WO2006104936A2 - Damper door control from adaptive defrost control - Google Patents
Damper door control from adaptive defrost control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006104936A2 WO2006104936A2 PCT/US2006/010930 US2006010930W WO2006104936A2 WO 2006104936 A2 WO2006104936 A2 WO 2006104936A2 US 2006010930 W US2006010930 W US 2006010930W WO 2006104936 A2 WO2006104936 A2 WO 2006104936A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- damper
- damper door
- motor
- switch
- controller
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 title abstract description 19
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 21
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 15
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
-
- 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
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/045—Air flow control arrangements
-
- 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
- F25D21/002—Defroster control
-
- 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
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
- F24F2013/1433—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with electric motors
-
- 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
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/40—Refrigerating devices characterised by electrical wiring
-
- 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
- F25D2600/00—Control issues
- F25D2600/04—Controlling heat transfer
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to refrigerators and, more particularly, to controlling the air flow between a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment in a refrigerator.
- the fresh food compartment for storing food above a freezing temperature.
- the fresh food compartment is normally isolated from a main or freezer compartment for storing food below the freezing temperature.
- the temperatures of the fresh food and freezer compartments can be separately controlled.
- the fresh food compartment is typically equipped with an active damper door controlled by a damper motor. When the damper door is open, typically the evaporator fan is energized to move cooling air from inside of the freezer compartment into the fresh food compartment. When the damper door is closed, the fresh food compartment is isolated from the freezer compartment and its temperature can change separately from the freezer compartment.
- the fresh food compartment is equipped with its own thermostatic switch to permit thermostatic control of the temperature of the fresh food compartment.
- This thermostatic switch detects when the temperature of the fresh food compartment exceeds a threshold, indicating that cool air from the freezer compartment must be introduced into the fresh food compartment.
- the thermostatic switch changes state to its "hot” condition, in which it delivers electrical power to the damper motor to open the damper.
- the thermostatic switch again changes state to its "cool” condition, in which it delivers electrical power to the damper motor to close the damper.
- a compressor is connected to a line voltage and the compressor is cycled on and off by means of a thermostat, i.e., the compressor is actually run only when the enclosure becomes sufficiently warm to require cooling.
- the compressor is disconnected from the line voltage and a defrost heater is connected to the line voltage.
- the defrost heater is turned off by means of a temperature sensitive switch in proximity to the heat exchanger after the frost has been melted away, or otherwise by programmatic control.
- the invention provides an adaptive defrost control method and device for controlling a damper door during a defrost cycle.
- the adaptive defrost control logic determines if the damper door is open. If the damper door is open, the defrost cycle is suspended until the door is closed. If the damper door is closed, the adaptive defrost control logic prevents the opening of the damper door.
- the system of the present invention activates an electronic barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply so that the damper door may not be opened during the defrost cycle.
- the barrier is a triac located between the main power supply and a thermostatic switch for controlling the temperature of the fresh food compartment.
- the barrier is a triac located between the main power supply and the damper door motor.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration unit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for controlling the refrigeration unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for controlling the refrigeration unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a control logic method in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 the major electrical components of a refrigeration unit 100 such as, for example, a commercial or domestic refrigerator-freezer are schematically illustrated.
- the present invention prevents warm moist air from passing into a fresh food compartment from a freezer compartment when the refrigeration unit 100 undergoes a defrost cycle. As such, food within the fresh food compartment is advantageously maintained in a fresh condition for a longer period of time.
- the refrigeration unit 100 includes a first or main compartment such as a freezer compartment 101 and a second fresh food compartment 102.
- the first and second compartments 101, 102 are separately thermostatically controlled. Under thermostatic control, the freezer and fresh food compartments 101, 102 are coupled together by opening a damper door 104 to uncover an opening or passage interposed between the two compartments 101, 102.
- the damper door 104 which is moveable by a damper motor 105, is driven or otherwise biased opened, a flow of air is permitted to pass between the two adjacent compartments 101, 102.
