant is also one material that affects global warming and international have plans to reduce the use of HFC refrigerants. Thailand also uses R404A refrigerant, which is an HFC refrigerant with a GWP of up to 3,129 and Thailand plans to reduce its use by 15% in 2030. R404A is the most widely used HFC refrigerant today because it can be used in both refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In the refrigeration system, which uses about 1 ton of refrigerant, when a leak occurs, in addition to affecting global warming and maintenance costs, it also affects the energy consumption of the refrigeration system. From data on the amount of refrigerant used in 2022, it was found that the use of refrigerant for maintenance is 25 tons, averaging 2 tons per month. This research will present the optimization of the maintenance refrigeration system by decreasing carbon emissions using ultrasonic sensors to keep the refrigerant level. The ultrasonic detects flat gas in refrigeration systems, which can detect fluid leaks rather than leaks. detector or using a sight glass. The results of the research found that when the refrigerant leak can be fixed quickly, it will save the use of refrigerant and help reduce energy. When fixing a leaking refrigerant system, 1) 10% will reduce energy by 7%. 2) 20% will reduce energy by 17% 3) 30% will reduce energy by 59%. This system will be able to be expanded to other stores and air conditioning systems in the future.