U.S. patent application number 14/056156 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for method for operating a refrigerator appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Stephanos Kyriacou, Vineeth Vijayan.
Application Number | 20150107280 14/056156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52824962 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150107280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vijayan; Vineeth ; et
al. |
April 23, 2015 |
METHOD FOR OPERATING A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE
Abstract
A method for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The
method includes selecting a higher humidity setting or a lower
humidity setting. A fan of the refrigerator appliance is operated
in a first manner if the higher humidity setting is selected, and
the fresh food fan is operated in a second, different manner if the
lower humidity setting is selected. The method can assist with
regulating humidity within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator
appliance.
Inventors: |
Vijayan; Vineeth;
(Louisville, KY) ; Kyriacou; Stephanos;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
52824962 |
Appl. No.: |
14/056156 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20130101;
Y02B 40/32 20130101; Y02B 40/00 20130101; F25D 2317/04131 20130101;
F25B 2600/2507 20130101; Y02B 30/743 20130101; F25B 2700/02
20130101; F25D 17/065 20130101; Y02B 30/70 20130101; F25B 5/02
20130101; F25D 17/042 20130101; F25B 2600/112 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/92 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/06 20060101
F25D017/06; F25B 49/02 20060101 F25B049/02 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a refrigerator appliance, comprising:
selecting a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting;
operating a fresh food fan of the refrigerator appliance at a first
speed if the higher humidity setting is selected at said step of
selecting; and working the fresh food fan at a second speed if the
lower humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, the
second speed being less than the first speed.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing air from the
fresh food fan across a fresh food evaporator of the refrigerator
appliance during said step of operating and during said step of
working
3. The method of claim 2, wherein: said step of operating comprises
operating the fresh food fan at the first speed if the higher
humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, the first
speed maintaining the fresh food evaporator at a first temperature
during said step of operating; and said step of working comprises
working the fresh food fan at the second speed if the lower
humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, the second
speed maintaining the fresh food evaporator at a second temperature
during said step of operating, the first temperature being greater
than the second temperature.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising condensing or
desublimating water vapor onto a fresh food evaporator of the
refrigerator appliance during said step of operating and during
said step of working.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein: said step of operating comprises
operating the fresh food fan at the first speed if the higher
humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, a first
volume of water condensing or desublimating onto the fresh food
evaporator during said step of operating; and said step of working
comprises working the fresh food fan at the second speed if the
lower humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, a
second volume of water condensing or desublimating onto the fresh
food evaporator during said step of working, the first volume of
water being greater than the second volume of water.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of selecting comprises
utilizing a control panel of the refrigeration appliance to select
the higher humidity setting or the lower humidity setting.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing refrigerant
through a fresh food evaporator of the refrigerator appliance
during said step of operating and during said step of working.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a humidity within a fresh food
chamber of the refrigerator appliance is greater after said step of
operating than after said working.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein: said step of operating comprises
operating the fresh food fan at the first speed for a first time
interval if the higher humidity setting is selected at said step of
selecting; and said step of working comprises working the fresh
food fan at the second speed for a second time interval if the
lower humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting, the
second time interval being less than the first time interval.
10. A method for operating a refrigerator appliance, comprising:
selecting a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting;
operating a fresh food fan of the refrigerator appliance for a
first time interval if the higher humidity setting is selected at
said step of selecting; and working the fresh food fan for a second
time interval if the lower humidity setting is selected at said
step of selecting, the second time interval being less than the
first time interval.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising directing air from
the fresh food fan across a fresh food evaporator of the
refrigerator appliance during said step of operating and during
said step of working.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising stopping a flow of
refrigerant through the fresh food evaporator during said step of
operating and during said step of working.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising vaporizing or
sublimating water on a fresh food evaporator of the refrigerator
appliance during said step of operating and during said step of
working.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein: said step of operating
comprises operating the fresh food fan for the first time interval
if the higher humidity setting is selected at said step of
selecting, a first volume of water vaporizing or sublimating from
the fresh food evaporator during said step of operating; and said
step of working comprises working the fresh food fan for the second
time interval if the lower humidity setting is selected at said
step of selecting, a second volume of water vaporizing or
sublimating from the fresh food evaporator during said step of
working, the first volume of water being greater than the second
volume of water.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein said step of selecting
comprises utilizing a control panel of the refrigeration appliance
to select the higher humidity setting or the lower humidity
setting.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein a humidity within a fresh food
chamber of the refrigerator appliance is greater after said step of
operating than after said working.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein: said step of operating
comprises operating the fresh food fan at a first speed during the
first time interval if the higher humidity setting is selected at
said step of selecting; and said step of working comprises working
the fresh food fan at a second speed during the second time
interval if the lower humidity setting is selected at said step of
selecting, the second speed being less than the first speed.
