Temperature control method and unit for cooler devices

Abstract

 A cooler device (1) adapted to operate with the method according to the present invention comprises at least one cooler compartment (10) and at least one freezer compartment (11); temperature sensors (13, 14) situated in said compartments (10, 11) to measure the temperature in said compartments (10, 11); a cooling setup containing evaporator (2), condenser (9), compressor (5) units, at least one fan (3), circulating air cooled down by the evaporator (2) within the cooler device (1), and at least one damper (4) that is opened and closed in an airflow channel (6) between the compartments (10, 11); and a control unit (12) controlling the operation of the cooler device. According to this method, temperatures measured (TF, TR) are compared to predetermined threshold values (TF1, TF2, TR1, TR2) in the control unit (12) and the operation states of the compressor (5) and fan (3) and the open/closed position of the damper (4) are determined according to the result of such comparisons.

Description

Field of Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a method developed for adjusting the compartment temperatures by controlling the operation of cooling cycle elements in cooler devices with at least two compartments.

Prior Art

[0002] As is known, typically compressor, condenser, capillary tube, and evaporator units are used in the cooling cycle of cooler devices. Different compartments of cooler devices separated according to the aim of use are maintained at different temperatures by controlling the operation states of cooling cycle elements. The temperature of compartments set up according to the aim of use is determined within given standards and accordingly, the temperature of compartments differs from each other. Additionally, the temperature of such compartments must not exceed a certain threshold value.

[0003] In a cooler device, for instance, comprising a freezer compartment and a cooler compartment, the freezer temperature must be kept below 0°C. As for the cooler compartment, it must be maintained around +4°C to +5°C. In cases when such temperature values are not attained, foods kept in the cooler compartments are spoiled, and since longer-lasting cooling cycles are required to achieve such temperature values, the cooler device's energy consumption is increased.

[0004] Therefore, it is of significance to adjust the temperature of cooler devices with freezer and cooler compartments by controlling the operation state of cooling cycle elements thereof.

[0005] According to the prior art, adjusting the temperature of compartments is achieved by controlling the operation states of the compressor, evaporator fan, and the damper at the air channel through which airflow occurs between compartments according to target temperatures. A temperature sensor situated at the freezer compartment continuously measures the temperature of freezer so that if the temperature exceeds a threshold value determined according to standards, the compressor is operated and the freezer temperature is brought to the required level. Another temperature sensor is provided at the cooler compartment and the temperature of this compartment is continuously measured as well. If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment exceeds threshold values determined according to standards, the damper situated at the air channel that provides airflow-communication between the compartments is opened, the fan is started, and cold air is guided from the freezer to the cooler compartment via this air channel. Thus, the temperature of the cooler compartment is reduced to the desired level.

[0006] In the document JP9264649 of the prior art is disclosed a different method for controlling temperature. According to the control method disclosed in that document, the fan's operation period (revolution period) is adjusted according to the open- or closed-state of the damper. Fan is operated a certain while after the damper is opened. When the damper is switched to the closed state, the fan's revolution period is kept operating a certain time at a higher period than the revolution period when the damper is in the open state and then the fan is stopped.

[0007] In the applications according to the prior art, as referred to hereinabove, the control of the temperature of compartment is conducted independently and in this sense, the operation states of cooling cycle elements are also controlled independently. This fact, however, increases power and energy consumption. Additionally, setting up the temperature of the cooler compartment irrespective of the temperature of the freezer compartment leads to spoilage in foods stored in the latter.

Brief Description of Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a temperature-control method for cooler devices with at least two compartments. Temperature facts of compartments are individually measured, compared to threshold values determined in line with standards, the operational states of cooling cycle elements of the cooler device are controlled, and the temperature of compartments is adjusted.