- the damper door 104 When the damper door 104 is closed, air is inhibited or prevented from flowing between the two neighboring compartments 101, 102. hi other words, the damper door 104 regulates the flow of air between the compartments 101, 102 to control the temperature of the fresh food compartment 101.
- the damper door 104 is generally coupled to and driven by an electric damper motor 105.
- the damper door 104 is, in some situations, also driven closed by the electric damper motor 105. hi other situations, the damper door 104 is simply resiliently biased closed as well known in the art.
- a main thermostat 106 that has as a primary component a thermostatic switch 107.
- the thermostat 106 is adjustable so that the temperature of the freezer compartment 101 is maintainable at different selected temperatures.
- a fresh food thermostat 108 that has as a primary component a second thermostatic switch 109.
- the thermostat 108 is also adjustable so that the temperature of the fresh food compartment 102 is maintainable at different selected temperatures.
- Refrigeration unit 100 is cooled by a heat transfer engine that facilitates heat transfer from the freezer compartment 101 by the cyclical compression, condensation, decompression and evaporation of a thermally coupled refrigerant captured in a thermodynamic loop.
- the thermodynamic loop includes an evaporator 110, compressor 111, and condenser 112. As the refrigerant passes through evaporator 110, which is located inside of the freezer compartment 101, the refrigerant evaporates from a liquid to a gaseous state, absorbing heat transferred from the freezer compartment 101 into the refrigerant. The primarily gaseous refrigerant is delivered at the outlet of evaporator 110 to compressor 111.
- the compressor 111 compresses the primarily gaseous refrigerant received from evaporator 110 and delivers the compressed refrigerant to condenser 112.
- the compressed refrigerant is generally delivered by the application of a mechanical force generated by an electric motor integrated within the compressor 111.
- the compressed, high pressure refrigerant passes through condenser 112. While passing through the condenser 112, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the environment external to freezer compartment 101 as the refrigerant condenses from a primarily gaseous state to a primarily liquid state.
- the primarily liquid refrigerant then passes back into the inlet of evaporator 110 to complete the cycle.
- a fan 113 is included in the refrigeration unit 100.
- an evaporator fan 113 is disposed in the freezer compartment 101 to circulate the air in the freezer.
- the evaporator fan 113 is specifically able to produce a flow of air that passes over and around the coils of the evaporator 110. This flow of air past the coils of the evaporator 110 encourages the exchange of heat from the air in freezer compartment 101 to the refrigerant. As such, the refrigerant in the coils is able draw heat out of, and absorb heat from, the air within the freezer compartment 101.
- the fresh food thermostat 108 senses higher temperatures. When the sensed temperature reaches or exceeds a high temperature limit, the fresh food thermostat 108 closes thermostatic switch 109 to send a signal to damper motor 105 to open the damper door 104. With the damper door 104 open, colder air from the freezer compartment 101 is passed or circulated into the fresh food compartment 102. The temperature in the fresh food compartment 101 is lowered by the inflow of colder air from the freezer compartment 101 until the temperature falls to a temperature that is at or below the high temperature limit of the fresh food thermostat 108. At that point, the fresh food thermostat 108 opens the thermostatic switch 109 to send a signal to the damper motor 105 to close damper door 104.
- refrigeration unit 100 further includes a defrost heater 120.
- the defrost heater 120 is situated near the evaporator 110 to melt frost from the evaporator during a defrost cycle. Operation of the defrost heater 120 is controlled by an adaptive defrost control logic unit 121 as commonly known in the art.
- the damper door may be left open or permitted to open during the defrost cycle thereby allowing heat and moisture into the fresh food compartment 102.
- the damper door 104 is closed or forced to remain closed during the defrost cycle. As such, heat and moisture are prevented from entering the fresh food compartment 102.
- a control circuit 200 for closing the damper door during a defrost cycle is shown.
- an adaptive defrost controller (ADC) 203 coordinates the operation of a compressor motor 205, a condenser motor 206, a defrost heater 204, and a triac 201.
