Refrigeration Compressor Cycle Control for Freezer Storage Capacity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration devices with a single refrigeration cycle and multiple temperature chambers face limitations in storing product weight in the freezing chamber due to temperature dependency between chambers, leading to inefficient operation and reduced storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

A method of operation that uses a temperature sensor to control the compressor's operation based on predetermined target temperatures and standby times, ensuring the freezing chamber maintains its temperature while preventing the cooling chamber's temperature from dropping below 0 °C, thereby optimizing the storage capacity of the freezing chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate refrigeration cycles are used for each chamber, then the temperature of each chamber can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent temperature controlVSAvoidrefrigeration system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using a single refrigeration cycle that automatically adapts its operation to serve both the freezing chamber and cooling chamber. The temperature sensor and control unit enable the system to self-regulate compressor operation based on the freezing chamber's temperature needs, providing independent temperature control capability without requiring separate refrigeration cycles for each chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method allows for a 50% increase in the weight of product that can be stored in the freezing chamber from 2 Kg to 3 Kg while maintaining the cooling chamber's temperature within the desired range, preventing unnecessary extended operation and maintaining effective cooling.

Implementation Method 1

at least one temperature sensor measuring the temperature of a chamber and controlling the operation of the compressor based on the measured temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

the heat of a refrigerant leaving the compressor as it is hot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the heat of a refrigerant leaving the compressor as it is hot is transferred to the outer environment, while it is being passed through the condenser, where it is condensed and cooled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

where it is condensed and cooled to a certain extent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 5

the refrigerant is passed through the capillary pipe such that its pressure is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure reduction: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 6

the refrigerant easily evaporates and converts into the gaseous phase, due to its low pressure and the heat received from the inner medium (chambers) of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 7

the refrigerant that cools the chambers, due to the heat received from the chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2899479B1A method of operation for refrigeration devices
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 VESTEL BEYAZ ESYA SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP2899479B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

With the present invention, there is provided a method of operation for increasing the amount of product to be stored in a second chamber of a refrigeration device comprising at least a first chamber with a relatively high operation temperature; at least a second chamber with an operation temperature lower than the first chamber; a refrigeration cycle cooling said chambers and having a compressor, a condenser, a capillary pipe and an evaporator; and at least one temperature sensor measuring the temperature of a chamber and controlling the operation of the compressor based on the measured temperature. In the said operation method, when the compressor is continuously operated for a predetermined t1 time, the operation of the compressor is stopped for a t2 time. Thus, even if the amount of product in the first chamber is high, the temperature of the first chamber is brought to the desired value without decreasing the temperature of the second chamber below a predetermined value.