[0009] A cooler device adapted to operate with the method according to the present invention comprises at least one cooler compartment and at least one freezer compartment; temperature sensors situated in said compartments to measure the temperature in said compartments; a cooling setup containing an evaporator, condenser, compressor units, at least one fan, circulating air cooled down by the evaporator within the cooler device, and at least one damper that is opened and closed in an airflow channel between the compartments; and a control unit controlling the operation of the cooler device. The temperature of each compartment is measured by temperature sensors situated at the compartments and the measured values are compared with determined threshold values. Comparing the temperature of the freezer compartment provides the adjustment of the operation state of the compressor and fan, whereas comparing the temperature of the cooler compartment determines the damper position and the operational state of the fan. In order to make a comparison in the normal cooler compartment, however, the compressor must be in operation. Thus, power and energy consumption is reduced.

Object of Invention

[0010] The object of this invention is to adjust the temperature of a cooler device by controlling the operational states of cooling cycle elements thereof.

[0011] Another object of this invention is to adjust the operational states of the fan and damper according to the operational state of the compressor, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0012] A further object of this invention is to block airflow from the freezer compartment to the normal cooler compartment when the compressor is not operating, thereby preventing any temperature rise in the freezer compartment.

Description of Drawings

[0013] Flow diagrams of the temperature-control method for cooler devices according to the present invention and a cooler in which this method is implemented are illustrated in annexed figures briefly described as follows.

Figure 1 is a flow diagram of the temperature control of a normal cooler compartment according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the temperature control of a freezer compartment according to the prior art.

Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the temperature control of freezer and cooler compartments according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exemplary illustration of a cooler device according to the present invention.

[0014] The parts in said figures are individually numbered as following.

Cooler device	(1)
Evaporator	(2)
Fan	(3)
Damper	(4)
Compressor	(5)
Air channel	(6)
Condenser	(9)
Normal cooler compartment	(10)
Freezer compartment	(11)
Control unit	(12)
Temperature sensor	(13)
Temperature sensor	(14)
Temperature of cooler compartment	(TR)
Temperature of freezer compartment	(TF)
Threshold temperatures	(TRL1, TRL2, TFL1, TFL2)

Disclosure of Invention

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram of the temperature control of a normal cooler compartment according to the prior art. Temperature values (TR) measured by the temperature sensor is compared to a threshold value (TRL1) determined based on standards, which is required for operating the fan and damper. When the measured temperature value (TR) of the normal cooler compartment is above the threshold value (TRL1) (i.e. TR>TRL1), the damper is opened and the fan is operated. Thus, cold air present in the freezer compartment is spread from the freezer compartment to the normal cooler compartment via an air channel so that the temperature of the normal cooler compartment is reduced. When the damper is open, the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is compared to a threshold value (TRL2) determined based on standards for closing the damper. If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is below this threshold value (TRL2) (i.e. TR<TRL2), the damper is closed.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of the temperature control of a freezer compartment according to the prior art. Temperature values (TF) measured by the temperature sensor situated in the freezer compartment is compared to a threshold value (TFL1) determined based on standards, which is required for operating the compressor and fan. If the temperature of the freezer compartment (TF) is above the threshold value (TFL1), the compressor and the fan are operated. When the compressor is operating, the temperature of the freezer compartment (TF) is compared to a threshold value (TFL2) determined based on standards for stopping the compressor. When the temperature of the freezer compartment (TF) drops below this threshold value (TFL2) (i.e. TF<TFL2), the compressor is stopped.

[0017] In brief, in cooler devices having at least two compartments, i.e. a freezer compartment and a normal cooler compartment, according to the prior art, there are provided temperature sensors for each compartment and the temperature of each compartment is controlled individually. And when the threshold values of each compartment are exceeded, the mechanism is operated to adjust the temperature of the respective compartment.

[0018] Known methods of the prior art for the mechanisms adjusting the temperature of different compartments lead to high power and energy consumption. It is aimed to reduce the power and energy consumption with the method developed according to the present invention.

