Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators have high power consumption due to continuous operation, and existing methods for reducing power consumption are limited in effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling a refrigerator by setting a power-consuming factor to a basic value, measuring power consumption, and adjusting factors such as compressor cooling capacity, fan voltage, and temperature control based on measured consumption, with automatic resetting during events like defrosting or door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigerator operates continuously to maintain storage chamber temperatures, then the refrigeration function is reliable, but the power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigerator's operating state adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically switches between first operating state (high power consumption, strong refrigeration) and second operating state (low power consumption, reduced refrigeration) based on door opening detection and temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption level to actual needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters (power consumption level, refrigeration intensity) based on detected conditions. When the door is opened or temperature differences exceed thresholds, the system transitions from first to second operating state, effectively changing parameters to reduce power consumption while maintaining necessary refrigeration function
2Loss of energy
If the power-consuming factor is adjusted to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the refrigeration capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors door opening status and storage chamber temperature, then adjusts the operating state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power consumption is reduced only when refrigeration demands are low, maintaining adequate refrigeration capacity when needed while improving energy efficiency during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator system automatically determines and adjusts its own operating state based on detected conditions without external intervention. The control unit self-regulates power consumption by switching between operating states according to door opening detection and temperature monitoring, enabling the system to serve its own control needs
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a refrigerator (10) and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes turning on (S11) the refrigerator, and starting a compressor; setting (S12) a predetermined power-consuming factor to a basic value; measuring (S14) a power consumption within a setting period, while the refrigerator is operated; recognizing (S16) whether the measured power consumption is smaller than a previous power consumption; and changing (S21) a value of the power-consuming factor, when the measured power consumption is greater than the previous power consumption.