EP3497385A2 - Refrigeration appliance with zero degree compartment having improved temperature control - Google Patents

Refrigeration appliance with zero degree compartment having improved temperature control

Info

Publication number
EP3497385A2
EP3497385A2 EP17851907.0A EP17851907A EP3497385A2 EP 3497385 A2 EP3497385 A2 EP 3497385A2 EP 17851907 A EP17851907 A EP 17851907A EP 3497385 A2 EP3497385 A2 EP 3497385A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
evaporator
refrigeration appliance
compressor
cycle
evaporator fan
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP17851907.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Aylin MET
Tolga Nurettin AYNUR
Ersin Sarikaya
Sabahattin Hocaoglu
Serdar Kocaturk
Aydin Celik
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP3497385A2 publication Critical patent/EP3497385A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
    • F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/02—Compressor control
    • F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
    • F25B2600/0251—Compressor control by controlling speed with on-off operation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/11—Fan speed control
    • F25B2600/112—Fan speed control of evaporator fans
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/23—Time delays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/06—Removing frost
    • F25D21/08—Removing frost by electric heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/061—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation through special compartments
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising a zero degree (0°C) compartment, temperature of which is controllable by adjusting fan rotation speed with respect to evaporator surface temperature.
  • a refrigerating appliance such as a refrigerator operates based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. Namely, cooling is performed by the refrigerant fluid, which is circulated between an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a tube expander (throttling device).
  • the refrigerant fluid 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 of the refrigeration compartment.
  • the cooled air around the evaporator is circulated back to the compartments where food items are preserved via a fan and cooling ports placed on the compartment's wall.
  • a refrigeration appliance has a plurality of shelves and compartments for preserving food items.
  • Two main compartments found in refrigerators are a freezing compartment (at -18°C) and a refrigerating compartment (at or below 4°C).
  • Food items can decompose enzymatically, biochemically, microbiologically and/or physically.
  • the speed and mechanism of decomposition is closely related to the temperature of the preservation environment. Especially perishables such as meat need to be preserved at near freezing temperatures.
  • current refrigerators comprise an additional compartment, referred to as a zero degree compartment, which is kept at 0°C.
  • the temperature control in this compartment cannot be achieved efficiently.
  • US8117853B2 discloses a system and method for a refrigeration appliance comprising two or more compartments.
  • Each compartment has an associated temperature sensor to detect temperature of the compartment and use this information to change the opening of the air flap associated with the compartment and thus change the amount of cold air blown into the compartment to achieve temperature control.
  • supply of cold air by opening/closing of air flap is determined by the deviation of compartment temperature from set (closing) temperature.
  • a specific temperature interval is determined for each compartment and actual temperature is monitored by temperature sensors.
  • the temperature deviations in each compartment are compared and the compartment with the smallest temperature deviation is determined. Then, the air flap corresponding to this compartment is closed until all temperature deviations are equalized.
  • the present invention addresses the situation where overly complicated and costly air flaps, motors, NTC sensors and controller mechanisms are not necessary to efficiently maintain temperature of zero degree compartments.
  • the present invention provides a refrigeration appliance operating based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle; where said refrigeration appliance comprises at least two compartments and where at least one of said compartments is used as a zero degree compartment.
  • the temperature of said zero degree compartment is regulated by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature, thereby lowering heat release and preventing unwanted heating of the refrigerating compartment.
  • the present invention provides a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero degree compartment of a refrigerating appliance as provided by the characterizing features defined in Claim 1.
  • Primary object of the present invention is to provide a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero degree compartment of a refrigerating appliance by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature.
  • Fig. la demonstrates a refrigeration appliance with a zero degree compartment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. lb demonstrates cross sectional view of a refrigeration appliance with a zero degree compartment according to the present invention.
  • the present invention proposes a refrigeration appliance (1) having a generally rectangular cross-sectional storage cabin (2).
  • the refrigeration appliance (1) conventionally operates based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle such that cooling is achieved by circulation of a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, a tube expander and an evaporator, where said refrigeration appliance (1) comprises a plurality of shelves (3) and compartments and where at least one of said compartments is used as a zero-degree compartment (4).
  • Said zero-degree compartment (4) is placed within the storage cabin (2) to be positioned below the lowermost portion of the evaporator level in the proximity thereof.
