Refrigerator and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators experience energy loss due to the continuous on-off operation of the compressor, which is inefficient and leads to temperature fluctuations in storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A controller switches the compressor from an on-off operation mode to a continuous operation mode based on predefined conditions, adjusting the revolution per minute (RPM) according to temperature variations in the storage compartment to maintain optimal temperature and reduce energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the compressor operates in on-off mode, then the system can respond to temperature changes, but energy loss increases and temperature fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation mode where the compressor runs continuously at variable speeds instead of repeatedly starting and stopping. This eliminates the energy waste from frequent start-stop cycles while maintaining stable cooling output through speed modulation, directly resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts compressor speed based on real-time cooling load requirements. The controller continuously monitors temperature and heat load conditions, then modulates the compressor RPM accordingly, allowing the system to adapt smoothly to changing conditions without the harsh transitions of on-off operation, thereby reducing both energy loss and temperature fluctuations
2Loss of energy
If the compressor switches from on-off mode to continuous mode, then energy efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors storage compartment temperature and heat load conditions, then adjusts compressor speed accordingly. This closed-loop control automatically optimizes energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control algorithms, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from binary on-off states to continuous variable speed operation. By controlling compressor RPM as a continuous parameter rather than a discrete on/off state, the system achieves smoother control and better energy efficiency with manageable complexity through standard motor control techniques
3Productivity
If the compressor operates continuously at high RPM, then cooling capacity increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modulates compressor speed to match the actual cooling load requirements. Instead of operating continuously at high RPM, the compressor speed is adjusted in real-time based on temperature and heat load conditions, maintaining adequate cooling capacity while minimizing energy consumption through optimal speed selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating the compressor at reduced speeds when full cooling capacity is not required. Rather than always running at maximum RPM, the compressor delivers just enough cooling power needed for the current load conditions, eliminating excessive energy consumption while maintaining sufficient productivity
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 stabilizes compressor operation in changing heat loads, reduces energy loss, and minimizes temperature fluctuations, enhancing energy efficiency and maintaining consistent storage compartment temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the cold air generated as the refrigerant in a liquid state absorbs surrounding heat while being evaporated
Implementation Method 2
The compressor may compress a refrigerant provided to circulate through the cold air supply device to high-temperature and high-pressure gas
Implementation Method 3
the condenser, and a compressor... The condenser may condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment formed inside the main body, a cold air supply device including a compressor and being configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a controller configured to operate the compressor in an on-off operation mode, switch the compressor from the on-off operation mode to a continuous operation mode in response to a predefined condition being satisfied while the compressor operates in the on-off operation mode, determine a target revolution per minute (RPM) of the compressor as a first RPM in the on-off operation mode, operate the compressor at the first RPM in the continuous operation mode, change the target RPM of the compressor to a second RPM lower than the first RPM based on a temperature in the storage compartment being outside a preset temperature range and being lower than a reference temperature in the continuous operation mode, and change the target RPM of the compressor to a third RPM higher than the first RPM based on the temperature in the storage compartment being outside the preset temperature range and being greater than or equal to the reference temperature in the continuous operation mode.