Refrigerator and driving method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with multiple compressors and evaporators face challenges in reducing power consumption and efficiently driving both freezing and refrigerating chambers, leading to increased energy usage and potential compressor damage due to oil imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a primary and secondary compressor connected in series, with a condenser and two evaporators connected in parallel, and a refrigerant switching valve to control refrigerant flow, along with an oil balancing system to manage oil distribution between compressors, allowing for efficient multi-stage compression and independent operation of refrigeration cycles based on chamber load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single compressor and single evaporator are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the refrigerating chamber becomes overcooled and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor and evaporator system is segmented into multiple compressors (first and second compressors) and multiple evaporators (first and second evaporators) that can operate independently. This allows each component to be sized and controlled according to actual cooling needs, preventing overcooling and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which compressors and evaporators are active based on cooling demands. The control system can selectively operate the first compressor with the first evaporator, the second compressor with the second evaporator, or both simultaneously, optimizing energy usage according to real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators are connected to one compressor in parallel or series, then the refrigerating chamber and freezing chamber can be separately driven, but power consumption is still increased and the two-stage compressor makes construction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex two-stage compressor, the system segments the compression function into separate first and second compressors. Each compressor can be connected to its own evaporator, simplifying the overall system construction while maintaining the ability to independently control different chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second compressors can serve multiple functions: they can operate independently to serve different chambers, or work together to meet higher cooling demands. This multi-functionality provides adaptability without requiring a specialized two-stage compressor design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple compressors are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but oil distribution becomes unbalanced and compressor damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
An oil return line acts as an intermediary pathway connecting the first and second compressors. This dedicated oil return mechanism ensures that refrigerant oil can circulate between compressors, preventing oil accumulation in one unit and depletion in another, thereby maintaining reliable lubrication for both compressors during independent or simultaneous 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
This configuration reduces power consumption by optimizing refrigerant flow and oil distribution, improving the efficiency of the refrigerator by allowing simultaneous or independent operation of the freezing and refrigerating chambers, thereby minimizing compressor damage and energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a primary compressor, a secondary compressor connected to an outlet side of the primary compressor and configured to perform a secondary compression for a refrigerant primarily compressed in the primary compressor
Implementation Method 2
a condenser connected to an outlet side of the secondary compressor
Implementation Method 3
the oil within the compressor is allowed to circulate a refrigeration cycle forming a closed loop together with high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas discharged out of the compressor
Implementation Method 4
a first evaporator diverged from the condenser and connected to an inlet side of the primary compressor, a second evaporator diverged from the condenser together with the first evaporator
Implementation Method 5
a refrigerant switching valve installed such that an inlet side of the first evaporator and an inlet side of the second evaporator are connected to an outlet side of the condenser in parallel and configured to control the refrigerant to flow toward the first evaporator or the second evaporator
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator and a driving method thereof are disclosed. A primary compressor(11) and a secondary compressor(12) can form independent cycles together with corresponding evaporators(14,15) so as to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Also, a backflow prevention valve(20) is installed between the primary and secondary compressors to prevent an increase in pressure of the secondary compressor, or an auxiliary heat exchanger(30) is installed at the outlet side of a second evaporator(15) with high temperature to allow heat exchange of an inlet side pipe(L1) of a first evaporator with low temperature so as to shift a load of a freezing chamber into a relatively large refrigerating chamber, thereby improving efficiency of the refrigerator. In addition, an oil separator(120,130) or an oil collection pipe(121,131) is installed at the outlet sides of the compressors or an oil balancing pipe(221) and an oil balancing valve(222) are installed between the compressors, so as to uniformly maintain an oil amount between the compressors.