Method for controlling refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control methods fail to maintain stable temperature in refrigerating compartments, leading to significant temperature fluctuations and reduced food freshness, while also consuming excessive power due to frequent compressor startups.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that alternates cooling cycles between refrigerating and freezing compartments, adjusting operation times and power based on temperature deviations and set values to minimize temperature fluctuations and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor is stopped to cool the freezing compartment using latent heat of evaporation, then the temperature of the freezing compartment can be lowered, but the temperature of the refrigerating compartment continuously rises causing large temperature changes when the compressor starts again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating the operation of two evaporators in cycles. The first evaporator cools the refrigerating compartment while the second evaporator cools the freezing compartment in alternating periods. This periodic switching ensures that both compartments receive cooling attention regularly, preventing excessive temperature rise in either compartment during compressor stop periods, thus maintaining temperature stability in the refrigerating compartment while still achieving cooling in the freezing compartment.
2Temperature
If the compressor is frequently started and stopped to maintain temperature limits, then the temperature can be maintained within range, but power consumption increases due to startup power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by keeping the compressor continuously operating instead of frequently starting and stopping it. The continuous compressor operation drives refrigerant through alternating evaporator cycles, ensuring uninterrupted cooling action. This eliminates the high startup power consumption associated with frequent compressor on/off cycling while maintaining temperature within the required range through the alternating evaporator strategy.
3Loss of energy
If the refrigerator cools the freezing compartment first then stops the compressor, then energy is saved during the stop period, but the refrigerating compartment temperature rises reducing food freshness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with two evaporators switching roles in alternating cycles. While one evaporator is active for cooling, the other can be used for maintaining temperature or preparing for the next cooling phase. This ensures that the refrigerating compartment receives periodic cooling attention through the first evaporator, preventing excessive temperature rise and maintaining food freshness, while the system overall reduces energy consumption compared to continuous single-evaporator operation.
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
The method reduces temperature fluctuations, enhances food freshness by maintaining stable temperatures, and decreases power consumption by optimizing compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor that compresses refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator that receives refrigerant from the compressor to generate cold air for cooling a first storage compartment
Implementation Method 3
a first cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the first storage compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigerator in the present embodiment comprises the steps of: as a first refrigeration cycle for refrigeration of a first storage chamber is operated, operating a compressor and operating a first cold air supply means for the first storage chamber; 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 means; and if the second refrigeration cycle has been operated for a second run time, stopping the second refrigeration cycle. In particular, a first reference time is determined using a representative value obtained on the basis of 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 control unit causes the first refrigeration cycle to operate for the determined first reference time; 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; and the control unit causes the second refrigeration cycle to operate for the determined second reference time.