Refrigerator and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator defrosting cycles are inefficient as they do not accurately reflect the actual frost amount on the evaporator, leading to unnecessary defrosting and increased power consumption, as they rely solely on compressor operation time and external air temperature without considering user usage patterns and water content in the air.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a refrigerator that delays defrosting if possible, by determining a delayed start time based on user usage patterns and temperature differences between the storage chamber and evaporator, using sensors to assess frost levels and adjusting compressor power accordingly, to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If defrosting cycle is determined using accumulated operation time of compressor and external air temperature, then defrosting operation can be performed, but unnecessary defrosting occurs and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the actual evaporator temperature and comparing it with the freezing point to determine whether defrosting is truly needed. The control device receives temperature information from the evaporator and adjusts the defrosting cycle based on actual conditions rather than following a fixed schedule, thereby avoiding unnecessary defrosting operations and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed time-based scheduling to dynamic temperature-based control. By using the actual evaporator temperature as the decision parameter for initiating defrosting, the system adapts to real-time conditions and only performs defrosting when the evaporator temperature actually reaches the freezing point, eliminating wasteful energy consumption from premature or unnecessary defrosting.
2Reliability
If defrosting is started immediately when defrosting start condition is satisfied, then frost removal can be performed, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary defrosting
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors evaporator temperature and uses this feedback to determine the precise moment when defrosting is needed. By comparing real-time temperature data with the freezing point threshold, the system ensures defrosting starts only when actually required, avoiding energy waste from premature defrosting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator effectively monitors its own temperature state and the control device responds to this self-reported condition. The system uses the evaporator's own temperature information to trigger defrosting only when the evaporator itself indicates it needs defrosting, creating a self-regulating mechanism that prevents unnecessary energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If defrosting cycle does not reflect actual frosting amount, then control is simplified, but defrosting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by directly measuring the evaporator temperature and using this information to control the defrosting cycle. This temperature-based feedback mechanism provides accurate information about the actual frosting condition, enabling the control device to determine precisely when defrosting is needed and how long it should last, thereby improving defrosting efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or visual assessment methods for determining frost conditions with a simple temperature sensing and electronic control system. By substituting direct temperature measurement and electronic decision-making for more complex frost detection methods, the system achieves high defrosting efficiency while maintaining control system simplicity.
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 by delaying defrosting when possible and optimizing compressor power usage post-defrosting, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a defrosting heater operating to defrost the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the air in the storage chamber flows into the space where the evaporator is disposed, and is then cooled by exchanging heat with the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
When the air that exchanges heat with the evaporator contains water, the water condenses on the surface of the evaporator when the air exchanges heat with the evaporator, whereby frost is produced on the surface of the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of controlling a refrigerator that includes a compressor, an evaporator to supply cold air to a storage chamber, a defrosting heater to defrost the evaporator, and a controller to control the defrosting heater. The method includes: operating a cooling cycle for cooling the storage chamber; determining whether a defrosting start condition is satisfied during operation of the cooling cycle; determining whether a defrosting delay condition is satisfied when the defrosting start condition is satisfied; and starting a defrosting operation when the defrosting delay condition is not satisfied, and starting the defrosting operation at a delayed defrosting start time when the defrosting delay condition is satisfied.