EP4276390A1 - A cooling device and control methods thereof - Google Patents

A cooling device and control methods thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4276390A1
EP4276390A1 EP23165439.3A EP23165439A EP4276390A1 EP 4276390 A1 EP4276390 A1 EP 4276390A1 EP 23165439 A EP23165439 A EP 23165439A EP 4276390 A1 EP4276390 A1 EP 4276390A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
evaporator
temperature
fan
compressor
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP23165439.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4276390B1 (en
Inventor
Ozgur OZKAN
Sanem KILICARSLAN
Gokmen PEKER
Erkan Ozturk
Gokberk GERIS
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Arcelik AS
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Arcelik AS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP4276390A1 publication Critical patent/EP4276390A1/en
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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
    • 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
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • 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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • 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
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2104—Temperatures of an indoor room or compartment
    • 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
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/10—Sensors measuring the temperature of the 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
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cooling device wherein the compressor is efficiently and effectively operated and the temperature of the compartment interior is kept at the desired level, and relates to a control method thereof.
  • the compartment temperature control is based on the principle of starting and stopping the compressor such that the temperatures of the fresh food compartment or freezer compartment remain between the cut-in / cut-out limits. Accordingly, in the cooling device control method, the operating status and speed of the compressor are determined by taking the values set as a reference and determining whether the temperature in the compartment reaches the predetermined set value or not. In the cooling device control method, the values detected by the temperature sensors which detect the temperature in the fresh food compartment or freezer compartment are taken into account. When the air temperature in the compartment reaches the point called cut-in, the compressor is started, and upon reaching the point called cut-out, that is, upon cooling down to the desired level, the compressor is stopped. Thus, the average temperature in the compartment oscillates between the cut-in and cut-out set values.
  • the operation of the compressor and the air temperatures in the compartment are directly connected to each other.
  • the evaporator temperature sensor is used only for controlling the defrost process.
  • the evaporator temperature information is not taken directly as an input to the control method of the fresh food or freezer compartment temperature. Even though the evaporator temperature is low enough, it causes the compressor to work unnecessarily because it takes time for the temperature in the compartment to decrease.
  • the compressor does not directly affect the temperature in the compartment.
  • the component which is mainly affected by the compressor is the evaporator.
  • the compressor starts, the refrigerant fluid reaches the evaporator, thus reducing the temperature of the evaporator.
  • the fan By means of the fan, the air cooling down around the evaporator is transferred into the compartment.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the compressor is efficiently and effectively operated and the temperature of the compartment interior is kept at the desired level, and relates to a control method thereof.
  • the cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one compartment wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment and which provides the cooling of the compartment; at least one fan which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator into the compartment; at least one first temperature sensor which detects the temperature in the compartment; at least one second temperature sensor which is disposed on the evaporator and which detects the temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit which enables the compressor to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor and enables the fan to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor.
  • the compartment is cooled down to the predetermined set value, and thus energy savings are provided.
  • the evaporator By detecting and controlling the temperature of the evaporator with the second temperature sensor, the evaporator is cooled down as much as required and the compressor is operated effectively and efficiently.
  • the set value of the evaporator determined by the manufacturer and the instantaneous temperature of the evaporator are determined by the second temperature sensor and transmitted to the control unit, and thus the compressor operating frequency is calculated by the control unit.
  • a range is defined by the manufacturer for the operating time and speed of the fan. If the speed of the fan stays above said range for the defined time, the set value of the evaporator is decreased, and if below, the same is increased. Thus, the fan speed is enabled to be determined according to the cooling requirement in the compartment. If the fan speed exceeds the range determined by the manufacturer, it is detected that the cooling requirement in the compartment has increased, and the set value of the evaporator is changed to a lower temperature and the compressor is activated. On the contrary, if the fan speed is below the specified range, it is detected that the cooling requirement of the compartment has decreased, and the evaporator set value is changed to a higher temperature and the compressor is deactivated.
  • the amount and time of increase/decrease of the evaporator set value can be changed according to the place of use of the cooling device where the algorithm is used and the features desired such as rapid cooling, etc.
