Technical feasibility study of a low cost frost sensor for commercial refrigeration systems

In typical supermarket refrigeration systems, defrosting can account for up to 30% of the total energy consumption of the system while also having an important impact on the quality of the food. To eliminate unnecessary defrost cycles caused by preset time cycle and implement a “defrost on demand” solution, a robust and low cost frost sensor needs to be developed. The principal objective of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of using MEMS technology, which already allows the high volume production of numerous reliable and low cost sensors, to fabricate a frost detection sensor. In this project the intern will acquire a deeper knowledge of the operation of the microfabrication tools available at fabrication facilities and Micro-Thermo technologies will gain a technological advantage on its competitor by having a solution to reduce significantly the energy consumption of his clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Luc Fréchette

Student:

Partner:

Micro Thermo Technologies, Division of Parker-Hannifin

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: