Refrigerator Power Source Detection for UPS-Backed Cooling Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face issues with maintaining cooling during power outages, as existing solutions with cold storage materials degrade over time, leading to inefficient cooling and potential food spoilage, and existing power monitoring systems are not effective in distinguishing between commercial and auxiliary power sources.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator equipped with a UPS device and a control system that uses a voltage sensor and microcomputers to determine whether commercial or auxiliary power is being used by analyzing voltage signals, including changes in third harmonic wave amplitudes, to switch to a power-saving mode and maintain cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cold storage material is provided to maintain cooling during power outage, then cooling performance is temporarily maintained, but the cooling performance continuously lowers and cooling efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of power source type (commercial vs. auxiliary) before entering power-saving mode. The voltage sensor detects voltage characteristics and the control part determines power source type in advance, allowing the refrigerator to proactively adjust operations to maintain cooling efficiency while using auxiliary power, rather than reacting after cooling performance degrades.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the refrigerator operates with auxiliary power during power outage, then continuous operation is possible, but power consumption must be reduced due to limited auxiliary power capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the detected power source type. When auxiliary power is detected, the system automatically transitions to a power-saving operation mode with adjusted temperature settings and reduced compressor activity, optimizing the balance between continuous operation duration and power consumption levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part changes operational parameters (temperature setpoints, compressor run cycles) based on the detected power source characteristics. Different voltage patterns from auxiliary power sources trigger corresponding parameter adjustments to match the limited power capacity, enabling sustained operation without excessive energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If a voltage sensor and control system are added to detect power source type, then accurate power source identification is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or electronic power source identification methods with voltage-based detection. The voltage sensor measures voltage characteristics and the control part analyzes voltage patterns to determine power source type, substituting simpler electrical measurement for more complex identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage sensor and control system use the existing power supply voltage characteristics to automatically identify the power source type without requiring additional user input or external devices. The system self-diagnoses the power source by analyzing the voltage signal already present in its operating environment.
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
Enables continuous operation during power outages, accurately identifies power sources, reduces power consumption, and prevents damage to UPS devices by using an inverter compressor, ensuring stable cooling performance even with limited auxiliary power capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor configured to sense a voltage of the power input through the power input part
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerator may further include an inverter compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4(b)
AI summary
A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power input part through which power is input from a UPS device connected to a commercial power source and an auxiliary power source; a voltage sensor configured to sense a voltage of the power input through the power input part; and a control part configured to analyze a voltage signal sensed by the voltage sensor and to determine whether the input power is commercial power or auxiliary power.