GB2083928A - Apparatus and Method of Controlling Temperature of a Two Evaporator Refrigeration System - Google Patents
Apparatus and Method of Controlling Temperature of a Two Evaporator Refrigeration System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2083928A GB2083928A GB8126566A GB8126566A GB2083928A GB 2083928 A GB2083928 A GB 2083928A GB 8126566 A GB8126566 A GB 8126566A GB 8126566 A GB8126566 A GB 8126566A GB 2083928 A GB2083928 A GB 2083928A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- evaporator
- compartment
- temperature
- fresh food
- freezer
- 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.)
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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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
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- 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
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
- F25D11/022—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures with two or more evaporators
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D23/1917—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means using digital means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D23/00—Control of temperature
- G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D23/20—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means with sensing elements having variation of electric or magnetic properties with change of temperature
- G05D23/24—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means with sensing elements having variation of electric or magnetic properties with change of temperature the sensing element having a resistance varying with temperature, e.g. a thermistor
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- 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
- 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
-
- 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
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (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
In a refrigeration apparatus having a fresh food (above freezing) compartment 12 and a freezer compartment 14 with respective evaporators 18,20 connected to a common compressor 22 and condenser 16, refrigerant being fed to one evaporator or the other via a corresponding one of valves 32,34 controlled by an electronic circuit 39 which receives signals from temperature sensors 54,56 in the respective compartments, the circuit (a microprocessor) is so arranged that when both sensors demand a supply of refrigerant, priority is given to the evaporator 18 of the fresh food compartment, but only for a certain period of time. At the end of the period, even if the fresh food compartment has not achieved its set temperature, refrigerant is diverted to the evaporator of the freezer 14. The circuit control program has special features for when the apparatus is initially switched on, and provides time delays to stop ON-OFF cycling of the compressor. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Apparatus and Method of Controlling
Temperature of a Two Evaporator
Refrigeration System
This invention relates to a control for a refrigerator incorporating two evaporators, one of which is maintained at a temperature below freezing for cooling the freezer compartment and the other of which is maintained at a higher temperature above freezing, for cooling the fresh food compartment and more particularly, to an electronically controlled valving system that delivers refrigerant to the fresh food evaporator in preference to the freezer evaporator and directs flow of refrigerant to the freezer evaporator after a predetermined amount of time independent of the fresh food compartment temperatures.
Refrigeration systems incorporating a single condenser that delivers refrigerant selectively to one or the other of two evaporators are well known. In U.S. Patent 1,523,1 12, the thermostat in either compartment causes refrigerant flow to its respective evaporator; however, in the case when both thermostats call for cooling refrigerant will be diverted to the colder below freezing compartment. In U.S. Patent 2,133,957, when the demand for cooling it from both of the compartments, the low temperature evaporator is given preference. At such times, the higher temperature compartment is not being refrigerated and may rise in temperature to an abnormally high value. In this event, means provided for transferring refrigeration to the high temperature evaporator.It should be noted that this rise in temperature may be over a long or extended period of time in which event food in the higher temperature compartment may be subjected to these relatively high temperatures for a substantial period of time that may be sufficient to cause food spoilage. In U.S. Patent 2,576,663, the fresh food compartment evaporator has preference when both compartments require cooling and the freezer evaporator is activated only after the fresh food evaporator and fresh food compartment temperature is satisfied. A fan that runs during operation of either evaporator effectively removes any accumulated frost from the fresh food evaporator when the freezer evaporator is activated by circulating the above freezing fresh food compartment air over the fresh food evaporator.
Summary of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved automatic control of a two-evaporator refrigeration system.
It is another object of the invention to deliver refrigerant to the fresh food compartment evaporator in preference to the freezer compartment evaporator.
It is still another object of the invention to divert refrigerant from the fresh food evaporator to the freezer evaporator after a predetermined period of time independent of the fresh food compartment temperature.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved in a refrigerating apparatus and method of controlling air temperature of a two evaporator refrigerator system including a cabinet containing an "above-freezing" compartment and a "belowfreezing" compartment. The refrigerator system includes a single compressor and condenser and a fresh food evaporator arranged in the above freezing compartment and a freezer evaporator arranged in the below freezing compartment.
