Refrigerator Compartment Cooling Synchronization for Lower Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerator appliances face a challenge in achieving energy efficiency without significant cost increases, as existing improvements often offset gains with higher appliance costs, and there is a need for a cost-effective method to optimize temperature control in refrigeration compartments.

Innovation Solution

A method involving synchronized temperature control of refrigeration and freezer compartments through measurement of temperatures, alternating cooling cycles, and the use of a valve system to direct refrigerant flow and evaporator fan air, allowing for efficient energy use by optimizing compressor, fan, and damper operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If more efficient electrical components and improved thermal insulation materials are used, then refrigerator energy efficiency is improved, but appliance cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidappliance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the refrigerator by implementing synchronized temperature control that coordinates cooling cycles between freezer and refrigeration compartments. This operational optimization achieves energy efficiency improvements without requiring expensive hardware modifications, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic alternating cooling cycles where the freezer and refrigeration compartments are cooled in alternating periods rather than continuously. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption by allowing the system to capitalize on thermal inertia and reduce compressor runtime, achieving energy efficiency without increasing appliance cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If independent temperature control is used for each compartment, then temperature precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature control of the freezer and refrigeration compartments by synchronizing their cooling cycles. The controller coordinates both compartments to reach their respective target temperatures simultaneously, allowing the system to maintain precise temperature control for each compartment while reducing total energy consumption through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors temperatures in both compartments and adjusts cooling cycle timing accordingly. This feedback ensures that each compartment maintains its target temperature precision while the synchronized control strategy optimizes overall energy consumption by preventing redundant cooling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances energy efficiency by minimizing energy consumption while maintaining compartment temperatures within user-defined ranges, achieving significant annual energy savings without increasing appliance costs.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator fan in fluidic communication with the evaporator and a damper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a compressor and an evaporator in thermal communication with the refrigeration and the freezer compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator in thermal communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 4

an evaporator in thermal communication with the refrigeration and the freezer compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9140478B2Synchronous temperature rate control for refrigeration with reduced energy consumption

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

Methods of operation for refrigerator appliance configurations with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The methods may include synchronizing alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system. The methods may also include controlling the cooling rate in one or both compartments. Refrigeration compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its lower threshold temperature. Freezer compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its upper threshold temperature.