A learning based precool algorithm for utilization of foodstuff as thermal energy storage

Maintaining foodstuff within predefined temperature thresholds is important due to legislative requirements and to sustain high foodstuff quality. This is achieved using a refrigeration system. However, these systems might not be dimensioned for hot summer days or possible component performance degradation. A learning based algorithm is proposed in this paper, which precools the foodstuff in an anticipatory manner based on the saturation level in the system on recent days. The method is evaluated using a simulation model of a supermarket refrigeration system and simulations show that thermal energy can be stored in foodstuff to cope with saturation in refrigeration equipment. Additional hardware or a system model is not required, making it easy to implement the method in existing systems.