Refrigeration Control Switching for Dehumidification and Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration apparatuses face inefficiencies in power consumption due to the need for continuous compressor operation during dehumidification, which compromises power-saving modes and precision temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus equipped with a humidity detection unit, temperature detection unit, and a control unit that switches from dehumidification control to power-saving control when interior air humidity reaches a certain low limit, allowing for intermittent compressor operation and optimized fan and compressor drive management to maintain temperature within a target range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the compressor operates continuously to ensure precision temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the control strategy based on real-time humidity conditions. When humidity is high, continuous operation mode is activated for precise temperature control. When humidity decreases below the threshold, intermittent operation mode is activated to reduce power consumption, allowing the system to adapt its operational characteristics to current environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the compressor based on humidity levels. By monitoring humidity as a key parameter and switching between continuous and intermittent operation modes, the system optimizes the balance between temperature control precision and power consumption according to actual environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously to perform dehumidification, then dehumidification performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring humidity levels and using this information to adjust compressor operation. The humidity detection unit provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which then determines whether continuous or intermittent operation is necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption based on actual dehumidification needs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining continuous compressor operation for dehumidification, the system applies partial action by switching to intermittent operation once the humidity threshold is reached. This allows the system to achieve sufficient dehumidification performance while avoiding excessive power consumption that would result from continuous operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system switches to power-saving control with intermittent compressor operation, then power consumption is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring humidity levels and switching to intermittent operation mode before temperature deviations become significant. By proactively adjusting compressor operation based on humidity trends, the system maintains temperature within the acceptable range while reducing power consumption, preventing rather than reacting to temperature control issues
4Use of energy by moving object
If the system monitors and switches control modes based on humidity detection, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors humidity levels, determines appropriate control modes, switches between continuous and intermittent operation, and maintains temperature control. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function, the system improves power efficiency while minimizing the increase in device 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
This approach ensures both effective dehumidification and cooling while reducing power consumption, achieving greater power efficiency by tolerating temperature fluctuations within a predetermined range.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant flowing in the cooling heat exchanger absorbs heat from interior air and evaporates to cool the interior air
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (11) that compresses a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
The refrigeration apparatus circulates a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to perform a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle
Data Source
AI summary
The refrigeration apparatus includes a controller. The controller performs normal operation control for controlling drive of the exterior fan and the compressor in order to bring the interior temperature to a target temperature, dehumidification control in which the interior humidity is adjusted to a predetermined target range of the high-humidity region, and power-saving control which is implemented by the control of drive of the exterior fan and the compressor such that a change in the interior temperature is kept within a temperature range based on the target temperature. The controller switches from the dehumidification control to the power-saving control in the case where the interior humidity has become a lower limit value of the target range of the high-humidity region or less.