  • the rule of changing the set value of the evaporator downwards is as follows: the higher the temperature in the compartment, which is instantly measured by the first temperature sensor, is above the set value, the lower the upper limit of the fan's operating range is changed. Thus, the cooling demand of the fan in the compartment is processed faster thanks to the change in the evaporator set value. As the temperature moves away from the temperature value in the compartment in the positive direction, the high speed rotation of the fan causes the evaporator set value to move downwards faster.
  • the rule for changing the evaporator set value upwards is as follows: the lower the temperature in the compartment, which is instantly measured with the first temperature sensor, is below the set value, the higher the lower limit of the fan goes up.
  • the possibility of the evaporator set value to change upwards increases when the fan is at the slow side and the demand for cooling the compartment is low.
  • the slow rotation of the fan causes the evaporator set to move upwards faster.
  • the compressor is enabled to be operated in the most appropriate manner without making any change in the algorithms in the control unit.
  • the PID method is used for the control method.
  • the AI-based actor-critic method is used to calculate the P, I and D coefficients.
  • This control method comprises an input where the temperature measurement value is entered and an output which generates the control output.
  • the compressor is controlled by monitoring the evaporator temperature
  • the fan is controlled by monitoring the temperature in the compartment such that the cooling device is controlled more effectively and efficiently.
  • the fan speed is adjusted according to the values detected by the first temperature sensor, that is, according to the air temperature in the compartment. Furthermore, energy savings are provided by controlling the compressor and the fan in this manner.
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the cooling system of a cooling device.
  • the cooling device (1) comprises at least one compartment (2) wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor (3) which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator (4) which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment (2) and which provides the cooling of the compartment (2); at least one fan (5) which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator (4) into the compartment (2); at least one first temperature sensor (6) which detects the temperature in the compartment (2); at least one second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed on the evaporator (4) and which detects the temperature of the evaporator (4); and a control unit (8) which enables the compressor (3) to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor (7) and enables the fan (5) to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor (6).
  • the second temperature sensor (7) actively participates in the cooling of the compartment (2), enabling the compartment (2) to cool down to the predetermined set value, and saving energy ( Figure 1 ).
  • the evaporator (4) By detecting and controlling the temperature of the evaporator (4) with the second temperature sensor (7), the evaporator (4) is cooled down as much as required and the compressor (3) is operated effectively and efficiently.
  • the instantaneous temperature of the evaporator (4) is detected by the second temperature sensor (7) and evaluated in the control unit (8) together with the set value of the evaporator (4) determined by the manufacturer, and the compressor (3) operating frequency is calculated by the control unit (8).
  • a range is defined by the manufacturer for the operating time and speed of the fan (5). If the speed of the fan (5) stays above said range for the defined time, the set value of the evaporator (4) is decreased, and if below, the same is increased. Thus, the fan (5) speed is enabled to be determined according to the cooling requirement in the compartment (2). If the fan (5) speed exceeds the range determined by the manufacturer, it is detected that the cooling requirement in the compartment (2) has increased, and the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed to a lower temperature and the compressor (3) is activated. On the contrary, if the fan (5) speed is below the specified range, it is detected that the cooling requirement of the compartment (2) has decreased, and the evaporator (4) set value is changed to a higher temperature and the compressor (3) is deactivated.
  • the amount and time of increase/decrease of the evaporator (4) set value can be changed according to the place of use of the cooling device (1) where the algorithm is used and the features desired such as rapid cooling, etc.
  • the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed downwards, and the cooling demand of the fan (5) of the compartment (2) is processed faster thanks to the change in the set value of the evaporator (4).
  • the high speed rotation of the fan (5) causes the evaporator (4) set value to move downwards faster.
  • the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed upwards, and the possibility of the evaporator (4) set value to change upwards increases when the fan (5) is at the slow side and the demand for cooling the compartment (2) is low.
  • the slow rotation of the fan (5) causes the evaporator (4) set to move upwards faster.
  • the compressor (3) is enabled to be operated in the most appropriate manner without making any change in the algorithms in the control unit (8).
  • the PID method is used for the control method.
  • the AI-based actor-critic method is used to calculate the P, I and D coefficients.
  • This control method comprises an input where the temperature measurement value is entered and an output which generates the control output.
  • the compressor (3) is controlled by monitoring the evaporator (4) temperature
  • the fan (5) is controlled by monitoring the temperature in the compartment (2) such that the cooling device (1) is controlled more effectively and efficiently.
  • the fan (5) speed is adjusted according to the values detected by the first temperature sensor (6), that is, according to the air temperature in the compartment (2). Furthermore, energy savings are provided by controlling the compressor (3) and the fan (5) in this manner.

