Refrigerator and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems with inverter linear compressors face challenges in efficiently varying refrigerating force to match temperature deviations between compartments, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a 3-way valve and an inverter circuit to control the stroke of the inverter linear compressor based on temperature error calculations, allowing the compressor to operate at varying output levels between 95% and 50% of its maximum output, depending on temperature periods, to optimize refrigerating force and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor operates at fixed maximum output, then the refrigerating force is sufficient to meet peak cooling demands, but power consumption increases during periods when less cooling is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor stroke variable rather than fixed. The stroke length is dynamically adjusted based on temperature error calculations, allowing the compressor to adapt its refrigerating force to match actual cooling demands. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to operate at reduced capacity during minor temperature deviations while maintaining full capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by varying the stroke length. Instead of operating at a fixed maximum output, the system modifies the stroke parameter in response to temperature conditions. This allows precise control of refrigerating force, reducing power consumption during periods when full cooling capacity is not required while maintaining temperature control precision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor stroke is varied to match temperature deviations, then power consumption is reduced, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature and using temperature error calculations to determine compressor stroke adjustments. The system measures the deviation from target temperature and uses this feedback to modulate the compressor output. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to cooling demands without requiring complex manual control, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the compressor stroke based on temperature conditions without external intervention. The temperature error calculation and stroke modulation are handled autonomously by the control system, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving energy savings through adaptive operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor operates continuously at high capacity, then temperature stability is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the compressor at reduced capacity when full cooling power is not needed. Instead of continuously running at high capacity, the system uses partial compressor output during periods when temperature deviations are minor. This maintains adequate temperature stability while significantly improving energy efficiency by avoiding excessive cooling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action through cyclic stroke modulation based on temperature error patterns. The compressor stroke is periodically adjusted in response to temperature deviations, creating a rhythm of full and partial operation. This periodic adaptation maintains temperature stability over time while improving overall energy efficiency compared to continuous high-capacity operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same. When a difference between a temperature of an inside of a freezer compartment and a set temperature is referred to as a first error temperature and when a difference between a temperature of an inside of a refrigerator compartment and the set temperature is referred to as a second error temperature, the method of controlling a refrigerator includes varying stroke of an inverter linear compressor to operate the inverter linear compressor by a maximum output when the first or second error temperature is higher than a maximum output temperature and varying the stroke of the inverter linear compressor at least once in a freezer or refrigerator cycle one period to operate the inverter linear compressor when the first or second error temperature is no more than the maximum output temperature.