WO2015086058A1 - Appareil réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande - Google Patents

Appareil réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015086058A1
WO2015086058A1 PCT/EP2013/076208 EP2013076208W WO2015086058A1 WO 2015086058 A1 WO2015086058 A1 WO 2015086058A1 EP 2013076208 W EP2013076208 W EP 2013076208W WO 2015086058 A1 WO2015086058 A1 WO 2015086058A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
compressor
valve
period
refrigerator apparatus
state
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/076208
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Furberg
Andreas Aschan
Original Assignee
Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag filed Critical Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
Priority to PCT/EP2013/076208 priority Critical patent/WO2015086058A1/fr
Publication of WO2015086058A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015086058A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • 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
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/26—Problems to be solved characterised by the startup of the refrigeration cycle
    • 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
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2519—On-off valves
    • 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
    • F25D2600/02—Timing

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator apparatus and a method for control thereof.
  • the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator apparatus having a valve that can be closed on the path between a condenser and an evaporator of the refrigerator apparatus.
  • a refrigeration system may use an open/close valve located on the path from the condenser to the evaporator to prevent refrigerant migration from the condenser to the evaporator of the refrigeration system during a compressor OFF period.
  • the valve is set to a closed state during the compressor OFF period and set to an open state during the compressor ON period.
  • FIG. 1 A refrigeration/freezer system as described above is depicted in Fig. 1.
  • the use of a valve that is in a closed state during a compressor OFF period results in that the compressor will have to start against a pressure difference between the condenser and evaporator.
  • the compressor will require an increased start torque, which may be obtained using a start capacitor or a variable speed compressor.
  • the valve can be opened a predetermined period before the start of the compressor. This will reduce the pressure difference and may thereby reduce the required start torque.
  • Such a refrigeration system is described in the patent US 8,161,763. There is a constant desire to improve the performance in a refrigerant system and to provide more efficient refrigeration system. Hence, there is a need for an improved refrigerator apparatus.
  • refrigerator apparatus In order to provide a refrigerator apparatus that is able to always start without having to over-dimension the start torque components and at the same time eliminate or at least reduce the energy loss resulting from refrigerant migration when opening the valve a predetermined time before the compressor is started, the valve is controlled in response to a start fail signal.
  • the refrigerator apparatus comprises a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator.
  • the refrigerator apparatus further comprises a valve interconnected in the flow from the condenser to the evaporator.
  • the valve is operatively controlled to a first, open, state when the compressor is ON and to a second, closed, state when the compressor is OFF by a controller.
  • the refrigerator controller is configured to set the valve in the first open state when the compressor if OFF in response to a detector signal from a detector indicating that the compressor is not starting.
  • the valve can be closed when the compressor is OFF and only open when the compressor is ON, thereby preventing any refrigerant migration causing energy losses.
  • the dimensioning of the starting torque only needs to take into account normal operation conditions and the components used to generate the start torque do not need to be over- dimensioned. Start of the compressor in difficult starting conditions is ensured in that, should the compressor fail to start, the valve is opened thereby reducing the need for a high start torque.
  • the compressor is configured to wait a time period before attempting a new start after that the valve is set in said first open state.
  • the pressure difference over the compressor is reduced significantly before a new start is attempted.
  • the controller is configured to leave the valve in an open state for a period after setting the valve in said first open state in response to a detector signal from a detector indicating that the compressor is not starting. After the period has ended the controller sets the valve in a closed state when the compressor is OFF.
  • future start failures can be reduced in that the pressure over the compressor will be reduced in the next upcoming start attempts.
  • the invention also extends to a method for controlling a refrigerator apparatus in accordance with the above and to a refrigerator/freezer comprising a refrigerator apparatus in accordance with the above.
  • - Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional refrigerator system
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a refrigerator apparatus
  • Figs. 3a and 3b are a flow chart illustrating some steps performed when controlling a valve in the system of Fig. 2 during start of the compressor, and
  • a refrigerator apparatus 10 is illustrated.
