Quick-Cooling Refrigerator Compartment Using Thermoelectric Heat Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a refrigerator to have a separate storage space that can quickly cool foods in addition to the standard refrigerating and freezing compartments, as existing refrigerators do not efficiently provide rapid cooling for certain food items.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that includes a quick cooling module with a thermal conductive unit and a thermoelectric device, which heat-exchange with a refrigerant pipe to rapidly cool a dedicated storage compartment, allowing for independent operation even when the refrigeration cycle is stopped, and can also function for defrosting and thawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a separate quick cooling storage space is added to the refrigerator, then the cooling speed and temperature control flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick cooling module is nested within the existing refrigerator structure, with the thermoelectric device integrated into the refrigerant pipe system. The second storage compartment is positioned within the first storage compartment, creating a nested configuration that enables rapid cooling without adding external components or significantly increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If a thermoelectric device is used for rapid cooling, then the cooling efficiency and defrosting capability are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric device is activated only when rapid cooling or defrosting is required, rather than operating continuously. This preliminary action approach allows the system to maintain normal refrigeration through the standard refrigeration cycle while providing high-efficiency quick cooling on demand, thereby improving overall cooling efficiency without excessive energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second storage compartment is provided within the first storage compartment, then the temperature control flexibility is improved, but the available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second storage compartment is positioned in a localized area within the first storage compartment, specifically designed to provide rapid cooling for frequently accessed items. This local quality approach allows the majority of the first storage compartment to remain available for general storage while providing a specialized quick-cooling zone for specific items, thus maintaining overall storage capacity while improving temperature control flexibility.
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 solution enables rapid cooling of foods to super-low temperatures, reduces the need for separate defrosting operations, and allows for flexible temperature control, including quick thawing, while minimizing power consumption and maintaining efficient cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied
Implementation Method 2
a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a main body in which a first storage compartment is defined, and a heat exchange chamber defined in the main body. An evaporator received in the heat exchange chamber. A second storage compartment is provided in the first storage compartment and a quick cooling module to cool an inside of the second storage compartment is provided, where the quick cooling module heat-exchanges with a refrigerant pipe of the evaporator. The quick cooling module includes a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe, and a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied and a second surface facing the second storage compartment.