Refrigerator appliance and method of operating a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator appliance and for operation of a refrigerator appliance. The refrigerator appliance and method of operating a refrigerator appliance include features for regulating the time between evaporator defrost cycles to efficiently defrost the evaporator. Features are also included for increasing the temperature of refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration system of the refrigerator appliance to prevent condensation on outer surfaces of the refrigerator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for regulating the time between evaporator defrost cycles and increasing the temperature of the refrigerant to prevent condensation on external surfaces of the refrigerator appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Generally, refrigerator appliances include a cabinet that defines a fresh food chamber for receipt of food items for storage. Many refrigerator appliances further include one or more freezer chambers for receipt of food items for freezing and storage. Various mullions typically divide the various chambers. For example, a mullion can be disposed between the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber. In “french door” style refrigerator appliances, an articulating mullion can be mounted to one of the fresh food chamber doors and positioned between the fresh food chamber doors when closed.[0003]One problem frequently encountered with modern refrigerators is condensa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance comprises a refrigeration system for cycling a refrigerant therethrough that includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The method includes the steps of activating a defrost heater configured to mel

Problems solved by technology

One problem frequently encountered with modern refrigerators is condensation on the outside of the cabinet or other surfaces of the refrigerator, such as the mullions.

As such condensation accumulates, it may be unsightly and may eventually drip or run onto the floor.

However, the use of such heaters increases the energy use of the associated refrigerator appliance.

Additionally, such electric heaters and associated components, such as humidity sensors, can increase the cost and the complexity of wiring of the associated refrigerator appliance.

Another problem encountered with modern refrigerators is inefficient

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