Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

A refrigerator and a control method thereof are disclosed. The refrigerator comprises a control unit for controlling a cold air supply means on the basis of a cold source output and a value (refrigerator internal temperature or defrost value) related to the temperature of a storage chamber. The control unit can set a control value (control temperature or control defrost value) of the next driving cycle using the difference between a value (refrigerator internal temperature or defrost value) related to the refrigerator internal temperature measured during the current driving cycle and a target value (target temperature or target defrost value) of the driving cycle. Accordingly, the refrigerator internal temperature and constant temperature performance can be improved. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by adjusting the cooling power of a compressor to an optimal operation by measuring and comparing the power consumption of the current and next driving cycles.

Description

Refrigerator and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can improve temperature control performance and reduce power consumption.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food at low temperatures, so it is essential to keep the storage compartment at a constant low temperature.

[0003] In the case of current home refrigerators, the storage compartment is maintained at a temperature within the upper and lower limits based on the set temperature.

[0004] That is, the refrigerator is controlled by driving the refrigeration cycle to cool the storage room when the storage room temperature rises to the upper limit temperature, and stopping the refrigeration cycle when the storage room temperature reaches the lower limit temperature.

[0005] Prior art patent document KR 10-2184636 B1 (hereinafter, Patent Document 1) related to refrigerator control discloses a refrigerator and a method for controlling a refrigerator compressor.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, whether the load on the storage room has increased is determined based on at least one of the compressor's power consumption and its operating time. If the load on the storage room is determined to have increased, the compressor's operating speed is set to a load-responsive speed faster than the normal speed.

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 considers a load response mode to quickly cool the internal temperature by varying the cooling capacity of the compressor when the load of the refrigerator increases, but does not consider the storage room temperature.

[0008] This results in the storage room's low temperature stability performance, making it difficult to apply to general operation. Here, temperature stability performance refers to the ability to maintain a temperature within the upper and lower limits based on the set temperature.

[0009] According to the conventional refrigerator control method, the control temperature / control temperature range and the cooling capacity (rps) of the compressor use fixed values ​​set according to the ambient temperature and notch (inner set temperature).

[0010] However, the conventional refrigerator control method has a problem in that it cannot operate at optimal or minimum power during constant temperature / continuous operation because the control temperature / control temperature range and the cooling capacity of the compressor are determined in advance.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a structure capable of solving the above-described problems and a control method thereof.

[0012] The first purpose is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can improve high temperature and constant temperature performance.

[0013] The second purpose is to provide a refrigerator and a control method thereof that can reduce power consumption during constant temperature and continuous operation.

[0014] As a result of intensive research, the inventors of the present invention have found that the above-described first and second objectives can be achieved by the following embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detection unit, and a control unit.

[0016] A storage compartment is provided inside the cabinet. The insulation material may be arranged between the outer case and the inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detection unit may measure the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detection unit.

[0017] The above control unit can adjust at least one of the target refrigeration output and the target value related to the temperature of the storage room. This can not only improve the constant temperature performance but also reduce power consumption.

[0018] The value related to the temperature of the storage room may include at least one of the diff values, which is the difference between the temperature of the storage room and the target temperature for controlling the temperature.

[0019] The cold air supply means may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor; an expander that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser; and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the expander and delivers it to the compressor. The cold air supply means may include a fan that blows air in the storage chamber to the evaporator; and a fan driving unit that drives the fan. The cold source output may be the cooling power of the compressor. The control unit may control the compressor and the fan driving unit.

[0020] The storage compartment may include a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment partitioned from the freezer compartment by a partition wall. The cold air supply means may further include a damper installed in a connecting duct formed in the partition wall to control the amount of cold air supplied from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment. The control unit may adjust the opening angle of the damper.

[0021] The above detection unit comprises a power sensor that measures the current or voltage of the compressor; and

[0022] It may include at least one temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the refrigerator or the freezer.

[0023] The above control unit can adjust the target value related to the cooling output of the next stage or the temperature of the storage room based on the values ​​related to the cooling output of the previous stage and the temperature of the storage room during normal operation or load response operation.

[0024] According to another embodiment, a refrigerator may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detector, and a control unit. A storage compartment may be provided inside the cabinet. The insulator may be disposed between an outer case and an inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detector may measure a cold source output of the cold air supply means and a temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detector.