Valve means in the system are operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of the evaporators. A temperature sensing member is arranged in each compartment. The refrigerant in the system is controlled electronically to cause the valve means to deliver refrigerant to the fresh food evaporator when it or both temperature sensing members sense a temperature above a predetermined value in preference to the freezer evaporator.
The electronic control provides decision means that cause the valve means to terminate refrigerant flow to the fresh food evaporator after a predetermined amount of time independent of the temperature sensed in the fresh food compartment and to deliver refrigerant to the freezer evaporator.
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a refrigerating system incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is a functional block diagram and partial circuit of a control system constructed in accordance with the invention and employing a microcomputer* as the decision means of the invention.
Figure 3 is a program flow diagram which may be employed in developing a program for the microcomputer of Figure 2.
Detailed Description
Referring now to Figure 1 , there is shown diagrammatically a refrigerator cabinet 10 including an above-freezing fresh food compartment 1 2 and a below-freezing frozen food compartment 14. The refrigerating system includes a condenser 16, two evaporators 1 8 and 20 and a compressor 22 connected in a closed circuit. The evaporators 1 8 and 20 are arranged to be supplied in parallel, evaporator 20 located in the freezer compartment is designed to operate at relatively low temperatures, for example between --500 F--l OaF, while evaporator 18 located in the fresh food compartment is designed to operatre at higher temperatures, for example over a range from 1 50F to 350F.Refrigerant is supplied to the evaporators 1 8 and 20 from a common liquid line 24 in which is arranged the system expansion device 26 through branch conduits 28 and 30 respectively. As shown in the
*For the purpose of this invention the words microcomputer and microprocessor have been used as synonyms.
present embodiment, arranged in each branch conduit 28 and 30 is a flow control valve 32 and
34 respectively. The outlets of evaporators
18 and 20 being connected to a common
suction conduit 36. While in the present
embodiment, a valve is provided in each
branch conduit 28 and 30, it should be
noted that one diverter type valve may be
arranged at the junction of the liquid line 24 and branch conduits 28 and 30 to deliver refrigerant selectively to either evaporator 1 8 and 20 in a manner to be explained fully hereinafter.
In the present embodiment of the invention, refrigerator fresh food compartment 12 including evaporator 1 8 is of the cycle defrost type which will automatically defrost under influence of the warmer fresh food compartment air when the evaporator 1 8 is inactive in the system or when refrigerant is directed to the freezer evaporator 20. In this type of refrigerator, defrosting of the low temperature evaporator 20 may require that suitable heating means (not shown) be provided in the freezer compartment. It should further be noted in refrigeration systems employing more than one evaporator that an expansion device may be provided for each evaporator.
Accordingly, an expansion device can, if desired, be employed for each evaporator 18 and 20 and can be conveniently arranged in each branch circuit 28 and 30 respectively. A separate expansion device for each evaporator may be used whether a single valve is used as suggested or two valves as shown in the present embodiment is employed.
Referring now to Figure 2, a simplified schematic diagram of the present control circuit including the electronic control system 39 is shown for a single condenser, two-evaporator refrigerator. The control system 39 includes a power control portion 35 which includes the power output function and a single processing portion 37 which includes the control input function and microcomputer 64. The compressor unit 22 has one terminal connection to power supply L2 via a switch 40 of a control relay 42 in the power control portion 35 of control 39. The relay 42 is activated by an output signal from microcomputer 64 through a signal amplifier 43 located in the power control portion 35. A second terminal of compressor unit 22 is connected directly to power supply line L1.The valve 32 has one terminal connected to power supply L2 via a switch 44 of a control relay 48 in power control portion 35 of control 39. The relay 48 is activated by an output signal from micro-processor 64 through a,signal amplifier 49. Valve 34 has one terminal connected to power supply line L2 via a switch 46 of a control relay 50 in the power control portion 35 of control system 39. The relay 50 is activated by an output signal from a microprocessor 64 through a signal amplifier 51.
A second terminal of each of the valves 32 and 34 is connected directly to power supply L.
