Abstract: A method for monitoring refrigerant in a refrigeration system includes calculating a return gas superheat of a refrigeration system and averaging the return gas superheat over a predetermined period. The method also comprises comparing the average to a superheat threshold and detecting at least one of a flood back condition and a degraded performance condition based on the comparison. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A method for monitoring compressor performance in a refrigeration system includes calculating an isentropic efficiency of a compressor of the refrigeration system, averaging isentropic efficiency over a predetermined period, comparing the average to an efficiency threshold, and detecting a compressor malfunction based on the comparison. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A method of proofing a refrigeration system operating state includes monitoring a change in operating state of a refrigeration system component, determining an expected operating parameter of the refrigeration system component as a function of the change, and detecting an actual operating parameter of the refrigeration system component after the change. The method also comprises comparing the actual operating parameter to the expected operating parameter of the refrigeration component and detecting a malfunction of the refrigeration system component based on the comparison. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A method for predicting maintenance in a refrigeration system includes counting occurrences of a compressor operating event and calculating a cumulative total of the compressor operating events. The method also comprises comparing the cumulative total with an operating threshold and estimating a time period until the cumulative total exceeds the operating threshold. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A method for monitoring refrigerant in a refrigeration system includes sensing, a refrigerant pressure of a refrigeration system, averaging the refrigerant pressure over a time period, determining an expected pressure based on said time period, comparing the average to the expected pressure, and determining a system condition based on said comparison. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a system for fault conditions, determining an estimated energy loss based on the fault condition, determining an estimated product loss and/or sales loss based on the fault condition, and scheduling maintenance to correct the fault condition. Maintenance is schedule to correct the fault condition prior to the energy loss and the product loss exceeding maintenance costs.