  • the evaporator (not shown) extends in perpendicular to the base of the refrigeration appliance (1) in parallel with the rear surface of the cabin. More particularly, the zero-degree compartment (4) is configured to be at the lower portion of the fresh food compartment below several shelves (3) and below the evaporator's lowermost tubes. In this configuration, there still exist additional space for an extractable division (5) for fruits and vegetable at the lowermost portion of the storage cabin (2) below said zero-degree compartment (4).
  • the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting speed of an evaporator fan (not shown) according to evaporator surface temperature, thereby lowering heat release and preventing unwanted heating of the refrigerating compartment.
  • Said evaporator fan is in flow communication with air directly around said evaporator.
  • the evaporator fan can be configured at any suitable location to effectuate forced transfer of cooler air in the proximity of evaporator surfaces within the storage cabin (2) to ensure homogeneity therein.
  • evaporator fan is operated in a special regime in the manner it is not stopped for the entire duration of OFF cycle of compressor, but instead it is only stopped while evaporator surface temperature remains below -2°C. In this manner, evaporator fan is discontinuously operated and it is only stopped for 1/3 of OFF cycle of compressor. When evaporator surface is below -2°C, the air cooled by evaporator is sufficient to maintain temperature of zero-degree compartment (4).
  • this cooler air around the evaporator is directly effective on the zero-degree compartment's (4) temperature to maintain its temperature when the compressor is not operated.
  • the effect of the non-homogenous temperature profile within the storage cabin (2) becomes more important to prevent temperature rise in the zero-degree compartment (4). Therefore, the evaporator fan becomes operational from where the evaporator surface temperature reaches -2°C and further disturbance of temperature homogeneity within the storage cabin (2) is prevented.
  • evaporator fan is delayed by 5-30% of ON cycle duration to prevent air warmer than 0°C at the very beginning of compressor ON cycle to enter into storage cabin (2). Further, to regulate heat release, evaporator fan must be operational for at least a predetermined time duration t. After t has passed, whether the refrigerating fan will be stopped or remain operational is determined by cut- in/cut-out values. Evaporator fan becomes operational when storage cabin (2) temperature is above cut-in value and remains operational and cooling is continued until cut-out temperature is reached. Therefore, during ON cycle of compressor, said evaporator fan is delayed by a certain duration in the amount of 5-30% of ON cycle duration and its exact operational time interval is determined by predetermined cut-in and cut-out temperature values.
  • said evaporator fan being operational when the compressor is stopped during a relatively long period causes the temperature of the air flow into zero-degree compartment (4) to increase by 3-5°C.
  • evaporator fan operation is delayed during defrost cycle until evaporator surface reaches -2°C. In this manner, the contact time between cold air flow supplied during the initial stage of the defrost cycle and zero-degree compartment (4) is lengthened.
  • fresh food defrost cycle is divided into three separate stages.
  • the contact time between cold air flow supplied before fresh food defrost cycle and zero-degree compartment (4) is lengthened by delaying evaporator fan operation.
  • evaporator fan becomes operational to achieve temperature homogeneity in the storage cabin (2).
  • evaporator fan is stopped and ice collected on evaporator surface is melted by a defrost heater (not shown) placed in the proximity of the evaporator surfaces. Stopping evaporator fan operation during operation of defrost heater prevents flow of warm air into the storage cabin (2).
  • 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) and an evaporator fan in said storage cabin (2).
  • said compressor is operated discontinuously and the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting speed of the evaporator fan according to evaporator surface temperature in the manner that operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of compressor.
  • said evaporator fan is discontinuously operated during OFF cycle of the compressor such that it is stopped for initial 1/3 of OFF cycle of said compressor. In a further embodiment of the present invention, operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of the compressor until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2oC.
  • said evaporator fan is initially delayed by 5-30% of ON cycle during ON cycle of the compressor.
  • evaporator fan is operational for at least a predetermined time duration during compressor ON cycle until the temperature in said storage cabin (2) reaches a predetermined lower limit.
  • said evaporator fan operation is delayed during a first stage of a defrost cycle until said evaporator surface temperature reaches a certain temperature, said evaporator fan being operated during a second stage of said defrost cycle starting from said certain temperature.
  • said evaporator fan operation is delayed during the first stage of said defrost cycle until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2oC.
  • said evaporator fan is stopped during a third stage of said defrost cycle and ice collected on evaporator surface is melted by a defrost heater.
  • said zero-degree compartment (4) is placed within the storage cabin (2) to be positioned below the lowermost portion of the evaporator level in the proximity thereof.
  • said evaporator fan is in flow communication with air directly around said evaporator surface.
  • a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero-degree compartment (4) of a refrigerating appliance (1) is proposed such that the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Defrosting Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising a zero-degree (0°C) compartment, temperature of which is controllable by adjusting fan rotation speed with respect to evaporator surface temperature. 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) and an evaporator fan in said storage cabin (2).