[0019] An exemplary illustration of a cooler device (1) according to the present invention is given in Figure 4. This cooler device (1) comprises at least one freezer compartment (11), at least one cooler compartment (10), temperature sensors (13, 14) situated and measuring the temperature in said compartments (10, 11), and a cooler mechanism for the cooling cycle. This cooler mechanism is known in the prior art and comprises evaporator (2), condenser (9) and compressor (5) units. The cooler mechanism further comprises at least one fan (3) circulating air cooled by the evaporator (2) within the cooler device; an air channel (6) for airflow between the compartments (10, 11); and at least one damper (4), serving as a lid that opens and closes and provides airflow-communication between the compartments (10, 11) in said air channel (6) (this damper is operated by a motor not illustrated in the figure). Open and closed states of the damper (4) controlling the airflow-communication of the air channel (6) between the freezer compartment (11) and the normal cooler compartment (10) is controlled in parallel to the operational state of the compressor (5) by at least one electronic control unit (12). The prerequisite for opening the damper (4) is the operation of compressor (5).

[0020] The temperature of compartments (10, 11) in the cooler device (1) is continuously measured by temperature sensors (13, 14) separately provided in each compartment (10, 11). Threshold values are determined for each compartment (10, 11) in line with standards. Measured temperature values are compared to threshold values determined for each compartment in said control unit and the operation of elements within the cooling cycle are controlled.

[0021] The method developed with the present invention is described in the flow diagram illustrated in Figure 3. Freezer compartment temperature (TF) measured by the sensor (14) in the freezer compartment (11) is compared with a predetermined threshold value (TFL1). When the temperature of the freezer compartment (TF) is above such determined threshold value (TFL1) (TF>TFL1), the control unit (12) starts the compressor (5) to lower down the temperature of the freezer compartment (11). Thus, the fan (3) is also operated to circulate air cooled down with the compressor (5) operating within the cooler device (1). When the compressor (5) is operating, the measured temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (1) is compared to a threshold value (TFL2) determined based on standards for stopping the compressor (5). When the temperature of the freezer compartment (TF) drops below this threshold value (TFL2) (i.e. TF<TFL2), the control unit (12) stops the compressor (5).

[0022] While the temperature comparison of the freezer compartment (11) is made, the temperature (TR) of the normal cooler compartment (10) is also compared to a threshold value (TRL1) predetermined for this compartment (10) in the control unit (12). If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is below a determined threshold value (TRL1) required for opening the damper (4) (i.e. TR<TRL1) while the compressor (5) is working (i.e. TF>TFL1), the damper of the air channel that provides airflow-communication between the freezer compartment (11) and the normal cooler compartment (10) is not opened. Thus, air cooled down with the operating compressor (5) is only effective in the freezer compartment (11) and energy consumption is reduced.

[0023] If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is above a determined threshold value (TRL1) required for opening the damper (4) (i.e. TR>TRL1) while the compressor (5) is working (i.e. TF>TFL1), the control unit (12) opens the damper (4) and the airflow-communication of the air channel (6) is opened between the freezer compartment (11) and the normal cooler compartment (10). Thus, cooled air present in the air channel (6) at the side of the freezer compartment (11) is forced by the fan (3) to flow to the channel's (6) normal cooler compartment (10) side, so that the temperature in the normal cooler compartment (TR) is reduced. When the damper (4) is in open position, the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is compared with a predetermined threshold value (TRL2) for closing the damper (4). If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) is above the threshold value (TRL2) required for closing the damper (4) (i.e. TR>TRL2), the damper (4) is left open. If the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (TR) drops below the threshold value (TRL2) required for closing the damper (4) (i.e. TR<TRL2), the control unit (12) closes the damper (4) and the airflow-communication of the air channel (6) is blocked between two compartments (10, 11).

[0024] If the freezer compartment temperature (TF) measured by the sensor (14) in the freezer compartment (11) is below a determined threshold value (TFL1) (i.e. TF<TFL1), the compressor (5) and the fan (3) are not operated, and if they are already operative, they are stopped. While the compressor (5) is not running, the control unit (12) does not open the damper (4), or if it is in its open position, it brings it to its closed position. Thus, any temperature drop in the freezer compartment (11) is prevented and the amount of consumed energy is reduced.

