Dual-Compressor Refrigeration Control for Noise and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliances with two separate refrigerant circuits often experience disruptive vibrations and excessive noise due to simultaneous operation of compressors, which is frequent even under normal conditions, leading to potential temperature imbalances and damage to stored goods.
Innovation Solution
A controller that operates in different modes based on predetermined conditions, allowing compressors to run at different times in normal conditions and permitting simultaneous operation only in exceptional circumstances, such as high external temperatures or ice formation, to maintain temperature control while minimizing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both compressors are activated simultaneously to maintain temperature in both refrigeration zones, then temperature control reliability is improved, but noise level and vibration increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts compressor operation timing based on the specific thermal requirements of each refrigeration zone. By independently controlling when each compressor operates, the system maintains temperature reliability while avoiding simultaneous operation that causes excessive noise and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic temperature monitoring and control cycles, where compressors are activated at different times based on periodic temperature checks in each zone. This staggered periodic operation ensures temperature maintenance while reducing continuous simultaneous operation that generates harmful noise and vibration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compressors operate at different times to reduce noise and vibration, then noise level and vibration are reduced, but temperature control may be compromised in extraordinary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes operational parameters based on detected conditions. In normal conditions, compressors operate at different times to reduce noise and vibration. In extraordinary conditions (detected through temperature sensors), the controller modifies this parameter to allow simultaneous operation when necessary to maintain temperature reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes: normal mode with staggered compressor operation for reduced noise and vibration, and extraordinary mode with simultaneous operation for temperature protection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by context-dependent behavior.
3Reliability
If the controller monitors external temperature to detect extraordinary conditions, then temperature control reliability in extraordinary conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses its existing temperature sensors to monitor both internal refrigeration zone temperatures and external temperature conditions. By utilizing already-present sensing capabilities for dual purposes, the system improves reliability in extraordinary conditions without adding separate monitoring devices or significantly increasing 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
The solution effectively prevents temperature rises in refrigeration zones during normal conditions, reducing noise and vibration while ensuring that necessary temperatures are maintained, even in exceptional situations, thus protecting stored goods without causing disruption.
Implementation Method 1
One of the two evaporators is provided in each refrigeration zone... the controller starts up the respective compressor in order to be able to discharge heat from the refrigeration zone by way of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
A shared condenser could be provided for both refrigerant circuits... both refrigerant circuits are provided with their own condenser
Implementation Method 3
Refrigeration appliances have become known, which have two separate refrigerant circuits with a compressor, evaporator and condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device includes an interior that is divided up into two refrigeration zones with each refrigeration zone having an evaporator and a compressor for supplying the evaporator with a refrigerant. A control for operating the compressors can be operated in different modes of operation depending on predetermined conditions. In a normal mode, the at least two compressors are exclusively operated at different times.