  • the refrigerator apparatus 10 comprises a compressor 12, a condenser 14 and an evaporator 16.
  • the refrigerator apparatus 10 also comprises a valve 18, a detector 20 and a controller 22.
  • the refrigerator apparatus may typically also comprise a filter 24 and a capillary tube 26 and may also comprise other components not shown in Fig. 2.
  • the compressor 12 drives a refrigerant in a cycle whereby the condenser 14 becomes hot and the evaporator 16 becomes cold.
  • the compressor 12 can be provided with means for generating a start torque such as a start capacitor.
  • the start torque can typically be dimensioned to make the compressor start at some pre-defined normal starting conditions.
  • Such pre-defined normal starting conditions can, without limitation, be set to include one or many of a maximum outdoor temperature such as 35°C, the refrigerator door being closed or not open for more than a pre-defined time.
  • valve 18 can be provided in the path from the condenser 14 to the evaporator 16.
  • the valve 18 operates to be closed when the compressor is in an OFF state thereby preventing the refrigerant from migrating from the condenser to the evaporator.
  • the valve is open thereby enabling the refrigerant to circulate in the refrigerator apparatus 10.
  • the opening and closing of the valve 18 can be controlled by the controller 22.
  • a closed valve 18 will however increase the torque required to start the compressor because the compressor will have to start against a pressure difference.
  • the start torque can be dimensioned to meet such requirements. However, if the start torque is to be dimensioned for a worst case scenario, the start torque will have to be high and the components needed to generate such start torque will be expensive. If however, the start torque only would need to be dimensioned for normal starting conditions, the start torque components could be made less expensive.
  • a detector 20 is provided.
  • the detector 20 is adapted to detect different conditions related to the compressor.
  • the detector is adapted to detect a start failure of the compressor.
  • the detector is adapted to detect the run time of the compressor.
  • the detector is adapted to detect a multitude of conditions related to the compressor such as both start failures and run-time and possibly other conditions as well.
  • the detector 20 provides a signal to the controller 22.
  • the controller is adapted to open and/or close the valve 18 in response to the signal provided by the detector.
  • Figs. 3a and 3b some different control procedures for controlling the valve 18 to an open or closed state when starting the compressor are depicted.
  • the period can typically be in the order of minutes such as 2 - 5 minutes, but may be less than that. It is to be noted that a very short period, in the order of a few seconds, will probably not be enough since there will be too little time for the pressure difference that the compressor will have to start against to be significantly reduced.
  • FIGs. 3a and 3b flowcharts illustrating some procedural steps that can be performed by the controller 22 in order to provide an efficient refrigerator apparatus are shown. It is to be noted that the procedures in Figs. 3a and 3b only describes how the valve is set before and during start of the compressor. When the compressor is starting/running the valve is always in an open state to allow the refrigerant to circulate in the system.
  • the procedure illustrated in Fig. 3a is in an initial state with the valve closed before the compressor is set ON.
  • a detector signal indicating if the compressor has started or not is received from the detector.
  • a step 303 it is checked if the compressor has failed to start based on the received signal in step 301. If it is decided that the compressor has failed to start, the valve 18 is opened in a step 307 and the compressor is allowed to start with the valve opened a period before the compressor is turned ON.
  • the valve 18 is already in an open state as a result of the starting procedure of the compressor, the valve 18 is left in an open state in step 307.
  • step 305 If the signal indicated a start of the compressor, there is no need to take any action as indicated in step 305. Regardless the procedure returns to step 300 with the valve closed when the compressor is set OFF before the next start attempt of the compressor.
  • Fig. 3b an alternative procedure for controlling the valve by the controller is shown.
  • the procedure illustrated in Fig. 3b is in an initial state with the valve closed before start of the compressor.
  • a detector signal indicating if the compressor started or not is received from the detector.
  • a step 303 it is checked if the compressor has failed to start based on the received signal in step 301. If it is decided that the compressor has failed to start, the valve 18 is opened in a step 307 else if the signal indicated a start of the compressor, no action is required as indicated in step 305.
  • the valve 18 is already in an open state as a result of the starting procedure of the compressor, the valve 18 is left in an open state in step 307.
  • the valve is kept open for a period in a step 309.
  • the period can for example be a number of compressor starts or it can be a time period.
  • the compressor is again started with the valve closed before the start of the compressor.
  • the compressor is again started with the valve closed before the start of the compressor and the procedure returns to step 311.
  • step 311 If it decided that the compressor has started with the valve closed in step 311 no further action is required as indicated in step 313 and the procedure can return to step 300.