[0025] The above control unit can adjust a target value related to the temperature of the storage room in the next stage based on the cooling output of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

[0026] According to another embodiment, a refrigerator may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detector, and a control unit. A storage compartment may be provided inside the cabinet. The insulator may be disposed between an outer case and an inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detector may measure a cold source output of the cold air supply means and a temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detector.

[0027] The above control unit can adjust the cooling output of the next stage based on a value related to the temperature of the storage room of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

[0028] According to another embodiment, a refrigerator may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detector, and a control unit. A storage compartment may be provided inside the cabinet. The insulator may be disposed between an outer case and an inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detector may measure a cold source output of the cold air supply means and a temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detector.

[0029] The above control unit can adjust the cooling output of the next stage based on the cooling output of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

[0030] According to another embodiment, a refrigerator may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detector, and a control unit. A storage compartment may be provided inside the cabinet. The insulator may be disposed between an outer case and an inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detector may measure a cold source output of the cold air supply means and a temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detector.

[0031] The above control unit can adjust a target value related to the temperature of the storage room in the next stage based on the temperature of the storage room in the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

[0032] The above control unit can adjust the target temperature of the storage room of the next step based on the temperature of the storage room of the previous step.

[0033] The above control unit can adjust the target diff value of the storage room in the next step based on the diff value of the storage room in the previous step. The diff value is a difference value from the target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include at least one of a cabinet, an insulator, a door, a cold air supply means, a detector, and a control unit. A storage compartment may be provided inside the cabinet. The insulator may be disposed between an outer case and an inner case of the cabinet. The door may be coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The cold air supply means may supply cold air to the storage compartment. The detector may measure a cold source output of the cold air supply means and a temperature of the storage compartment. The control unit may control the cold air supply means based on values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment received from the detector. A method for controlling the refrigerator may include at least one of the following steps.

[0035] The control method of the above refrigerator may include a step of measuring a value related to the temperature of the storage room and the cooling output during a current reference time.

[0036] The control method of the above refrigerator may include a step of calculating a difference between a measured value related to the temperature of the storage compartment and a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment.

[0037] The control method of the above refrigerator may include a step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room at the next reference time using the calculated difference value.

[0038] The control method of the above refrigerator may include a step of comparing the measured value of the cooling source output with the cooling source output of the previous reference time.

[0039] The control method of the refrigerator may set the cooling output of the next reference time to be the same as the cooling output of the previous reference time if the difference between the measured value and the cooling output in the comparing step is within a preset range. The control method of the refrigerator may set the cooling output of the next reference time to be reduced if the measured value decreases compared to the cooling output of the previous reference time. The control method of the refrigerator may set the cooling output of the next reference time to be increased if the measured value increases compared to the cooling output of the previous reference time.

[0040] The control method of the above refrigerator may include a step of controlling the cold air supply means according to at least one of a target value related to the set temperature of the storage room and the cold source output.

[0041] The value related to the temperature of the storage room may include at least one of the diff values, which is the difference between the temperature of the storage room and the target temperature for controlling the temperature.

[0042] In the step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room, if a measured value related to the temperature of the storage room is smaller than a target value related to the temperature of the storage room, the target value related to the temperature of the storage room at the next reference time may be increased by a difference between the measured value and the target value. If a measured value related to the temperature of the storage room is larger than a target value related to the temperature of the storage room, the target value related to the temperature of the storage room at the next reference time may be decreased by a difference between the measured value and the target value.

[0043] The above cooling output may be the cooling capacity of the compressor.

[0044] In the step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room, the control unit can adjust the target temperature of the storage room at the next reference time based on the temperature of the storage room at the previous reference time.

[0045] In the step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room, the control unit can adjust the target diff value of the storage room at the next reference time based on the diff value of the storage room at the previous reference time. The diff value may be a difference value from the target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room.

[0046] In the control method of the above refrigerator, the control unit may further include a step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment at a next reference time based on the refrigeration output at a previous reference time.

[0047] In the above refrigerator control method, the control unit may further include a step of setting the cooling output for the next reference time based on a value related to the temperature of the storage room for the previous reference time.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

[0049] First, by measuring and comparing the control temperature and control diff values ​​of the front and rear driving cycles, respectively, and controlling the values ​​related to the internal temperature, the internal temperature and constant temperature performance can be improved.

