Refrigerator and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face issues of excessive power consumption and over-cooling due to continuous load operations, particularly when doors are opened, leading to temperature fluctuations and inefficient temperature regulation in compartments with different set points.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator control method that includes a re-input prevention control to prevent continuous load operations by terminating the load operation when certain conditions are met and resuming normal storage operations, ensuring that temperature remains within a satisfaction region for both compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If load operation is performed with maximum cooling power to quickly stabilize temperature after door opening, then temperature stability in storage compartment is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts cooling power based on real-time temperature conditions. Instead of fixed maximum cooling, the controller modulates cooling intensity according to whether temperature exceeds upper or lower threshold values, optimizing the balance between temperature stability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the cooling system by introducing dynamic threshold values for temperature control. The controller switches between different cooling modes (maximum cooling, normal cooling, or idle) based on whether temperature exceeds dynamically adjusted thresholds, rather than maintaining constant maximum power.
2Temperature
If load operation is performed for set time or until set temperature is reached, then temperature recovery is achieved, but over-cooling occurs due to inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature and uses feedback control to prevent over-cooling. When temperature reaches the lower threshold (NT-diff), the controller stops cooling operation, accounting for thermal inertia that would otherwise cause temperature to drop below the desired range.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller anticipates over-cooling by stopping the cooling operation in advance when the lower temperature threshold is reached. This preliminary action prevents the temperature from dropping below the acceptable range due to thermal inertia in the system.
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 reduces power consumption and prevents over-cooling by optimizing temperature control, maintaining optimal conditions in both storage compartments through re-input prevention controls and alternating cooling strategies.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator to generate and circulate cold air
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator to generate and circulate cold air
Data Source
AI summary
In a refrigerator and control method thereof according to the present disclosure, when a load operation is terminated and a normal storage operation is performed, a re-input prevention control is performed to prevent the load operation from being performed even if an operation start condition of the load operation is satisfied. During the re-input prevention control, when a re-input prevention stop condition is satisfied, the re-input prevention control is controlled to be stopped. In this way, it is possible to prevent over-cooling of a first storage compartment, which may be caused by continuous input of the load operation, and respond smoothly to the corresponding load when a large load is input.