  • one start failure can trigger a period during which the valve is left open. This will result in that there is less pressure difference over the compressor during start than if the valve is only opened when the compressor is started.
  • This behavior is based on the insight that if the compressor fails to start the conditions are probably such that the start torque is not enough to start the compressor with the valve in a closed state before start of the compressor. Moreover it is likely that the conditions will not change in the near future corresponding to the period. Hence, by leaving the valve open during that period new start failures are avoided, thereby increasing the efficiency of the refrigerator system.
  • the exact setting of the period will vary depending on implementation and can take a multitude of different parameters into account. Some implementation considerations are set out below. Further, the controller 22 can be implemented using suitable hardware and or software.
  • the hardware can comprise one or many processors 401 that can be arranged to execute software stored in a readable storage media 402.
  • the processor(s) can be implemented by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared or distributed.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • ROM read only memory
  • RAM random access memory
  • the processor 22 is adapted to send and receive signals from other entities such as the detector 20 and the valve 18 using an interface 403.
  • controller 22 is configured to set the valve 18 in an open state in response to a detector signal from the detector 20 indicating that the compressor is not starting.
  • the controller is configured to set the valve 18 in an open state in response to a detector signal from the detector 20 indicating that the compressor is not starting and to keep the valve open for a period X.
  • the period X can in some embodiments be a number of compressor starts.
  • the period can in some embodiments be a time period.
  • the period can further be increased if the compressor fails to start in consecutive start attempts with the valve closed before start of the compressor. For example, the first time the compressor fails to start the valve is opened for a period. When the period has ended the valve is closed during a compressor OFF state. If the compressor again fails to start with the valve closed before start of the compressor, the period during which the valve is left opened is increased. For example the period can be doubled to a period 2X.
  • the increased period can in particular be used if the failed start attempt is the new first start attempt with the valve being in a closed state before start of the compressor.
  • the controller keeps track of the failed start attempts of the compressor and sets the period in response to how frequent the failed starts are.
  • the period is set in response to other parameters.
  • Such other parameters can be one or more of: compressor run time, condenser pressure, condenser temperature, evaporator pressure, evaporator temperature, ambient temperature, line voltage, refrigerator open door time.
  • the period can be set in response to the compressor run time.
  • the period is increased if the compressor run time is above a preset value Y.
  • the period is increased if the condenser pressure is above a preset value PI or condenser temperature is above a preset value Tl .
  • the period is increased if the evaporator pressure P2 is below a preset value P2 or if the evaporator temperature is below a preset value T2.
  • the period is increased if the ambient temperature is above a preset value T3.
  • the period is increased if the line voltage, i.e. the supply voltage to the refrigerator, is below a preset value U.
  • the period is increased if the time the refrigerator door is open (refrigerator open door time) exceeds a preset time t.
  • How much the period is increased can be set to differ. For example, some parameters can trigger a longer period than others. For example, if the refrigerator door is open or the period can be extended until the door is closed. Also, the combination of parameters can trigger longer periods. Thus, if multiple preset values met, the period can be set longer.
  • Using the methods and apparatuses as set out herein provides a more efficient refrigerator system that can be used in a freezer/refrigerator.
  • the apparatus is able to mitigate the need for a sufficiently high start torque with the demand that the component costs should be low and that the overall energy losses should be small.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne, entre autres choses, un appareil réfrigérateur comprenant un compresseur, un condenseur et un évaporateur, l'appareil réfrigérateur comprenant en outre une valve interconnectée dans l'écoulement allant du condenseur à l'évaporateur. La valve est commandée de façon opérationnelle dans un premier état ouvert et dans un second état fermé, par un dispositif de commande. Le dispositif de commande est conçu pour régler la valve dans ledit premier état ouvert en réponse à un signal de détecteur provenant d'un détecteur indiquant que le compresseur ne démarre pas.
PCT/EP2013/076208 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 Appareil réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande WO2015086058A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/076208 WO2015086058A1 (fr) 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 Appareil réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/076208 WO2015086058A1 (fr) 2013-12-11 2013-12-11 Appareil réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande

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WO2015086058A1 true WO2015086058A1 (fr) 2015-06-18

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017028888A1 (fr) * 2015-08-17 2017-02-23 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolaget Procédé de commande pour un dispositif de refroidissement
CN109539686A (zh) * 2018-11-20 2019-03-29 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 冰箱控制装置及冰箱

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3709628A1 (de) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-15 Necchi Spa Kuehlsystem mit einem kolbenkompressor
WO1998002697A1 (fr) * 1996-07-16 1998-01-22 Zanussi Elettromeccanica S.P.A. Ameliorations concernant les circuits de refrigeration d'appareils menagers de refrigeration par compression de vapeur et d'appareils similaires
JP2002364937A (ja) * 2001-06-11 2002-12-18 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 冷蔵庫
JP2003028553A (ja) * 2001-05-11 2003-01-29 Toshiba Corp 冷蔵庫
US20090038323A1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2009-02-12 Bsh Bosch Nd Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Method for Operating a Refrigerator, and a Refrigerator in Which the Compressor Is Switched On With a Time Delay
US20090193820A1 (en) * 2006-08-29 2009-08-06 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Refrigeration machine and operating method for it
US8161763B2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2012-04-24 Lg Electronics Inc. Method for controlling a compressor and a control valve of a refrigerator
WO2013050055A1 (fr) * 2011-10-03 2013-04-11 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Réfrigérateur et procédé de fonctionnement d'un système de réfrigération
EP2631568A2 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-28 Whirlpool Corporation Dispositif de réfrigération et procédés pour réduire les pertes de migration de charge

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3709628A1 (de) * 1986-04-09 1987-10-15 Necchi Spa Kuehlsystem mit einem kolbenkompressor
WO1998002697A1 (fr) * 1996-07-16 1998-01-22 Zanussi Elettromeccanica S.P.A. Ameliorations concernant les circuits de refrigeration d'appareils menagers de refrigeration par compression de vapeur et d'appareils similaires
JP2003028553A (ja) * 2001-05-11 2003-01-29 Toshiba Corp 冷蔵庫
JP2002364937A (ja) * 2001-06-11 2002-12-18 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 冷蔵庫
US20090038323A1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2009-02-12 Bsh Bosch Nd Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Method for Operating a Refrigerator, and a Refrigerator in Which the Compressor Is Switched On With a Time Delay
US20090193820A1 (en) * 2006-08-29 2009-08-06 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh Refrigeration machine and operating method for it
US8161763B2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2012-04-24 Lg Electronics Inc. Method for controlling a compressor and a control valve of a refrigerator
WO2013050055A1 (fr) * 2011-10-03 2013-04-11 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Réfrigérateur et procédé de fonctionnement d'un système de réfrigération
EP2631568A2 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-28 Whirlpool Corporation Dispositif de réfrigération et procédés pour réduire les pertes de migration de charge

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017028888A1 (fr) * 2015-08-17 2017-02-23 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolaget Procédé de commande pour un dispositif de refroidissement
US10982886B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2021-04-20 Electrolux Appliances AB Control method for a cooling device
CN109539686A (zh) * 2018-11-20 2019-03-29 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 冰箱控制装置及冰箱

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