Cooling Device Compressor Low-Voltage Startup After Power Outage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cooling devices require high voltage for initial operation after a power outage, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced user comfort due to higher compressor volume and potential unsafe conditions.

Innovation Solution

An operating method that uses temperature sensors and a control unit to manage the compressor and fan operations, allowing the compressor to start at a low voltage (187V or less) by delaying fan activation and operating in intermittent cycles based on environmental and compartment temperatures, eliminating the need for additional components like a power relay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the compressor starts operation immediately after power restoration, then the cooling function is restored quickly, but the voltage requirement increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling restoration speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary temperature measurement and comparison actions before initiating compressor operation. By measuring compartment temperature and outer environment temperature immediately upon power restoration and comparing them with predetermined values, the system determines the appropriate operating mode in advance, allowing the compressor to start at lower voltage when conditions permit, thus reducing energy consumption while still restoring cooling function efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If the compressor operates at high voltage for initial operation, then the compressor volume increases, but user comfort decreases and unsafe conditions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor powerVSAvoidoperating safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts compressor operating parameters based on real-time temperature conditions. The control unit continuously monitors compartment temperature and outer environment temperature, and dynamically switches between different operating modes (first operating mode with lower voltage for safe conditions, second operating mode for different conditions). This dynamic adaptation ensures the compressor operates at appropriate power levels, preventing unsafe high-voltage operation while maintaining necessary cooling capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes operating parameters (voltage level, operating mode) based on temperature parameter comparisons. By comparing measured temperatures with predetermined threshold values, the system selects appropriate operating parameters that ensure safe compressor startup and operation, avoiding the unsafe conditions associated with high-voltage initial operation while still providing effective cooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the fan operates continuously with the compressor, then cooling efficiency is maximized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements periodic or conditional fan operation based on temperature conditions and compressor operating mode. Instead of continuous fan operation, the system activates the fan only when temperature conditions warrant additional cooling capacity and only for the duration necessary to achieve the desired cooling effect. This periodic action maintains cooling efficiency when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during periods when full cooling capacity is not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 method reduces energy consumption, prevents compressor shutdown due to unsafe conditions, and enhances user comfort by maintaining optimal energy usage and efficient cooling device performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first temperature sensor to measure temperature of said compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

at least a second temperature sensor to measure temperature of an outer environment in which the cooling device is present

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 3

at least one fan which increases the heat exchange between the evaporator and the compartment and increases the air circulation within the compartment, when operated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 4

the coolant arriving at the evaporator at a low temperature and pressure is evaporated by the heat of said compartment, thus enabling cooling of the compartment by drawing heat from the compartment during said evaporation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

the coolant arriving at the evaporator at a low temperature and pressure is evaporated by the heat of said compartment, thus enabling cooling of the compartment by drawing heat from the compartment during said evaporation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 6

a coolant from the compressor which has a high temperature and pressure passes through the condenser so as to decrease its temperature to get condensed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 7

the pressure thereof is decreased while passing through the capillary tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3627078B1An operating method for cooling devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 VESTEL BEYAZ ESYA SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3627078B1 patent drawing
  • EP3627078B1 patent drawing
  • EP3627078B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The operating method according to the present invention suitable for use in a cooling device which comprises a compartment; a cooling cycle assembly comprising a compressor and an evaporator; a fan; a first temperature sensor to measure temperature of the compartment; a second temperature sensor to measure temperature of an outer environment; and a control unit which comprises a default operating algorithm, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting energy to the compressor; measuring a temperature of the compartment and transmitting it to the control unit; measuring a temperature of the outer environment and transmitting it to the control unit; comparing the measured temperature of the compartment with a first value, and the measured temperature of the outer environment with a second value; operating the cooling device according to the default operating algorithm if the compartment temperature is below the first value or the outer environment temperature is below the second value; comparing the outer environment temperature with a third value if the outer environment temperature equals to or is above the second value; controlling the operating condition of the compressor depending on the outer environment temperature and the compartment temperature; repeating the steps of comparing the temperatures if the compressor is not operated; and controlling the operation of the fan according to the operating period of the compressor if the compressor is operating. With the operating method according to the invention, it is enabled to make the compressor within the cooling device start to operate at a low voltage during an energizing process to be performed after the cooling device is lack of energy for a certain period of time.