Refrigerator and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerator control methods result in large temperature fluctuations in storage compartments, leading to reduced food freshness and increased power consumption due to repeated compressor operation and excessive cool air supply, causing overcooling.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling the refrigerator that maintains storage compartment temperatures within a constant range by adjusting the output of the cool air supply based on temperature differences, using a controller to determine optimal compressor, fan, and damper operations to minimize power consumption and prevent overcooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor is repeatedly driven and stopped to maintain storage compartment temperature, then the storage compartment temperature is controlled, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static on/off compressor control to a dynamic variable-speed compressor control. The compressor speed is continuously adjusted based on the temperature difference between the storage compartment and set temperature, allowing smooth modulation of cooling output rather than abrupt start-stop cycles, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the compressor from binary (on/off) to continuous (variable speed). By controlling the compressor to operate at different speeds according to temperature deviation, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation, avoiding the high power consumption associated with frequent compressor startups.
2Temperature
If the compressor is controlled using on/off cycling to maintain storage compartment temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but temperature fluctuations are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static on/off compressor control with dynamic variable-speed control. The compressor speed is continuously modulated according to temperature deviation, providing smooth and gradual temperature adjustments that minimize fluctuations and maintain stable storage compartment temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compressor control parameter from binary (on/off) to continuous (variable speed). This parameter change enables precise control of cooling output, maintaining temperature stability by adjusting compressor speed proportional to temperature deviation rather than allowing large temperature swings through on/off cycling.
3Temperature
If the compressor is repeatedly started to maintain storage compartment temperature, then temperature control is maintained, but freshness of food is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using continuous variable-speed compressor control instead of repeated start-stop cycles. This dynamic control maintains stable temperature conditions that are beneficial for food freshness, avoiding the temperature fluctuations and mechanical disturbances caused by frequent compressor cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compressor operational mode from binary (on/off) to continuous (variable speed). This parameter change enables smooth temperature maintenance that preserves food freshness by avoiding the thermal shocks and vibrations associated with repeated compressor startups and stops.
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 consistent storage compartment temperatures, enhancing food freshness and reducing power consumption by minimizing the need for frequent compressor startups and preventing overcooling, while allowing rapid return to set temperatures when deviations occur.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator (24) for evaporating refrigerant passing through the expansion member (23)
Implementation Method 2
a fan (26) for enabling air to flow toward the evaporator (24)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a refrigerator that includes: operating a cool air supply means with a predetermined output; a controller determining the output of the cool air supply means based on a current temperature of a storage compartment sensed by a temperature sensor while the cool air supply means operates with the predetermined output; and the controller operating the cool air supply means with the determined output. The controller determines that the output of the cool air supply means is decreased or increased when an absolute value of a difference between a previous temperature and a current temperature of the storage compartment is equal to or greater than a first reference value, and wherein the output of the cool air supply means is decreased or increased again when the absolute value of the difference between a current temperature of the storage compartment sensed again after a predetermined time has elapses and the previous temperature of the storage compartment is equal to or greater than the first reference value.