Defrosting control method and device and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a defrosting control method and device and refrigeration device.The defrosting control method comprises the steps that a first air pressure value is obtained, and the first air pressure value at least comprises the air pressure value of an air return opening when the height of a frost layer on the surface of an evaporator is smaller than the set height; a second air pressure value is obtained, and the second air pressure value is the real-time air pressure value of the air return opening; determining a wind pressure variation based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value; if the air pressure variable quantity is larger than or equal to a preset defrosting triggering threshold value, the defrosting heater is started to execute defrosting operation; and repeating the steps. According to the scheme, the frosting degree of the evaporator is deduced by monitoring the air pressure change at the air return port of the refrigerating chamber and reversely pushing the change of the air volume of the system, so that defrosting according to needs is achieved, and the purpose of reducing energy consumption is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more specifically, to a defrosting control method, device, and refrigeration equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A single-system air-cooled refrigerator uses a cooling fan to carry cold air from the finned evaporator cavity (usually located in the freezer compartment) into different compartments for heat exchange, thus cooling each compartment. During the air circulation process, moisture from each compartment is also carried back to the finned evaporator and condenses into frost. When the frost layer becomes thick, the cooling effect deteriorates, requiring a defrosting heater to remove the frost from the finned evaporator.

[0003] To improve cooling efficiency, various defrosting control methods have emerged. For example, some methods determine the frost condition of the refrigerator's evaporator based on factors such as ambient temperature, cumulative compressor running time, and number of door openings and closings, and then adjust the defrosting control strategy accordingly. However, these defrosting strategies can only vaguely detect the frost condition of the refrigerator's evaporator. When the preset defrosting conditions are met, only part of the evaporator may be frost-covered, and starting defrosting at this point will result in unnecessary energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome at least the aforementioned defrosting defrosting defrosting methods in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a defrosting control method applied to a control unit of a refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration equipment includes at least a cold storage compartment and a return air vent communicating with the cold storage compartment. The refrigeration equipment further includes a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The refrigeration unit includes a compressor and an evaporator, with refrigerant flowing sequentially through the compressor and the evaporator. The defrosting unit includes a defrosting heater for defrosting the frost layer on the evaporator. The detection unit includes a wind pressure sensor located at the return air vent for collecting real-time wind pressure data. The defrosting unit, the detection unit, and the refrigeration unit are each electrically connected to the control unit.

[0005] The defrosting control method includes: Obtain a first wind pressure value, wherein the first wind pressure value includes at least the wind pressure value of the return air inlet when the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator is less than a set height; Obtain a second wind pressure value, wherein the second wind pressure value is the real-time wind pressure value of the return air vent; The wind pressure change is determined based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value; If the change in wind pressure is greater than or equal to the preset defrost trigger threshold, the defrost heater is activated to perform the defrost operation. Repeat the steps above.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the defrosting unit further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature of the evaporator; If the wind pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold, then after performing the defrost operation, the method further includes: Obtain the real-time temperature value of the evaporator; If the real-time temperature value is greater than the preset defrost exit temperature value, then the defrost heater is turned off.

[0007] In one possible implementation, after the step of activating the defrost heater to perform defrost operation if the wind pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold, the method further includes: Obtain a third wind pressure value, wherein the third wind pressure value is the wind pressure value of the return air vent after the defrosting operation ends and cooling is resumed; If the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is within a preset ratio value, then the first wind pressure value remains unchanged; If the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is outside the preset ratio value, then the first wind pressure value is updated.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the step of updating the first wind pressure value if the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is outside a preset ratio value includes: At least two third wind pressure values ​​are obtained again, wherein the third wind pressure values ​​are the wind pressure values ​​of the return air vent after each defrosting operation ends and cooling is resumed; An updated first wind pressure value is determined based on a plurality of the third wind pressure values, wherein the first wind pressure value is the average of the plurality of the third wind pressure values.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the step of obtaining the second wind pressure value includes: Determine the second average wind pressure value within the first time period; The step of determining the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value includes: The wind pressure change is determined based on the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value, wherein the wind pressure change is the difference between the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the detection unit further includes a door status sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the door of the refrigeration equipment; Before the step of obtaining the second wind pressure value, the method further includes: Obtain the open / closed status of the door of the refrigeration equipment; If the door changes from an open state to a closed state, the second wind pressure value is obtained after a preset time.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the step of obtaining the second wind pressure value includes: Obtain multiple values ​​of the second wind pressure; The step of determining the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value includes: Based on the first wind pressure value and multiple second wind pressure values, multiple wind pressure changes are determined respectively; The step of activating the defrost heater to perform defrost operation if the wind pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold includes: If multiple wind pressure changes are greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold, the defrost heater is activated to perform the defrost operation.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the wind pressure sensor includes a differential pressure sensor.