18. A method for operating a refrigerator appliance, comprising:
selecting a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting;
and step for adjusting a humidity within a fresh food chamber of
the refrigerator appliance to a higher humidity level if the higher
humidity setting is selected at said step of selecting or a lower
humidity level if the lower humidity setting is selected at said
step of selecting.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step for adjusting
comprises changing a speed or an on time interval of a fan of the
refrigerator appliance.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator
appliances, such refrigerator appliances with dual evaporators, and
methods for operating the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, refrigerator appliances include a cabinet that
defines a chilled chamber, such as a fresh food chamber, for
receipt of food items for storage. Certain conditions within the
chilled chamber can affect a shelf life of food items therein. In
particular, a humidity level of an atmosphere within the chilled
chamber can affect the shelf life of food items within the chilled
chamber.
[0003] Regulating humidity within the chilled chamber can extend
the shelf life of food items stored therein. However, regulating
the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber can be
difficult. For example, the atmosphere within the chilled chamber
is often relatively dry, e.g., due to condensation of water vapor
on an evaporator of the refrigerator's cooling system. Thus, water
within the food items can evaporate rapidly within the chilled
chamber. Such evaporation can spoil the food items or otherwise
render them unusable. Certain refrigerator appliances include
humidity sensors and humidifiers for regulating the humidity of the
atmosphere within the chilled chamber. However, such components are
expensive and can be difficult to operate.
[0004] Accordingly, a method operating a refrigerator appliance in
order to improve storage of food items would be useful. In
particular, a method for operating a refrigerator appliance that
permits adjusting of a humidity level within a chilled chamber of
the refrigerator appliance would be useful. Further, a method for
operating a refrigerator appliance that permits adjusting of a
humidity level within a chilled chamber of the refrigerator
appliance without requiring a humidity sensor or a humidifier would
be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present subject matter provides a method for operating a
refrigerator appliance. The method includes selecting a higher
humidity setting or a lower humidity setting. A fan of the
refrigerator appliance is operated in a first manner if the higher
humidity setting is selected, and the fresh food fan is operated in
a second, different manner if the lower humidity setting is
selected. The method can assist with regulating humidity within a
chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance. Additional aspects
and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be apparent from the description, or
may be learned through practice of the invention.
[0006] In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a
refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes selecting a
higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting, operating a
fresh food fan of the refrigerator appliance at a first speed if
the higher humidity setting is selected at the step of selecting,
and working the fresh food fan at a second speed if the lower
humidity setting is selected at the step of selecting. The second
speed is less than the first speed.
[0007] In a second exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a
refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes selecting a
higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting, operating a
fresh food fan of the refrigerator appliance for a first time
interval if the higher humidity setting is selected at the step of
selecting, and working the fresh food fan for a second time
interval if the lower humidity setting is selected at the step of
selecting. The second time interval is less than the first time
interval.
[0008] In a third exemplary embodiment a method for operating a
refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes selecting a
higher humidity setting or a lower humidity setting and a step for
adjusting a humidity within a fresh food chamber of the
refrigerator appliance to a higher humidity level if the higher
humidity setting is selected at the step of selecting or a lower
humidity level if the lower humidity setting is selected at the
step of selecting.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a front, elevation view of the exemplary
refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with refrigerator doors of the
exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in an open position in order
to reveal a fresh food chamber of the exemplary refrigerator
appliance.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a sealed system for an
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for operating a refrigerator
appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0017] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator
appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter with refrigerator doors 128 of the refrigerator
appliance 100 shown in a closed position. FIG. 2 provides a front
view of refrigerator appliance 100 with refrigerator doors 128
shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber 122 of
refrigerator appliance 100.
