System and method for temperature control of refrigerator with convertible compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerating appliances lack efficient temperature control mechanisms that allow for rapid and flexible temperature adjustments in compartments to accommodate varying storage needs, such as transitioning between freezer and refrigerator settings.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerating appliance with a convertible compartment equipped with a first evaporator, a heating element, and a fan, controlled by a controller that alternates between heating and cooling intervals to achieve and maintain target temperatures, using thermal exchange media and temperature sensors to adjust the temperature setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cooling system is used for all compartments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different temperature requirements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into a first cooling system with a first evaporator for the first compartment and a second cooling system with a second evaporator for the second compartment. This segmentation allows independent temperature control in each compartment, enabling the convertible compartment to achieve different temperature settings (freezer, refrigerator, or intermediate modes) without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The convertible compartment is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different cooling systems. It can operate as a freezer compartment using the second cooling system, as a refrigerator compartment using the first cooling system, or in intermediate modes. This multi-functionality allows a single compartment to adapt to various storage needs without requiring separate dedicated compartments for each temperature zone.
2Productivity
If rapid temperature changes are implemented, then the productivity of temperature adjustment is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by alternating between heating and cooling operations in the convertible compartment. When transitioning temperature zones, the controller can switch between activating the first evaporator (cooling) and the heating element (heating) in periodic cycles. This periodic alternation enables rapid temperature changes by continuously applying opposing thermal actions, achieving fast conversion between freezer and refrigerator modes while managing energy consumption through controlled cycling rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different evaporators and controlling the refrigerant flow distribution. The controller can rapidly alter the temperature control parameters of the convertible compartment by changing which evaporator is active and adjusting the refrigerant flow rate, enabling fast temperature transitions without requiring excessive energy input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a heating element is added to enable temperature conversion, then the adaptability of the compartment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the existing cooling system components in the convertible compartment. The same compartment that contains the first evaporator also contains the heating element, allowing the controller to switch between cooling and heating modes within the same physical space. This merging approach enables extended temperature range (from freezing to refrigeration temperatures) without requiring separate dedicated heating and cooling systems, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables rapid and precise temperature control within a range of -25°C to 15°C, allowing for flexible storage of frozen and fresh items by efficiently switching between heating and cooling routines based on user input, ensuring optimal storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first evaporator configured to absorb heat energy
Implementation Method 2
A first heating element is disposed in a first compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an operation of a refrigeration appliance includes controlling a first cooling routine for a first compartment via a flow of a thermal exchange media to a first evaporator. The method further includes controlling a heating routine in response to a setpoint temperature being greater than the temperature of the first compartment. The heating routine includes activating a heating element and a fan in the first compartment over a first interval and deactivating the heating element and the fan over a second interval. The heating routine continues by activating the first interval and the second interval over alternating time periods. In response to the temperature of the first compartment being greater than or equal to a target temperature associated with the setpoint, the method may control the operation of the appliance by returning to the cooling routine.