[0050] For example, the difference between the value related to the internal temperature measured during the current driving cycle (internal temperature, diff value) and the target value of the driving cycle (target temperature, target diff value) can be used to set the control value (control temperature, control diff value) of the next driving cycle.

[0051] Through this, the constant temperature control logic for the internal temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be easily applied to general operation.

[0052] Second, by measuring and comparing the power consumption of each driving cycle before and after, the cooling capacity of the compressor can be adjusted to optimal operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0053] For example, the power value of the compressor of the previous driving cycle may be compared with the power value of the compressor measured during the current driving cycle, and if the comparison is within a preset range, the cooling capacity (rps) of the compressor of the next driving cycle may be set to be the same as the previous cooling capacity. If the measured power value according to the comparison decreases compared to the power value of the previous driving cycle, the cooling capacity of the compressor of the next driving cycle may be set to decrease compared to the previous cooling capacity. In addition, if the measured power value according to the comparison increases compared to the power value of the previous driving cycle, the cooling capacity of the compressor of the next driving cycle may be set to increase compared to the previous cooling capacity.

[0054] Through this, the control logic of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be applied not only to general operation by considering the temperature of the storage room and controlling it, but also to special operation such as load response operation and continuous operation by controlling the refrigeration output.

[0055] Third, by measuring and comparing the control temperature and control diff values ​​of the front and rear driving cycles, respectively, to control the internal temperature, diff value, and / or cooling capacity, there is no need for efforts to determine the control temperature, control diff value, and cooling capacity to be set in advance.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerator of Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the refrigerator control device in Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a refrigerator according to the present invention.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a graph for explaining the control of the internal temperature and diffraction value according to the standard time in Fig. 4.

[0061] Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of reducing power consumption according to the cooling capacity control of the compressor in Figure 4.

[0062] Hereinafter, a refrigerator and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0064] 1. Definition of Terms

[0065] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0066] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0067] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0068] 2. Description of the configuration of a fan (123) motor according to one embodiment of the present invention

[0069] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerator of Figure 1.

[0071] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the refrigerator control device in Figure 1.

[0072] A refrigerator according to the present invention may include a cabinet (100) and a door (110). The cabinet (100) forms the exterior of the refrigerator.

[0073] The cabinet (100) includes an outer case (101) and an inner case (102). The outer case (101) is positioned toward the outside of the refrigerator. The inner case (102) is positioned toward the inside of the refrigerator.

[0074] An insulating material (103) is provided between the outer case (101) and the inner case (102). Through this, the insulating material (103) can block heat transfer due to a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator.

[0075] A storage compartment (104) is provided inside the inner case (102). A door (110) is rotatably or slidably connected to the cabinet (100) to open and close the storage compartment (104). In the present embodiment, the door (110) is hingedly connected to the cabinet (100) and can rotate.

[0076] The storage room (104) may include a freezer room (105) and a refrigerator room (106). Preservatives such as food may be stored in the freezer room (105) and the refrigerator room (106).

[0077] A partition wall (107) is provided between the freezer (105) and the refrigerator (106). The partition wall (107) can partition the freezer (105) and the refrigerator (106) in the left-right direction or the up-down direction inside the cabinet (100). In the present embodiment, the freezer (105) and the refrigerator (106) are shown partitioned in the left-right direction.

[0078] The door (110) may include a freezer door (111) for opening and closing the freezer (105) and a refrigerator door (112) for opening and closing the refrigerator (106). Although not limited, the refrigerator door (112) may further include a sub-door (113) for taking out stored items stored in the refrigerator door (112) without opening the refrigerator door (112).

[0079] The partition wall (107) is provided with a connecting duct that provides a cold air passage for supplying cold air to the refrigerator (106). A damper (108) may be installed in the connecting duct. The damper (108) is configured to open or close the connecting duct.

[0080] A damper (108) may include a damper body, a plurality of blades, and a damper driving unit (109). The damper body is configured to surround the inner surface of the connecting duct. The plurality of blades are accommodated on the inner side of the damper body.

[0081] The blades can extend in one direction from the inside of the damper body. A plurality of blades can be arranged adjacently and continuously in one direction and another direction from the inside of the damper body. The plurality of blades are rotatably installed in the damper body. Through this, the plurality of blades can open and close the connecting duct.

[0082] The damper driving unit (109) is configured to drive the blade. The damper driving unit (109) may be configured to include a motor, etc.