[0013] This invention also provides a defrosting control device applied to the control unit of a refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration equipment includes at least a cold storage compartment and a return air vent communicating with the cold storage compartment. The refrigeration equipment further includes a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The refrigeration unit includes a compressor and an evaporator, with refrigerant flowing sequentially through the compressor and the evaporator. The defrosting unit includes a defrosting heater for defrosting the frost layer on the evaporator. The detection unit includes a wind pressure sensor located at the return air vent for collecting real-time wind pressure data. The defrosting unit, the detection unit, and the refrigeration unit are all electrically connected to the control unit. The defrosting control device includes: The first acquisition module is used to acquire a first wind pressure value, wherein the first wind pressure value includes at least the wind pressure value of the return air inlet when the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator is less than a set height; The second acquisition module is used to acquire a second wind pressure value, wherein the second wind pressure value is the real-time wind pressure value of the return air vent; The calculation module is used to determine the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value; The determination module is used to activate the defrost heater to perform defrost operation when the wind pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold.

[0014] The present invention also provides a refrigeration device, including the aforementioned defrosting control device.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a defrosting control method, device, and refrigeration equipment. The defrosting control method monitors the change in air pressure at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment, infers the change in system air volume, and then infers the degree of frost on the evaporator, thereby achieving on-demand defrosting and reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the defrosting control method provided in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is the second flowchart illustrating the defrosting control method provided in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is the third flowchart illustrating the defrosting control method provided in this embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the defrosting control device provided in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is conventionally placed during use. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, different features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0025] The inventor's investigation revealed that current refrigeration equipment typically determines the frost condition of the refrigerator fin evaporator based on factors such as ambient temperature, cumulative compressor running time, and number of door openings and closings, and then adjusts the defrosting control strategy accordingly, resulting in energy waste.

[0026] In view of this, the present invention provides a defrosting control method applied to a control unit of a refrigeration equipment, the refrigeration equipment including at least a cold storage compartment and a return air vent communicating with the cold storage compartment; the refrigeration equipment further includes a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit, and a control unit, the refrigeration unit including a compressor and an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing sequentially through the compressor and the evaporator; the defrosting unit including a defrosting heater for defrosting the frost layer on the evaporator; the detection unit including a wind pressure sensor located at the return air vent for collecting the real-time wind pressure at the return air vent; the defrosting unit, the detection unit, and the refrigeration unit are each electrically connected to the control unit.

[0027] It should be noted that, in addition to the cold storage room, refrigeration equipment may also include other rooms, such as freezer rooms and variable temperature rooms.

[0028] Optionally, the refrigeration equipment in this embodiment includes a single-system air-cooled refrigerator. In common single-system air-cooled refrigerators, the evaporator is usually located in the freezer compartment or in a freezer duct connected to it. A refrigeration fan drives airflow through the evaporator for cooling, and then distributes the airflow to the refrigerator compartment and / or other compartments through the duct.

[0029] The refrigeration unit also includes an electrically operated switching valve, a condenser, an anti-condensation tube, a capillary tube, and a filter. The compressor, the condenser, the electrically operated switching valve, the capillary tube, and the evaporator work together to refrigerate the refrigeration equipment.

[0030] During the refrigeration process of the refrigeration unit, when the surface temperature of the evaporator is below 0°C and below the dew point temperature of the air, water vapor in the air will condense and freeze into frost on its surface. The frost layer will hinder airflow and reduce the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, thereby reducing the refrigeration effect of the refrigeration unit, increasing energy consumption, and even causing malfunctions. Therefore, the frost layer must be removed regularly.

[0031] Optionally, the control unit is integrated on the motherboard of the refrigeration equipment to coordinate the operation of the entire equipment.

[0032] It should be understood that in a single-system frost-free refrigerator, the evaporator located in the freezer compartment is the "heart" of the entire air circulation system. When the evaporator frosts up, the air resistance flowing through it increases, leading to a reduction in the airflow throughout the entire duct system. The return air vent in the refrigerator compartment is a critical node in the air circulation loop; the negative pressure (or static pressure) at this point changes systematically with variations in the components passing through the air duct system. Therefore, by monitoring changes in air pressure at this point, changes in system airflow can be inferred, thereby determining the degree of frost buildup on the evaporator.

