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U.S. Department of Energy
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Synchronous compartment temperature control and apparatus for refrigeration with reduced energy consumption

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1215828

A refrigerator appliance configuration, and associated methods of operation, for an appliance with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The controller, by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system, depending on the appliance configuration, controls the cooling rate in one or both compartments to synchronize, alternating cycles of cooling the compartments to their set point temperatures.

Research Organization:
Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EE0003910
Assignee:
Whirlpool Corporation (Benton Harbor, MI)
Patent Number(s):
9,140,477
Application Number:
13/476,385
OSTI ID:
1215828
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English