[0083] The refrigerator further includes a refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezer compartment (105) and / or the refrigerator compartment (106).

[0084] The refrigerator includes a compressor (120), a condenser (121), an expander (130), and an evaporator (122). The compressor (120) can compress a refrigerant. The condenser (121) can condense the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (120). The expander (130) can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser (121). The evaporator (122) can evaporate the refrigerant that has passed through the expander (130). The evaporator (122) may include, for example, an evaporator for a freezer.

[0085] The refrigerator may include a fan (123) and a fan drive unit (124) for circulating cold air in the freezer (105). The fan (123) is configured to cause air to flow toward the evaporator (122). The fan drive unit (124) is configured to rotate the fan (123).

[0086] The compressor (120) and the fan drive unit (124) may be operated to supply cold air to the freezer (105). In order to supply cold air from the freezer (105) to the refrigerator (106), not only the compressor (120) and the fan drive unit (124) may be operated, but also the damper (108) may be opened.

[0087] The compressor (120), fan driver (124), and damper (108) (or damper driver (109)) may be referred to as a cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the storage room (104).

[0088] In the present specification, when the cooling air supply means is a compressor (120) and a fan drive unit (124), the cooling air supply means being operated means that the compressor (120) and the fan drive unit (124) are turned on. The cooling air supply means being stopped means that the compressor (120) and the fan drive unit (124) are turned off.

[0089] In this specification, when the cooling air supply means is a compressor (120) and a fan drive unit (124), the output of the cooling air supply means the cooling power (driving speed) of the compressor (120) and the rotation speed of the fan drive unit (124).

[0090] When the cold air supply means is a damper (108), when the cold air supply means is operated, it means that the damper (108) is opened so that cold air from the freezer (105) can flow into the refrigerator (106). When the cold air supply means is stopped, it means that the damper (108) is closed so that cold air from the freezer (105) cannot flow into the refrigerator (106).

[0091] When the cooling air supply means is a damper (108), an increase in the output of the cooling air supply means means an increase in the opening angle of the damper (108). A decrease in the output of the cooling air supply means means a decrease in the opening angle of the damper (108).

[0092] The refrigerator includes a sensing unit (125) and a control unit (128).

[0093] The detection unit (125) may include a temperature sensor (126) and a power sensor (127).

[0094] The temperature sensor (126) is configured to detect the temperature of the storage compartment (104). The temperature sensor (126) may include a freezer temperature sensor (1261) and a refrigerator temperature sensor (1262).

[0095] The freezer temperature sensor (1261) is configured to detect the temperature of the freezer (105). The refrigerator temperature sensor (1262) is configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerator (106). The control unit (128) is configured to control the cold air supply means based on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor (126).

[0096] The power sensor (127) is configured to measure the cooling source output of the cooling air supply means. In this embodiment, the power source for generating cooling air is a compressor (120). The power sensor (127) is configured to measure the power value of the compressor (120). The power sensor (127) may include a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor.

[0097] The power value of the compressor (120) can vary during operation. The power value can be measured by calculating the product of current and voltage.

[0098] Depending on the power value applied to the compressor (120), the cooling capacity of the compressor (120) can be measured.

[0099] The control unit (128) can control one or more of the compressor (120) and the fan drive unit (124) to maintain the temperature of the freezer (105) at the target temperature.

[0100] For example, the control unit (128) can increase, maintain, or decrease the output of the fan drive unit (124) and the compressor (120).

[0101] The control unit (128) can vary the opening angle of the damper (108) while the compressor (120) and fan drive unit (124) are operating at a constant output.

[0102] The control unit (128) may be configured in the form of a microcomputer for overall control of the refrigerator. The control unit (128) may include a memory (129).

[0103] A set temperature (or target temperature) can be stored in the memory (129). A change in cooling capacity according to a unit temperature can be stored in the memory (129).

[0104] The control unit (128) can control the cold air supply means so that the target temperature of the freezer (105) and / or refrigerator (106) is maintained within the temperature satisfaction range.

[0105] In this specification, “operation” for cooling the storage compartment (104) of the refrigerator can be divided into general operation and special operation.

[0106] Normal operation may mean cooling operation performed when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises naturally without opening the door (110) of the storage room (104) or applying a load due to food storage.

[0107] In detail, normal operation means that when the temperature of the storage room (104) enters the unsatisfactory temperature range and the operation input conditions are satisfied, the control unit (128) controls the cold air supply means so that cold air is supplied to the storage room (104) for cooling the storage room (104).