[0033] Therefore, the method in this invention determines the defrosting timing based on the air pressure at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 The defrosting control method includes the following steps.

[0035] Step S11: Obtain a first wind pressure value, wherein the first wind pressure value includes at least the wind pressure value of the return air inlet when the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator is less than a set height.

[0036] In this step, when performing initial defrosting detection on the refrigeration equipment, the first air pressure value can be the air pressure at the return air vent when the frost layer is lower than the set value. Alternatively, the first air pressure value can be a preset air pressure or an air pressure value obtained based on experience.

[0037] Step S12: Obtain the second wind pressure value, wherein the second wind pressure value is the real-time wind pressure value of the return air vent.

[0038] For example, the wind pressure sensor acquires the second wind pressure value of the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment at any time and sends the second wind pressure value to the control unit.

[0039] Step S13: Determine the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value.

[0040] In this embodiment, the change trend of evaporator frost thickness over a period of time can be obtained based on the change in wind pressure between the second wind pressure value and the first wind pressure value used as a reference.

[0041] For example, the control unit calculates the change in wind pressure over a period of time.

[0042] Step S14: If the change in wind pressure is greater than or equal to the preset defrosting trigger threshold, then the defrosting heater is activated to perform the defrosting operation.

[0043] In this embodiment, the defrost trigger threshold can be a specific value between +15 Pa and +40 Pa, determined experimentally. The defrost trigger threshold varies depending on the model of the refrigeration equipment. When the return air pressure rises to the defrost trigger threshold, the frost layer on the evaporator has increased to a thickness sufficient to significantly reduce cooling efficiency, at which point defrosting is required.

[0044] Repeat the steps above.

[0045] For example, select a wind pressure sensor with a range of -50Pa to +50Pa, fix its probe on the duct wall behind the return air grille at the back of the refrigerator compartment of a single-system air-cooled refrigerator, and ensure that its sensing surface can sense the static pressure in the duct.

[0046] Experiments showed that the first air pressure value was approximately -25 Pa when the frost thickness was 0 Pa (with atmospheric pressure as the reference point). When evaporator frosting caused a 30% decrease in airflow, the second air pressure value rose to approximately -5 Pa, at which point the cooling efficiency had significantly decreased. Therefore, the defrosting trigger threshold was set to +20 Pa.

[0047] When a change in wind pressure greater than or equal to +20Pa is detected, it is determined that the finned evaporator needs to be defrosted, and the defrosting procedure is started immediately or within 30 minutes.

[0048] After defrosting is complete, repeat the aforementioned steps to automate the defrosting of the refrigeration equipment based on changes in air pressure.

[0049] In this way, by monitoring the changes in air pressure at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment, the system air volume changes are deduced, and the degree of frost on the evaporator is inferred, thereby achieving on-demand defrosting and reducing energy consumption.

[0050] In addition, it should be noted that the wind pressure sensor is installed at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment where the temperature is relatively stable and frost is not easily formed. It is less affected by temperature fluctuations, operates stably, and has a long service life, thus ensuring a continuous and reliable wind pressure.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the defrosting unit further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature of the evaporator.

[0052] Alternatively, the temperature sensor may include a thermistor or a thermocouple sensor.

[0053] After step S14, the defrosting control method further includes: obtaining the real-time temperature value of the evaporator; if the real-time temperature value is greater than the preset defrosting exit temperature value, then turning off the defrosting heater.

[0054] It should be understood that the defrost exit temperature refers to the critical temperature at which the defrost heater stops working. It is usually set when the frost layer on the evaporator has completely melted and its temperature has risen significantly above the freezing point (e.g., above 5°C) to ensure thorough defrosting and allow the refrigeration unit to start cooling in time.

[0055] For example, when the defrost sensor detects that the temperature on the evaporator has reached the defrost exit temperature, the defrost heater is turned off, ending the defrost process.

[0056] In one possible implementation, after step S14, please refer to... Figure 2 The defrosting control method also includes the following steps.

[0057] Step S15: Obtain the third wind pressure value, wherein the third wind pressure value is the wind pressure value of the return air vent after the defrosting operation ends and cooling is restored.

