Refrigerator Load-Adaptive Compressor Control for Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator control systems fail to efficiently adjust the compressor's rotational speed based on the load variation of storage compartments, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that utilize a processor to identify load variations and adjust the compressor's speed based on internal and external temperatures, power consumption, and other parameters, optimizing the refrigeration cycle by dynamically changing the compressor's RPM and expansion valve opening degree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor's rotational speed is maintained at a fixed upper limit value for a predetermined time after power supply, then the control system is simple and reliable, but the energy consumption is high and temperature control is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed rotational speed control to a dynamic variable speed control system. The compressor's rotational speed is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of storage compartment temperature, load variation, and refrigeration cycle state, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and minimize energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual temperature and load variation in the storage compartment, comparing it with target values, and using this information to adjust the compressor's rotational speed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal energy efficiency while maintaining reliable temperature control.
2Productivity
If the compressor's rotational speed is increased to a second speed after the predetermined time, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor speed based on detected load variations and temperature conditions. The control algorithm determines appropriate speed levels (first speed, second speed, or intermediate speeds) based on real-time system state, enabling high cooling capacity when needed while managing control complexity through algorithmic decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by adjusting its rotational speed across different ranges. The control system monitors temperature and load conditions, then modifies the compressor speed parameter accordingly - maintaining high speed for rapid cooling, reducing speed for energy efficiency, and preventing unnecessary operation, thus achieving high productivity without excessive complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigeration cycle alternately cools multiple storage compartments, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature control precision for each compartment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by independently controlling the refrigeration cycle for each storage compartment based on its specific temperature conditions and load characteristics. The system detects temperature and load variation for each compartment separately and adjusts the compressor operation to meet the specific requirements of each compartment, ensuring both energy efficiency and temperature precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes operational parameters based on the specific state of each storage compartment. By monitoring temperature and load variation independently for each compartment, the system adjusts compressor speed and refrigerant distribution to maintain precise temperature control while optimizing energy efficiency through alternate cooling cycles.
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 enables efficient energy use by minimizing power consumption and maintaining optimal temperature control in refrigeration cycles, especially when cooling multiple compartments alternately or simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (60) configured to circulate a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (70) configured to condense the refrigerant circulated by the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a compressor configured to circulate a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the refrigerant circulated by the compressor, a cooling component configured to cool a storage compartment using the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, and a processor configured to control driving of the cooling component, acquire a load variation of the storage compartment of the refrigerator, the load variation having an effect on a refrigeration cycle, determine a drive value for driving a component forming the refrigeration cycle based on the load variation, drive the cooling component based on the drive value, and acquire the load variation with a lapse of time during at least one cooling period in which the refrigeration cycle cools the storage compartment.