Optimized Airport Refrigeration with AoFrio’s IoT solution

This case study explores how AoFrio addressed a significant voltage problem affecting refrigeration units at one of the busiest airports in the United States. The client, an OEM customer, learned about AoFrio’s solutions through their existing relationship. By leveraging advanced IoT technology and AoFrio® SCS Controller, AoFrio was able to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring optimal refrigerator performance and enhancing product sales.

AoFrio successfully addressed a critical voltage problem affecting refrigeration units at one of the busiest airports in the United States. By deploying SCS controllers and leveraging advanced IoT technology, AoFrio identified and resolved the issue, ensuring optimal refrigerator performance and enhancing product sales.

The airport’s refrigerators were failing to maintain proper temperatures, negatively impacting product sales. Upon investigation, it was discovered that voltage fluctuations were causing the refrigerators to shut down frequently to protect their internal components. This issue was particularly severe in a row of five refrigerators, where three units were malfunctioning despite being of the same model and manufacturer. Also, the airport has lengthy approval process, so to physically check the problem at the refrigerator point-ofsale location would take a few weeks which slows down the process of maintenance.

To detect the problem, our team installed SCS controllers in a few refrigerators. A technical staff (third party provider) visited the site with the AoFrio® Field App and AoFrio® iQ™ Fleet App on their mobile phones. These apps allowed the team to collect and analyse six months’ worth of statistical data remotely:

• AoFrio Field App: Provides real-time monitoring and assessment of refrigeration units on-site. 
• AoFrio iQ Fleet App: Collects and analyses historical data to identify trends and anomalies. 

The data revealed that while all internal components of the chillers were functioning correctly, the supply voltage for outlets 4, 5, and 6 was unstable, fluctuating between 137V and 224V. These fluctuations caused the refrigerators to shut down frequently, preventing them from maintaining the required temperature of 39°F. 

The findings

• Inspection details: Five coolers were inspected at the terminal of the airport. Two coolers contained beverage products (juices, soft drinks, tea, and water), while three were empty.
• Ambient temperature: The ambient temperature at the point of sale was around 70°F.
• Power outlets: Six power outlets were available, with the coolers connected as follows:
  • One of the power outlets was not being used.
  • Outlets 4, 5, and 6 showed unstable voltage, fluctuating between 137V and 224V.
• Physical inspection: No obvious anomalies were found in the compressors, fan motors, or wiring.
• Temperature issues: The three empty coolers were not cooling properly, with an average temperature of 56.5°F.
• Startup delay: An unusual startup delay was detected, with coolers turning off after 12-15 seconds and some not turning on again for 3-5 minutes. 

Recommendations made by AoFrio 

Given the extreme voltage variations, a voltage regulator was deemed insufficient. AoFrio recommended a thorough review of the store’s electrical installation, focusing on:

• Proper connections (power line, ground line, and neutral line)
• Circuit breakers
• Status of the power outlets, particularly outlets 1, 4, 5, and 6

With the implementation of AoFrio’s SCS controllers and AoFrio® Cellular Gateway, the client could remotely monitor and analyze data without waiting for airport access approval. This technology enabled efficient problem identification and resolution, ensuring the refrigerators operated correctly and optimized the point of sale without the technician visiting the airport after the lengthy approval process for airport access. 

Benefits of the solution:

• Increased sales: Ensured effective intervention of refrigeration equipment, maintaining constant sales.
• Time and cost efficiency: Reduced the time and costs associated with on-site visits through remote monitoring.
• Improved decision-making: Real-time data allowed for quick, informed decisions.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Minimized losses and maximized equipment performance through quick and accurate problem identification.

Integrating IoT technology into refrigeration equipment management significantly improved operational efficiency and service quality for our client. Our advanced IoT solution ensured better customer satisfaction and increased business profitability by maintaining optimal refrigerator performance and preventing temperature-related sales losses.