[0058] Step S161: If the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is within a preset ratio value, then the first wind pressure value remains unchanged.

[0059] Step S162: If the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is outside the preset ratio value, then update the first wind pressure value.

[0060] For example, when the refrigerator resumes cooling after defrosting, record the third air pressure value and compare it with the first air pressure value. If the ratio of the third air pressure value to the first air pressure value is between 95% and 105%, then continue to use the first air pressure value as the benchmark.

[0061] In this embodiment, an adaptive update mechanism for the reference air pressure value is introduced. After each defrost cycle, the control unit automatically records and determines a new first air pressure value as the reference, and decides whether to update it by comparing it with the historical first air pressure value. In this way, the control unit can automatically compensate for minor drifts caused by long-term environmental changes, dust accumulation in the air duct, or slow aging of system components, thereby ensuring that the reference value for defrosting judgment—the first air pressure value—is always accurate. At the same time, it avoids energy waste or decreased cooling performance caused by an inaccurate reference value, thus improving the reliability of the refrigeration equipment.

[0062] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 3 Step S162 includes the following sub-steps.

[0063] Step S1621: Obtain at least two third wind pressure values ​​again, wherein the third wind pressure values ​​are the wind pressure values ​​of the return air vent after each defrosting operation ends and cooling is resumed.

[0064] Step S1622: Determine an updated first wind pressure value based on the plurality of third wind pressure values, wherein the first wind pressure value is the average of the plurality of third wind pressure values.

[0065] For example, when the refrigerator resumes cooling after defrosting, record the third air pressure value and compare it with the first air pressure value. If the ratio of the third air pressure value to the first air pressure value is not within 95%-105%, continue to record the third air pressure value when the refrigerator resumes cooling after at least two more defrostings, and take the average of the three third air pressure values ​​after at least three defrostings as the new first air pressure value.

[0066] In this way, the refrigeration equipment can obtain a more accurate first wind pressure value through automatic compensation.

[0067] In one possible implementation, step S12 includes: determining a second wind pressure value and a second average wind pressure value within a first time period.

[0068] Step S13 includes: determining the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value, wherein the wind pressure change is the difference between the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value.

[0069] In this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of defrosting judgment and eliminate accidental interference, the wind pressure change is determined by calculating the average value of multiple second wind pressure values ​​in the first time period, and then the need to perform defrosting operation is determined based on the wind pressure change.

[0070] For example, the control unit calculates the average of multiple second wind pressure values ​​every 10 minutes, then obtains the difference between the first wind pressure value and the average of the second wind pressure values ​​as the wind pressure change, and finally compares the wind pressure change with the defrost trigger threshold to determine whether defrosting operation needs to be performed.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the detection unit further includes a door status sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the door of the refrigeration equipment.

[0072] Optionally, the door status sensor includes mechanical microswitches or Hall effect sensors. Mechanical microswitches are low-cost and highly reliable, while Hall effect sensors offer extremely high accuracy.

[0073] Before step S12, the defrosting control method also includes the following steps.

[0074] Obtain the open / closed status of the door of the refrigeration equipment.

[0075] If the door changes from an open state to a closed state, the second wind pressure value is obtained after a preset time.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit first acquires the open / closed status of the refrigeration unit's door detected by the door status sensor. Then, after detecting the user's closing action, it delays for a period of time before reading the real-time second wind pressure value. In this way, system misjudgments and malfunctions caused by normal user use of the refrigerator can be eliminated, allowing the air circulation system within the entire refrigeration unit to return to a stable operating state, thereby ensuring that the collected second wind pressure value can accurately and stably reflect the frost status of the evaporator.

[0077] For example, to avoid false defrosting due to sudden changes in air pressure caused by opening the refrigerator door, the refrigeration equipment starts acquiring a second air pressure value 20 minutes after the refrigerator door is closed.

[0078] In one possible implementation, step S12 includes: acquiring a plurality of the second wind pressure values.

[0079] Step S13 includes: determining a plurality of wind pressure changes based on the first wind pressure value and a plurality of second wind pressure values.

[0080] Step S14 includes: if multiple wind pressure changes are greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold, then the defrost heater is activated to perform a defrost operation.

[0081] In this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of defrosting judgment and eliminate accidental interference, a continuous judgment method is adopted: the control unit periodically calculates multiple consecutive wind pressure changes within the same time length and compares each wind pressure change with a preset defrosting trigger threshold; when the wind pressure changes for three consecutive times are greater than or equal to the defrosting trigger threshold, it is determined that the frost layer on the evaporator has reached the thickness required for defrosting, and the defrosting unit then performs the defrosting operation.

