초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for sequentially operating a refrigeration system with multiple evaporators is provided in which only one evaporator is operated at a time and is run until a detected demand for cooling associated with that evaporator is satisfied, or until a predetermined time period has elap

A method and apparatus for sequentially operating a refrigeration system with multiple evaporators is provided in which only one evaporator is operated at a time and is run until a detected demand for cooling associated with that evaporator is satisfied, or until a predetermined time period has elapsed which corresponds to the normal run time for that evaporator. If the run time expires prior to the demand for cooling being satisfied, and if demand for cooling by another one of the evaporators is present, then operation of the first evaporator is terminated and the other evaporator is operated. Efficiency enhancements are provided such as prematurely initiating operation of a second evaporator at the conclusion of operation of a first evaporator if it appears that a demand for cooling by the second evaporator will occur within a short period of time following termination of operation of the first evaporator.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of operating a refrigeration appliance having at least two separate compartments to be cooled and a refrigeration device with two separate evaporators, one for each of said compartments, comprising: 1) detecting whether said either of said compartments is demanding cooling; 2) upon detectio

A method of operating a refrigeration appliance having at least two separate compartments to be cooled and a refrigeration device with two separate evaporators, one for each of said compartments, comprising: 1) detecting whether said either of said compartments is demanding cooling; 2) upon detection of a cooling demand by a first compartment, operating said first compartment evaporator until the detected demand for cooling has been satisfied, then returning to step 1); 3) detecting whether said second compartment is demanding cooling during cooling of said first compartment; 4) upon demand by said second compartment for cooling prior to satisfaction of the demand by said first compartment, continuing the cooling of said first compartment until obtaining the first to occur of satisfying said demand for cooling by said first compartment or passage of a first preset time period; 5) upon obtaining said first to occur, terminating operation of said first compartment evaporator and initiating operation of said second compartment evaporator until the detected demand for cooling of said second compartment has been satisfied, then returning to step 1); 6) detecting whether said first compartment is demanding cooling during cooling of said second compartment; 7) upon demand by said first compartment, continuing the cooling of said second compartment until obtaining the first to occur of satisfying said demand for cooling by said second compartment or passage of a second preset time period; 8) upon obtaining said first to occur, terminating operation of said second compartment evaporator and initiating operation of said first compartment evaporator until the detected demand for cooling of said first compartment has been satisfied, then returning to step 1); and 9) returning to step 3).