Model predictive control for load shifting in supermarket refrigeration

Journal of Physics Conference Series, vol. 3140, pp. 052017

Abstract

Abstract Load shifting has an important potential for the integration of renewable energies in future electricity grids. This study presents a supervisory control approach for load shifting in supermarket refrigeration systems using model predictive control. Rather than directly controlling the chillers, the proposed method adjusts cabinet temperature setpoints within safe bounds to maintain cold chain integrity while optimizing energy costs. Based on a white-box model validated with real measurement data from a German pilot supermarket, the control implementation leverages the thermal inertia of refrigerated products to shift cooling loads to periods of lower electricity prices. Annual simulations across different price scenarios show cost savings ranging from 5.4% to 12.3%, with energy demand increases of approximately 2.3%. Temperature band variations demonstrate that wider operational ranges enhance cost savings, but reveal diminishing returns beyond 3K of precooling flexibility. In summary, the control successfully balances economic benefits with product quality preservation while effectively utilizing renewable energy during price valleys. This approach does not require additional storage installations and offers a scalable solution for supermarkets to contribute to grid flexibility and integration of renewable energies.

Authors 3

1. Patrick Henkel Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

2. Martin Rätz Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Dirk Müller Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University, E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen, Germany