Next-generation AI refrigeration

As an always-on device, the refrigerator is one of the most power-hungry domestic appliances, using anything from 7% to 13% of total domestic energy consumption. Over the last two decades, the energy consumption of refrigerators has dropped steadily, but soon progress is expected to plateau. Energy reduction will not be as cheap and easy to achieve. Still, to avoid catastrophic climate change and meet ever more stringent regulation, optimal energy efficiency is essential.

Working with Arm, Arçelik has developed a self-tuning, AI-based refrigeration optimization solution that achieves energy savings upward of 10%.

With reinforcement learning and utilizing existing processors based on Arm Cortex-M technology within the refrigerator, Arçelik’s solution limits temperature fluctuation to achieve energy savings without adding to carbon emissions in manufacture.

The solution also has benefits beyond energy consumption. Each year, about one third of the food produced globally, worth around $1.2 trillion, goes to waste. Typically, refrigerator temperature oscillates by +/-0.5° Celsius, but by limiting this fluctuation to less than +/-0.2°Celsius, the Arçelik solution keeps food fresher for around 10% longer – extending its shelf-life and saving it from landfill.