Refrigerator Schedule-Based Control for Enhanced Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator systems achieve limited power-saving effects as they only reduce power consumption during peak usage times, leading to insufficient overall power-saving performance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system that includes a main body with a storage chamber, a refrigeration cycle device, an air blower, a blowout volume control device, input means for user schedule information, and control means to adjust the compressor, air blower, and blowout volume control based on the user's schedule, allowing for optimized power usage throughout the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If power-saving operation is performed only during peak usage time periods, then power consumption is reduced during those specific times, but the overall power-saving effect remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator performs preliminary cooling actions before the user returns home based on scheduled information. The control unit activates the compressor and cooling system in advance during periods when the user is away, pre-cooling the storage chambers so that when the user returns, the refrigerator is already at optimal temperature, allowing for extended power-saving operation without compromising food preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on real-time conditions and scheduled user information. The control unit switches between normal operation, power-saving mode, and preliminary cooling mode depending on whether the user is present, the time of day, and temperature conditions, optimizing power consumption across different time periods rather than using a fixed schedule
2Reliability
If the refrigerator operates at full capacity continuously, then food preservation quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions before the user returns home, ensuring that food preservation quality is maintained by pre-establishing optimal temperature conditions. This allows the refrigerator to operate at reduced capacity during periods when the user is away, lowering power consumption while still meeting preservation requirements when the user is present
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator implements periodic cooling cycles based on user schedules rather than continuous operation. The control unit activates cooling systems in advance of user arrival and reduces or suspends operation during extended absence periods, creating a periodic pattern that maintains food quality during critical times while reducing overall power consumption
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 enables enhanced power-saving by adjusting the refrigerator's operation according to the user's schedule, reducing energy consumption during periods of low usage while maintaining food preservation quality.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor and a cooler
Implementation Method 2
an air blower configured to blow cooling air cooled by the cooler to the storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator, a refrigerator management system, and a control method for a refrigerator are capable of enhancing a power-saving effect of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes: a main body having a storage chamber; a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor and a cooler; an air blower configured to blow cooling air cooled by the cooler to the storage chamber; a blowout volume control device configured to control a blowout volume of the cooling air to be blown out to the storage chamber; input means for receiving input of schedule information that is information about a schedule of a user; storage means for storing the schedule information input into the input means; and control means for controlling at least one of the compressor, the air blower, and the blowout volume control device based on the schedule information.