Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack a simplified method for calculating power consumption, which is essential for efficient energy management and user awareness of energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a compressor, input current detector, converter, capacitor, inverter, DC terminal voltage detector, and a compressor microcomputer to calculate power consumption based on detected input current and DC terminal voltage, enabling accurate and simplified power consumption calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power consumption calculation is performed using traditional methods, then measurement precision may be adequate, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power consumption calculation function from the main refrigerator control system and implements it separately in the compressor microcomputer. This allows the calculation to be performed independently using dedicated detectors (input current detector and DC terminal voltage detector), simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining calculation accuracy. The calculation is performed using the formula P = Vdc × Is × pf, where only the compressor power is calculated and then added to other appliance powers.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor microcomputer serves multiple functions: it controls the inverter, monitors compressor operation, and calculates power consumption. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system while maintaining precise power measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If detailed power consumption monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation worsens due to complex user interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and monitors power consumption without requiring user intervention. The input current detector and DC terminal voltage detector continuously monitor their respective parameters, and the compressor microcomputer automatically performs the power calculation using the formula P = Vdc × Is × pf. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex user interactions while providing accurate real-time power consumption data.
3Ease of operation
If simplified power consumption calculation is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dedicated intermediary components - the input current detector and DC terminal voltage detector - that specifically measure the parameters needed for power calculation. These detectors provide accurate real-time data to the compressor microcomputer, which then uses the established formula P = Vdc × Is × pf to calculate power consumption. This intermediary approach simplifies the calculation process while maintaining high measurement precision through dedicated sensing components.
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 solution allows for precise and user-friendly power consumption monitoring, helping users understand and manage their energy usage effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert the input AC power into direct current (DC) power
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor configured to store the converted DC power
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to output AC power using the converted DC power for driving of the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are a refrigerator and a home appliance. The refrigerator includes a compressor (112), an input current detector (A) configured to detect input current of alternating current (AC) power input to the refrigerator, a converter (410) configured to convert the input AC power into direct current (DC) power, a capacitor (c) configured to store the converted DC power, an inverter (420) configured to output AC power using the converted DC power for driving of the compressor (112), a DC terminal voltage detector (B) configured to detect voltage at two terminals of the capacitor (c), and a compressor microcomputer (430) configured to control the inverter (420) and to calculate refrigerator power consumption based on the detected input current and the detected DC terminal voltage. The refrigerator enables simplified power consumption calculation.