Power lines L1 and L2 are coupled to a power plug 52 which is adapted to be connected to a 60 Hertz, 1 20 Volt household power source, as conventional in the USA.
The input signals to the control system 39 are received from the electronic temperature sensor 54 arranged in the fresh food compartment 12 and electronic temperature sensor 56 arranged in the freezer compartment 14. Both of the sensors 54 and 56 are provided with means for adjusting them to a set temperature at which its respective compartment is to be maintained. The sensor 54 has its output coupled through a suitable analogto-digital conversion circuit 55 and signal amplifier 62 to an input of microcomputer 64 to allow periodic sensing and storage of the interior temperature of the fresh food compartment 1 2.
The sensor 56 has its output coupled through a suitable analog-to-digital conversion circuit 57 and signal amplifier 70 to another input of microcomputer 64 to allow periodic sensing and storage of the interior temperature of the freezer compartment 14.
Microcomputer 64 may comprise a selfcontained integrated circuit such as a Mostek
MK3870 including an arithmetic logic circuit, appropriate memory registers and input/output circuits, as is well-known in the art.
Microcomputer 64, in part, is pre-programmed to be adapted to serve as a decision means for providing operation of the refrigerant system compressor 22 and operation of valves 32 and 34 in manner that will cause valve 32 to terminate the flow of refrigerant to evaporator 20 after a predetermined period of time independent of the fresh food compartment sensor 54 and cause valve 34 to deliver refrigerant to freezer compartment evaporator 20. The provision of a maximum time in which fresh food evaporator 18 is active limits the amount of frost that can accumulate on its surfaces to an amount that can be effectively removed when operation of the system has switched to activate freezer evaporator 20.The circulation of relatively warm, above-freezing fresh food compartment air passing over the evaporator 1 8 by natural or forced convection provides a cycle defrost during those periods of time when the low temperature freezer evaporator 20 is active in the system.
In the present system, in the event both sensor.
54 and 56 sense temperatures above a predetermined value, the fresh food evaporator 1 8 is given preference over the freezer evaporator 20 and refrigerant will be delivered to the evaporator 1 8 through valve 32 with valve 34 remaining in its closed position.
By the present control, with valve 32 open, refrigerent will be delivered to evaporator 18 for a maximum predetermined period of time. After this period of time, even if the fresh food compartment is still above the set temperature and requires further cooling, valve 32 will close and valve 34 open so that refrigerant flow will be diverted from fresh food evaporator 18 to the freezer evaporator 1 8. This switching from evaporator 1 8 to evaporator 20 takes place provided sensor 56 at this time senses a freezer compartment temperature above the predetermined or set value.Refrigerant will then
be delivered to freezer evaporator 20 until the freezer compartment is at set temperature and sensor 56 is satisfied, at which time valve 34 will close and valve 32 open so that refrigerant will be redirected to evaporator 1 8. This switching of refrigerant flow back to evaporator 1 8 takes place provided sensor 54 senses a fresh food compartment temperature above a predetermined or set valve.
Referring now to Figure 3, a program flow chart is shown which may be used by those skilled in the art to establish a set of program instructions for microcomputer 64. It will be appreciated that the illustrated flow chart may represent only a portion of a complete program for microcomputer 64 by which other functions of the refrigerator may also be controlled. The program flow chart includes an initial pull-down or cool-down portion which programs the operation of the system from the initial start and a normal cycling portion which programs the operation of the system during its routine or normal operation.
