Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control methods cause greater temperature variation in the refrigerating compartment, leading to reduced food freshness due to incomplete cooling cycles and inefficient management of refrigerant flow between compartments.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that alternates cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments using a switching valve to manage refrigerant flow, with a controller adjusting compressor cooling power based on temperature sensors to maintain set temperatures and prevent temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is stopped after freezing compartment cooling is completed to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the refrigerating compartment temperature varies greatly and food freshness cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternating cooling cycles between the freezing and refrigerating compartments. The controller switches between freezing compartment cooling mode and refrigerating compartment cooling mode at predetermined time intervals, ensuring both compartments receive periodic cooling attention while the compressor remains continuously or frequently operational, thus maintaining temperature stability without excessive power consumption.
2Temperature
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain refrigerating compartment temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function into two separate cooling cycles: one dedicated to the freezing compartment and another to the refrigerating compartment. By alternating between these segmented cooling modes, the system ensures both compartments are cooled effectively while allowing the compressor to rest during mode switches, reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Temperature
If cooling cycles are alternated between compartments to maintain both temperatures, then temperature control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful cooling action by alternating between freezing and refrigerating compartment cooling modes with predetermined time intervals. The controller ensures the compressor operates continuously or near-continuously by switching between the two cooling modes, eliminating idle time and maintaining temperature control accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware.
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 consistent temperature control across compartments, enhancing food freshness and reducing power consumption by maintaining the compressor in a continuous operation state while optimizing cooling power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a first evaporator for receiving the refrigerant from the compressor and generating cool air for cooling a first storage compartment
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for compressing a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The method for controlling the refrigerator includes operating a first cooling cycle for cooling the first storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating a first fan for the first storage compartment, and switching the first cooling cycle to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating a second fan when a stop condition of the first cooling cycle is satisfied. A temperature of each storage compartment is sensed at sampling time intervals in each cooling cycle. Further, a cooling power of the compressor is determined for each sampling time based on a sensed current temperature of the storage compartment, and the compressor is operated at the determined cooling power.