[0018] Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120
that extends between a top 101 and a bottom 102 along a vertical
direction V. Housing 120 defines chilled chambers for receipt of
food items for storage. In particular, housing 120 defines fresh
food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 101 of housing 120
and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 102 of
housing 120. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally
referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized,
however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other
types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top
mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator
appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in
any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber
configuration.
[0019] Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of
housing 120 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In
addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors
128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130
is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within
freezer chamber 124. As discussed above, refrigerator doors 128 and
freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1,
and refrigerator doors 128 are shown in the open position in FIG.
2.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 2, various storage components are
mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food
items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In
particular, the storage components include bins 140, drawers 142,
and shelves 144 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122.
Bins 140, drawers 142, and shelves 144 are configured for receipt
of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may
assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 142
can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or
cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items.
[0021] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a sealed system 200 for
an appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. Sealed system 200 can be used in any suitable
refrigerator appliance. For example, sealed system 200 may be used
in refrigerator appliance 100, e.g., to cool fresh food chamber 122
and/or freezer chamber 124. Components of sealed system 200 may be
positioned within a machinery compartment 150, e.g., at bottom 102
of housing 120.
[0022] Sealed system 200 contains components for executing a vapor
compression cycle for cooling air and/or liquid. The components
include a compressor 210, a condenser 220, a control valve 230, a
first expansion device 232, a second expansion device 234, a fresh
food chamber or first evaporator 240 and a freezer chamber or
second evaporator 250 connected in series and charged with a
refrigerant. First evaporator 240 may be positioned within fresh
food chamber 122 and cool air therein. Conversely, second
evaporator 250 may be positioned within freezer chamber 124 and
cool air therein. Thus, sealed system 200 is commonly referred to
as a parallel dual evaporator sealed system. However, it should be
understood that the present subject matter is not limited to use
with parallel dual evaporator sealed systems and may be implemented
in a serial dual evaporator sealed systems, a hybrid dual
evaporator sealed system or a single evaporator sealed system.
[0023] Within sealed system 200, gaseous refrigerant flows into
compressor 210, which operates to increase the pressure of the
refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its
temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant
through condenser 220. Within condenser 220, heat exchange with
ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the
refrigerant to condense to a liquid state. A condenser fan 222 is
used to pull air across condenser 220 so as to provide forced
convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the
refrigerant within condenser 220 and the ambient air. Thus, as will
be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow
across condenser 220 can, e.g., increase the efficiency of
condenser 220 by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained
therein.
[0024] Control valve 230 regulates flows of refrigerant from
condenser 220 to first and second expansion devices 232 and 234.
For example, control valve 230 can selectively terminate and
initiate flows of refrigerant from condenser 220 to first expansion
device 232 and/or second expansion device 234. Thus, first and
second expansion devices 232 and 234 (e.g., valves, capillary
tubes, or other restriction devices) receive liquid refrigerant
from condenser 220 depending upon the configuration of control
valve 230.
[0025] From first expansion device 232, liquid refrigerant enters
first evaporator 240. Upon exiting first expansion device 232 and
entering first evaporator 240, the liquid refrigerant drops in
pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change
of the refrigerant, first evaporator 240 is cool relative to fresh
food chamber 122 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air
is produced and configured to refrigerate fresh food chamber 122 of
refrigerator appliance 100. Thus, first evaporator 240 is a type of
heat exchanger which transfers heat from air passing over first
evaporator 240 to refrigerant flowing through first evaporator
240.
[0026] Similarly, liquid refrigerant enters second evaporator 250
from second expansion device 234. Upon exiting second expansion
device 234 and entering second evaporator 250, the liquid
refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure
drop and phase change of the refrigerant, second evaporator 250 is
cool relative to freezer chamber 124 of refrigerator appliance 100.
As such, cooled air is produced and configured to refrigerate
freezer 124 of refrigerator appliance 100. Thus, second evaporator
250 is a type of heat exchanger which transfers heat from air
passing over second evaporator 250 to refrigerant flowing through
second evaporator 250.
[0027] Sealed system 200 also includes a fresh food or first fan
242 and a freezer of second fan 252. First fan 242 is positioned at
or adjacent first evaporator 240, e.g., within fresh food chamber
122. When activated, first fan 242 directs or urges air over first
evaporator 240, e.g., and circulates such air within fresh food
chamber 122. Similarly, second fan 252 is positioned at or adjacent
second evaporator 250, e.g., within freezer chamber 124. When
activated, second fan 252 directs or urges air over second
evaporator 250, e.g., and circulates such air within freezer
chamber 124.