[0082] For example, if the control unit detects a wind pressure change greater than +20Pa three times in a row, it determines that the finned evaporator needs to be defrosted and starts the defrosting program immediately or within 30 minutes.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the wind pressure sensor includes a differential pressure sensor.

[0084] The micro differential pressure sensor can directly and accurately monitor the static pressure changes at the return air vent caused by variations in the thickness of the evaporator frost layer. Furthermore, the micro differential pressure sensor is installed at the relatively high temperature of the refrigerated return air vent, ensuring a stable operating environment and minimizing frost buildup, thus guaranteeing the reliability of long-term measurements. Therefore, in this embodiment, the micro differential pressure sensor is used as the wind pressure sensor.

[0085] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a defrosting control device, please refer to... Figure 4 It is a control unit used in refrigeration equipment, which includes multiple functional modules that can be stored in machine-readable storage media in software form.

[0086] The refrigeration equipment includes at least a cold storage compartment and a return air vent connected to the cold storage compartment; the refrigeration equipment also includes a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The refrigeration unit includes a compressor and an evaporator, with refrigerant flowing sequentially through the compressor and the evaporator; the defrosting unit includes a defrosting heater for defrosting the frost layer on the evaporator; the detection unit includes a wind pressure sensor located at the return air vent for collecting real-time wind pressure at the return air vent; the defrosting unit, the detection unit, and the refrigeration unit are all electrically connected to the control unit.

[0087] Functionally, the defrosting control device may include a first acquisition module, a second acquisition module, a calculation module, and a determination module.

[0088] The first acquisition module is used to acquire a first wind pressure value, wherein the first wind pressure value includes at least the wind pressure value of the return air inlet when the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator is less than a set height.

[0089] In this step, the first acquisition module can be used to execute Figure 1For a detailed description of the first acquisition module, please refer to the description of step S11 shown.

[0090] The second acquisition module is used to acquire a second wind pressure value, wherein the second wind pressure value is the real-time wind pressure value of the return air vent.

[0091] In this step, the second acquisition module can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the second acquisition module, please refer to the description of step S12 shown in the figure.

[0092] The calculation module is used to determine the wind pressure change based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value.

[0093] In this step, the calculation module can be used to perform... Figure 1 For a detailed description of the calculation module, please refer to the description of step S13 shown.

[0094] The determination module is used to activate the defrost heater to perform defrost operation when the wind pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrost trigger threshold.

[0095] In this step, it is determined that the module can be used for execution. Figure 1 For a detailed description of step S14, please refer to the description of step S14.

[0096] The present invention also provides a refrigeration device, including the aforementioned defrosting control device. Because the defrosting control method used in the aforementioned defrosting control device monitors the change in air pressure at the return air vent of the refrigerator compartment, infers the change in system airflow, and thus infers the degree of frost formation on the evaporator, thereby achieving on-demand defrosting and reducing energy consumption; therefore, the refrigeration device in this embodiment has low energy consumption during defrosting.

