Device for driving a refrigerator compressor, system and use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling devices for ultra-low temperature applications face inefficiencies in energy consumption, mechanical issues, and complexity in motor control and adaptation to different mains voltages and frequencies, leading to high electrical power usage and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a two-phase AC asynchronous motor compressor system that uses voltage converter means to adapt to varying input voltages and frequencies, with temperature sensors to adjust motor supply voltage, allowing flexible operation without speed control and minimizing current consumption, ensuring efficient energy use and compliance with supply network limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If motors are switched on and off to maintain target temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but mechanical problems and vibrations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget temperature controlVSAvoidmechanical reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static on/off motor control to dynamic variable speed control. The motor speed is continuously adjusted based on cooling demand, allowing the system to maintain temperature stability without repeated motor startup and shutdown, thereby eliminating mechanical stress and vibrations associated with frequent switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If motor speed is controlled to reduce load, then energy efficiency improves, but control and motor complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the motor speed parameter in response to temperature and power consumption conditions. The control unit adjusts the motor operating point dynamically, changing speed as a key parameter to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining simple control logic based on predefined temperature thresholds and power consumption monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If voltage converter means are used to adapt to different mains voltages, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemains voltage adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the control device with voltage converter means that can handle multiple mains voltage specifications (e.g., 100V, 200V, 230V). The same control device architecture serves multiple functions: voltage conversion, frequency adaptation, and motor control, allowing a single device design to operate across different regional electrical standards without requiring separate specialized hardware for each voltage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves significant energy savings, reducing electrical power consumption by up to 15% and enabling flexible operation across different mains voltage environments without complex speed control or additional sensor signals, ensuring efficient and reliable ultra-low temperature cooling.

Implementation Method 1

spanning a wide input voltage range between 100 V and 240 V and comprising voltage converter means for converting the input voltage into an output voltage for supply to the connected motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first preferred embodiment of the invention and FIG. 2: a graph representation of the relationships between motor supply voltage, motor torque and motor speed for an AC asynchronous motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3273595B1Device for driving a refrigerator compressor, system and use
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP3273595B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device for a cooling device compressor having at least one two-phase AC asynchronous motor (K1, K2) with mains connection means (10) for connection to a mains AC voltage between 85 V and 264 V, in particular between 100 V and 230 V, nominally offering, preferably public voltage supply network, first voltage converter means (14) downstream of the network connection means for generating an intermediate voltage, in particular an intermediate DC voltage, from the AC line voltage, second voltage converter means (16-1, 16-2) downstream of the first voltage converter means for generating a level and a line frequency of the AC line voltage that is independent of a level and a line frequency , in particular at intervals with constant voltage and/or frequency, for controlling the cooling device compressor with an AC voltage of a plurality of different predeterminable voltage levels, with the mains connection means voltage detection ormittel (12) are assigned for detecting the mains AC voltage, the detector output signal of which can be evaluated by the second voltage converter means or control means (24) assigned thereto for generating a mains voltage-dependent maximum value for a current of the output signal.