[0028] Operation of sealed system 200 is controlled by a processing
device or controller 260, e.g., that may be operatively coupled to
a control panel (not shown) for user manipulation to select
refrigeration features of sealed system 200. Controller 260 can
operates various components of sealed system 200 to execute
selected system cycles and features. For example, controller 260 is
in operative communication with compressor 210, condenser fan 222,
control valve 230, first and second expansion devices 232 and 234,
and first and second fans 242 and 252. Thus, controller 260 can
selectively activate and operate compressor 210, condenser fan 222,
control valve 230, first and second expansion devices 232 and 234,
and first and second fans 242 and 252.
[0029] Controller 260 may include a memory and microprocessor, such
as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute
programming instructions or micro-control code associated with
operation of sealed system 200. The memory may represent random
access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or
FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming
instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate
component from the processor or may be included onboard within the
processor. Alternatively, controller 260 may be constructed without
using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete
analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,
amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and
the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon
software. Compressor 210, condenser fan 222, control valve 230,
first and second expansion devices 232 and 234, and first and
second fans 242 and 252 may be in communication with controller 260
via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
[0030] Sealed system 200 depicted in FIG. 3 is provided by way of
example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject
matter for other configurations of the sealed system to be used as
well. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed
system 200 may include additional components, e.g., at least one
additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or
condenser.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for operating a refrigerator
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. Method 400 can be used to operate any suitable
refrigerator appliance. For example, method 400 may be used to
operate refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1) and/or sealed system
200 (FIG. 2). In particular, controller 260 of sealed system 200
may be programmed or configured to implement method 400, e.g., in
refrigerator appliance 100. Utilizing method 400, humidity within
fresh food chamber 122 can be adjusted or modified, e.g., without
requiring a humidity sensor or humidifier.
[0032] At step 410, a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity
setting is selected. As an example, a user of refrigerator
appliance 100 and/or sealed system 200 can utilize a control panel
of refrigeration appliance 100 to select the higher humidity
setting or the lower humidity setting at step 410. At step 415,
controller 260 determines whether the higher humidity setting or
the lower humidity setting was selected during step 410.
[0033] If the higher humidity setting was selected at step 410,
refrigerant is directed through first evaporator 240 of sealed
system 200 at step 420. As an example, controller 260 can operate
compressor 210 and control valve 230 in order to direct compressed,
liquid refrigerant to first evaporator 240 at step 420. Thus, at
step 420, first evaporator 240 is operating to provide cooled air,
e.g., within fresh food chamber 122.
[0034] At step 425, controller 260 operates first fan 242 at a
first speed. In particular, controller 260 operates first fan 242
at the first speed during step 425 when refrigerant is flowing
through first evaporator 240. With first fan 242 operating at the
first speed, air from first fan 242 is directed across first
evaporator 240 at step 430. Thus, at step 430, air from first fan
242 flows across first evaporator 240 and refrigerant is flowing
through first evaporator 240. In such conditions, water vapor,
e.g., from an atmosphere within fresh food chamber 122, condenses
or desublimates onto first evaporator 240, e.g., within fresh food
chamber 122, at step 435. In such a manner, first evaporator 240
can remove water vapor from the atmosphere within fresh food
chamber 122 and adjust the humidity within fresh food chamber 122.
In particular, a first volume of water can condense or desublimate
onto first evaporator 240 during step 435, e.g., due to air from
first fan 242 flowing across first evaporator 240 and refrigerant
flowing through first evaporator 240 to cool first evaporator
240.
[0035] If the lower humidity setting was selected at step 410,
refrigerant is directed through first evaporator 240 of sealed
system 200 at step 440. As an example, controller 260 can operate
compressor 210 and control valve 230 in order to direct compressed,
liquid refrigerant to first evaporator 240 at step 440. Thus, at
step 440, first evaporator 240 is operating to provide cooled air,
e.g., within fresh food chamber 122.