- the compressor motor 205 is connected between terminal T6 of the ADC 203 and a ground line N and is actuated by the ADC during a cooling cycle when cooling of the freezer compartment is required.
- Condenser motor 206 is connected between terminal T7 of the ADC 203 and the ground line N and is actuated by the ADC during a cooling cycle.
- Evaporator fan motor 207 is connected between terminal T8 of the ADC 203 and the ground line N and is actuated by the ADC during a cooling cycle.
- Heater 204 is connected to terminal T4 of the ADC 203 and is actuated by the ADC during a defrost cycle.
- the triac 201 is connected between power line Ll and contact "a" of switch Sl (e.g., such as switch 109 in FIG. 1) and is actuated by the ADC 203 via a control line connected to terminal T3 of the ADC.
- the triac 201 is actuated by ADC 203 during a defrost cycle to deny current to contact "a" of switch Sl.
- the ADC 203 is further connected to power line Ll at terminal Tl and ground line N at terminal T4.
- a thermostat 106 When a thermostat 106 senses that a temperature in the freezer compartment 101 has risen above a specified level, the thermostat instructs the refrigeration unit 100 to enter a cooling cycle. During the cooling cycle, the thermostat 106 commands the switch S2 (e.g., such as switch 107 in FIG. 1) to close such that current is permitted to flow from contact "d" of switch S2 to contact “e” of switch S2 and, in turn, to terminal T2 of the ADC 203. When the ADC 203 receives this current signal at the terminal T2, the ADC 203 actuates the compressor motor 205, the condenser fan motor 206, and the evaporator fan motor 207.
- the switch S2 e.g., such as switch 107 in FIG.
- the thermostat 106 When the thermostat 106 senses that the temperature in the freezer compartment 101 has been cooled to a specified level, the thermostat 106 instructs the switch S2 to once again open. With the switch S2 open, a current no longer flows into the terminal T2 of the ADC 203. Based on the lack of current signal at the terminal T2, the ADC 203 deactivates the compressor motor 205, the condenser fan motor 206, and the evaporator fan motor 207 and the cooling cycle is generally competed. [0028] When a thermostat 108 senses that a temperature in the fresh food compartment 102 has risen above a specified level, the thermostat 108 instructs the refrigeration unit 100 to enter a cold air transfer cycle.
- the thermostat 108 causes the switch Sl to move from an initial position, where the contacts "a” and “b” are coupled, to a secondary position, where the contacts "a” and “c” are coupled.
- the secondary position of the switch Sl permits current to flow from the power line Ll, through the closed triac 201, through the switch Sl, and to contact "f ' of switch S3 and contact "i” of switch S4.
- the switch S3 is in a position to connect contact "f ' to contact "h” and the switch S4 is in a position to connect contact "i" to contact "k”.
- the energized damper motor 202 is adapted to drive the damper door 104 (FIG. 1) open such that cold air is transferred from the freezer compartment 110 to the fresh food compartment 102 through the opening 103.
- the thermostat 108 When the thermostat 108 senses that the temperature in the fresh food compartment 102 has appropriately dropped, the thermostat instructs the switch Sl to open. With the switch Sl open, the damper motor 202 no longer receives a current and the damper door 104 is able to close. To close, the damper door 104 is generally drawn away from the open position by a biasing member such as, for example, a spring or other resilient member.
- a biasing member such as, for example, a spring or other resilient member.
- the refrigeration unit 100 is occasionally instructed to enter a defrost cycle to melt away any frost (i.e., ice) that has accumulated on or around the coils of the evaporator 110.
- frost i.e., ice
- the ADC 203 activates the defrost heater 204 to melt the frost from the evaporator 110.
- Operation of the heater 120 produces warm and moist air (e.g., air that is at a temperature above freezing and has a relative humidity higher than normally found in conventional freezers) such that any ice or condensation adhered to the coils is removed or reduced.
