Refrigerator and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators face issues with high power consumption due to repeated compressor operation, overcooling, and difficulty in maintaining a constant storage room temperature, leading to reduced freshness and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A control method that senses storage room temperature and adjusts the compressor and fan operations by switching between cooling and delay powers, and damper opening angles to maintain a consistent temperature range, reducing power consumption and preventing overcooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor is repeatedly started and stopped to maintain storage room temperature, then the storage room temperature can be controlled within a range, but power consumption increases due to repeated startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a cycle controller to operate the compressor in intermittent cycles rather than continuous operation. The controller monitors storage room temperature and activates the compressor only when temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor storage room temperature and feed this information back to the cycle controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts compressor operation timing and duration, optimizing power consumption while ensuring temperature remains within acceptable ranges.
2Productivity
If the damper is fully opened to supply cool air to the storage room, then cooling efficiency improves, but overcooling occurs and freezing compartment load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fully-opened damper position to a dynamic adjustable damper system. The damper controller receives temperature feedback and continuously adjusts the damper opening degree to optimize cooling efficiency while preventing overcooling. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing temperature conditions without causing freezing compartment load increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the damper opening degree as a controllable parameter based on storage room temperature conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed fully-opened position, the system varies the damper opening parameter dynamically, reducing excessive cool air supply when temperature is already low and preventing overcooling while maintaining efficient cooling when needed.
3Speed
If the compressor is driven at high cooling power to quickly reduce storage room temperature, then temperature control response improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the compressor at moderate cooling power levels rather than always at maximum capacity. The cycle controller activates the compressor for specific durations and at specific temperature thresholds, providing just enough cooling to maintain temperature within acceptable ranges without excessive power consumption. This partial operation approach balances response speed with energy efficiency.
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 approach maintains a consistent storage room temperature, reduces power consumption, and minimizes the risk of overcooling, thereby extending the freshness of stored items and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
sensing a temperature of a storage room
Implementation Method 2
operating a cool air supply means at a cooling power when the sensed temperature of the storage room is above a first reference temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A control method for a refrigerator, comprises sensing a temperature of a storage room; operating a cool air supply means at a cooling power when the sensed temperature of the storage room is equal to or above a first reference temperature; operating the cool air supply means at a delay power, which is less than the cooling power, when the sensed temperature of the storage room is equal to or below a second reference temperature, which is less than the first reference temperature while the cool air supply means is operating at the cooling power; and allowing a control unit to determine a cooling power or a delay power of the cool air supply means according to the temperature of the storage room while the cool air supply means is operating at the delay power, and operating the cool air supply means at the determined cooling power or delay power.