Cooling Device Defrosting Control Based on Runtime and Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed defrosting schedules for cooling devices in industrial environments lead to unnecessary defrosting processes, increased energy consumption, and potential safety hazards due to ice buildup, while requiring time-consuming expert evaluation and frequent readjustments to accommodate changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines defrosting initiation based on minimum and maximum duration of active cooling, cooling intensity, and predefined defrost times, using existing components to optimize defrosting frequency and prevent overlapping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a fixed predefined defrosting schedule is used, then defrosting operations are performed at predetermined times, but this leads to unnecessary defrosting processes and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the operating parameters of the cooling device (runtime, cooling intensity, temperature differences) and uses this feedback to dynamically determine when defrosting is actually needed, rather than following a fixed schedule. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to real-time conditions and avoid unnecessary defrosting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own operating parameters and automatically determines when defrosting is required based on accumulated cooling intensity and runtime thresholds. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions about defrosting timing without external intervention or fixed scheduling.
2Reliability
If defrosting operations are performed frequently to prevent ice buildup, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to limited defrosting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing complete defrosting cycles frequently, the system calculates partial defrosting requirements based on accumulated cooling intensity. The control unit determines the exact amount of defrosting needed to remove only the ice buildup that has actually formed, avoiding the energy waste of performing full defrosting cycles when minimal ice is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from time-based defrosting to parameter-based defrosting by monitoring cooling intensity, runtime, and temperature differences. This parameter change allows the system to optimize defrosting timing and duration based on actual ice accumulation conditions rather than fixed time intervals.
3Reliability
If expert evaluation is used to determine fixed defrosting schedules, then reliable defrosting operations are achieved, but the process is extremely time consuming and requires frequent readjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically monitors operating parameters and calculates optimal defrosting timing without requiring expert evaluation or manual configuration. The system learns and adapts to the specific operating conditions of the cooling device, eliminating the time-consuming expert setup process while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual expert evaluation process with an automated electronic monitoring and calculation system. The control unit uses sensors and processors to automatically track cooling intensity, runtime, and temperature parameters, substituting human expertise with automated computational analysis.
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
Reduces energy consumption, extends device lifetime, and ensures safe and efficient operation by minimizing unnecessary defrosting cycles and maintaining consistent cooling, without requiring retrofitting or additional skills.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling devices, specifically air coolers, operate based on evaporative cooling which is a process that uses the evaporation of a refrigerant to cool the air of cooling rooms and cold stores
Implementation Method 2
In this case water vapor in the air to be cooled may lead to ice formation at the evaporator of the cooling unit
Implementation Method 3
defrosting processes are limited in efficiency such that only a fraction of energy used during the defrosting process actually contributes to melting the ice formation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for determining whether to initiate a defrosting process of a cooling device usable in an industrial environment, the method comprising: determining that the defrosting process is to be initiated, comprising one or more of the following steps: determining that a predetermined minimum duration of time that the cooling device is actively cooling is reached; determining that a cooling intensity is larger than or equal to a predetermined cooling intensity value; and/or determining that a predetermined maximum duration of time the cooling device is actively cooling is reached; if it has been determined that the defrosting process is to be initiated: initiating the defrosting process of the cooling device. The present disclosure further relates to a corresponding computer program, control unit, cooling device and system.