[0036] At step 445, controller 260 works or operates first fan 242
at a second speed. In particular, controller 260 operates first fan
242 at the second speed during step 445 when refrigerant is flowing
through first evaporator 240. With first fan 242 operating at the
second speed, air from first fan 242 is directed across first
evaporator 240 at step 450. Thus, at step 450, air from first fan
242 flows across first evaporator 240 and refrigerant is flowing
through first evaporator 240. In such conditions, water vapor,
e.g., from an atmosphere within fresh food chamber 122, condenses
or desublimates onto first evaporator 240, e.g., within fresh food
chamber 122, at step 455. In such a manner, first evaporator 240
can remove water vapor from the atmosphere within fresh food
chamber 122 and adjust the humidity within fresh food chamber 122.
In particular, a second volume of water can condense or desublimate
onto first evaporator 240 during step 455, e.g., due to air from
first fan 242 flowing across first evaporator 240 and refrigerant
flowing through first evaporator 240 to cool first evaporator 240.
The second volume of water condensed or desublimated onto first
evaporator 240 during step 455 can be less than the first volume of
water condensed or desublimated onto first evaporator 240 during
step 435.
[0037] The first speed and the second speed of first fan 242 can be
any suitable angular velocity. Relative to each other, the second
speed is less than the first speed. Thus, first fan 242 can direct
more air across first evaporator 240 at step 425 or 430 relative to
step 445 or 450.
[0038] Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, air
from fresh food chamber 122 flowing across first evaporator 240 can
raise a temperature of first evaporator 240, e.g., during steps 330
and/or 350. Because more air flows across first evaporator 240
during step 435 relative to step 455 due to the greater speed of
first fan 242 during step 435 relative to step 455, a temperature
of first evaporator 240 can be greater during step 435 relative to
step 455. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
temperature of first evaporator 240 can be directly proportional to
a volume of water that condenses or desublimates onto first
evaporator 240 during steps 435 and/or 455. Thus, more water can
condense or desublimate onto first evaporator 240 during step 435
relative to step 455 because the temperature of first evaporator
240 is greater during step 435 relative to step 455. In such a
manner, the humidity within fresh food chamber 122 can be modified
or regulated by adjusting a speed or angular velocity of first fan
242. In particular, the humidity within fresh food chamber 122 can
be greater after step 435 relative to step 455.
[0039] It should be understood that a duty cycle of first fan 242
can be modified, e.g., decreased, to maintain a temperature of
fresh food chamber 122. In particular, such modification can be
necessary to permit higher fan speeds in the lower humidity setting
while maintaining the temperature of fresh food chamber 122.
[0040] Method 400 can also include controller 260 operating first
fan 242 at the first speed for a first time interval during step
425. Similarly, method 400 can also include controller 260
operating first fan 242 at the second speed for a second time
interval during step 445. The second time interval can be less than
the first time interval.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for operating a refrigerator
appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. Method 500 can be used to operate any suitable
refrigerator appliance. For example, method 500 may be used to
operate refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1) and/or sealed system
200 (FIG. 2). In particular, controller 260 of sealed system 200
may be programmed or configured to implement method 500, e.g., in
refrigerator appliance 100. Utilizing method 500, humidity within
fresh food chamber 122 can be adjusted or modified, e.g., without
requiring a humidity sensor or humidifier. It should be understood
that, portions of methods 400 (FIG. 4) and method 500 may be used
simultaneously or concurrently to adjust or modify the humidity
level within fresh food chamber 122.
[0042] At step 510, a higher humidity setting or a lower humidity
setting is selected. As an example, a user of refrigerator
appliance 100 and/or sealed system 200 can utilize a control panel
of refrigeration appliance 100 to select the higher humidity
setting or the lower humidity setting at step 510. At step 515,
controller 260 determines whether the higher humidity setting or
the lower humidity setting was selected during step 510.
[0043] If the higher humidity setting is selected at step 510, a
flow of refrigerant through first evaporator 240 of sealed system
200 is stopped or terminated at step 520. As an example, controller
260 can deactivate compressor 210 and/or adjust control valve 230
in order to terminate the flow of compressed, liquid refrigerant to
first evaporator 240 at step 520 when a temperature of fresh food
chamber 122 is a set temperature of fresh food chamber 122 (e.g.,
between about thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit and about forty degrees
Fahrenheit). Thus, at step 520, first evaporator 240 may not be
operating to provide cooled air, e.g., within fresh food chamber
122.
[0044] At step 525, controller 260 operates first fan 242 for a
first time period or first time interval. In particular, controller
260 operates first fan 242 for the first time interval during step
525 when refrigerant is not flowing through first evaporator 240.
