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Feature
Image by Fanjianhua on Freepik
BMS plays a pivotal role in complex environments such as hospitals and data centres , where precise monitoring and control are paramount .
to manage the refrigeration system effectively , says Energy Partners ( EP ) general manager for refrigeration Dawie Kriel . Actionable information is generated through the central monitoring hub , allowing one to optimise various parameters to ensure efficient operation . In addition , temperature security is ensured with a timeous alarm response . “ By utilising the DES , businesses gain real-time insights into the system ' s performance , allowing
them to make informed decisions and adjustments to optimise energy consumption , leading to cost savings and improved overall performance with less waste .”
For servitisation to work , accurately measuring the consumption of cooling is essential . Without reliable measurements , invoicing for the service is impossible . The lack of readily available meters for measuring cooling consumption posed a significant obstacle . However , the foundation for such measurements was laid out in a research paper published by a Danish university in the early 1980s . It was only with advancements in technology , particularly in data management and processing power around 2010 , that the practical implementation of a ‘ cooling meter ’ became feasible .
Kriel explains that EP ' s solution involves measuring multiple data points every five seconds , encompassing multiple pressure and temperatures , electricity consumption and climate states . These data points enable the calculation of the coefficient of performance ( COP ), which serves as a crucial indicator of efficiency . “ Through continuous monitoring and analysis , we can optimise energy usage , drive efficiency and provide accurate invoicing based on actual cooling consumption .”
The advent of cloud computing has played a pivotal role in facilitating the practical implementation of servitised refrigeration . Storing and processing large volumes of data has become more streamlined , eliminating the need for extensive on-site data storage
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RACA Journal I October 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za