Refrigerator and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator technologies fail to efficiently manage power consumption and food preservation when doors are frequently opened, leading to inefficient load operations and potential food deterioration due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A control method that dynamically adjusts the supply of cold air based on the temperature of the storage compartment and door opening conditions, including start and release conditions for load operations to maintain efficient power usage and food freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load operation is performed with higher compressor output to quickly stabilize temperature after door opening, then food protection is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load operation control that adjusts compressor output based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller dynamically selects between normal operation, load operation, and load release operation modes depending on whether temperature exceeds thresholds (NT+diff) or rises by specific amounts (2°C or more within 5 minutes), optimizing power usage while ensuring food safety when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (compressor output level, operation duration) based on temperature parameters. By monitoring temperature thresholds and changes, the system adjusts the compressor output from normal level to high load level when necessary, and releases load operation when temperature stabilizes, thereby balancing food protection with power efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If load operation is performed only when temperature rises by 2°C or more within 5 minutes after door opening, then power consumption is improved, but food safety deteriorates when temperature is already close to dissatisfaction region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature assessment immediately when door opening is detected. If the temperature is already above NT+diff or close to the dissatisfaction region, the system proactively initiates load operation before a 2°C rise occurs, preventing food safety issues while avoiding unnecessary load operations when temperature is already acceptable
3Stability of the object's composition
If load operation is performed when temperature rises by more than 2°C within 5 minutes even if temperature satisfies set notch temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter-based operation mode selection that considers both absolute temperature (NT±diff thresholds) and temperature change rate (2°C within 5 minutes). The controller changes operation parameters accordingly: normal operation when both conditions are satisfied, load operation when temperature change exceeds threshold, and load release when temperature stabilizes within NT±diff range
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
The method reduces power consumption and prevents food deterioration by accurately timing load operations based on temperature changes and compartment conditions, ensuring efficient and safe food storage.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator to generate and circulate cold air
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator to generate and circulate cold air
Implementation Method 3
the refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator to generate and circulate cold air
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a control method thereof of the present disclosure allows a controller to perform a load operation when the load operation start condition is satisfied when a door is opened, and when an operation release condition is satisfied, the load operation is controlled to be released and switched (or maintained) to a normal storage operation.