- the ADC 203 In addition to activating the defrost heater 120, the ADC 203 also ensures that the compressor motor 205, the condenser motor 206, and the evaporator fan motor 207 are inactive. Since defrost cycle is producing heat, and the cooling cycle is absorbing heat, the two cycles are controlled and activated in a mutually exclusive fashion by the ADC 203. As a result, even if the switch S2 is instructed to close by thermostat 106 in an attempt to activate the cooling cycle, the ADC 203 ignores the closure of the switch. Therefore, until the completion of the defrost cycle, the components 205, 206, 207 remain deactivated regardless of the position of switch S2. In other words, the heat absorbing (or exchanging) process remains idle in favor of the defrost cycle.
- the ADC 203 instructs the triac 201 to close.
- the deactivated triac 201 restricts current from flowing to the damper motor 202. Therefore, even if switch Sl is instructed to close by thermostat 108 in an attempt to begin the cold air transfer cycle, no current can flow to the damper motor 202. As such, the position of the switch Sl becomes meaningless during the defrost cycle. Resultantly, the opening 103 remains impeded by the damper door 104 and the warm moist air that is generated in the freezer compartment 101 during the defrost cycle is not permitted to escape into the fresh food compartment 102.
- FIG. 3 another embodiment of a control circuit 300 for retaining the damper door in a closed position during a defrost cycle is shown.
- an adaptive defrost controller (ADC) 303 coordinates the operation of a compressor motor 305, a condenser motor 306, a defrost heater 304, and a triac 301.
- the compressor motor 305 is connected between terminal T6 of the ADC 303 and a ground line N and is actuated by the ADC during a cooling cycle.
- the condenser motor 306 is connected between terminal T7 of the ADC 303 and the ground line N and is actuated by the ADC during a cooling cycle.
- the evaporator fan motor 307 is connected between terminal T8 of the ADC 303 and the ground line N and is actuated by ADC 303 during a cooling cycle.
- the heater 304 is connected to terminal T5 of the ADC 303 and is actuated by the ADC during a defrost cycle.
- the triac 301 is connected between power line Ll and damper motor 302 and is actuated by the ADC 303 via a control line connected to terminal T3 of the ADC 303.
- the triac 301 is actuated by the ADC 303 during a defrost cycle to restrict current from flowing to the damper motor 302. In other words, the triac 301 prevents the damper motor 302 from being activated or operating during the defrost cycle.
- the ADC 303 is further connected to the power line Ll at terminal Tl and the ground line N at T4. [0035] When a thermostat 106 senses that a temperature in the freezer compartment 101 has risen above a specified level, the thermostat 106 instructs the refrigeration unit 300 to enter a cooling cycle. During the cooling cycle, the switch S2 closes to permit current to flow from contact d of switch S2 to contact e of switch S2 and, in turn, to terminal T2 of ADC 303. When the ADC 303 receives this current signal at terminal T2, the ADC actuates the compressor motor 305, the condenser motor 306, and the evaporator fan motor 307.
- the thermostat 106 When the thermostat 106 senses that the temperature in the freezer compartment 101 has been cooled to a specified level, the thermostat instructs the switch S2 to once again open. With the switch S2 open, a current no longer flows into the terminal T2 of the ADC 303. Based on the lack of current signal at T2, the ADC deactivates the compressor motor 305, the condenser motor 306, and the evaporator fan motor 307 and the cooling cycle is generally completed.
- a thermostat 108 When a thermostat 108 senses that a temperature in the fresh food compartment 102 has risen above a specified level, the thermostat causes the switch S5 to move to from an initial (i.e., open) position, where the contacts "m” and “n” are uncoupled, to a secondary (i.e., closed) position, where the contacts "m” and “n” are coupled, to enter a cold air transfer cycle.
- the secondary switch position completes a circuit between terminal Tl 1 and terminal T9 of the ADC 303.
- the ADC 303 opens triac 301 to permit current to flow to the damper door motor 302.