[0097] In summary, this invention provides a defrosting control method, apparatus, and refrigeration equipment. The defrosting control method includes: acquiring a first air pressure value, wherein the first air pressure value includes at least the air pressure value at the return air inlet when the frost layer on the evaporator surface is less than a set height; acquiring a second air pressure value, wherein the second air pressure value is the real-time air pressure value at the return air inlet; determining the air pressure change based on the first air pressure value and the second air pressure value; if the air pressure change is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold, then activating the defrosting heater to perform a defrosting operation; and repeating the above steps. This solution monitors the air pressure change at the return air inlet of the refrigerator compartment, infers the change in system airflow, and thus infers the degree of frost on the evaporator, thereby achieving on-demand defrosting and reducing energy consumption.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0099] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A defrosting control method characterized by, A control unit applied to a refrigeration equipment, the refrigeration equipment at least comprising a refrigeration chamber and a return air inlet communicated with the refrigeration chamber; the refrigeration equipment further comprising a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit and a control unit, the refrigeration unit comprising a compressor and an evaporator, refrigerant flowing through the compressor and the evaporator in sequence; the defrosting unit comprising a defrosting heater, the defrosting heater being used for performing defrosting operation on the frost layer on the evaporator; the detection unit comprising a wind pressure sensor, the wind pressure sensor being arranged at the return air inlet and being used for collecting real-time wind pressure of the return air inlet; The defrosting unit, the detection unit and the refrigeration unit are electrically connected with the control unit respectively; The defrosting control method comprises: obtaining a first wind pressure value, wherein the first wind pressure value at least comprises the wind pressure value of the return air inlet when the frost layer on the surface of the evaporator is less than a set height; obtaining a second wind pressure value, wherein the second wind pressure value is the real-time wind pressure value of the return air inlet; determining a wind pressure change amount based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value; if the wind pressure change amount is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold, starting the defrosting heater to perform defrosting operation; repeating the above steps.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The defrosting unit further comprises a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being used for detecting real-time temperature of the evaporator; after the step of if the wind pressure change amount is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold, performing defrosting operation, the method further comprises: obtaining a real-time temperature value of the evaporator; if the real-time temperature value is greater than a preset defrosting exit temperature value, closing the defrosting heater.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, after the step of if the wind pressure change amount is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold, starting the defrosting heater to perform defrosting operation, the method further comprises: obtaining a third wind pressure value, wherein the third wind pressure value is the wind pressure value of the return air inlet after the defrosting operation ends and the refrigeration is resumed; if the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is within a preset proportion value, the first wind pressure value is unchanged; if the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is outside the preset proportion value, updating the first wind pressure value.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The step of if the ratio of the third wind pressure value to the first wind pressure value is outside the preset proportion value, updating the first wind pressure value comprises: obtaining at least two third wind pressure values again, wherein the third wind pressure value is the wind pressure value of the return air inlet after each defrosting operation ends and the refrigeration is resumed; determining an updated first wind pressure value based on the plurality of third wind pressure values, wherein the first wind pressure value is the average value of the plurality of third wind pressure values.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining a second wind pressure value comprises: determining a second average wind pressure value of the second wind pressure value within a first time; The step of determining a wind pressure change amount based on the first wind pressure value and the second wind pressure value comprises: determining the wind pressure change amount based on the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value, wherein the wind pressure change amount is the difference between the first wind pressure value and the second average wind pressure value.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The detection unit further comprises a door state sensor configured to detect an opening and closing state of a door body of the refrigeration equipment. Before the step of obtaining the second air pressure value, the method further comprises: obtaining an opening and closing state of a door body of the refrigeration equipment; if the door body changes from an open state to a closed state, obtaining the second air pressure value after a preset time.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of obtaining the second air pressure value comprises: obtaining a plurality of second air pressure values; The step of determining the air pressure change amount based on the first air pressure value and the second air pressure value comprises: determining a plurality of air pressure change amounts based on the first air pressure value and the plurality of second air pressure values, respectively; The step of starting the defrosting heater to perform the defrosting operation if the air pressure change amount is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold comprises: if the plurality of air pressure change amounts are all greater than or equal to the preset defrosting trigger threshold, starting the defrosting heater to perform the defrosting operation.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The air pressure sensor comprises a micro differential pressure sensor.

9. A defrosting control device characterized by comprising: A control unit applied to a refrigeration equipment, the refrigeration equipment comprising at least a refrigeration chamber and a return air inlet communicating with the refrigeration chamber; the refrigeration equipment further comprising a refrigeration unit, a defrosting unit, a detection unit and a control unit, the refrigeration unit comprising a compressor and an evaporator, a refrigerant flowing through the compressor and the evaporator in sequence; the defrosting unit comprising a defrosting heater, the defrosting heater being configured to perform a defrosting operation on a frost layer on the evaporator; the detection unit comprising an air pressure sensor, the air pressure sensor being arranged at the return air inlet and configured to collect a real-time air pressure of the return air inlet; the defrosting unit, the detection unit and the refrigeration unit being electrically connected to the control unit; The defrosting control device comprises: a first obtaining module configured to obtain a first air pressure value, wherein the first air pressure value comprises at least an air pressure value of the return air inlet when a frost layer on a surface of the evaporator is less than a set height; a second obtaining module configured to obtain a second air pressure value, wherein the second air pressure value is a real-time air pressure value of the return air inlet; a calculation module configured to determine an air pressure change amount based on the first air pressure value and the second air pressure value; a determination module configured to start the defrosting heater to perform a defrosting operation if the air pressure change amount is greater than or equal to a preset defrosting trigger threshold.

10. A refrigeration appliance characterized in that, The defrosting control device of claim 9 is included.

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