What's Happening?
Rockwell Automation, in collaboration with Actemium, has developed an AI-powered application to improve energy efficiency in industrial refrigeration systems used in frozen food production. The application, known as Real-Time Coefficient of Performance
(RtCOP), optimizes the operation of compressors, condensers, and evaporators, resulting in a 17% increase in energy efficiency and an estimated $130,000 in annual savings per site. This system operates autonomously, continuously analyzing and adjusting configurations to maximize efficiency and reduce equipment strain.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses the high energy consumption associated with industrial refrigeration, which can account for up to 70% of a plant's electricity use. By improving energy efficiency, the solution not only reduces operational costs but also supports sustainability efforts in the food manufacturing industry. The use of AI in this context demonstrates the potential for technology to transform traditional industrial processes, offering a competitive advantage to companies that adopt such innovations. This could lead to broader adoption of AI-driven solutions across various sectors.
What's Next?
Actemium plans to scale the RtCOP solution across its fleet of refrigeration plants, providing site-to-site visibility and benchmarking through KPI dashboards. As the food industry faces challenges such as skills shortages and the need for sustainable practices, the adoption of AI-driven solutions like RtCOP is likely to increase. This could prompt other industries to explore similar technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in their operations.
