Refrigerator Damper and Delay-Power Control to Reduce Overcooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators face issues with high power consumption due to repeated compressor operation, overcooling, and difficulty in maintaining a constant storage room temperature, leading to reduced food freshness and increased energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A control method that senses storage room temperature and adjusts the compressor and fan motor power, using initial cooling power when above a reference temperature and delay power when below, to maintain a consistent temperature range, while also adjusting the damper opening to optimize cooling distribution between compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the compressor is driven repeatedly when the storage room temperature increases to the upper limit, then the storage room temperature can be maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage room temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is opened in advance before the compressor starts operating, creating a pre-cooling effect that delays the need for compressor activation. This preliminary action reduces the frequency and duration of compressor operation, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the damper opening degree based on temperature conditions. When the storage room temperature approaches the upper limit, the damper is opened to allow cold air from the freezing compartment to flow in, providing dynamic temperature regulation without immediate compressor intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the damper is fully opened to cool the storage room, then cooling efficiency improves, but the storage room is overcooled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidstorage room temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The damper opening degree is dynamically adjusted rather than being fixed at full open. The control unit varies the damper opening based on real-time temperature feedback, allowing optimal cooling efficiency while preventing overcooling by closing the damper when the temperature approaches the lower limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the damper opening parameter according to temperature conditions. Instead of maintaining a constant full-open position, the damper opening degree is modified as a variable parameter to match cooling demands, preventing both insufficient cooling and overcooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the damper is fully opened to supply cool air from the freezing compartment, then the storage room cooling improves, but the freezing compartment load rapidly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage room coolingVSAvoidfreezing compartment load

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fully opening the damper, the system opens it partially to the extent needed for effective cooling. This partial action provides sufficient cool air flow to maintain storage room temperature while avoiding the excessive load that would result from full damper opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit uses temperature feedback from the storage room to regulate damper opening. When the storage room temperature approaches the upper limit, the damper opens to allow cold air flow; when the temperature drops, the damper closes, creating a feedback-controlled system that balances cooling needs with freezing compartment load.

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 reduces power consumption, minimizes overcooling, and maintains a stable storage room temperature, enhancing food freshness and reducing noise from compressor operation.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a temperature of a storage room

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

operating a cool air supply means at a cooling power when the sensed temperature of the storage room is above a first reference temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

adjusting the damper opening to optimize cooling distribution between compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS10941969B2Refrigerator having a cold air supply means and control method therefore

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A control method for a refrigerator includes sensing a temperature of a storage room; operating a cool air supply at a cooling power when the sensed temperature of the storage room is equal to or above a first reference temperature; operating the cool air supply at a delay power, which is less than the cooling power, when the sensed temperature of the storage room is equal to or below a second reference temperature, which is less than the first reference temperature while the cool air supply is operating at the cooling power; and adjusting the cooling power or the delay power of the cool air supply according to the temperature of the storage room while the cool air supply is operating at the delay power, and operating the cool air supply at the determined adjusted cooling power or delay power.