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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising at least one compartment (2) wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor (3) which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator (4) which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment (2) and which provides the cooling of the compartment (2); at least one fan (5) which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator (4) into the compartment (2); at least one first temperature sensor (6) which detects the temperature in the compartment (2); at least one second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed on the evaporator (4) and which detects the temperature of the evaporator (4); and a control unit (8) which enables the compressor (3) to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor (7) and enables the fan (5) to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor (6).

Description

  • The present invention relates to a cooling device wherein the compressor is efficiently and effectively operated and the temperature of the compartment interior is kept at the desired level, and relates to a control method thereof.
  • In conventional cooling devices, the compartment temperature control is based on the principle of starting and stopping the compressor such that the temperatures of the fresh food compartment or freezer compartment remain between the cut-in / cut-out limits. Accordingly, in the cooling device control method, the operating status and speed of the compressor are determined by taking the values set as a reference and determining whether the temperature in the compartment reaches the predetermined set value or not. In the cooling device control method, the values detected by the temperature sensors which detect the temperature in the fresh food compartment or freezer compartment are taken into account. When the air temperature in the compartment reaches the point called cut-in, the compressor is started, and upon reaching the point called cut-out, that is, upon cooling down to the desired level, the compressor is stopped. Thus, the average temperature in the compartment oscillates between the cut-in and cut-out set values.
  • In said state of the art embodiments, the operation of the compressor and the air temperatures in the compartment are directly connected to each other. Moreover, the evaporator temperature sensor is used only for controlling the defrost process. The evaporator temperature information is not taken directly as an input to the control method of the fresh food or freezer compartment temperature. Even though the evaporator temperature is low enough, it causes the compressor to work unnecessarily because it takes time for the temperature in the compartment to decrease.
  • In the state of the art, the compressor does not directly affect the temperature in the compartment. The component which is mainly affected by the compressor is the evaporator. When the compressor starts, the refrigerant fluid reaches the evaporator, thus reducing the temperature of the evaporator. By means of the fan, the air cooling down around the evaporator is transferred into the compartment.
  • In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US2020080769 , a control method is disclosed, wherein the temperature information is collected from the temperature sensors disposed in the compartment so as to determine the capacity of the compartment.
  • In the state of the art United States Patent Application No. US2020064042 , a control method is disclosed, wherein the cooling device is controlled according to the amount of load in the compartment.
  • In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP3090223 , a cooling device control method is disclosed, wherein the fan is controlled according to the temperature of the evaporator and in the compartment and the compressor is controlled according to the temperature in the compartment.
  • In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP3090222 , a cooling device control method is disclosed, wherein the fan is controlled according to the temperature in the compartment.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the compressor is efficiently and effectively operated and the temperature of the compartment interior is kept at the desired level, and relates to a control method thereof.
  • The cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one compartment wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment and which provides the cooling of the compartment; at least one fan which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator into the compartment; at least one first temperature sensor which detects the temperature in the compartment; at least one second temperature sensor which is disposed on the evaporator and which detects the temperature of the evaporator; and a control unit which enables the compressor to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor and enables the fan to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor. Thus, the compartment is cooled down to the predetermined set value, and thus energy savings are provided.
  • By detecting and controlling the temperature of the evaporator with the second temperature sensor, the evaporator is cooled down as much as required and the compressor is operated effectively and efficiently.
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, the set value of the evaporator determined by the manufacturer and the instantaneous temperature of the evaporator are determined by the second temperature sensor and transmitted to the control unit, and thus the compressor operating frequency is calculated by the control unit.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, a range is defined by the manufacturer for the operating time and speed of the fan. If the speed of the fan stays above said range for the defined time, the set value of the evaporator is decreased, and if below, the same is increased. Thus, the fan speed is enabled to be determined according to the cooling requirement in the compartment. If the fan speed exceeds the range determined by the manufacturer, it is detected that the cooling requirement in the compartment has increased, and the set value of the evaporator is changed to a lower temperature and the compressor is activated. On the contrary, if the fan speed is below the specified range, it is detected that the cooling requirement of the compartment has decreased, and the evaporator set value is changed to a higher temperature and the compressor is deactivated.
  • The amount and time of increase/decrease of the evaporator set value can be changed according to the place of use of the cooling device where the algorithm is used and the features desired such as rapid cooling, etc.
  • The rule of changing the set value of the evaporator downwards is as follows: the higher the temperature in the compartment, which is instantly measured by the first temperature sensor, is above the set value, the lower the upper limit of the fan's operating range is changed. Thus, the cooling demand of the fan in the compartment is processed faster thanks to the change in the evaporator set value. As the temperature moves away from the temperature value in the compartment in the positive direction, the high speed rotation of the fan causes the evaporator set value to move downwards faster.
  • Similarly, the rule for changing the evaporator set value upwards is as follows: the lower the temperature in the compartment, which is instantly measured with the first temperature sensor, is below the set value, the higher the lower limit of the fan goes up. Thus, the possibility of the evaporator set value to change upwards increases when the fan is at the slow side and the demand for cooling the compartment is low. In the system which moves away from the set value in the negative direction and cools down, the slow rotation of the fan causes the evaporator set to move upwards faster.
  • In case the cooling balance changes, such as the automatic determination of the evaporator set value according to the cooling requirement, the changing temperature of the environment, the hot load loading, etc., the compressor is enabled to be operated in the most appropriate manner without making any change in the algorithms in the control unit.
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, the PID method is used for the control method. The AI-based actor-critic method is used to calculate the P, I and D coefficients. This control method comprises an input where the temperature measurement value is entered and an output which generates the control output.
  • By means of the present invention, instead of controlling the compressor by only monitoring the temperature in the compartment, the compressor is controlled by monitoring the evaporator temperature, and the fan is controlled by monitoring the temperature in the compartment such that the cooling device is controlled more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, the fan speed is adjusted according to the values detected by the first temperature sensor, that is, according to the air temperature in the compartment. Furthermore, energy savings are provided by controlling the compressor and the fan in this manner.
  • A cooling device and the control method thereof realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figure, where:
    Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the cooling system of a cooling device.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    • 1.
    Cooling device
    2.
    Compartment
    3.
    Compressor
    4.
    Evaporator
    5.
    Fan
    6.
    First temperature sensor
    7.
    Second temperature sensor
    8.
    Control unit
  • The cooling device (1) comprises at least one compartment (2) wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor (3) which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator (4) which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment (2) and which provides the cooling of the compartment (2); at least one fan (5) which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator (4) into the compartment (2); at least one first temperature sensor (6) which detects the temperature in the compartment (2); at least one second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed on the evaporator (4) and which detects the temperature of the evaporator (4); and a control unit (8) which enables the compressor (3) to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor (7) and enables the fan (5) to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor (6). Thus, the second temperature sensor (7) actively participates in the cooling of the compartment (2), enabling the compartment (2) to cool down to the predetermined set value, and saving energy (Figure 1).
  • By detecting and controlling the temperature of the evaporator (4) with the second temperature sensor (7), the evaporator (4) is cooled down as much as required and the compressor (3) is operated effectively and efficiently.
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, the instantaneous temperature of the evaporator (4) is detected by the second temperature sensor (7) and evaluated in the control unit (8) together with the set value of the evaporator (4) determined by the manufacturer, and the compressor (3) operating frequency is calculated by the control unit (8).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, a range is defined by the manufacturer for the operating time and speed of the fan (5). If the speed of the fan (5) stays above said range for the defined time, the set value of the evaporator (4) is decreased, and if below, the same is increased. Thus, the fan (5) speed is enabled to be determined according to the cooling requirement in the compartment (2). If the fan (5) speed exceeds the range determined by the manufacturer, it is detected that the cooling requirement in the compartment (2) has increased, and the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed to a lower temperature and the compressor (3) is activated. On the contrary, if the fan (5) speed is below the specified range, it is detected that the cooling requirement of the compartment (2) has decreased, and the evaporator (4) set value is changed to a higher temperature and the compressor (3) is deactivated.
  • The amount and time of increase/decrease of the evaporator (4) set value can be changed according to the place of use of the cooling device (1) where the algorithm is used and the features desired such as rapid cooling, etc.
  • The higher the temperature value in the compartment (2) instantly measured by the first temperature sensor (6) is above the set value, the lower the upper limit of the fan (5) operating range is lowered. Thus, the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed downwards, and the cooling demand of the fan (5) of the compartment (2) is processed faster thanks to the change in the set value of the evaporator (4). As the temperature moves away from the temperature value in the compartment (2) in the positive direction, the high speed rotation of the fan (5) causes the evaporator (4) set value to move downwards faster.
  • However, the lower the temperature in the compartment (2), which is momentarily measured by the first temperature sensor (6), is below the set value, the higher the lower limit of the fan (5) goes up. Thus, the set value of the evaporator (4) is changed upwards, and the possibility of the evaporator (4) set value to change upwards increases when the fan (5) is at the slow side and the demand for cooling the compartment (2) is low. In the system which moves away from the set value in the negative direction and cools down, the slow rotation of the fan (5) causes the evaporator (4) set to move upwards faster.
  • In case the cooling balance changes, such as the automatic determination of the evaporator (4) set value according to the cooling requirement, the changing temperature of the environment, the hot load loading, etc., the compressor (3) is enabled to be operated in the most appropriate manner without making any change in the algorithms in the control unit (8).
  • In the embodiment of the present invention, the PID method is used for the control method. The AI-based actor-critic method is used to calculate the P, I and D coefficients. This control method comprises an input where the temperature measurement value is entered and an output which generates the control output.
  • By means of the present invention, instead of controlling the compressor (3) by only monitoring the temperature in the compartment (2), the compressor (3) is controlled by monitoring the evaporator (4) temperature, and the fan (5) is controlled by monitoring the temperature in the compartment (2) such that the cooling device (1) is controlled more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, the fan (5) speed is adjusted according to the values detected by the first temperature sensor (6), that is, according to the air temperature in the compartment (2). Furthermore, energy savings are provided by controlling the compressor (3) and the fan (5) in this manner.