- the energized damper motor 302 resultantly drives the damper door 104 open to allow cold air from the freezer compartment 101 to flow into the fresh food compartment 102 through the opening 103.
- the thermostat 108 senses that the temperature in the fresh food compartment 102 has cooled to an acceptable level, the thermostat instructs the switch S5 to open. As such, the connection between terminal Tl 1 and terminal T9 is broken. When this connection is broken, the ADC 303 recognizes this condition and closes the triac 301. With the triac closed, the damper motor 302 is no longer energized and the damper door 104 is permitted to close. The closing of the damper door 104 causes the switch S6, which is mechanically coupled to the damper door, to close. As such, the circuit between terminal T9 and terminal TlO is reestablished and the ADC 303 is advised that the damper door has been closed.
- the refrigeration unit 300 is occasionally instructed to enter a defrost cycle to melt away any frost (i.e., ice) that has accumulated on or around the coils of the evaporator 110.
- frost i.e., ice
- the ADC 303 activates the defrost heater 304 to melt the frost from the evaporator 110.
- the heat and warm air produced by the heater 120 are permitted to flow over and around the coils of the evaporator 110 such that any ice or condensation adhered to the coils is removed or reduced. Due to the melting ice and evaporating condensation, the air in the freezer compartment 101 becomes warm and moist as the temperature inside the compartment 101 rises.
- the ADC 303 In addition to activating the defrost heater 120, the ADC 303 also ensures that the compressor motor 305, the condenser motor 306, and the evaporator fan motor 307 are inactive. Since defrost cycle is producing heat, and the cooling cycle is absorbing heat, the two cycles are controlled and activated in a mutually exclusive fashion by the ADC 303. As a result, even if the switch S2 is instructed to close by thermostat 106 in an attempt to activate the cooling cycle, the ADC 303 ignores the closure of the switch. Therefore, until the completion of the defrost cycle, the components 305, 306, 307 remain deactivated regardless of the position of switch S2. In other words, the heat absorbing (or exchanging) process remains idle in favor of the defrost cycle.
- the ADC 303 instructs the triac 301 to close.
- the closed triac 301 forms an electronic barrier to the flow of current to the damper motor 302. Therefore, even if switch S5 should be instructed to close by thermostat 108 in an attempt to initiate the cold air transfer cycle, no current can flow to the damper motor 302. As such, the position of switch S5 is irrelevant during the defrost cycle. Resultantly, the opening 103 remains impeded by the damper door 104 and the warm moist air that is generated in the freezer compartment 101 during the defrost cycle is not permitted to escape into the fresh food compartment 102.
- the flow diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates additional logic for ensuring that the damper door 104 is closed during the defrost cycle.
- the adaptive defrost control logic determines 400 if the damper door is open before entering the defrost cycle. If the damper door is open, the defrost cycle is suspended until the door is closed. If the damper door is closed, the adaptive defrost control logic cuts power 401 to the damper door motor (e.g., provides a barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply) so that the damper door cannot be opened during the defrost cycle.
- the damper door motor e.g., provides a barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply
- the defrost cycle is performed 402.
- the adaptive defrost control logic removes the barrier from between the damper door motor and a power supply such that the damper motor is once again permitted to run 403.