The initial cool-down portion of the program is intended to bring both the fresh food and freezer compartment to near normal set temperatures without cooling the fresh food compartment to the exclusion of the freezer compartment. For example, in the event of initial start up or a condition wherein both the compartments, and more specifically the fresh food compartment, may be at ambient temperatures substantially higher than the set temperatures. Without a time override as provided by the present invention and with the fresh food compartment having preference, refrigerant would be delivered to evaporator 1 8 for an extended period of time which may be sufficient to cause a substantial amount of frost to form on the evaporator before the fresh food compartment reaches its set temperature.To prevent this situation, the initial cool-down portion of the program includes a first maximum ten-minute period wherein refrigerant is delivered to freezer evaporator 1 8 after which the valves switch refrigerant flow from fresh food to freezer evaporator regardless of fresh food compartment temperatures and a second maximum ten-minute period wherein refrigerant is delivered to freezer evaporator 20 after which the fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures are read and a decision made whether to switch refrigerant flow to evaporator 1 8 and cooling back to the fresh food compartment. The maximum run times ensure that the freezer compartment evaporator is activated during the initial cool-down period of refrigerator operation.While it is desirable that a maximum time be set in the program, it is not necessary that it be 10 minutes as shown in the illustrated embodiment, and accordingly, other maximum times based on criteria for a specific refrigerator may be established in carrying out the present invention.
In initiating operation of the refrigerator, at the initial start, the set temperature controls 56 and 54 in the fresh food and freezer compartments respectively are set at the temperature each compartment is to be maintained. Upon entering the set temperatures in the program by setting controls 54 and 56, inquiry 59 reads the temperature of the fresh food and frozen compartments. Next, inquiry 60 determines whether the fresh food compartment temperature is greater than set point. If the answer is No, indicating that additional cooling at this time is not required, the program moves into the normal cycle portion of the program and bypasses the remaining program of the initial cool-down portion.If the answer is Yes, indicating that additional cooling is required, instruction 61 will start close switch 40 starting the compressor and instruction 62 will close switch 44 opening the fresh food evaporator valve 32 to divert refrigerant to evaporator 18, switch 46 remains open and the freezer evaporator valve 34 closed.
Following this, the program moves to instruction 63, the first time period which maintains the system in the present mode for 10 minutes, after which time instruction 64 opens switch 44 causing the fresh food evaporator valve 32 to close and close switch 46 to cause freezer evaporator valve 34 to open thereby diverting refrigerant to evaporator 20. Following this, the program moves to instruction 65, the second time period which maintains the system in the present mode for 10 minutes, after which time instruction 66 read the temperatures in the fresh food and freezer compartments. Next, inquiry 67 determines whether the fresh food compartment is greater than set point.If the answer is Yes, indicating cooling is required, the instruction moves the program back to instruction 62 and the valve 32 opens diverting refrigerant to fresh food evaporator 1 8 and the freezer evaporator valve 34 closes deactivating evaporator 20. If the answer is No, indicating that the fresh food compartment is at or below set temperature and does not require further cooling, the program moves to inquiry 68 to determine whether the freezer food compartment is greater than set point. If the answer is Yes, indicating cooling is required, the instruction moves the program back to instruction 64 and fresh food evaporator valve 32 closes deactivating evaporator 1 8 and opening freezer evaporator valve 34 to activate evaporator 20. If the answer is No, indicating that the freezer is at set temperature, the instruction 70 will open switch 40 to stop the compressor thereby completing the initial cool-down portion of the program with both the fresh food and freezer compartments at set point.
