Abstract
This paper proposes a technical solution for increasing the energy efficiency of the primary milk cooling process based on the combination of natural cooling and artificial refrigeration. A hybrid refrigeration system was studied and automated, implemented at a milk collection center in the Republic of Moldova and protected by an invention patent. Four operating modes were defined and corresponding control algorithms were developed, based on sensor signals and the operating status of the equipment. System automation was implemented using the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller, and the system operation was simulated and experimentally validated. The obtained results confirm stable operation, safe transitions between operating modes, and a reduction in electrical energy consumption through the effective use of natural cooling.