- the protection cycle is ended 404 and the damper door can open and closed as necessary to transfer colder air from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment during normal operation of the appliance until the next defrost cycle is begun.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Defrosting Systems (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
MX2007010796A MX2007010796A (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-03-24 | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control. |
CA002602448A CA2602448A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-03-24 | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US66668205P | 2005-03-31 | 2005-03-31 | |
US60/666,682 | 2005-03-31 | ||
US11/388,035 US20060218950A1 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-03-23 | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control |
US11/388,035 | 2006-03-23 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006104936A2 true WO2006104936A2 (en) | 2006-10-05 |
WO2006104936A3 WO2006104936A3 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
WO2006104936A8 WO2006104936A8 (en) | 2008-02-14 |
Family
ID=37053958
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2006/010930 WO2006104936A2 (en) | 2005-03-31 | 2006-03-24 | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060218950A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20070113291A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2602448A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007010796A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006104936A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101571339B (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2012-08-29 | 博西华家用电器有限公司 | Refrigerator defrosting control method and refrigerator applying same |
US9285153B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2016-03-15 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | High performance refrigerator having passive sublimation defrost of evaporator |
US9310121B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2016-04-12 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | High performance refrigerator having sacrificial evaporator |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5490395A (en) * | 1994-11-21 | 1996-02-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air baffle for a refrigerator |
US6622503B1 (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-23 | Ranco Inc. Of Delaware | Evaporator fan control system for a multi-compartment refrigerator |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5201888A (en) * | 1991-11-14 | 1993-04-13 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Temperature control system for refrigerator/freezer combinations |
US5996361A (en) * | 1998-04-27 | 1999-12-07 | General Electric Company | Refrigeration system |
-
2006
- 2006-03-23 US US11/388,035 patent/US20060218950A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-03-24 CA CA002602448A patent/CA2602448A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-03-24 WO PCT/US2006/010930 patent/WO2006104936A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-03-24 KR KR1020077023682A patent/KR20070113291A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2006-03-24 MX MX2007010796A patent/MX2007010796A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5490395A (en) * | 1994-11-21 | 1996-02-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Air baffle for a refrigerator |
US6622503B1 (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-23 | Ranco Inc. Of Delaware | Evaporator fan control system for a multi-compartment refrigerator |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101571339B (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2012-08-29 | 博西华家用电器有限公司 | Refrigerator defrosting control method and refrigerator applying same |
US9285153B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2016-03-15 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | High performance refrigerator having passive sublimation defrost of evaporator |
US9310121B2 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2016-04-12 | Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc | High performance refrigerator having sacrificial evaporator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2007010796A (en) | 2008-03-11 |
US20060218950A1 (en) | 2006-10-05 |
WO2006104936A8 (en) | 2008-02-14 |
CA2602448A1 (en) | 2006-10-05 |
KR20070113291A (en) | 2007-11-28 |
WO2006104936A3 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR900008901B1 (en) | Air conditioner for vehicle and refrigeration system for refrigerator | |
US4537041A (en) | Refrigerator having temperature-responsive control means for combined direct and fan-cooled operation | |
JP2010532462A (en) | High temperature gas defrosting method and apparatus | |
JPS6029576A (en) | Refrigerator | |
US20160129757A1 (en) | Air conditioning device for vehicle | |
US20060218950A1 (en) | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control | |
WO2000026588A1 (en) | Air curtain fan driving device and method for a refrigerator | |
CN101151496A (en) | Damper door control from adaptive defrost control | |
JP4168727B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
KR100557438B1 (en) | Refrigerator and method for controlling | |
RU2230265C2 (en) | Operation method for vapor-compression cooling machine and cooling machine for method implementation | |
US20210207870A1 (en) | Entrance refrigerator and control method thereof | |
JP3192729B2 (en) | refrigerator | |
KR101511849B1 (en) | Refrigerating machine | |
KR100817940B1 (en) | Compensation circuit for low temperature of refrigerator | |
JP2023098320A (en) | refrigerator | |
JP2540740B2 (en) | Freezing / heating device | |
JPS6029577A (en) | Refrigerator | |
KR20220060329A (en) | Refrigerator and method for controlling defrosting of the same | |
JPS6042571A (en) | Freezing refrigerator | |
CN117073283A (en) | Refrigerator with air curtain and control method | |
JP2864275B2 (en) | Refrigerator defrost control device | |
JPH05240550A (en) | Refrigerator | |
JPS6029574A (en) | Refrigerator | |
JPS6029578A (en) | Refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 200680008786.5 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: MX/a/2007/010796 Country of ref document: MX |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2602448 Country of ref document: CA |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1020077023682 Country of ref document: KR |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: RU |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 4900/CHENP/2007 Country of ref document: IN |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 06739614 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |