Electromechanical Refrigerator Cold Control for Peak Demand Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanically controlled refrigerators lack the ability to adjust energy usage in response to peak demand periods, as they do not have advanced control systems like microprocessors, leading to inefficiencies in energy management.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cold control device with a counter spring and bourdon tube, associated with a DSM switching device controlled by a DSM module, which adjusts the temperature set point in response to peak or non-peak demand signals, allowing for reduced power consumption without completely shutting off the appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a DSM control device cuts off power to an entire appliance to reduce peak power consumption, then peak power consumption is reduced, but the appliance cannot perform any functions during peak periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power consumptionVSAvoidappliance functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply to different components of the refrigerator independently. Instead of cutting power to the entire appliance, the DSM control device selectively controls power to specific high-power components such as the compressor, condenser fan, and evaporator fan based on peak demand conditions. This allows essential functions to continue while reducing overall peak power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively controlling only certain components during peak demand periods rather than shutting down the entire appliance. The system can partially reduce power consumption by controlling the compressor and fans while maintaining basic refrigeration functions, achieving a balance between peak power reduction and appliance functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by stationary object

If electronically controlled refrigerators adjust temperature set point during peak demand, then energy usage is reduced, but the appliance requires a microprocessor which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy usageVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic microprocessor-based control with a simpler electromechanical control system. The DSM control device uses mechanical components such as springs, levers, and electrical contacts to sense peak demand conditions and automatically adjust the temperature set point or control component operation. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for microprocessors while achieving similar energy reduction goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to automatically detect peak demand conditions and adjust operation without requiring user intervention or complex processing. The electromechanical components self-regulate based on incoming electrical signal characteristics, providing intelligent control through simple physical mechanisms rather than complex electronic computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If simple DSM control devices are added to electromechanical appliances, then peak power consumption is reduced, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power consumptionVSAvoidcontrol device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive electromechanical control components that can be easily manufactured and installed. The DSM control device uses basic electrical components such as relays, switches, and sensing elements rather than expensive microprocessors or complex electronics. These simple components provide effective peak power reduction while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Effectively reduces peak power consumption by adjusting the temperature set point during peak demand periods, thereby lowering energy costs and load on generating plants without compromising the appliance's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a bourdon tube having a first end comprising a rubber diaphragm operatively associated with the counter spring, and a second end, opposite the first end, located in the compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a counter spring capable of providing a force against the diaphragm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8185252B2DSM enabling of electro mechanically controlled refrigeration systems

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A system for reducing the peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled refrigerator is provided. The system comprises a cold control device including a housing and a counter spring having at least one spring tension position corresponding to a temperature set point, a bourdon tube having a first end comprising an elastomeric diaphragm operatively associated with the counter spring, and a second end, opposite the first end, located in the compartment, wherein the counter spring is capable of providing a force against the diaphragm, and a DSM switching device operatively controlled by an associated DSM module. The DSM module is configured to receive a signal indicative of at least one of a peak or non-peak demand period of an associated utility.