Rockwell Automation and Actemium Implement AI for Energy Saving in Frozen Food Production

Rockwell Automation and Actemium Enhance Energy Efficiency in Frozen Food Production

In a groundbreaking move for the frozen food manufacturing industry, Rockwell Automation has partnered with Actemium to apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology in refrigeration systems. This innovative initiative aims to tackle one of the most energy-intensive aspects of food production, potentially saving producers substantial costs on their energy bills.

The Challenge of Energy Consumption in Refrigeration

Industrial refrigeration is a significant consumer of electricity, accounting for up to 70% of a facility's overall energy use. Consequently, optimizing refrigeration systems is crucial not only for reducing operational costs but also for minimizing the environmental impact of food production. Historically, these systems have been operated primarily to meet cooling demands, leading to inefficiencies that could have been addressed with smarter technology.

Introducing the Real-Time Coefficient of Performance (RtCOP)

The solution developed by Actemium, known as the Real-Time Coefficient of Performance (RtCOP), has been deployed successfully at a major producer of frozen potato products. This AI-driven system continuously selects energy-efficient configurations for refrigeration equipment, achieving an impressive 17% reduction in energy consumption. It is estimated that this innovative solution translates to savings of around $130,000 annually per site.

The RtCOP functions similarly to a virtual operator, continuously analyzing various factors such as system capacities, efficiencies, and environmental conditions to implement the most energy-efficient combinations of compressors, condensers, and evaporators. This real-time optimization capability is a game-changer in a field where manual operators might struggle to make timely adjustments.

A Shift Towards Autonomous Efficiency

Jim Gillis, the general manager at Actemium Atlantic Canada, emphasized the significant benefits of autonomous optimization: "This approach not only conserves energy but also alleviates the operational burden on human workers. The ability to rank equipment efficiency based on real-time data is something that manual operators cannot achieve consistently."

With the ongoing skills shortage in specialized fields such as refrigeration, solutions like RtCOP have become increasingly vital. As noted by Kris Dornan, Commercial Marketing Manager at Rockwell Automation, such technologies are essential for food producers striving to operate more efficiently and sustainably in a competitive market.

Implementation and Future Prospects

Actemium's implementation of RtCOP does not stop with its initial deployment. The company is committed to scaling this solution across its network of refrigeration plants, utilizing key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards for improved visibility in performance metrics and benchmarking efficiencies site-to-site. This initiative not only seeks to optimize individual plants but aims to create a cohesive network of highly efficient refrigeration operations.

As industries face growing pressure to enhance sustainability alongside efficiency, the partnership between Rockwell Automation and Actemium exemplifies how technology can play a pivotal role in driving operational improvements. By leveraging AI and modern distributed control systems like PlantPAx, the two companies are leading the charge in transforming the freezing capabilities in food manufacturing, benefitting both the economy and the environment.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world’s largest company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation. With approximately 26,000 employees, the company serves customers in over 100 countries, continually pushing the boundaries of productivity and sustainability within the industrial sector.

About Actemium

Actemium, a global network of experts, operates in 40 countries, offering tailored solutions aimed at enhancing industrial performance. With over 24,000 professionals, Actemium is passionate about contributing to a more sustainable industrial landscape, reinforcing its commitment through innovative technological solutions like RtCOP.

For more information on Rockwell Automation's suite of products for the food and beverage sector, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. To learn more about Actemium, check www.actemium.com.