Refrigeration appliances and methods of minimizing noise impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliances with multiple fluid-motivating units, such as pumps and compressors, generate variable noise levels that are more perceptible to users, disrupting their experience due to sudden changes in operation, which existing noise-masking methods like active sound sources increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where fluid-motivating units in refrigeration appliances are activated and their speed settings are gradually increased or decreased over predetermined ramp periods, allowing for staggered and sequenced operation to minimize noise perception, using a controller to manage the operation of multiple FMUs within the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple fluid-motivating units operate at different speeds and schedules to improve efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise perceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller activates fluid-motivating units in a predetermined sequence rather than simultaneously, with the first unit activated before the second unit. This preliminary action spreads out the noise events in time, reducing the perceptibility of sudden noise changes while maintaining the efficiency benefits of variable speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation timing and sequencing of multiple fluid-motivating units based on operational conditions. The controller modulates when each unit activates and operates at different speeds, creating a dynamic noise profile that reduces perceptible noise while maintaining energy efficiency through adaptive operation.
2Productivity
If fluid-motivating units are activated simultaneously to meet cooling demands, then cooling performance is improved, but noise impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller activates the first fluid-motivating unit before the second unit, creating a time-separated activation sequence. This preliminary action ensures that cooling demands are met while spreading noise events apart, reducing the perceptible noise impact compared to simultaneous activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or pulsed activation of fluid-motivating units rather than continuous simultaneous operation. By controlling the timing and duration of each unit's operation, the system maintains cooling performance while reducing the continuous noise impact through intermittent, time-separated operation cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fan speed switches instantly between multiple settings to respond to conditions, then responsiveness is improved, but noise perceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed in a staged manner rather than instant switching. The controller modulates fan speed through intermediate steps, maintaining responsiveness to changing conditions while reducing the perceptibility of sudden noise changes associated with instant speed switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance may be provided that includes a housing, a first fluid-motivating unit (FMU), a second FMU, and a controller. The housing may define a chilled chamber. The first FMU may be mounted to the housing. The second FMU may be mounted to the housing apart from the first FMU. The controller may be in operable communication with the first FMU and the second FMU. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooling operation. The cooling operation may include activating the first FMU to generate a first fluid flow, increasing a speed setting of the first FMU gradually at a first predetermined ramp rate, activating the second FMU subsequent to activating the first FMU to generate a second fluid flow, and increasing a speed setting of the second FMU gradually.