Convertible Refrigerator Chamber Heating Using Condenser Waste Heat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with convertible chambers face challenges in efficiently controlling temperature and maintaining energy efficiency when heating the convertible chamber, as they require additional power sources or complex refrigerant cycles, leading to increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method using a refrigerant that has passed through a condenser as a heat source, where the temperature of the refrigerant is controlled by adjusting the operation of a condenser cooling fan based on ambient temperature, allowing thermal energy transfer to heat the convertible chamber without additional power, and optimizing the refrigerant flow to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric heater is used to heat the convertible chamber, then the internal temperature can be easily controlled, but additional power is required which degrades energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing refrigeration system by utilizing the high-temperature refrigerant from the condenser. Instead of adding a separate heating system (electric heater), the solution integrates heat recovery from the refrigerant cycle into the convertible chamber, combining cooling and heating functions within a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat from the condenser (which would otherwise be dissipated to the environment) into a useful heating source for the convertible chamber. This transforms a harmful energy loss into a beneficial resource, eliminating the need for additional power consumption while maintaining temperature control capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a high temperature refrigerant is used to heat the convertible chamber, then additional power is not required, but a refrigerating cycle must be operated making controlling difficult and increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the refrigeration system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both cooling (for freezing and refrigerating chambers) and heating (for convertible chamber) purposes simultaneously. The single refrigeration cycle provides cooling through the evaporator while its discharge refrigerant provides heating through the condenser heat exchange with the convertible chamber, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own waste heat from the condenser to heat the convertible chamber, making the refrigeration system self-sufficient for both cooling and heating needs. The high-temperature refrigerant naturally available from the compressor discharge serves its own heating purpose without requiring external energy input or complex additional components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a high temperature refrigerant is used to heat the convertible chamber, then additional power is not required, but cold air is supplied to the freezing chamber or refrigerating chamber while the convertible chamber is heated, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into distinct functional zones: the evaporator section for generating cold air in the freezing and refrigerating chambers, and the condenser section for providing heat to the convertible chamber. This segmentation allows independent thermal management of different chambers, enabling simultaneous heating of the convertible chamber and cooling of other chambers without energy waste from mixed air flows.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient temperature control of the convertible chamber within a pre-set range without additional power, minimizing energy consumption and reducing operational noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant compression cycle device including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expander installed within the main body
Implementation Method 2
a condenser... to maintain the refrigerant that passes through the interior of the condenser at a certain temperature or higher
Implementation Method 3
a condenser... to maintain the refrigerant that passes through the interior of the condenser at a certain temperature or higher
Implementation Method 4
a heating unit transferring heat of a refrigerant discharged from the condenser to air in the second adiabatic space
Implementation Method 5
a condenser cooling fan... to cool the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling temperature of a refrigerator including a main body having at least first and second adiabatic spaces; a refrigerant compression cycle device including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expander installed within the main body; and a heating unit transferring heat of a refrigerant discharged from the condenser to air in the second adiabatic space, includes: measuring an internal temperature of the second adiabatic space; bypassing the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the second adiabatic space when the measured internal temperature of the second adiabatic space is lower than a lower limit value of a pre-set temperature range; measuring ambient temperature of the condenser; and controlling an operation of a condenser cooling fan according to the ambient temperature of the condenser to maintain the refrigerant that passes through the interior of the condenser at a certain temperature or higher.