With first fan 242 operating for the first time interval, air from
first fan 242 is directed across first evaporator 240 at step 530.
Thus, at step 530, air from first fan 242 flows across first
evaporator 240 but refrigerant is not flowing through first
evaporator 240. In such conditions, water (e.g., ice or frost) on
first evaporator 240 vaporizes or sublimates from first evaporator
240, e.g., to the atmosphere within fresh food chamber 122, at step
535. In such a manner, first evaporator 240 can add water vapor to
the atmosphere within fresh food chamber 122 and adjust the
humidity within fresh food chamber 122. In particular, a first
volume of water can vaporize or sublimate from first evaporator 240
during step 535, e.g., due to air from first fan 242 flowing across
first evaporator 240 while refrigerant is not flowing through first
evaporator 240 to cool first evaporator 240.
[0045] If the lower humidity setting is selected at step 510, a
flow of refrigerant through first evaporator 240 of sealed system
200 is stopped or terminated at step 540. As an example, controller
260 can deactivate compressor 210 and/or adjust control valve 230
in order to terminate the flow of compressed, liquid refrigerant to
first evaporator 240 at step 540 when the temperature of fresh food
chamber 122 is the set temperature. Thus, at step 540, first
evaporator 240 may not be operating to provide cooled air, e.g.,
within fresh food chamber 122.
[0046] At step 545, controller 260 operates first fan 242 for a
second time period or second time interval. In particular,
controller 260 operates first fan 242 for the second time interval
during step 545 when refrigerant is not flowing through first
evaporator 240. With first fan 242 operating for the second time
interval, air from first fan 242 is directed across first
evaporator 240 at step 550. Thus, at step 550, air from first fan
242 flows across first evaporator 240 but refrigerant is not
flowing through first evaporator 240. In such conditions, water
(e.g., ice or frost) on first evaporator 240 vaporizes or
sublimates from first evaporator 240, e.g., to the atmosphere
within fresh food chamber 122, at step 535. In such a manner, first
evaporator 240 can add water vapor to the atmosphere within fresh
food chamber 122 and adjust the humidity within fresh food chamber
122. In particular, a second volume of water can vaporize or
sublimate from first evaporator 240 during step 555, e.g., due to
air from first fan 242 flowing across first evaporator 240 while
refrigerant is not flowing through first evaporator 240 to cool
first evaporator 240. The second volume of water vaporized or
sublimated from first evaporator 240 during step 555 can be less
than the first volume of water vaporized or sublimated from first
evaporator 240 during step 535.
[0047] The first time interval and the second time interval of
first fan 242 can be any suitable time interval or period. Relative
to each other, the second time interval is less than the first time
interval. Thus, first fan 242 can direct more air across first
evaporator 240 at step 525 or 530 relative to step 545 or 550.
[0048] Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, air
from fresh food chamber 122 flowing across first evaporator 240 can
raise a temperature of first evaporator 240, e.g., during steps 530
and/or 550. Because more air flows across first evaporator 240
during step 535 relative to step 555 due to the longer time
interval of first fan 242 during step 535 relative to step 555, a
temperature of first evaporator 240 can be greater during step 535
relative to step 555. As will be understood by those skilled in the
art, the temperature of first evaporator 240 can be directly
proportional to a volume of water that vaporizes or sublimates from
first evaporator 240 during steps 535 and/or 555. Thus, more water
can vaporize or sublimate from first evaporator 240 during step 535
relative to step 555 because the temperature of first evaporator
240 is greater during step 535 relative to step 555. In addition,
more water can vaporize or sublimate from first evaporator 240
during step 535 relative to step 555 because due to the longer time
interval of first fan 242 during step 535 relative to step 555. In
such a manner, the humidity within fresh food chamber 122 can be
modified or regulated by adjusting an on time or time interval of
first fan 242. In particular, the humidity within fresh food
chamber 122 can be greater after step 535 relative to step 555.
[0049] Method 500 can also include controller 260 operating first
fan 242 at a first speed for the first time interval during step
525. Similarly, method 500 can also include controller 260
operating first fan 242 at a second speed for the second time
interval during step 545. The second speed can be less than the
first speed. It should be understood that methods 400 and 500 can
also include additional humidity level settings. For example,
method 400 and/or method 500 can include three, four, five or more
humidity level settings. Each humidity level setting can have an
associated time interval and/or an associated fan speed.
[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *