Refrigerator and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator load operations do not adequately address excessive temperature rises when the door is opened, leading to inefficient power consumption and potential food deterioration due to insufficient consideration of compartment temperatures and prolonged maximum cooling operations, resulting in overcooling and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method that terminates the load operation when the storage compartment reaches a predetermined lowest temperature, adjusts termination conditions based on temperature changes, and prioritizes pre-defrosting to optimize cooling power usage, ensuring the operation is stopped when the compartment temperature falls within a satisfaction region or below the start temperature, and reducing power consumption by varying the termination time based on temperature change rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If load operation is performed with maximum cooling power for a predetermined time to quickly stabilize temperature after door opening, then temperature stabilization speed is improved, but power consumption increases and overcooling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load operation duration variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the operation time based on real-time temperature monitoring, extending the operation only as long as needed to reach the satisfaction region. This prevents both premature termination (insufficient cooling) and excessive duration (overcooling and wasted energy), resolving the contradiction between fast stabilization and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the storage compartment temperature during load operation and using this information to determine when to terminate the operation. The controller receives temperature feedback and compares it against the satisfaction region thresholds, automatically stopping the maximum power cooling when the temperature enters the acceptable range. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for predetermined fixed-time operations, preventing overcooling while ensuring adequate temperature stabilization.
2Reliability
If load operation is performed whenever temperature rises by 2°C or more within 5 minutes after door opening, then temperature control reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple temperature thresholds (satisfaction region boundaries) and time-based termination conditions instead of relying on a single fixed temperature rise criterion. The system evaluates whether the temperature has entered the satisfaction region (between lower and upper limit temperatures) and combines this with elapsed time considerations. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to distinguish between necessary load operations (when truly needed) and unnecessary ones (when temperature is already acceptable), thereby maintaining reliability while reducing wasted energy.
3Device complexity
If load operation terminates based solely on temperature change threshold (2°C within 5 minutes) without considering compartment temperature, then device complexity is reduced, but food safety deteriorates when temperature approaches dissatisfaction region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the satisfaction region temperature boundaries (lower limit temperature and upper limit temperature) before operation begins. These predetermined thresholds establish clear criteria for when load operation should start and stop. By having these boundaries established in advance, the system maintains simple control logic while ensuring food safety - the temperature is guaranteed to remain within acceptable ranges because the operation terminates as soon as the satisfaction region is reached, preventing entry into the dissatisfaction region where food safety could be compromised.
4Ease of operation
If load operation is performed for fixed predetermined time with maximum load, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of temperature control deteriorates due to overcooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the temperature control system to automatically determine its own termination point based on real-time temperature measurements. Instead of requiring external input or fixed timing, the system monitors its own performance and autonomously stops the load operation when the temperature enters the satisfaction region. This self-regulating mechanism achieves precise temperature control (avoiding overcooling) while maintaining ease of operation, as the system handles the complex decision-making internally without user intervention.
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 prevents unwanted freezing, reduces power consumption by terminating the load operation when the compartment temperature reaches a set lowest temperature or falls within a satisfaction region, and accurately performs load operations based on temperature changes, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and protecting stored items.
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
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, after a load operation is performed by satisfying a start condition of the load operation, the load operation is terminated when a compartment temperature of a storage compartment satisfies a termination condition when a door is opened or when a temperature change in the storage compartment satisfies the termination condition. Accordingly, excessive power consumption during the load operation may be prevented, and thus power consumption may be improved.