Method for controlling refrigerator to alternately cool two storage compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control methods fail to maintain stable temperature in both the freezing and refrigerating compartments, leading to excessive temperature fluctuations that reduce food freshness and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method that alternates cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments, adjusting compressor operation time and cooling power based on temperature deviations to minimize temperature changes, ensuring continuous operation without shutting off the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the compressor is stopped after cooling the freezing compartment, then power consumption is reduced, but the temperature of the refrigerating compartment rises significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternating cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The controller switches between first cooling cycles (cooling freezing compartment) and second cooling cycles (cooling refrigerating compartment) in a predetermined sequence, ensuring both compartments receive periodic cooling attention without requiring continuous compressor operation. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by cooling the refrigerating compartment before the compressor would normally stop, ensuring temperature stability is maintained. The controller proactively switches to second cooling cycles when the refrigerating compartment temperature approaches its upper limit, preventing temperature rise before it becomes problematic. This proactive approach allows the compressor to stop earlier while maintaining temperature stability.
2Temperature
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain temperature in both compartments, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternating cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The controller switches between first cooling cycles (cooling freezing compartment) and second cooling cycles (cooling refrigerating compartment) in a predetermined sequence, ensuring both compartments receive periodic cooling attention without requiring continuous compressor operation. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing cooling to each compartment only when needed, rather than continuously cooling both compartments simultaneously. The controller determines based on temperature sensor readings which compartment requires cooling at any given time, applying cooling action partially to the specific compartment that needs it. This reduces unnecessary cooling action and associated power consumption.
3Loss of energy
If the compressor is stopped to reduce power consumption, then energy loss is reduced, but food freshness deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternating cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The controller switches between first cooling cycles (cooling freezing compartment) and second cooling cycles (cooling refrigerating compartment) in a predetermined sequence, ensuring both compartments receive periodic cooling attention without requiring continuous compressor operation. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through temperature sensors in both compartments that continuously monitor temperature and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the cooling cycle timing and duration based on this feedback, extending cooling cycles when temperature rises are detected and reducing them when temperature stability is maintained. This feedback mechanism ensures food freshness is preserved while optimizing power consumption.
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 reduces temperature fluctuations, enhances food freshness, and decreases power consumption by preventing excessive cooling and eliminating the need for compressor startup power.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (21) that compresses refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator (24) that receives refrigerant from the compressor to generate cold air for cooling a first storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigerator comprises: as a first refrigeration cycle for refrigeration of a first storage chamber is operated, operating a compressor and operating a first cold air supply; when the first refrigeration cycle has been operated for a first run time, converting to a second refrigeration cycle for refrigeration of a second storage chamber, and operating a second cold air supply; and if the second refrigeration cycle has been operated for a second run time, stopping the second refrigeration cycle. A first reference time is determined using a representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first storage chamber during a single run cycle, which includes a previous first refrigeration cycle and a previous second refrigeration cycle. A second reference time period is determined using a representative value obtained on the basis of the temperature of the second storage chamber during the single run cycle.