[0108] For example, general operation may include refrigerator cooling operation and freezer cooling operation.

[0109] Special driving means driving other than driving defined as general driving as described above.

[0110] In detail, the special operation may include a defrosting operation in which the control unit (128) controls the defrosting heater to supply heat to the evaporator (122) to melt frost or ice formed on the evaporator (122) after the defrosting cycle of the storage room (104) has elapsed.

[0111] In addition, the special operation may further include a load-responsive operation in which the control unit (128) controls the cold air supply means to supply cold air to the storage room (104) to remove the heat load that has penetrated into the storage room (104) when at least one of the following cases is satisfied: when a set time has elapsed from the time the door (110) of the storage room (104) is opened and then closed, or when the temperature of the storage room (104) rises to the set temperature before the set time has elapsed.

[0112] The above load response operation may include a door (110) load response operation performed to remove a load that has penetrated into the interior of the storage compartment (104) after the opening and closing operation of the storage compartment (104) door (110), and an initial cold start operation performed to remove a load inside the storage compartment (104) when power is first supplied after the refrigerator is installed.

[0113] In this specification, operation can be categorized into intermittent operation and continuous operation. Continuous operation refers to continuous operation of the compressor (120) without turning it on or off. During continuous operation, the compressor (120) may operate even when the temperature of the storage chamber (104) is within the satisfactory range.

[0114] Intermittent operation means repeating operation and stop of the compressor (120). During intermittent operation, if the temperature of the storage room (104) is in the unsatisfactory range, the compressor (120) is operated, and if the temperature of the storage room (104) is in the satisfactory range, the operation of the compressor (120) may be stopped.

[0115] The temperature of the storage room (104) can be controlled to a preset temperature. For example, the temperature of the refrigerator room (106) can be set to 5°C. However, the temperature of the refrigerator room (106) is not limited thereto.

[0116] In order to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator (106) at a preset notch temperature, the compressor (120) may be controlled to operate when the temperature rises to a first satisfactory critical temperature that is higher than the notch temperature by a preset temperature difference. After operating the compressor (120), the compressor (120) may be controlled to stop when the temperature drops to a second satisfactory critical temperature that is lower than the notch temperature by the temperature difference.

[0117] When the refrigerator is in operation, the temperature of the storage compartment (104) can be controlled to a target temperature between the target temperature - the dip value (a number greater than 0) and the target temperature + the dip value. Here, the dip value means a difference value from the target temperature for temperature control of the storage compartment (104).

[0118] The differential value can be defined as a temperature range in which the temperature of the storage chamber (104) is considered to be maintained at the notch temperature, which is the set temperature, as a temperature value increased or decreased from the notch temperature of the storage chamber (104). The differential value can be referred to as a control differential or a control differential temperature.

[0119] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a refrigerator according to the present invention.

[0120] Fig. 5 is a graph for explaining the control of the internal temperature and diffraction value according to the standard time in Fig. 4.

[0121] Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of reducing power consumption according to cooling control of the compressor (120) in Figure 4.

[0122] Hereinafter, a refrigerator control method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0123] When the temperature of the storage compartment (104) is equal to the target temperature minus the diff value (a number greater than 0) during operation of the refrigerator, the compressor (120) may be turned off. When the temperature of the storage compartment (104) is equal to the target temperature plus the diff value, the compressor (120) may be turned on.

[0124] In this way, the compressor (120) can be repeatedly operated by turning ON / OFF as one cycle, and this can be called a cycle.

[0125] The operating rate (%) is (on time of the compressor (120)) × 100 / (on time of the compressor (120) + off time of the compressor (120)) (%).

[0126] First, a value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) can be measured during the current operating cycle (reference time) of the compressor (120) (S100).

[0127] Here, the values ​​related to the temperature of the storage room (104) include the temperature and the dip value of the storage room (104). The measured values ​​related to the temperature of the storage room (104) may include the actually measured average temperature inside the storage room (Tavg1) and the average dip value inside the storage room (Davg1). The average temperature inside the storage room and the average dip value inside the storage room may be measured by a temperature sensor (126).

[0128] Additionally, the current power value (cooling output) of the compressor (120) can be measured. The power value of the compressor (120) can be measured by a power sensor (127).