Claims (7)

  1. A cooling device (1) comprising at least one compartment (2) wherein the items to be cooled and/or frozen are loaded; a compressor (3) which provides the performance of the cooling cycle; at least one evaporator (4) which is disposed on the rear wall of the compartment (2) and which provides the cooling of the compartment (2); at least one fan (5) which provides the transfer of the air cooled down by the evaporator (4) into the compartment (2); at least one first temperature sensor (6) which detects the temperature in the compartment (2); and at least one second temperature sensor (7) which is disposed on the evaporator (4) and which detects the temperature of the evaporator (4); characterized by a control unit (8) which enables the compressor (3) to be operated depending on the information from the second temperature sensor (7) and enables the fan (5) to be operated depending on the information from the first temperature sensor (6).
  2. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (8) which, when the instantaneous temperature of the evaporator (4) is detected by the second temperature sensor (7), evaluates the same together with the set value of the evaporator (4) determined by the manufacturer, and which calculates the compressor (3) operating frequency.
  3. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by where a range is defined by the manufacturer for the operating time and speed of the fan (5), and if the speed of the fan (5) stays above this range for the defined period, the set value of the evaporator (4) is reduced and if below, the same is increased (8).
  4. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, wherein if the fan (5) speed exceeds the range determined by the manufacturer, it is decided that the cooling requirement in the compartment (2) has increased, and the evaporator (4) set value is changed to a lower temperature and the compressor (3) is activated.
  5. A cooling device (1) as in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein if the fan (5) speed is below the range determined, it is decided that the cooling requirement in the compartment (2) has decreased, and the evaporator (4) set value is changed to a higher temperature and the compressor (3) is deactivated.
  6. A control method for a cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, wherein the higher the temperature value in the compartment (2) instantly measured by the first temperature sensor (6) is above the set value, the lower the upper limit of the fan (5) operating range is lowered.
  7. A control method for a cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, wherein the lower the temperature in the compartment (2), which is momentarily measured by the first temperature sensor (6), is below the set value, the higher the lower limit of the fan (5) goes up.
EP23165439.3A 2022-05-11 2023-03-30 A cooling device and control methods thereof Active EP4276390B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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TR202207636 2022-05-11

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1035671B (en) * 1955-10-06 1958-08-07 Gen Motors Corp Fridge
US2937511A (en) * 1956-04-02 1960-05-24 Gen Motors Corp Multiple temperature refrigerating apparatus
US20120060526A1 (en) * 2010-12-01 2012-03-15 General Electric Company Refrigerator energy and temperature control
EP3090223A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-11-09 Indesit Company S.p.A. Method and device for controlling a freezing phase in a single-control combined refrigeration appliance, and related refrigeration appliance
EP3090222A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-11-09 Indesit Company S.p.A. Method and device for controlling a freezing phase in a single-control combined refrigeration appliance, and related refrigeration appliance
US20200064042A1 (en) 2018-08-27 2020-02-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and control method thereof
US20200080769A1 (en) 2019-08-05 2020-03-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Artificial intelligent refrigerator
US20220113078A1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and control method thereof

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1035671B (en) * 1955-10-06 1958-08-07 Gen Motors Corp Fridge
US2937511A (en) * 1956-04-02 1960-05-24 Gen Motors Corp Multiple temperature refrigerating apparatus
US20120060526A1 (en) * 2010-12-01 2012-03-15 General Electric Company Refrigerator energy and temperature control
EP3090223A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-11-09 Indesit Company S.p.A. Method and device for controlling a freezing phase in a single-control combined refrigeration appliance, and related refrigeration appliance
EP3090222A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2016-11-09 Indesit Company S.p.A. Method and device for controlling a freezing phase in a single-control combined refrigeration appliance, and related refrigeration appliance
US20200064042A1 (en) 2018-08-27 2020-02-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator and control method thereof
US20200080769A1 (en) 2019-08-05 2020-03-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Artificial intelligent refrigerator
US20220113078A1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and control method thereof

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PL4276390T3 (en) 2025-05-12
EP4276390B1 (en) 2025-01-01

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