Refrigerator control method adopting variable frequency compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inverter compressors in refrigerators often operate at a constant frequency, leading to excessive cooling and increased power consumption due to varying cooling demands across different compartments, particularly in multi-cooling and single-cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A control method that calculates the total cooling amount needed by each compartment within a unit time and adjusts the frequency of the inverter compressor accordingly, using temperature monitoring devices to determine the cooling requirements and optimize compressor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the inverter compressor adopts a constant input frequency, then the control system is simple, but the cooling amount is excessive and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant frequency control system to a dynamic variable frequency control system. The compressor frequency is continuously adjusted based on real-time cooling requirements detected by temperature sensors and calculated by the control unit, allowing the system to adapt to changing thermal loads in different compartments while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the compressor's operating frequency parameter based on cooling demands. The control unit calculates the required cooling amount and adjusts the frequency parameter accordingly, enabling the compressor to operate at optimal frequencies for different cooling scenarios rather than maintaining a fixed frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the inverter compressor uses variable frequency control, then power consumption is reduced, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature parameters in different compartments, calculating the required cooling amount, and adjusting the compressor frequency based on this feedback. The control unit receives temperature data, computes the cooling demand, and modifies the compressor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling control into separate pathways for different compartments. The control unit independently calculates cooling requirements for each compartment and determines the appropriate compressor frequency based on the total cooling demand, allowing differentiated control strategies for different thermal zones within the refrigerator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the same cooling amount is provided to all cooling paths, then the control is simple, but the cooling efficiency decreases due to varying heating loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by providing differentiated cooling control for different compartments based on their specific thermal characteristics. The control unit calculates cooling requirements for each compartment individually and adjusts the overall cooling output accordingly, ensuring that each region receives appropriate cooling attention rather than uniform treatment, thereby optimizing overall cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3372931B1Refrigerator control method adopting variable frequency compressor
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD
  • EP3372931B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3372931B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3372931B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A control method and control system of a refrigerator with a inverter compressor. The control method includes: calculating the total cooling amount needed by a compartment to be cooled within a unit time; taking the total cooling amount as a first power of the inverter compressor and calculating a first frequency of the inverter compressor operating at the first power; and controlling the inverter compressor to operate at the first frequency. The present invention effectively controls the power consumption amount while satisfying the refrigerator cooling condition by calculating the total cooling amount needed by a refrigerator compartment within a unit time and adjusting the frequency of the inverter compressor.