Description

REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE WITH ZERO DEGREE
COMPARTMENT HAVING IMPROVED TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance comprising a zero degree (0°C) compartment, temperature of which is controllable by adjusting fan rotation speed with respect to evaporator surface temperature.
It is well-known that a refrigerating appliance, such as a refrigerator operates based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. Namely, cooling is performed by the refrigerant fluid, which is circulated between an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a tube expander (throttling device).
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 of the refrigeration compartment. The cooled air around the evaporator is circulated back to the compartments where food items are preserved via a fan and cooling ports placed on the compartment's wall.
A refrigeration appliance has a plurality of shelves and compartments for preserving food items. Two main compartments found in refrigerators are a freezing compartment (at -18°C) and a refrigerating compartment (at or below 4°C). Food items can decompose enzymatically, biochemically, microbiologically and/or physically. The speed and mechanism of decomposition is closely related to the temperature of the preservation environment. Especially perishables such as meat need to be preserved at near freezing temperatures. For this purpose current refrigerators comprise an additional compartment, referred to as a zero degree compartment, which is kept at 0°C. However, due to technical and cost constraints, the temperature control in this compartment cannot be achieved efficiently.
High average temperatures (around 2.5°C to 3.5°C) and high heat release in zero degree compartments are detrimental to the shelf lives of food items preserved in these compartments. Ensuring maintenance of 0°C conditions can extend the shelf life of food items two-fold and increase food safety and quality. In zero degree compartments, temperature control is generally achieved by use of air flaps, motors and NTC sensors. Opening angle of air flap is determined by temperature readings from NTC sensor and ON/OFF cycle of compressor to maintain intended temperature of the compartment. However, use of air flaps, motors, NTC sensors and controller mechanisms leads to an overly complicated and costly system.
Among others, a prior art publication in the technical field of the invention may be referred to as US8117853B2, which discloses a system and method for a refrigeration appliance comprising two or more compartments. Each compartment has an associated temperature sensor to detect temperature of the compartment and use this information to change the opening of the air flap associated with the compartment and thus change the amount of cold air blown into the compartment to achieve temperature control. In this invention, supply of cold air by opening/closing of air flap is determined by the deviation of compartment temperature from set (closing) temperature. A specific temperature interval is determined for each compartment and actual temperature is monitored by temperature sensors. The temperature deviations in each compartment are compared and the compartment with the smallest temperature deviation is determined. Then, the air flap corresponding to this compartment is closed until all temperature deviations are equalized. When temperatures exceed the determined interval, the flap is reopened. The present invention, on the other hand, addresses the situation where overly complicated and costly air flaps, motors, NTC sensors and controller mechanisms are not necessary to efficiently maintain temperature of zero degree compartments. To this end, the present invention provides a refrigeration appliance operating based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle; where said refrigeration appliance comprises at least two compartments and where at least one of said compartments is used as a zero degree compartment. During compressor ON/OFF and fresh food defrost cycles, the temperature of said zero degree compartment is regulated by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature, thereby lowering heat release and preventing unwanted heating of the refrigerating compartment. The present invention provides a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero degree compartment of a refrigerating appliance as provided by the characterizing features defined in Claim 1.
Primary object of the present invention is to provide a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero degree compartment of a refrigerating appliance by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature.
Accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying a zero degree compartment, whose advantages over prior art were outlined above and will be explained in brief hereinafter.
The drawings are not meant to delimit the scope of protection as identified in the Claims, nor should they be referred to alone in an effort to interpret the scope identified in said Claims without recourse to the technical disclosure in the description of the present invention.
Fig. la demonstrates a refrigeration appliance with a zero degree compartment according to the present invention.
Fig. lb demonstrates cross sectional view of a refrigeration appliance with a zero degree compartment according to the present invention.
The following numerals are assigned to different part number used in the detailed description:
1) Refrigeration appliance
2) Storage cabin 3) Shelf
4) Zero-degree compartment
5) Extractable division
6) Extractable division cover
7) First insulation cover
8) Second insulation cover
The present invention proposes a refrigeration appliance (1) having a generally rectangular cross-sectional storage cabin (2). The refrigeration appliance (1) conventionally operates based on the principles of the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle such that cooling is achieved by circulation of a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, a tube expander and an evaporator, where said refrigeration appliance (1) comprises a plurality of shelves (3) and compartments and where at least one of said compartments is used as a zero-degree compartment (4). Said zero-degree compartment (4) is placed within the storage cabin (2) to be positioned below the lowermost portion of the evaporator level in the proximity thereof. As is known to the skilled reader, the evaporator (not shown) extends in perpendicular to the base of the refrigeration appliance (1) in parallel with the rear surface of the cabin. More particularly, the zero-degree compartment (4) is configured to be at the lower portion of the fresh food compartment below several shelves (3) and below the evaporator's lowermost tubes. In this configuration, there still exist additional space for an extractable division (5) for fruits and vegetable at the lowermost portion of the storage cabin (2) below said zero-degree compartment (4).