[0129] Next, the difference between the measured value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) measured in the step S100 and the target value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) is calculated (S110). The difference value = (measured value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) - (target value related to the temperature of the storage room (104))

[0130] Here, the target value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) may include the target temperature (Ttgt) and target diff value (Dtgt) of the storage room (104).

[0131] The above difference value includes the difference value (Tavg1-Ttgt) between the actual measured average temperature inside the storage room (Tavg1) and the target temperature (Ttgt) of the storage room (104).

[0132] The above difference value includes the difference value (Davg1-Dtgt) between the actually measured internal average dip value (Davg1) and the target dip value (Dtgt) of the storage room (104).

[0133] Continuing, the control value related to the temperature of the storage room (104) of the next driving cycle (reference time) is set using the calculated difference value (Tavg1-Ttgt, Davg1-Dtgt) (S111).

[0134] Here, the control value related to the temperature of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle includes the control temperature (Tctl2) and the control differential value (Dctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle. In Fig. 5, the control temperature of the storage chamber (104) of the previous driving cycle is Tctl1. The control differential value of the storage chamber (104) of the previous driving cycle is Dctl1.

[0135] The control temperature (Tctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle is the target temperature (Ttgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle - the above difference value (Tavg1-Ttgt).

[0136] Tctl2= Ttgt-(Tavg1-Ttgt)

[0137] For example, if the above-mentioned actually measured average temperature (Tavg1) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle is 1℃ higher than the target temperature (Ttgt) of the storage chamber (104), and the difference value is 5℃, the control temperature (Tctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle is a temperature that is 1℃ lower than the target temperature (Ttgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle (control temperature = target temperature - difference value).

[0138] Or, if the above-mentioned actually measured average temperature (Tavg1) is 1℃ lower than the target temperature (Ttgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle, and the difference value is 5℃, the control temperature (Tctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle is a temperature that is 5℃ higher than the target temperature of the storage chamber (104) of the previous driving cycle (control temperature = target temperature + difference value).

[0139] The control differential value (Dctl2) of the storage room (104) of the next driving cycle is the target differential value (Dtgt) of the storage room (104) of the driving cycle - the above difference value (Davg1-Dtgt).

[0140] Dctl2= Dtgt-(Davg1-Dtgt)

[0141] For example, if the actually measured average diff value (Davg1) is 1℃ higher than the target diff value (Dtgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle, and the difference value (Davg1-Dtgt) is 5℃, the control diff value (Dctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle is a temperature (control diff value = target diff value - difference value) that is 1℃ lower than the target diff value (Dtgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle.

[0142] Or, if the above-mentioned actually measured internal average diff value (Davg1) is 1℃ lower than the target diff value (Dtgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle, and the difference value (Davg1-Dtgt) is 5℃, the control diff value (Dctl2) of the storage chamber (104) of the next driving cycle is a temperature (control diff value = target diff value + difference value) that is 1℃ higher than the target diff value (Dtgt) of the storage chamber (104) of the driving cycle.

[0143] Here, the difference between the measured value and the target value (target temperature, target diff value) may be less than or equal to the diff value.

[0144] This makes it easy to fine-tune and control the cooling capacity (output) of the compressor. For example, by fine-tune the cooling capacity of the compressor according to the temperature range of the fine-tune diff value, it can be operated in pre-cooling or weak cooling mode.

[0145] Next, the power value (measured value) of the compressor (120) measured in the above step is compared with the power value of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle (S120).

[0146] Continuing, in the above step, the cooling capacity of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle can be set according to the following three conditions (S130).

[0147] First condition and cooling power setting: The power value (MV) of the compressor (120) measured in the above step t : Current cooling capacity) and the power value (MV) of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle t-1 : Difference value (MV) of previous cooling power t -MV t-1 ) is within a preset range compared to the power value (cooling capacity) of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle, the power value (cooling capacity) of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle is set to be the same as the power value (cooling capacity) of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle (S131).

[0148] Second condition and cooling power setting: The power value (MV) of the compressor (120) measured in the above step t : Current cooling capacity) is the power value (MV) of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle t-1 : In case the cooling capacity decreases (-) compared to the previous cooling capacity, the power value (cooling capacity) of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle is set to lower (S132).

[0149] Third condition and cooling power setting: The power value (MV) of the compressor (120) measured in the above step t : Current cooling capacity) is the power value (MV) of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle t-1 : In case of increasing (+) compared to the previous cooling capacity, the power value (cooling capacity) of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle is set in the direction of increasing (S133).

