Refrigerator storage temperature control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial refrigerators with fixed operating frequencies and hysteresis temperature settings lead to frequent compressor startups, consuming excess power and causing temperature fluctuations that can spoil perishable food.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator storage temperature control method that adjusts the rotational speed of the compressor based on defined temperature intervals, including shutdown, adjustment, allowable, convergent cooling, normal cooling, and rapid cooling intervals, to maintain the storage temperature within a target range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hysteresis temperature is set high to avoid frequent compressor operations, then power consumption is reduced, but temperature fluctuation increases causing food to perish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-frequency compressor operation to variable-frequency inverter control. The compressor speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback, allowing the system to respond adaptively to temperature changes rather than operating in fixed on/off cycles. This dynamic control enables finer temperature regulation while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor from fixed frequency to variable frequency control. By adjusting the compressor's rotational speed parameter continuously based on temperature deviations, the system can maintain more stable temperatures with smaller hysteresis margins, thereby preventing food spoilage while reducing energy consumption compared to traditional high hysteresis settings.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hysteresis temperature is set low to maintain stable temperature, then temperature fluctuation is reduced, but compressor startup frequency increases consuming more power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the storage space temperature and using this information to adjust the compressor's operating frequency. The temperature sensor provides real-time feedback to the control module, which then modulates the compressor speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system allows the compressor to operate at optimal speeds to maintain temperature stability without excessive cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter control system enables dynamic adjustment of compressor speed based on actual temperature conditions. Instead of fixed-frequency operation with frequent start-stop cycles, the compressor runs continuously at variable speeds, adapting to temperature changes smoothly. This dynamic operation reduces the number of startups while maintaining temperature stability.
3Device complexity
If fixed frequency operation is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical on-off control system with an electronic inverter control system. The inverter uses electronic components to precisely control the compressor's motor speed, substituting simple mechanical switches and relays with sophisticated electronic control circuitry. This substitution enables precise temperature control while the control logic remains manageable through standardized inverter control algorithms.
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 minimizes temperature fluctuations, keeping food fresh by effectively controlling the refrigerator's internal temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor disposed in the refrigeration space is configured for introducing a refrigerant gas in the refrigeration space to the storage space
Implementation Method 2
The compressor disposed in the refrigeration space is configured for introducing a refrigerant gas in the refrigeration space to the storage space
Data Source
AI summary
In a refrigerator storage temperature control method, according to a target temperature (Ts), a regulated temperature upper limit value (T1) and an allowable temperature upper limit value (T2) are defined. According to T1 and T2, an adjustment interval, an allowable temperature interval and a convergent cooling interval are defined. A detection temperature is periodically detected and updated with a detection period, the detection temperature in the previous detection period is a previous temperature, and the detection temperature in the instant detection period is a current temperature. A control module performs RPS-m for a compressor when the current temperature falls within the adjustment interval, RPS+0 when the current temperature falls within the allowable temperature interval, and RPS+o when the current and previous temperatures fall within the convergent cooling interval and the allowable temperature interval, respectively. Detection, judgment and control are repeated until the current temperature falls within the allowable temperature interval.