The Operating Concept
Dynamic real-time cooling control with a unique technology
New Cooling Control
Our AI-powered cooling control is one of a kind worldwide—developed and manufactured in Hamburg. We combine ultra-precise ice, door, and environmental sensors with intelligent algorithms to detect ice formation directly on the heat exchanger and track processes within your logistics. The result: a self-learning system that dynamically adapts to user behavior, automatically defrosts based on actual ice build-up, and transforms cooling rooms into smart energy storage units. Energy flows are precisely managed, and peak loads are reduced.
The next evolution in refrigeration technology—setting new standards in efficiency, sustainability, and process reliability.
World First: Ice Sensor on the Heat Exchanger
Conventional methods rely on indirect ice detection, for example through temperature sensors. With Coldsense ice sensors, for the first time it is possible to directly detect frost, mixed ice, and clear ice on the evaporator of a refrigeration system. We developed these sensors ourselves—originally for safety-critical ice monitoring systems in aerospace. The measurement results are correspondingly precise.
The ice sensors combine different measurement principles and generate a tightly confined electromagnetic field that changes as soon as even minimal ice forms on the sensor. This change is captured with high precision, allowing both the start and duration of each defrost cycle to be controlled with exact accuracy.
Modular System Solution
The full potential of intelligent cooling unfolds through the interaction of multiple modules that build on one another. Step by step, this creates a comprehensive, intelligent system that maximizes every kilowatt-hour—while reducing consumption to a new minimum.
You decide how extensively you want to get started:
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Cold Room Monitoring
- High-resolution monitoring of all relevant parameters (temperature, humidity, door openings, energy consumption) every 10 seconds
- Full transparency across all cooling processes and anomalies
- The foundation for all further optimization modules
Intelligent Defrost Control
- Globally unique ice sensor for precise frost detection on the evaporator
- Dynamic, demand-driven defrosting instead of fixed cycles
- Lower energy consumption and extended system lifespan
Intelligent Temperature Control
- Dynamic real-time adjustment of cold room temperature
- Control based on user behavior (e.g., production times, weekends, pre-cooling)
- Stable temperatures, reduced fluctuations, and additional energy savings
PV Integration & Thermal Storage
- Utilization of PV surplus for energy-intensive processes such as defrosting
- Cold storage in the cooling room for load shifting
- Reduced electricity costs and greater use of renewable energy
Cost Optimization Based on Spot Prices
- Energy flow management based on day-ahead price data (provided by the customer)
- Dynamic shifting of processes to low-cost periods
- Maximum cost efficiency and grid-friendly operation
Integration of Additional Consumers & Generators
- Integration of additional systems such as truck cooling, forklifts, CHP units, or cars
- Scalable to the number of measuring and control points
- Holistic optimization beyond cooling
Energy Management & Energy Flow Optimization (EMS)
- High-resolution monitoring and visualization of all energy flows, including CO₂ and cost centers
- Intelligent control to prevent peak loads and optimize grid utilization
- Eligible for funding under BAFA Module 3, serving as a central platform for complete energy management
Monthly reporting
For each cold room equipped with Coldsense technology, you receive a monthly report on energy efficiency, product safety and environmental performance. The report informs you about the amount of electricity and CO2 saved, among other things. We also provide key figures on defrosting time and temperature stability.
Optimizing energy flows
Would you like to save even more electricity? Then let us take it a step further: on request, we additionally couple AI-controlled defrosting with the cheapest available energy source at any given time. In this way, extra energy savings of around 10% can be achieved.
Example of coupling defrosting with a PV system.
We turn your cold room into an energy storage unit: the excess energy from your PV system is diverted to the refrigeration unit. The cold room is then temporarily cooled down further.
If defrosting of the evaporator becomes necessary, we use the surplus energy of your PV system for this purpose. This way, you can reduce the purchase of expensive electricity.
Frequently asked questions
General questions
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What is the benefit of integrating Coldsense technology into our cold room?
How quickly does the investment in Coldsense technology pay back?
Where is Coldsense technology already in use?
Does Coldsense also offer solutions for company-wide energy management?
Questions about the technology
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What is the difference between Coldsense's AI-controlled defrosting and on-demand defrosting?
The term “on-demand defrosting” is misleading because defrosting is not done on demand. Demand defrost systems rely on indirect measurements of temperature and pressure drop. Based on these indirect measurements, the user must decide whether a predefined defrost time can be skipped.
Coldsense’s solution measures ice formation directly at the evaporator and takes this measurement into account when controlling defrosting. With Coldsense, real-time monitoring of ice formation and, accordingly, defrosting is possible for the first time in keeping with the actual operating status of the refrigeration system.
What does AI mean in relation to the Coldsense system?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that deals with the automation of intelligent behaviour and machine learning.
Arthur Samuel provided a different definition of machine learning in 1959, “Machine learning is a field that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed.” (Source: Samuel, Arthur L. (1959). “Some Studies in Machine Learning Using the Game of Checkers.” IBM Journal of Research and Development. 44: 206-226. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.368.2254. doi:10.1147/rd.441.0206)
Supervised learning is a machine learning method. Coldsense uses supervised learning methods, among others, to identify specific patterns of user behaviour from data.
BConsider the example of movements through the doorway of an industrial cold room. Every operation involves different logistics. Some operations are carried out from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., some during the night, others on weekends. Coldsense’s AI analyzes the door movements and recognizes the flow of logistics in your company and thus the moisture input on the evaporators. As a result, defrosting can be customized.
How does the system react in case of power failure or similar faults?
A high level of fail-safety is an integral part of our control system. We detect errors and anomalies in the operation of cold storage rooms at an early stage. We have also implemented interception mechanisms for unforeseeable faults (for example, a forklift driver drives into electrical installation duct and cuts cables), which we coordinate with your refrigeration system builder.
Does the Coldsense technology package take over the complete control of the refrigeration system?
No. Our system solution is designed as an add-on to existing refrigeration plant control systems. We tell the system when to defrost and for how long. The specific control of the compressors and expansion valves continues to be handled by the refrigeration system. This is, of course, done in detailed coordination with your refrigeration contractor.
Our room already has temperature sensors. Can these also be used by Coldsense?
We will check this on a case-by-case basis during the walk-through of your facility during the bidding phase. Of course, we try not to duplicate sensor technology in your space.
Questions about the installation
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Can the Coldsense system be linked to the building management system?
Yes. Large companies in particular are increasingly relying on centralized automation technology. Of course, we have standardized interfaces for leading providers of building control technology.
How time-consuming is the installation of the Coldsense system solution?
Typically, installation in a room is completed within two hours. To ensure that the installation goes smoothly, we accompany your teams of technicians even before the installation through targeted meetings and provide extensive documentation. Our trained service personnel are available by phone to answer questions during installation.
Can Coldsense technology be upgraded?
Yes. The system solution for AI-controlled defrosting can also be integrated into existing refrigeration systems. The sensors are simply mounted on existing components.
Knowledge Store
For energy consultants
Do your customers have cold rooms? Read here why you should recommend Coldsense technology to reduce electricity costs.
For system engineers
Find out here what advantages AI-controlled defrosting offers for planning refrigeration systems – and how it simplifies your day-to-day work.
How can we support you?
Contact us now for a free initial consultation – we look forward to a personal exchange with you! We would be happy to answer all your questions about AI-controlled cold room defrosting and show you how your company can benefit from Coldsense technology.