Refrigerator and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems experience reduced cooling efficiency due to the presence of a subsidiary condenser, which lowers the radiant value of the main condenser, and require additional devices to enhance cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a condensing expander between the condenser and subsidiary condenser, and utilizing a phase change material (PCM) in a cold storage part to enhance heat exchanging efficiency, with a valve device controlling the refrigerant flow to optimize temperature maintenance in the storage chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a subsidiary condenser is provided in the refrigeration system, then cooling performance can be enhanced, but the radiant value of the main condenser is lowered and cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A condensing expander is introduced as an intermediary component between the main condenser and subsidiary condenser. This expander depressurizes the refrigerant before it enters the subsidiary condenser, allowing the subsidiary condenser to operate at a lower pressure level. This pressure differentiation enables both condensers to function simultaneously without the subsidiary condenser interfering with the radiant heat dissipation of the main condenser, thus maintaining high cooling efficiency while enhancing overall cooling performance.
2Loss of energy
If additional devices are added to enhance cooling performance, then cooling efficiency can be improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing expander serves multiple functions within the system: it acts as a pressure reduction device for the subsidiary condenser, functions as a heat exchange component, and helps regulate refrigerant flow distribution. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component, the system achieves enhanced cooling efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity or manufacturing costs.
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 configuration prevents a decrease in condenser radiant value, increases cooling efficiency, simplifies the internal design, and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate enhancement devices, while maintaining consistent internal temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing expander installed between the condenser and the evaporation expander and configured to depressurize the refrigerant condensed by the condenser
Implementation Method 2
an evaporation expander configured to depressurize the refrigerant condensed by the condenser
Implementation Method 3
a first evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant depressurized by the evaporation expander and thus to cool the storage chamber
Implementation Method 4
a subsidiary condenser installed between the condensing expander and the evaporation expander and configured to condense the refrigerant depressurized by the condensing expander
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed are a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator according to one aspect includes a main body having a storage chamber; a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; an evaporation expander configured to depressurize the refrigerant condensed by the condenser; a first evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant depressurized by the evaporation expander and thus to cool the storage chamber; a condensing expander installed between the condenser and the evaporation expander and configured to depressurize the refrigerant condensed by the condenser; and a subsidiary condenser installed between the condensing expander and the evaporation expander and configured to condense the refrigerant depressurized by the condensing expander.