Temperature control method, control device of variable temperature chamber in refrigerator, and refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with variable-temperature compartments face challenges in flexible temperature control, which affects energy efficiency and storage conditions for items.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control method and device that determines whether to execute a non-freezing or freezing temperature control mode based on set thresholds, using the refrigeration system's interaction with the variable-temperature compartment and evaporator temperatures, and adjusts operation accordingly, including fan operation and drawer positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigeration system operates based on both variable-temperature compartment temperature and evaporator temperature (non-freezing mode), then energy efficiency is improved, but the cooling rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two temperature control modes (freezing mode and non-freezing mode) based on real-time temperature conditions. In freezing mode, only compartment temperature is monitored for rapid cooling; in non-freezing mode, both compartment and evaporator temperatures are monitored for energy efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate control strategy for current operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control parameters change based on the operating mode: in freezing mode, the system uses a single temperature threshold parameter (compartment temperature) for rapid response; in non-freezing mode, it uses dual temperature parameters (compartment and evaporator temperatures) to optimize energy consumption. This parameter adjustment allows the system to balance cooling rate and energy efficiency according to operational requirements.
2Speed
If the refrigeration system operates based on variable-temperature compartment temperature only (freezing mode), then cooling rate is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the control mode based on temperature conditions. When rapid cooling is needed, freezing mode is activated with simplified single-parameter control for fast response. When stable operation is sufficient, non-freezing mode engages with dual-parameter monitoring to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between cooling rate and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
In freezing mode, the system applies excessive cooling action by monitoring only compartment temperature without considering evaporator temperature, enabling rapid cooling response. In non-freezing mode, it applies partial monitoring using both temperatures to achieve energy-efficient operation. This partial/excessive action strategy allows the system to optimize performance based on immediate needs.
3Productivity
If the fan operates when evaporator temperature is below the third temperature threshold in non-freezing mode, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of evaporator freezing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring both compartment temperature and evaporator temperature. The fan operation decision is based on feedback from both temperature sensors: the fan runs only when compartment temperature exceeds the second threshold AND evaporator temperature exceeds the third threshold. This dual-feedback mechanism ensures cooling efficiency while preventing evaporator freezing, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the drawer is opened in freezing mode to improve cooling access, then user accessibility is improved, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-cooling the variable-temperature compartment to lower temperatures in freezing mode. This creates a thermal buffer that can tolerate drawer openings with minimal temperature rise, thereby reducing the penalty of heat loss when users need to access items. The preliminary cooling action prepares the system to handle inevitable user interactions with minimal energy loss.
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 allows for flexible temperature control, saving energy in non-freezing mode and improving cooling rates in freezing mode, while enhancing fresh-keeping effects and reducing costs by integrating with existing refrigerator structures.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system adapted to generate cold air to cool the variable-temperature compartment, and comprising an evaporator corresponding to the variable-temperature compartment
Implementation Method 2
a fan adapted to introduce the cold air into the variable-temperature compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature control method and control device of a variable-temperature compartment in a refrigerator, and a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a variable-temperature compartment and a refrigeration system adapted to generate cold air to cool the variable-temperature compartment. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator configured corresponding to the variable-temperature compartment. The temperature control method of a variable-temperature compartment in a refrigerator includes: obtaining a set temperature of the variable-temperature compartment; determining whether the set temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, if yes, executing a non-freezing temperature control mode on the variable-temperature compartment; and if no, executing a freezing temperature control mode on the variable-temperature compartment, where the non-freezing temperature control mode is that the refrigeration system is operated based on a temperature of the variable-temperature compartment and a temperature of the evaporator to cool the variable-temperature compartment, and the freezing temperature control mode is that the refrigeration system is operated based on the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment to cool the variable-temperature compartment. In the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, temperature control modes of the variable-temperature compartment can be flexibly changed, and it is conducive to saving energy and defrosting in the non-freezing temperature control mode and improving a cooling rate in the freezing temperature control mode.