Examines the principles of optimum control of cool storage and the application variations related to different types of storage and plant configurations. Key factors are identified that establish the correct control strategy for different situations. One of these factors is the relative cost of stored versus direct cooling. The other key factor is whether there is a cost penalty related to the inventory level of stored cooling. The implementation of an optimal controller is reviewed and observations are made relative to several uses of the controller.

KEYWORDS: optimisers, ice storage, chilled water supply, energy storage, energy consumption, energy conservation, chillers, electricity consumption, costs, direct cooling.

Units: I-P