Refrigerator Power Reduction Control During Supply Difficulty
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems often disrupt the continuous operation of essential devices like refrigerators by cutting power supply, which is undesirable for energy conservation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A power management system with a centralized controller that assesses power supply difficulty and implements various power reduction controls for refrigerators without shutting them off, using a control setting table to prioritize power reduction strategies based on supply difficulty, ensuring continuous operation and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply is cut to reduce power consumption during supply difficulties, then power consumption is reduced, but continuous operation of essential devices like refrigerators is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system segments the control of different electric devices, allowing the refrigerator to be excluded from power cut measures while other devices are controlled. The centralized controller individually manages power supply to each device based on its importance and operational characteristics, enabling selective power management that preserves essential functions while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply strategies based on real-time power supply difficulty levels and device operational status. The centralized controller continuously monitors power consumption patterns and automatically modifies power allocation, transitioning from static power cut approaches to dynamic, adaptive power management that maintains refrigerator operation while optimizing energy usage across the household.
2Loss of energy
If power supply to refrigerator is cut to manage overall power consumption, then total power consumption is reduced, but user comfort and food storage capability are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-freezing food items before power supply difficulties occur, storing excess cooling capacity in the refrigerator. When power supply becomes difficult, the refrigerator can maintain temperatures for extended periods using this pre-stored cooling capacity, eliminating the need to cut power to the refrigerator and thereby preserving user comfort and food safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between power supply conditions and refrigerator operation. It mediates the conflict between power conservation needs and refrigerator operation requirements by implementing intelligent power allocation strategies, such as adjusting compressor operation cycles or defrost timing, to reduce power consumption while maintaining acceptable performance and user comfort.
3Loss of energy
If conventional power management controls are applied uniformly to all devices, then power consumption is reduced, but essential device functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system applies local quality by implementing device-specific control strategies tailored to each electric device's characteristics. The refrigerator receives specialized control treatment distinct from other appliances, with parameters such as temperature thresholds, compressor cycling patterns, and defrost timing individually optimized. This localized approach allows the system to reduce overall power consumption while preserving the unique operational requirements and functionality of essential devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system includes a plurality of electric devices including a refrigerator, and a centralized controller configured to control the plurality of electric devices. The centralized controller includes difficulty determination means configured to determine power supply difficulty as a degree of difficulty in supplying power to the plurality of electric devices. Meanwhile, the refrigerator includes: a control setting table in which a plurality of power reduction controls that reduce use of power are stored to be associated with the power supply difficulty; reduction control setting means configured to set the power reduction control to be executed, by using the control setting table and the power supply difficulty determined by the difficulty determination means; and a device controller configured to perform the power reduction control set by the reduction control setting means.