From this point on with both compartments at their set temperatures, the program proceeds in the normal cycling portion of the program. At this point, the instruction 72 is to wait a minimum amount of time before a compressor restart is attempted which varies relative to the particular refrigerator design, in this instance, eight minutes was selected. Following the minimum wait period, the inquiry 74 reads the temperatures in the fresh food and freezer compartment. Next, inquiry 76 determines whether the temperature of the fresh food compartment is greater than set point. If the answer is No, indicating that additional cooling at this time is not required, the program moves back to instruction 74 and continues to inquire of the temperature in the fresh food and freezer compartments.If the answer is Yes, indicating that additional cooling is required, instruction 78 will close switch 40 to start the compressor and instruction 80 will close switch 44 opening the fresh food evaporator valve 32 to divert refrigerant to evaporator 18 with switch 46 remaining open and the freezer evaporator valve 34 closed. Following this, the instruction 82 monitors the fresh food compartment temperature and the period of time the fresh food evaporator 1 8 has been active in the system. The next inquiry 84 asks the question whether the fresh food compartment temperature is above the set point.If the answer is No, indicating that cooling is no longer required, then the program moves to instruction 88 and the fresh food evaporator valve 32 is turned off inactivating evaporator 1 8 and the freezer evaporator valve 34 is opened activating evaporator 20. If the answer is Yes, indicating further cooling is required, then inquiry 86 asks the question, is the period of time fresh food evaporator 18 been activated greater than 25 minutes. If the answer is No, the program moves back to instruction 80 and the fresh food evaporator valve 32 remains open and the freezer evaporator valve 34 remains closed.If the answer is Yes, indicating that the fresh food evaporator
has been active for more than (25) twenty-five
minutes, then instruction 88 opens switch 40 to
close the fresh food evaporator valve 32 independently of fresh food compartment temperature, and closes switch 46 to open a valve 34 and activate freezer evaporator 20. Next, inquiry 90 asks the question whether the freezer compartment temperature is greater than set point. If the answer is Yes, indicating that additional freezer compartment cooling is required, then the program moves back to instruction 88 and the freezer evaporator valve 34 remains open. If the answer is No, then the program moves to instruction 70 which opens switch 40 and the compressor is turned off since
both compartments at their set temperatures.At this point, the program will move to the normal
cycle wherein the instruction 72 is to wait a
minimum amount of time before inquiry 74 reads the temperature and inquiry 76 determines whether the temperature of the fresh food compartment is greater than set point.
It will be appreciated that there has been
described a simple and effective electronic control
for an automatic refrigeration two compartment,
two evaporator refrigerator system whereby
energy usage may be minimized by better
balancing the activation times of the two evaporators including a maximum time during which the preferred evaporator may be activated.
In summary, as the sensor 56 calls for fresh food compartment refrigeration, valve 32 opens and valve 34 closes and the compressor is energized.
Once the fresh food sensor 56 is satisfied or after a selected period of time, whichever occurs first, valve 34 opens activating evaporator 20 and valve 23 closes deactivating evaporator 1 8 which automatically starts the passive cycle defrost of evaporator 1 8. When the freezer compartment temperature is satisfied, compressor turns off, in the event the fresh food compartment requires cooling, the cycle will repeat.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiment described heretofore is considered to be the presently preferred form of this invention. In accordance with the Patent
Statutes, changes may be made in the disclosed apparatus and the manner in which it is used without actually departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (8)
1. In a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an "above-freezing" compartment and a "below-freezing" compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a first evaporator arranged in said "above-freezing" compartment, a second evaporator arranged in said "belowfreezing" compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature-responsive means in said "above-freezing" compartment, a second temperature-responsive means in said "below-freezing" compartment the combination comprising::
Control means for causing said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said first evaporator in preference to said second evaporator when both of said temperature-responsive means sense a temperature above a predetermined value;
decision means for causing said valve means to terminate the flow of regrigerant to said first evaporator when said "abovefreezing" compartment is at said predetermined temperature or after a predetermined amount of time independent of said first temperatureresponsive means and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said second evaporator.
2. In a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an "above-freezing" compartment and a "below-freezing" compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a first evaporator arranged in said above-freezing compartment, a second evaporator arranged in said belowfreezing compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature-responsive means in said above freezing compartment, a second temperature-responsive means in said below freezing compartment, the combination comprising::
memory means for receiving and storing the fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures;
means comparing said fresh food and freezer food temperatures;
control means coupled to said comparing means for causing said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said first evaporator in preference to said second evaporator when both of said temperature responsive means sense a temperature above a predetermined value;
decision means for causing said valve means to terminate the flow of refrigerant to said first evaporator when said above-freezing compartment is at said predetermined temperature or after a predetermined amount of time independent of said first temperatureresponsive means and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said second evaporator.
3. An automatic control system for a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an above-freezing or freshfood compartment and a below-freezing or freezer food compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a fresh food evaporator arranged in said above-freezing compartment, a freezer evaporator arranged in said belowfreezing compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature-responsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said abovefreezing compartment, a second temperatureresponsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said belowfreezing compartment, the combination comprising::
memory means for receiving and storing the fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures;
means comparing said fresh food and freezer food temperatures;
control means coupled to said comparing means for causing said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator in preference to said freezer evaporator when both of said temperature-responsive means sense a temperature above said predetermined set value;
means monitoring said fresh food compartment temperature and the accumulated time said fresh food evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system;;
decision means for causing said valve means to terminate the flow of refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator when said above-freezing or fresh food compartment is at said predetermined set temperature or after a predetermined amount of accumulated time independent of said first selected set temperature and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said freezer evaporator.
