Refrigerator control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control methods result in large temperature fluctuations in the refrigerating compartment, leading to reduced food freshness and increased power consumption due to frequent compressor cycling.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that adjusts the compressor's cooling power and operation time based on the representative temperature of the storage compartment in previous cycles, maintaining the temperature within a set range by continuously operating the compressor with varying power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user manually adjusts the temperature for each door of the refrigerator, then the temperature can be precisely controlled, but it increases the burden on the user and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator system automatically detects door openings, identifies which door is opened, and adjusts temperatures for each door independently without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously manages temperature settings based on door usage patterns, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining precise temperature control for each compartment.
2Speed
If the refrigerator operates at high power to quickly cool down, then the cooling speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator dynamically adjusts compressor power based on real-time temperature conditions and door opening status. When a door is opened, the system increases power to the affected compartment's compressor to quickly restore temperature. When temperatures are stable, the system reduces power consumption. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both cooling speed and energy efficiency throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator implements periodic temperature monitoring and adjusts compressor operation in cycles rather than continuously. The control unit periodically checks temperature conditions and activates compressors only when needed, creating an on-demand cooling pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling speed when required.
3Speed
If the refrigerator frequently adjusts temperature to respond to door openings, then the responsiveness is improved, but wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator applies partial cooling action by activating only the specific compressor corresponding to the opened door rather than running all compressors. This selective operation provides sufficient temperature response for the affected compartment while reducing overall component usage and wear, extending the service life of compressors and other temperature control components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator control method of the present embodiment comprises the steps of: operating a compressor by operating a first cooling cycle for cooling a first storage chamber, and operating a first cold air supply means for the first storage chamber; and operating the compressor by switching into a second cooling cycle for cooling a second storage chamber, and operating a second cold air supply means, when a stop condition of the first cooling cycle is satisfied, wherein the cooling capacity of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined on the basis of the representative temperature of the second storage chamber during one operating cycle which includes the previous first cooling cycle and the previous second cooling cycle, and a control unit performs control such that the compressor is operated in the current second cooling cycle with the determined cooling capacity.