Refrigeration appliance with zero-degree compartment having optimized structure for cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration appliances with zero-degree compartments face inefficiencies in cooling due to high average temperatures and heat release, which can lead to reduced shelf life and food safety, particularly because direct air flow causes dry air contact with food items and increased heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration appliance optimizes the dimensions and layout of channels within the zero-degree compartment to facilitate indirect cooling, regulating evaporator fan speed and optimizing channel dimensions to minimize heat release and condensation, ensuring energy-efficient cooling by controlling air flow through optimized ratios and placements of channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct air flow is used to cool the zero-degree compartment, then cooling efficiency is improved, but heat release increases and food quality deteriorates due to dry air contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces channels as intermediary structures that allow cool air to flow indirectly through the compartment walls and shelves rather than directly contacting food items. The channels act as a mediator that transfers cooling effect while preventing direct contact between dry air and food, thereby maintaining food quality while achieving cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The zero-degree compartment is divided into multiple channels that are distributed throughout the compartment structure. These channels segment the cooling flow path, allowing controlled indirect cooling through walls and shelves. This segmentation enables the cooling function to be distributed while preventing direct air flow to food items.
2Reliability
If cool air flow is increased to maintain 0°C conditions, then food safety is improved, but condensation forms on the compartment roof
Solution Approach 1:
The channels serve as intermediary pathways that control the flow of cool air, allowing it to circulate through the compartment structure without directly rising to the roof. This intermediary flow path prevents moisture accumulation and condensation on the roof while maintaining adequate cooling for food safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensions and configuration of channels to control air flow parameters. By adjusting channel size, shape, and distribution, the air flow velocity and pressure are modified to prevent condensation while maintaining sufficient cooling effect for food preservation.
3Area of stationary object
If channel dimensions are increased to improve air flow, then cooling coverage is improved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically optimizes channel dimensions including width, height, and length to achieve the best balance between cooling coverage and energy efficiency. The channel cross-sectional area and aspect ratio are carefully selected to maximize cooling effect while minimizing the energy required to drive air flow through the channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing excessive cooling capacity that would waste energy, the channel dimensions are optimized to provide just sufficient cooling coverage for the zero-degree compartment. The channel size is carefully calibrated to match the actual heat load and cooling requirements, avoiding over-cooling and energy waste.
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 extends the shelf life of food items by maintaining consistent 0°C conditions, reducing heat transfer, and preventing condensation, thereby enhancing food safety and quality while promoting energy-efficient cooling.
Implementation Method 1
cool air flow supplied to these channels from the evaporator... Cool air flow is regulated by adjusting evaporator fan speed
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase transition from liquid phase into gas phase by way of absorbing the ambient heat of the refrigeration compartment
Implementation Method 3
While passing through the evaporator, the refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase transition from liquid phase into gas phase by way of absorbing the ambient heat
Implementation Method 4
indirect cooling of the zero-degree compartment is achieved by cool air flow supplied to these channels... lowering heat release and preventing formation of condensation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising a zero degree (0oC) compartment with channels via which cool air is supplied to the zero degree compartment, where the dimensions of said channels and said zero degree compartment are optimized to ensure energy efficient cooling. The present invention more particularly relates to a refrigeration appliance (1) comprising a storage cabin (2), a compressor, a condenser, a tube expander and an evaporator such that cooling of said storage cabin (2) is effectuated by circulation of a refrigerant through said compressor, condenser, tube expander and evaporator, said refrigeration appliance (1) further comprising a zero-degree compartment (4) with a top channel (9), a bottom channel (10) and a rear channel (11) in said storage cabin (2).