Apparatus and method for controlling compressor, and refrigerator having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors face challenges in maintaining proper compression due to piston collisions with the cylinder wall and restricted forward movement under varying loads and voltage conditions, which complicates efficient operation in appliances like refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
A compressor control apparatus using alternating current switches and a controller to detect load and voltage, estimate piston stroke, and adjust firing angles to manage compressor operation modes, allowing for simultaneous or separate operation of multiple compressors to maintain optimal compression ratios and reduce energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating compressor operates under varying loads and voltage conditions, then compression capacity is maintained, but piston collisions with cylinder wall occur and forward movement becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression ratio adjustable and variable during operation. The controller dynamically changes the compression ratio based on detected load and voltage conditions, allowing the compressor to adapt its piston stroke and speed characteristics. This dynamic adjustment prevents piston collisions and movement restrictions while maintaining compression capacity under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compression ratio parameter in response to varying load and voltage conditions. By detecting these conditions and adjusting the compression ratio accordingly, the system maintains reliable piston movement and prevents mechanical issues while preserving compression capacity. This parameter change allows the compressor to operate efficiently across different operating points.
2Productivity
If compression ratio is increased to maintain performance under varying conditions, then productivity is improved, but energy loss and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compression ratio based on actual operating conditions rather than maintaining a fixed high compression ratio. This dynamic approach allows the compressor to achieve necessary compression performance while minimizing energy loss by using only the compression ratio needed for current load and voltage conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ratio parameter is changed according to detected load and voltage conditions. By optimizing this parameter in real-time, the system achieves adequate compression performance without consistently operating at high compression ratios that would cause excessive energy loss and noise, thus balancing productivity with energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple compressors operate simultaneously to meet demand, then productivity increases, but control complexity and energy management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it detects load and voltage conditions, estimates piston stroke, determines optimal compression ratio, and controls multiple compressors. This multi-functional approach consolidates control complexity into a single intelligent controller that manages the entire compression system, allowing multiple compressors to operate efficiently without proportionally increasing control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by detecting actual load and voltage conditions, estimating piston stroke based on these detections, and using this information to control compressor operation. This feedback mechanism enables intelligent coordination of multiple compressors, optimizing their operation to meet demand while simplifying energy management through data-driven control decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor control apparatus, and a refrigerator including the same are provided. The operation of two compressors may be controlled using an alternating current (AC) switch, thereby minimizing a number of components, as well as increasing compressor capacity and enhancing operation efficiency. A plurality of operation modes may be used to correspond to a load or freezing capacity using two compressors, and the two compressors may be operated in a separate or simultaneous manner using a drive including two (AC) switches, thereby simplifying the configuration of the system.