Refrigerator control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with deep freezing compartments face challenges in maximizing cooling capacity and efficiency while minimizing power consumption, particularly in controlling the temperature and operation of the deep freezing compartment fan, leading to increased energy usage and potential quality loss of stored food.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the refrigerator that intermittently turns on a temperature sensor in the deep freezing compartment to detect internal temperatures, adjusts fan operation based on these readings, and maintains the compartment at a freezing compartment satisfactory temperature when in the off state to reduce power consumption and prevent unnecessary cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the deep freezing compartment fan operates continuously to maintain cryogenic temperature, then cooling capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit turns the fan on during deep freezing mode to maintain cryogenic temperature, and turns it off when the mode is canceled, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining cooling capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan operation is dynamically adjusted based on the deep freezing mode state. The system transitions between on and off states according to temperature requirements and mode activation, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and energy consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor operates continuously to monitor deep freezing compartment temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the temperature sensor only when the deep freezing mode is canceled or when temperature monitoring is required, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing temperature sensor for multiple purposes. The same sensor monitors both the deep freezing compartment temperature during operation and provides temperature data for control decisions, eliminating the need for separate continuous monitoring hardware.
3Reliability
If the deep freezing compartment is maintained at cryogenic temperature at all times, then food quality preservation is improved, but heat load transfer to freezing compartment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deep freezing compartment temperature is dynamically adjusted based on operational needs. The system maintains cryogenic temperature when deep freezing mode is active for optimal food quality, and allows temperature rise when mode is canceled, reducing heat load transfer to the freezing compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains cryogenic temperature in advance when deep freezing mode is activated, preparing the compartment for food storage. When the mode is canceled, the system allows temperature to rise before actual food storage occurs, minimizing energy loss from continuous maintenance.
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 minimizes power consumption by optimizing fan operation and temperature maintenance, reducing the time to reach deep freezing temperatures when needed, and preventing heat load transfer to the freezing compartment, thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the deep freezing compartment.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module (TEM)... when power is applied, one surface acts as the heat absorption surface, and the other surface acts as the heat generation surface
Implementation Method 2
the heat generation surface is attached to the evaporator to rapidly dissipate heat to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
In a refrigerator control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit intermittently turns on a temperature sensor on a predetermined cycle when a deep-freezing chamber mode is turned off, so that the temperature sensor senses the internal temperature of a deep-freezing chamber for a first set time, and the sensed internal temperature of the deep-freezing chamber is transmitted to the control unit so as to minimize power consumption.