4. An automatic control system for a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an above-freezing (fresh food) compartment and a below-freezing (freezer-food) compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a fresh food evaporator arranged in said-above freezing compartment, a freezer evaporator arranged in said belowfreezing compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature-responsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said above freezing compartment, a second temperatureresponsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said below freezing compartment, the combination comprising::
memory means for receiving and storing the fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures;
means comparing said fresh food and freezer food temperatures;
control means coupled to said comparing means for causing said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator in preference to said freezer evaporator when both of said temperature-responsive means sense a temperature above said predetermined set value;
first means measuring accumulated time said fresh food evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system;
means coupled to said first means for causing said valve means to terminate refrigerant flow to said fresh food evaporator and directing refrigerant flow to said freezer evaporator;
second means measuring accumulated time
said freezer evaporator has been active in said
refrigeration system;;
means coupled to said second means for causing said valve means to terminate refrigerant flow to said freezer evaporator and diverting refrigerant flow to said fresh food evaporation;
means monitoring said fresh food compartment temperature and the accumulated time said, fresh food evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system;
decision means for causing said valve means to terminate the flow of refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator when said above fresh food compartment is at said predetermined set temperature or after a predetermined amount of accumulated time independent of said first selected set temperature and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said freezer evaporator.
5. The method of air temperature control for a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an above-freezing compartment and a below-freezing compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a first evaporator arranged in said above-freezing compartment, a second evaporator arranged in said below-freezing compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature-responsive means in said above freezing compartment, a second temperature-responsive means in said below freezing compartment, the method comprising::
controlling operation of said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said first evaporator in preference to said second evaporator when both of said temperature-responsive means sense a temperature above a predetermined value;
operating said valve means under control of decision means to terminate the flow of refrigerant to said first evaporator when said above-freezing compartment is at said predetermined temperature or after a predetermined amount of time independent of said first temperature responsive means and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said second evaporator.
6. A method of air temperature control for a refrigerating apparatus including a cabinet containing an above-freezing compartment and a below-freezing compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a fresh food evaporator arranged in said abovefreezing compartment, a freezer evaporator arranged in said below-freezing compartment, valve means operable for delivering refrigerant to either one of said evaporators, a first temperature responsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said above freezing compartment, a second temperatureresponsive means including means for selecting a predetermined set temperature for said belowfreezing compartment, the method comprising::
receiving and storing the fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures;
comparing said fresh food and freezer food temperatures;
controlling operation of said valve means to deliver refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator in preference to said freezer evaporator when both of said temperature responsive means sense a temperature above said predetermined set value;
measuring accumulated time said fresh food evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system against a set predetermined time;
controlling operation of said valve means terminate refrigerant flow to said fresh food evaporator and directing refrigerant flow to said freezer evaporator when the accumulated time said fresh food evaporator is at or greater than set predetermined time;
measuring accumulated time said freezer evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system against a set predetermined time;;
controlling operation of said valve means to terminate refrigerant flow to said freezer evaporator and divering refrigerant flow to said fresh food evaporation when the accumulated time said freezer evaporator is at or greater than set predetermined time;
monitoring said fresh food compartment temperature and the accumulated time said fresh food evaporator has been active in said refrigeration system against a set predetermined time;
operating said valve means under control of decision means to terminate the flow of refrigerant to said fresh food evaporator when said above fresh food compartment is at said predetermined set temperature or after a predetermined amount of accumulated time independent of said first selected set temperature and to cause said second valve means to deliver refrigerant to said freezer evaporator.
