Cooling control method for refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators with single-system air-cooled designs face issues of temperature instability and energy inefficiency due to the inability to separately control the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartments, leading to uneven temperature distribution and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cooling control method that includes separate temperature sensors and adjustable air supply outlets for each compartment, allowing for dynamic adjustment of refrigeration and freezing parameters based on actual temperature readings to prioritize refrigeration needs and maintain optimal storage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is supplied to the freezer compartment when refrigerating the refrigerator compartment, then the refrigerator compartment can be cooled, but the temperature of the evaporator rises fast causing temperature rise in the freezer compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into separate channels with independent control for the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. The air supply outlet is segmented into a first air supply outlet for the refrigerator compartment and a second air supply outlet for the freezer compartment, allowing independent temperature control and preventing heat transfer between compartments during refrigeration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of air supply based on real-time temperature detection. The control unit dynamically adjusts the air supply state by switching between different modes: when the refrigerator compartment temperature is above the refrigeration threshold, air is supplied to the refrigerator compartment; when the temperature drops below the threshold, air supply to the refrigerator compartment is stopped to prevent evaporator temperature rise and subsequent freezer compartment temperature increase.
2Temperature
If one sensor controls both freezer compartments, then the system is simple, but temperature uniformity and stability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places separate temperature sensors in each freezer compartment (first temperature sensor in the first freezer compartment, second temperature sensor in the second freezer compartment). This segmentation of sensing elements allows independent temperature monitoring and control of each compartment, ensuring temperature uniformity and stability without requiring complex multi-sensor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements local quality control by using temperature readings from compartment-specific sensors to independently regulate air supply to each freezer compartment. The first air supply outlet is controlled based on the first temperature sensor reading, and the second air supply outlet is controlled based on the second temperature sensor reading, ensuring each compartment maintains its optimal temperature range.
3Temperature
If the refrigerator compartment is cooled separately from the freezer compartment, then temperature stability of the freezer is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single air supply device that performs multiple functions: it can supply air to the refrigerator compartment through the first air supply outlet, supply air to the freezer compartment through the second air supply outlet, and can selectively control air supply to different compartments based on temperature conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate air supply systems while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary action by detecting temperature conditions in advance and proactively adjusting air supply before temperature deviations occur. When the refrigerator compartment temperature approaches the refrigeration threshold, the system preemptively stops air supply to the refrigerator compartment to prevent evaporator temperature rise, thereby maintaining freezer compartment temperature stability without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.
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 method enhances temperature stability, reduces energy consumption, and improves food storage quality by ensuring precise temperature control and prioritizing refrigeration demands across compartments.
Implementation Method 1
When hot air in the refrigerator compartment returns to an evaporator, the temperature of the evaporator rises fast
Implementation Method 2
Air is inevitably supplied to the freezer compartment at the time of refrigerating the refrigerator compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooling control method for a refrigerator comprises: measuring an actual temperature of freezer compartments (12, 13), and setting a freezing parameter; if the actual temperature of at least one of the freezer compartments (12, 13) is higher than a freezing startup temperature, measuring an actual temperature of a refrigerator compartment (11), setting a refrigeration parameter, and if the actual temperature of the refrigerator compartment (11) is higher than a refrigeration startup temperature and a difference between the actual temperature of at least one of the freezer compartments (12, 13) and the freezing startup temperature is higher than a preset value, re-setting the refrigeration parameter and the freezing parameter; and, according to the refrigeration parameter and the freezing parameter, causing a compressor, a fan (23), a refrigeration air door and a branch air supply device (20) to operate in a preset state.