[0150] MV t =MV (t-1) -η·▽P

[0151] MV t : Current Cooling, MVt-1 : Previous cooling power, η: Learning rate, ▽P: Slope

[0152] MV is a single variable and is a manipulated variable commonly used in control.

[0153] rps (Revolution Per Second) refers to the cooling capacity of the compressor (120).

[0154] The learning rate is an amplification constant that weights the gradient. In other words, the learning rate is a constant value determined by experiment.

[0155] The slope is the slope that represents the relationship between the change in cooling power (X-axis) and the change in power consumption (Y-axis).

[0156] Referring to Figure 6, the mass production operating rate of 65-75% refers to the operating rate level of current mass-produced refrigerators. At this time, the cooling capacity is 60-50 rps.

[0157] Optimal operation can have optimal cooling power at 40 to 30 rps.

[0158] As you approach optimal driving, cooling power decreases and driving efficiency increases.

[0159] If you reduce the cooling power further past optimal operation, you can reach a point where the operating efficiency is 100%.

[0160] Finally, the compressor is driven at the high temperature, diffraction value and / or cooling capacity set in one of the above steps S111, S131, S132 and S133 (S140).

[0161] Therefore, according to the present invention, by measuring and comparing the control temperature and control diff values ​​of the front and rear driving cycles, respectively, and controlling the values ​​related to the internal temperature, the internal temperature and constant temperature performance can be improved.

[0162] For example, the difference between the value related to the internal temperature measured during the current driving cycle (internal temperature, diff value) and the target value of the driving cycle (target temperature, target diff value) can be used to set the control value (control temperature, control diff value) of the next driving cycle.

[0163] Through this, the constant temperature control logic for the internal temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be easily applied to general operation.

[0164] In addition, by measuring and comparing the power consumption of the front and rear driving cycles, the cooling capacity of the compressor (120) can be adjusted to optimal operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0165] For example, the power value of the compressor (120) of the previous driving cycle may be compared with the power value of the compressor (120) measured during the current driving cycle, and if the power value is within a preset range, the cooling capacity (rps) of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle may be set to be the same as the previous cooling capacity. If the measured power value according to the comparison decreases compared to the power value of the previous driving cycle, the cooling capacity of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle may be set to decrease compared to the previous cooling capacity. In addition, if the measured power value according to the comparison increases compared to the power value of the previous driving cycle, the cooling capacity of the compressor (120) of the next driving cycle may be set to increase compared to the previous cooling capacity.

[0166] Through this, the control logic of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be applied not only to general operation by considering the temperature of the storage room (104) and controlling it, but also to special operation such as load response operation and continuous operation by controlling the refrigeration output.

[0167] Moreover, there is no need for effort to determine the control temperature, control differential value and cooling capacity to be set in advance.

[0168] A control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention can adjust the cooling output (cooling capacity of the compressor (120)) of the next driving cycle based on a value (inside temperature, diff value) related to the temperature of the storage compartment (104) of the previous driving cycle or adjust a target value (target temperature, target diff value) related to the temperature of the storage compartment (104).

[0169] In addition, a control method of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention may adjust a target value (target temperature, target diff value) related to the temperature of a storage chamber (104) of a next driving cycle or adjust the cooling output (cooling power of the compressor (120)) based on the cooling output (cooling power of the compressor (120)) of a previous driving cycle.

Claims

1. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; and A control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on the cold air output received from the sensing unit and the temperature-related value of the storage room, A refrigerator wherein the control unit controls at least one of a target refrigeration output and a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which a value related to the temperature of the storage room includes at least one of a diff value which is a difference value between the temperature of the storage room and a target temperature for controlling the temperature.

3. In paragraph 1, The above cooling supply means, A compressor that compresses refrigerant; A condenser that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor; An expander that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser; An evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the expander and delivers it to the compressor; a fan for blowing air from the storage room to the evaporator; and Includes a fan drive unit that drives the above fan, The above refrigeration output is the refrigeration capacity of the compressor, A refrigerator wherein the control unit controls the compressor and the fan drive unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above storage room is, freezer; It includes a refrigerator compartment partitioned from the freezer compartment by a partition wall, The above cooling supply means, Further comprising a damper installed in a connecting duct formed in the partition wall to control the amount of cold air supplied from the freezer to the refrigerator, A refrigerator in which the above control unit adjusts the opening angle of the damper.

