Refrigerator Power Control Using Adaptive Compressor and Fan Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators have high power consumption due to continuous operation, and existing methods for estimating and reducing power consumption are limited in effectively managing their energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A control method for refrigerators that sets a predetermined power-consuming factor to a basic value, measures power consumption, and adjusts factors such as compressor cooling capacity, fan voltage, and temperature control to minimize energy usage by optimizing the operation of compressors, fans, and heaters based on measured data.
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 operation state variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the compressor operation between continuous and intermittent modes based on real-time temperature monitoring. When the storage chamber temperature is within the target range, the compressor stops; when temperature deviates, the compressor starts again. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable refrigeration while reducing unnecessary continuous operation and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor the storage chamber temperature and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts the compressor operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable refrigeration by maintaining temperature within target ranges while optimizing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary continuous compressor operation.
2Speed
If the compressor operates at high cooling capacity to quickly cool the storage chamber, then the cooling speed is fast, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the compressor at high cooling capacity only when necessary (when temperature deviation exceeds the threshold), rather than continuously. The control unit monitors temperature and activates high-capacity compression only during periods when cooling is needed, then reduces or stops operation when the target temperature range is achieved. This resolves the contradiction by providing fast cooling when required while minimizing power consumption during maintenance periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent compressor operation based on temperature thresholds. Instead of continuous operation, the compressor cycles between on and off states periodically according to the storage chamber temperature. This periodic operation pattern achieves the necessary cooling effect over time while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous high-capacity operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the refrigerator maintains a narrow temperature control range to ensure food quality, then the food storage quality is high, but the compressor operates more frequently increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the temperature control threshold range rather than maintaining a fixed narrow range. The control unit monitors the storage chamber temperature and compares it against a target range (e.g., ±2°C from the set temperature). When the temperature stays within this range, the compressor remains off; only when the temperature exits this range does the compressor activate. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by ensuring food quality through adequate temperature control while reducing unnecessary compressor operations and power consumption.
4Reliability
If the refrigerator uses multiple power-consuming units (compressor, fans, heaters) to maintain optimal operation, then the refrigeration performance is improved, but the overall power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically controlling the operation timing of multiple power-consuming units based on real-time temperature conditions. The control unit coordinates the compressor, fans, and heaters to operate only when temperature deviation occurs, rather than running continuously. This dynamic coordination maintains reliable refrigeration performance while minimizing the cumulative power consumption of multiple units through optimized operational scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the control unit that automatically monitors temperature and manages the operation of multiple power-consuming units without continuous human intervention. The system uses stored temperature data and pre-set target ranges to autonomously determine when each unit should operate, ensuring reliable refrigeration performance while optimizing overall power consumption through intelligent, condition-based activation of 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 method allows for accurate measurement and reduction of power consumption, identifying optimal combinations of power-consuming factors to reduce electric costs and improve operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (111, 115) configured to compress the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (121) configured to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressors (111, 115)
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (150, 160) in which the refrigerant condensed by the condenser (121) is vaporized
Implementation Method 4
A refrigerant gas generated by the evaporator may be supplied to the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same. The method for controlling the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes turning on the refrigerator, and starting a compressor; setting a predetermined power-consuming factor to a basic value; measuring a power consumption within a setting period, while the refrigerator is operated; recognizing whether the measured power consumption is smaller than a previous power consumption; and changing a value of the power-consuming factor, when the measured power consumption is greater than the previous power consumption.