During compressor ON/OFF and fresh food defrost cycles the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting speed of an evaporator fan (not shown) according to evaporator surface temperature, thereby lowering heat release and preventing unwanted heating of the refrigerating compartment. Said evaporator fan is in flow communication with air directly around said evaporator. The evaporator fan can be configured at any suitable location to effectuate forced transfer of cooler air in the proximity of evaporator surfaces within the storage cabin (2) to ensure homogeneity therein.
Therefore, during OFF cycle of compressor, temperature homogeneity in fresh food compartment (storage cabin (2)) is achieved by evaporator fan; however, temperature of zero-degree compartment (4) increases. To minimize increase of temperature within the zero-degree compartment (4), evaporator fan is operated in a special regime in the manner it is not stopped for the entire duration of OFF cycle of compressor, but instead it is only stopped while evaporator surface temperature remains below -2°C. In this manner, evaporator fan is discontinuously operated and it is only stopped for 1/3 of OFF cycle of compressor. When evaporator surface is below -2°C, the air cooled by evaporator is sufficient to maintain temperature of zero-degree compartment (4). Therefore, this cooler air around the evaporator is directly effective on the zero-degree compartment's (4) temperature to maintain its temperature when the compressor is not operated. However, at a certain point as the temperature of the evaporator rises, the effect of the non-homogenous temperature profile within the storage cabin (2) becomes more important to prevent temperature rise in the zero-degree compartment (4). Therefore, the evaporator fan becomes operational from where the evaporator surface temperature reaches -2°C and further disturbance of temperature homogeneity within the storage cabin (2) is prevented.
In a further variation of the present invention, during ON cycle of compressor, evaporator fan is delayed by 5-30% of ON cycle duration to prevent air warmer than 0°C at the very beginning of compressor ON cycle to enter into storage cabin (2). Further, to regulate heat release, evaporator fan must be operational for at least a predetermined time duration t. After t has passed, whether the refrigerating fan will be stopped or remain operational is determined by cut- in/cut-out values. Evaporator fan becomes operational when storage cabin (2) temperature is above cut-in value and remains operational and cooling is continued until cut-out temperature is reached. Therefore, during ON cycle of compressor, said evaporator fan is delayed by a certain duration in the amount of 5-30% of ON cycle duration and its exact operational time interval is determined by predetermined cut-in and cut-out temperature values.
In a further variation of the present invention, during fresh food defrost cycle in the storage cabin (2), said evaporator fan being operational when the compressor is stopped during a relatively long period causes the temperature of the air flow into zero-degree compartment (4) to increase by 3-5°C. To prevent this increase in temperature, evaporator fan operation is delayed during defrost cycle until evaporator surface reaches -2°C. In this manner, the contact time between cold air flow supplied during the initial stage of the defrost cycle and zero-degree compartment (4) is lengthened.
In a more precise manner, fresh food defrost cycle is divided into three separate stages. In the first stage, the contact time between cold air flow supplied before fresh food defrost cycle and zero-degree compartment (4) is lengthened by delaying evaporator fan operation. In the second stage, evaporator fan becomes operational to achieve temperature homogeneity in the storage cabin (2). In the third stage evaporator fan is stopped and ice collected on evaporator surface is melted by a defrost heater (not shown) placed in the proximity of the evaporator surfaces. Stopping evaporator fan operation during operation of defrost heater prevents flow of warm air into the storage cabin (2). With this three stages, cooling of zero-degree compartment (4) and temperature homogeneity in storage cabin (2) are achieved and temperature increase in storage cabin (2) is prevented with optimum energy consumption. In one embodiment of the present invention, 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) and an evaporator fan in said storage cabin (2).
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said compressor is operated discontinuously and the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting speed of the evaporator fan according to evaporator surface temperature in the manner that operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of compressor.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan is discontinuously operated during OFF cycle of the compressor such that it is stopped for initial 1/3 of OFF cycle of said compressor. In a further embodiment of the present invention, operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of the compressor until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2oC.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan is initially delayed by 5-30% of ON cycle during ON cycle of the compressor.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, evaporator fan is operational for at least a predetermined time duration during compressor ON cycle until the temperature in said storage cabin (2) reaches a predetermined lower limit.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan operation is delayed during a first stage of a defrost cycle until said evaporator surface temperature reaches a certain temperature, said evaporator fan being operated during a second stage of said defrost cycle starting from said certain temperature.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan operation is delayed during the first stage of said defrost cycle until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2oC. In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan is stopped during a third stage of said defrost cycle and ice collected on evaporator surface is melted by a defrost heater. In a further embodiment of the present invention, said zero-degree compartment (4) is placed within the storage cabin (2) to be positioned below the lowermost portion of the evaporator level in the proximity thereof.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, said evaporator fan is in flow communication with air directly around said evaporator surface.
Therefore, a system for the operation and temperature regulation and maintenance of a zero-degree compartment (4) of a refrigerating appliance (1) is proposed such that the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting evaporator fan speed according to evaporator surface temperature.

