Refrigerator, home appliance, and method of operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators lack an efficient method to calculate overall power consumption, relying on separate measurements for each component, which is complex and costly, and existing methods do not account for power factor estimation based on input current and operating states.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a motor-driven compressor, an output current detector, a compressor controller to calculate compressor power consumption, and a main controller that estimates power factor based on input current and operating states of multiple power-consuming units to calculate total power consumption using pre-stored unit power consumption information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate power measurement units are used for each component, then power consumption measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power measurement functions into a single integrated controller that measures input current and estimates power factor to calculate total power consumption. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate power measurement units for each component while maintaining measurement accuracy through centralized control and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using input current detection combined with power factor estimation to derive power consumption information. Instead of directly measuring power for each component, the system uses current detection as an intermediary measurement that, when combined with operating state information, enables accurate power consumption calculation without direct power measurement for each unit.
2Measurement precision
If separate power measurement units are used for each component, then power consumption measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power measurement functions into a single integrated controller that measures input current and estimates power factor to calculate total power consumption. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate power measurement units for each component while maintaining measurement accuracy through centralized control and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive separate power measurement units with a more cost-effective integrated controller that uses current detection and power factor estimation. This substitution uses simpler, cheaper components to achieve the same functional outcome of accurate power consumption measurement.
3Device complexity
If power factor estimation is not performed, then calculation process is simpler, but power consumption calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring input current and operating states of multiple power-consuming units, then using this information to estimate power factor and calculate power consumption. The controller adjusts calculations based on real-time operating conditions, ensuring accurate power consumption measurement while maintaining a relatively simple calculation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from direct power measurement to parameter-based calculation by measuring input current and estimating power factor based on operating states. This parameter change enables accurate power consumption calculation through mathematical relationships rather than direct measurement, balancing simplicity and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a motor to drive a compressor, an output current detector to detect an output current flowing to the motor, a compressor controller to calculate a power consumed in the compressor based on the detected output current, a plurality of power consuming units, and a main controller to receive the calculated compressor power consumption information, and when the plurality of power consuming units operate, to calculate a final power consumption using power consumption information stored for each power consuming unit and the calculated compressor power consumption information. Accordingly, computation of a power consumption may be simply performed.