5. In paragraph 4, The above detection unit, A power sensor that measures the current or voltage of the compressor; and A refrigerator including a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the control unit adjusts the target value related to the cold source output or the temperature of the storage compartment of the next stage based on the values ​​related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage compartment of the previous stage during normal operation or load response operation.

7. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; A control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on the cold air output received from the sensing unit and the temperature-related value of the storage room, The above control unit is a refrigerator that adjusts a target value related to the temperature of the storage room in the next stage based on the refrigeration output of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

8. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; A control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on the cold air output received from the sensing unit and the temperature-related value of the storage room, The above control unit is a refrigerator that controls the cooling output of the next stage based on a value related to the temperature of the storage room of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

9. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; A control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on the cold air output received from the sensing unit and the temperature-related value of the storage room, The above control unit is a refrigerator that adjusts the cooling output of the next stage based on the cooling output of the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

10. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; A control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on the cold air output received from the sensing unit and the temperature-related value of the storage room, A refrigerator in which the control unit adjusts a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment in the next stage based on the temperature of the storage compartment in the previous stage during normal operation and / or special operation.

11. In paragraph 10, A refrigerator in which the control unit adjusts the target temperature of the storage room in the next stage based on the temperature of the storage room in the previous stage.

12. In paragraph 10, The control unit adjusts the target diff value of the storage room of the next stage based on the diff value of the storage room of the previous stage, The above-mentioned differential value is a refrigerator that is a difference value from the target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room.

13. Cabinet with storage compartment; Insulating material placed between the outer case and inner case of the above cabinet; A door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage room; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the above storage room; A sensing unit that measures the cold source output of the cold air supply means and the temperature of the storage room; and In a control method of a refrigerator, including a control unit that controls the cold air supply means based on a value related to the cold source output and the temperature of the storage room received from the sensing unit, A step of measuring a value related to the temperature of the storage room and the cooling output during the current reference time; A step of calculating a difference between a measured value related to the temperature of the storage room and a target value related to the temperature of the storage room; A step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room at the next reference time using the calculated difference value; A step of comparing the measured value of the above cooling power output with the cooling power output of the previous reference time; In the above-mentioned comparing step, if the difference between the measured value and the cooling source output is within a preset range, the cooling source output of the next reference time is set to be the same as the cooling source output of the previous reference time, and if the measured value decreases compared to the cooling source output of the previous reference time, the cooling source output of the next reference time is set to decrease, and if the measured value increases compared to the cooling source output of the previous reference time, the cooling source output of the next reference time is set to increase; and A control method for a refrigerator, comprising a step of controlling the cold air supply means according to at least one of a target value related to the temperature of the storage room and the cold air output.

14. In paragraph 13, A control method for a refrigerator, wherein a value related to the temperature of the storage room includes at least one of a diff value which is a difference value between the temperature of the storage room and a target temperature for controlling the temperature.

15. In paragraph 13, A method for controlling a refrigerator, further comprising, in the step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment, a step of increasing the target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment at a next reference time by a difference between the measured value and the target value when a measured value related to the temperature of the storage compartment is smaller than a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment, and a step of decreasing the target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment at a next reference time by a difference between the measured value and the target value when a measured value related to the temperature of the storage compartment is larger than a target value related to the temperature of the storage compartment.

16. In paragraph 13, The above cooling output is a control method for a refrigerator that is the cooling power of the compressor.

17. In paragraph 13, In the step of setting the target value related to the temperature of the above storage room, A control method for a refrigerator in which the control unit adjusts the target temperature of the storage room at the next reference time based on the temperature of the storage room at the previous reference time.

18. In paragraph 13, In the step of setting the target value related to the temperature of the above storage room, The above control unit adjusts the target diff value of the storage room at the next reference time based on the diff value of the storage room at the previous reference time, The above-mentioned differential value is a control method of a refrigerator that is a difference value from the target temperature for controlling the temperature of the storage room.

19. In paragraph 13, The above control unit, A control method for a refrigerator further comprising the step of setting a target value related to the temperature of the storage room at a next reference time based on the cooling output at the previous reference time.

20. In paragraph 13, The above control unit, A control method for a refrigerator further comprising a step of setting a cooling output for a next reference time based on a value related to the temperature of the storage room for a previous reference time.

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