7. Refrigerating apparatus, or an automatic control system therefore, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
8. A method of controlling air temperature in a refrigerating apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US18386380A | 1980-09-04 | 1980-09-04 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2083928A true GB2083928A (en) | 1982-03-31 |
| GB2083928B GB2083928B (en) | 1985-01-16 |
Family
ID=22674613
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8126566A Expired GB2083928B (en) | 1980-09-04 | 1981-09-02 | Apparatus and method of controlling temperature of a evaporator refrigeration system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5782674A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3134837A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2083928B (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0173034A1 (en) * | 1984-08-22 | 1986-03-05 | Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH | Circuit arrangement for the cooling cycles of at least two cold levels |
| EP0174365A1 (en) * | 1984-03-06 | 1986-03-19 | Trw Inc. | Appliance control system |
| EP0715236A1 (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1996-06-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Temperature controlling method of refrigerator using microprocessor |
| EP0897142A1 (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-02-17 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Temperature control system in a refrigerating cabinet |
| EP1245914A2 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2002-10-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
| GB2390419A (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2004-01-07 | Lg Electronics Inc | Controlling the operation of cooling systems provided with two evaporators |
| WO2004059226A1 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2004-07-15 | Kendro Laboratory Products, Lp | Dual independent chamber ultra-low temperature freezer |
| CN103175377A (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2013-06-26 | 合肥美的荣事达电冰箱有限公司 | Self-adaption on-off control system of refrigerator compartments |
| WO2013091691A1 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Method of operating refrigeration system and refrigeration system |
| CN113048716A (en) * | 2019-12-28 | 2021-06-29 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Control method and refrigerator |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3043791A1 (en) * | 1980-11-20 | 1982-06-03 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | COOLING UNIT, PARTICULARLY COMBINED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER |
| JPS58217164A (en) * | 1982-06-11 | 1983-12-17 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Cooling device |
| JPS5941748A (en) * | 1982-09-01 | 1984-03-08 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Cooling device |
| CN110173953A (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2019-08-27 | 湖北美的电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigeration equipment and its defrosting control method |
-
1981
- 1981-09-02 GB GB8126566A patent/GB2083928B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-09-03 DE DE19813134837 patent/DE3134837A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1981-09-04 JP JP56139616A patent/JPS5782674A/en active Pending
Cited By (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0174365A1 (en) * | 1984-03-06 | 1986-03-19 | Trw Inc. | Appliance control system |
| EP0174365A4 (en) * | 1984-03-06 | 1987-07-16 | Trw Inc | Appliance control system. |
| EP0173034A1 (en) * | 1984-08-22 | 1986-03-05 | Bosch-Siemens HausgerÀ¤te GmbH | Circuit arrangement for the cooling cycles of at least two cold levels |
| EP0715236A1 (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1996-06-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Temperature controlling method of refrigerator using microprocessor |
| EP0897142A1 (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-02-17 | Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. | Temperature control system in a refrigerating cabinet |
| EP1245914A3 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2003-05-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
| EP1245914A2 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2002-10-02 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
| US6658878B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2003-12-09 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Multi-compartment type refrigerator and method for controlling the same |
| GB2390419A (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2004-01-07 | Lg Electronics Inc | Controlling the operation of cooling systems provided with two evaporators |
| GB2390419B (en) * | 2002-07-04 | 2006-03-01 | Lg Electronics Inc | Controlling the Operation of Cooling Systems Provided With Two Evaporators |
| WO2004059226A1 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2004-07-15 | Kendro Laboratory Products, Lp | Dual independent chamber ultra-low temperature freezer |
| WO2013091691A1 (en) * | 2011-12-21 | 2013-06-27 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Method of operating refrigeration system and refrigeration system |
| CN103175377A (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2013-06-26 | 合肥美的荣事达电冰箱有限公司 | Self-adaption on-off control system of refrigerator compartments |
| CN113048716A (en) * | 2019-12-28 | 2021-06-29 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Control method and refrigerator |
| CN113048716B (en) * | 2019-12-28 | 2022-11-22 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Control method and refrigerator |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS5782674A (en) | 1982-05-24 |
| GB2083928B (en) | 1985-01-16 |
| DE3134837A1 (en) | 1982-04-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |