Method for controlling refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems using thermoelectric modules struggle to maintain a deep freezing compartment at cryogenic temperatures due to limitations in cooling efficiency and control methods, particularly when the heat sink and freezing compartment evaporator are connected in series.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that includes a deep cooling operation to lower the temperature of the deep freezing compartment and the freezing compartment, followed by a coordinated defrost operation that overlaps the defrosting of the thermoelectric module and the freezing compartment evaporator, ensuring effective temperature control and preventing re-condensation of vapor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the heat generation surface of the thermoelectric module is cooled by heat-exchanged with indoor air, then the structure is simple, but the temperature of the heat generation surface cannot be lower than room temperature, limiting the cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat pipe as an intermediary component between the thermoelectric module's heat generation surface and the indoor air. The heat pipe's evaporating end contacts the heat generation surface while the condensing end is exposed to indoor air, enabling the heat generation surface temperature to be significantly lower than room temperature while maintaining simple heat dissipation structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter transmission mechanism by using phase change heat transfer in the heat pipe. The refrigerant inside the heat pipe undergoes evaporation and condensation phase changes, enabling efficient heat transfer from the heat generation surface to the indoor air with large temperature difference
2Temperature
If the supply current increases to lower the temperature of the heat absorption surface, then the cooling temperature increases, but the efficiency of the thermoelectric module deteriorates and self-heat amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe acts as a thermal intermediary that decouples the thermoelectric module from direct air cooling. This allows the module to operate at optimized current levels for efficiency while the heat pipe handles the thermal management, transferring heat efficiently without requiring excessive current that would generate harmful self-heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct electrical-thermal coupling system with a thermal conduction system using heat pipe. Instead of relying solely on increasing electrical current to achieve cooling, the system uses thermal conduction and phase change mechanisms to manage heat, reducing electrical energy consumption and improving overall efficiency
3Device complexity
If the heat generation surface is not sufficiently cooled, then the structure is simpler, but heat flows back toward the heat absorption surface causing temperature rise and reduced cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe serves as a thermal intermediary that effectively couples the heat generation surface to the indoor air cooling environment. This ensures sufficient cooling of the heat generation surface while maintaining simple structure, preventing heat backflow to the heat absorption surface by providing a low thermal resistance path for heat dissipation
4Device complexity
If the thermoelectric module and freezing compartment evaporator are defrosted separately, then the control is simpler, but the defrosting time increases and vapor may re-condense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the defrosting operations of the thermoelectric module and freezing compartment evaporator into a single coordinated process. By combining these operations and controlling them to overlap in time, the system reduces total defrosting time and prevents vapor re-condensation while maintaining manageable control complexity through coordinated timing control
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 allows for effective defrosting of the thermoelectric module and the freezing compartment evaporator, preventing re-condensation of vapor and maintaining the deep freezing compartment at cryogenic temperatures, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module (TEM)
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink that is in contact with the heat generation surface and is connected in series to a freezing compartment evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a freezing compartment evaporator accommodated in a freezing evaporation compartment to generate cold air for cooling the freezing compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigerator includes a step in which it is determined whether a period of defrosting (POD) for defrosting a freezing compartment and a deep-freezing compartment has elapsed; a step in which, when it is determined that the period of defrosting has elapsed, a deep cooling operation for cooling at least one from among the temperature of the deep-freezing compartment and the temperature of the freezing compartment to be lower than a control temperature is performed; and a step in which, when the deep cooling operation finishes, a defrosting operation for defrosting the freezing compartment and the deep-freezing compartment is performed.