[0025] By contrast with the prior art, open and closed states of the damper (4) and the operative state of the fan (3) now depend on the compressor (5) with the method developed according to the present invention. If the compressor (5) is operating, the fan (3) is operated as well and the damper (4) is opened or closed, depending on the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (10). If the compressor (5) is not operating, the fan (3) is not operated and the damper (4) is closed, irrespective of the temperature of the normal cooler compartment (10). Thus, cold airflow from the freezer compartment (11) to the normal cooler compartment (10) is controlled and energy consumption is reduced. Since, at the same time, the positions of the fan (3) and damper (4) are controlled in connection with the compressor (5), power saving is made.

[0026] All steps of the algorithm of the method according to the present invention described above are implemented by said electronic control unit (12) provided in the cooler device (1). The temperature sensors (13, 14) situated in the compartments (10, 11) of the cooler device (1) transfer the measured temperature data to the control unit (12), and the control unit (12) performs the required comparisons. As a result of the comparisons made, the operation state of the cooler device (1) is determined and the operation states of cooling cycle elements are adjusted according to the method described above.

Claims

1. A method for operating a cooler device (1) comprising at least one freezer compartment (11); at least one cooler compartment (10); temperature sensors (13, 14) situated in said compartments (10, 11) and measuring the temperature in said compartments (10, 11); at least one cooling mechanism containing evaporator (2), condenser (9), compressor (5) units, at least one fan (3), circulating air cooled down by the evaporator (2) within the cooler device (1), and at least one damper (4) that is opened and closed in an airflow channel (6) between the compartments (10, 11); and a control unit (12) controlling the operation of said device (1); characterized by comprising the steps, in which

- the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) measured by the sensor (14) is compared to a predetermined threshold value (TFL1), and the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) measured by the other sensor (13) is compared to another predetermined threshold value (TRL1),

- if the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (14) is above said threshold value (TFL1), the compressor (5) and the fan (3) are operated,

- if the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) is above the other threshold value (TRL1) while the compressor (5) is operating, the damper (4) is opened and cold air is supplied from the air channel (6) to the cooler compartment (10),

- the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) is compared to a predetermined threshold value (TRL2) while the damper (4) is in open position, and if the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) is below said threshold value (TRL2), the damper is closed,

- the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) is compared to another predetermined threshold value (TFL2) while the compressor (5) is operating, and if the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) is below said threshold value (TFL2), the compressor (5) is stopped,

- the damper (4) is closed and the fan (3) is stopped while the compressor (5) is not operating.

2. A cooler device (1) comprising at least one freezer compartment (11); at least one cooler compartment (10); temperature sensors (13, 14) situated in said compartments (10, 11) and measuring the temperature in said compartments (10, 11); a cooling mechanism containing evaporator (2), condenser (9), compressor (5) units, at least one fan (3), circulating air cooled down by the evaporator (2) within the cooler device (1), and at least one damper (4) that is opened and closed in an airflow channel (6) between the compartments (10, 11); characterized by comprising a control unit (12), which

- closes the damper (4) and stops the fan (3) while the compressor (5) is not operating and

- opens or closes the damper (4) and operates or stops the fan (3) according to the measured temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) while the compressor (5) is operating.

3. The cooler device (C) according to Claim 2, characterized by comprising a control unit (12), which compares the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) to a predetermined threshold value (TFL1), and then operates the compressor (5) and fan (3) if the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (14) is above said threshold value (TFL1).

4. The cooler device (C) according to Claim 3, characterized by comprising a control unit (12), which compares the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) to a predetermined threshold value (TRL1), and then opens the damper (4) if this temperature (TR) is above said threshold value (TRL1).

5. The cooler device (C) according to Claim 4, characterized by comprising a control unit (12), which compares the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) to another predetermined threshold value (TRL2) while the damper (4) is in open position, and then closes the damper if the temperature (TR) of the cooler compartment (10) is below said threshold value (TRL2).

6. The cooler device (C) according to Claim 3, characterized by comprising a control unit (12), which compares the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) to another predetermined threshold value (TFL2), and then stops the compressor (5) if the temperature (TF) of the freezer compartment (11) is below said threshold value (TFL2).

Drawing