Claims

1) 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) and an evaporator fan in said storage cabin (2) characterized in that;
said compressor is operated discontinuously and the temperature of said zero-degree compartment (4) is regulated by adjusting speed of the evaporator fan according to evaporator surface temperature in the manner that operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of compressor. 2) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 1, characterized in that said evaporator fan is discontinuously operated during OFF cycle of the compressor such that it is stopped for initial 1/3 of OFF cycle of said compressor.
3) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that operation of said evaporator fan is delayed during OFF cycle of the compressor until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2°C.
4) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that said evaporator fan is initially delayed by 5-30% of ON cycle during ON cycle of the compressor.
5) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 4, characterized in that said evaporator fan is operational for at least a predetermined time duration during compressor ON cycle until the temperature in said storage cabin (2) reaches a predetermined lower limit.
6) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that said evaporator fan operation is delayed during a first stage of a defrost cycle until said evaporator surface temperature reaches a certain temperature, said evaporator fan being operated during a second stage of said defrost cycle starting from said certain temperature.
7) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 6, characterized in that said evaporator fan operation is delayed during the first stage of said defrost cycle until evaporator surface temperature reaches -2°C. 8) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said evaporator fan is stopped during a third stage of said defrost cycle and ice collected on evaporator surface is melted by a defrost heater.
9) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in any preceding Claim, characterized in that said zero-degree compartment (4) is placed within the storage cabin (2) to be positioned below the lowermost portion of the evaporator level in the proximity thereof.
10) A refrigeration appliance (1) as in any preceding Claim, characterized in that said evaporator fan is in flow communication with air directly around said evaporator surface.
EP17851907.0A 2016-08-08 2017-08-08 Refrigeration appliance with zero degree compartment having improved temperature control Withdrawn EP3497385A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2016/11080A TR201611080A3 (en) 2016-08-08 2016-08-08 Refrigeration appliance with zero degree compartment having improved temperature control
PCT/TR2017/050372 WO2018067095A2 (en) 2016-08-08 2017-08-08 Refrigeration appliance with zero degree compartment having improved temperature control

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Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09287867A (en) * 1996-04-18 1997-11-04 Zexel Corp Defrosting control device of refrigerating device
DE19647642A1 (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-05-20 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Method for operating a cooling device
US20020139131A1 (en) * 2001-03-27 2002-10-03 Friedhelm Meyer Control device for a refrigeration plant, and control method
CA2628065A1 (en) * 2007-04-04 2008-10-04 Qbd Cooling Systems Inc. Refrigeration apparatus and evaporation duty cycle
DE102008016926A1 (en) 2008-01-30 2009-08-06 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH Method for operating a refrigerator and / or freezer and operated by such a method refrigerator and / or freezer
US9046094B2 (en) * 2012-08-24 2015-06-02 Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator with energy consumption optimization using adaptive fan delay

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TR201611080A3 (en) 2018-03-21
WO2018067095A3 (en) 2018-07-12

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