Refrigerator Cooling Output Control for Reduced Temperature Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control methods struggle to maintain a constant temperature in storage spaces, leading to variations in temperature that can affect food freshness and increase power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that involves operating a cooling device at a previously-determined output, measuring the storage space temperature, determining a representative temperature, and adjusting the cooling device output based on whether the representative temperature falls within a convergence temperature range, using one of two methods to determine the output when the temperature is within or outside the range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cooling device operates at a previously-determined output, then the temperature control is simple, but the temperature variation in the storage space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The control method continuously measures the storage space temperature and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the cooling device output. The representative temperature is calculated from multiple measurements, and when it falls outside the convergence range, the output is adjusted accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that reduces temperature variation while maintaining reasonable control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device output is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system transitions from a static previously-determined output to a dynamic output that adapts based on real-time temperature measurements. The output can be adjusted between different levels (e.g., first output, second output, third output) depending on whether the temperature is within the convergence range and the rate of temperature change.
2Measurement precision
If the cooling device output is frequently adjusted, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the noise and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by defining a convergence temperature range and only adjusting the cooling device output when the representative temperature falls outside this range. Additionally, the system waits for a predetermined time period to elapse before making output adjustments, even when the temperature is outside the range. This periodic adjustment strategy reduces frequent on/off cycling, thereby reducing noise and power consumption while maintaining adequate temperature control precision.
3Measurement precision
If the cooling device output is frequently adjusted, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by requiring a predetermined time period to elapse before adjusting the cooling device output, even when temperature conditions warrant adjustment. This time delay reduces the frequency of on/off cycling and output changes, thereby reducing noise generated by the cooling device while maintaining adequate temperature control through periodic monitoring and adjustment.
4Device complexity
If the cooling output is determined by average output, then the control is simple, but the output adjustment granularity is coarse
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device output is segmented into multiple discrete levels (first output, second output, third output, etc.) rather than using a single average output or continuous adjustment. This segmentation allows for finer granularity in output control, enabling the system to select from multiple intermediate output levels based on temperature conditions, thereby improving output adjustment precision while keeping the control method relatively simple.
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 maintains the storage space temperature within a consistent range, improving food freshness, reducing noise and power consumption associated with frequent cooling device operation, and allowing for quick temperature adjustments when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature of the storage space in unit times through a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
operating a cooling device at a previously-determined output for cooling a storage space
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a method for controlling a refrigerator includes operating a cooling device at a previously-determined output for cooling a storage space; measuring, by a temperature sensor, a temperature of the storage space in unit times; determining a representative temperature of the storage space based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and determining whether the determined representative temperature of the storage space falls within a convergence temperature range, when an output change time is reached after the output of the cooling device is previously determined; maintaining the output of the cooling device or determining the output of the cooling device according to one of a plurality of methods including a first method and a second method when the representative temperature of the storage space falls within the convergence temperature range, and determining the output of the cooling device according to the second method when the representative temperature of the storage space is out of the convergence temperature range; and operating the cooling device at the determined output.