Method for operating a refrigeration appliance and refrigeration appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances with multiple storage compartments suffer from inefficient energy use and temperature control due to intermittent compressor operation and limited simultaneous cooling capabilities, failing to accurately prioritize refrigeration needs across compartments.
Innovation Solution
A method for continuous closed-loop control of multiple storage compartments using a compressor with adjustable conveying capacity, prioritizing refrigeration requirements, and employing actuators to guide refrigerant and cold air, ensuring each compartment maintains desired temperatures within permissible deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If intermittent compressor operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor conveying capacity is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit continuously modulates the compressor capacity based on real-time refrigeration requirements of different storage compartments, enabling smooth transitions between operating states and optimizing energy consumption without excessive on/off cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor operates continuously with variable capacity rather than intermittently at fixed capacity. This continuous operation with adjusted conveying capacity maintains refrigeration effectiveness while improving energy efficiency by avoiding the energy penalties associated with frequent start-stop cycles
2Ease of operation
If time-controlled switch-over is used, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors in each storage compartment provide continuous feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this real-time temperature information to dynamically adjust compressor capacity and refrigerant distribution, ensuring each compartment maintains its desired temperature within permissible deviations rather than relying on predetermined time schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigeration capacity allocation based on actual temperature conditions rather than following fixed time-based switch-over schedules. This dynamic response enables precise temperature control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
3Use of energy by moving object
If compressor capacity is reduced, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors temperatures in all storage compartments and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust compressor capacity. When refrigeration demand decreases, capacity is reduced to save energy; when demand increases or temperatures deviate, capacity is increased to maintain temperature stability, creating a responsive closed-loop control system
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor conveying capacity parameter is continuously adjusted based on the aggregate refrigeration requirements of different storage compartments. This parameter modulation enables the system to match energy consumption with actual cooling demand while maintaining temperature stability through real-time adaptation
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 enhances energy efficiency and acoustic performance by continuously operating the compressor whenever possible, maintaining consistent compartment temperatures with minimal fluctuations, and optimizing refrigeration capacity distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant circuit has a compressor with an adjustable conveying capacity
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant circuit has a compressor with an adjustable conveying capacity, a condenser, and at least one evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant circuit has a compressor with an adjustable conveying capacity, a condenser, and at least one evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigeration appliance includes providing storage compartments each assigned a desired temperature and a temperature sensor measuring an actual temperature of the storage compartment. A main storage compartment is determined by maximum heat intake of all storage compartments. First auxiliary storage compartments are cooled simultaneously with the main storage compartment. A refrigerant circuit has a compressor with adjustable conveying capacity, a condenser, and at least one evaporator. A control unit has a closed-loop controller for closed-loop control of conveying capacity. Each storage compartment is allocated switch-on and switch-off temperatures in addition to the desired temperature. The refrigerant circuit has actuators guiding refrigerant and/or an air circuit has actuators guiding cold air. A refrigeration requirement for each storage compartment is checked. The control unit actuates the compressor and the actuators to supply storage compartments, which can be cooled simultaneously, with a refrigeration requirement.