Refrigerator and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with reciprocating compressors have high power consumption due to inefficient operation control and frequent compressor driving, leading to increased costs and energy inefficiency, while inverter-type compressors require additional components like main microcomputers and temperature sensors, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system that controls the compressor without a main microcomputer, using a compressor PCB connected to a thermostat to adjust compressor frequency based on previous cycle operation rates, allowing efficient operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a reciprocating compressor with thermostat control is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but power consumption is high due to frequent ON/OFF operation and inability to perform variable speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reciprocating compressor system with an inverter-type compressor that uses electronic frequency control. The compressor microcomputer substitutes the mechanical thermostat switch, enabling variable speed control through frequency adjustment rather than simple ON/OFF mechanical switching. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining control functionality while enabling efficient variable speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the compressor from fixed speed (reciprocating) to variable speed (inverter-type). By adjusting the frequency parameter of the compressor motor, the system can adapt to different cooling loads, reducing frequent start-stop operations and lowering power consumption while maintaining the simplicity of direct thermostat-to-compressor control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an inverter-type compressor with main microcomputer and temperature sensors is used, then variable speed control and power consumption reduction are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the main microcomputer and external temperature sensors from the system. Only a compressor microcomputer is retained, which is integrated with the compressor control circuit. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while preserving the essential variable speed control functionality, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor microcomputer is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls compressor frequency, monitors operation cycles, calculates operation rates, and adjusts speed based on thermostat signals. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate main microcomputer and temperature sensors, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining efficient power control.
3Speed
If the compressor is controlled to run at high frequency based on external air temperature, then rapid cooling is achieved, but power consumption increases due to excessive cooling provision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the compressor microcomputer, which monitors the operation rate (ratio of running time to total cycle time) and adjusts the compressor frequency accordingly. When the operation rate exceeds a threshold, the microcomputer reduces frequency to prevent excessive cooling and lower power consumption. This feedback mechanism balances cooling speed with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the compressor frequency dynamic rather than static. The compressor microcomputer continuously adjusts the operating frequency based on real-time operation rate feedback, allowing the system to adapt to changing cooling demands. This dynamic adjustment prevents unnecessary high-frequency operation and reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, improves energy efficiency by optimizing compressor operation, and enhances cooling performance by maintaining efficient operation speeds based on previous cycle data, thereby minimizing power consumption and rapid initial cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle to a high temperature and a high pressure
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant compressed by the compressor generates cold air while passing through a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same. The present disclosure provides a method for controlling the same, the method including an initial driving step of driving a compressor according to a rotation per minute (RPM) at which the compressor is driven in a previous cycle, an RPM adjusting step of increasing the RPM when an operation rate is larger than a first setting value, decreasing the RPM when the operation rate is smaller than the second setting value, and maintaining the RPM when the operation rate is between the first setting value and the second setting value, in consideration of the operation rate of the previous cycle, and a driving step of driving the compressor according to the adjusted RPM, wherein the first setting value is larger than the second setting value.