Dual-Compressor Inverter Switching for Stable Refrigerator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor control systems require separate inverters for each compressor, making them costly and inefficient, especially when controlling two compressors in a refrigerator, as they cannot simultaneously operate effectively with one inverter.
Innovation Solution
A compressor control apparatus using one inverter with three pairs of switching elements, where one pair is commonly connected to both compressors and switched at an operating frequency, while the others are switched at carrier frequencies, allowing for simultaneous operation and varying load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one inverter is used to control two compressors, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but control reliability and operational stability deteriorate due to shared switching elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of two compressors by assigning different switching frequency characteristics to different switching element pairs. The first pair operates at a lower frequency while the second pair operates at a higher frequency, allowing independent control characteristics for each compressor despite sharing a common inverter. This frequency-based segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining control reliability through differentiated operation modes while reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If switching elements are operated at high frequency for precise control, then control precision improves, but switching losses increase and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating different switching element pairs at different frequencies. The first switching element pair operates at a lower frequency to minimize switching losses and improve energy efficiency, while the second pair operates at a higher frequency to provide precise control when needed. This frequency parameter differentiation allows the system to optimize between control precision and energy efficiency based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two compressors are controlled independently with separate inverters, then operational flexibility and control independence improve, but system cost and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single inverter that can control two different compressors with different operational requirements. The inverter contains multiple switching element pairs that can operate at different frequencies, enabling the same inverter unit to adaptively control both compressors independently. This multi-functional design achieves compressor operation flexibility while reducing the total number of inverters required.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed herein a compressor control apparatus, and a refrigerator including the same. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of two compressors (C1, C2) may be controlled using one inverter (40), thereby minimizing the use of elements as well as increasing the compressor capacity and enhancing the operation efficiency of a system. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, switching elements commonly used may be switched at an operating frequency contrary to the other switching elements in operating two compressors (C1, C2) using one inverter (40), thereby allowing the simultaneous operation of two compressors (C1, C2), reducing the switching loss, and improving the efficiency and stability of a system.