Refrigeration Efficiency

Refrigeration Efficiency
It begins with the Operators
Todd Toburen
Plant electrician
Alpenrose Dairy

Good Operator Traits
A solid fundamental base
Diligence
TRAINING

TRAINING
Energy Trust of Oregon partnered with
Cascade Energy to deliver the ROC.
– ROC: Refrigeration Operator Coaching
Goal: Help refrigeration operators maximize the
energy efficiency of their existing refrigeration
system.

How did Alpenrose benefit ?
Baseline energy usage: 5,200,000 kwh
Annual energy savings: 998,071 kwh
Refrigeration energy savings of: 19.2%
Total site energy savings of: 10.2%
Annual savings of: $64,875

Perception is not reality
There was nothing wrong
Cooler was cold. Freezer was frozen
Evaporators were defrosting
Suction pressures were fine
Discharge pressure was normal

Cost to Alpenrose
Time
– Training, implementing action items, follow
up, tracking.
Capital expenditures
– None

How did we do it
Tracking
– Web Based (eSight)
– Manual meter reading
Action Item List
– Create a list of tasks to perform to improve
efficiency.
Follow up
– Ensure you are achieving desired results.

Most effective changes
Increasing suction pressures
Lowering defrost temperature
Valve cluster operating verification

Conclusion
Participation in the ROC has helped Alpenrose develop a
keen eye for refrigeration efficiency, while keeping safety,
and the laws and regulations mandated by PSM as the
number one priority.
There is no finish line to refrigeration efficiency.