Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure generally relates to refrigerators. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a convertible refrigerator having dual fans and a method of operation thereof.
BACKGROUND
[2] A refrigerator is an appliance that can keep food at lower temperatures in internal spaces that are opened/closed by doors. Refrigerators may be configured to keep food in an optimal status by cooling an inside of storage space, using cold air produced by heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.
[3] Refrigerators may be configured to maintain an internal temperature at predetermined levels to keep stored food in the optimal status for the characteristics of use. The inside of refrigerators should be able to be sealed and cooled through supply of cold air, using the refrigeration cycle in order to maintain set temperatures.
[4] A top mount refrigerator includes a freezer compartment at the top and a fridge compartment at the bottom. According to the type of air circulation, domestic refrigerators are classified in two categories namely: “direct cool type” refrigerators, where the internal storage compartment is cooled by natural convection, i.e., where the air is circulated naturally from the cooling medium to the food storage compartments; and “forced air circulation type” refrigerators, where the internal food storage compartments are cooled by forced convection, i.e., where the air is circulated from the cooling medium forcibly to the storage compartments by use of fans. The requirement of cold storage changes based on the quantity of food articles to be stored for a customer in different scenarios. One requirement is to provide increased fresh food storage when there is sudden need to store large amount of fresh food articles. The other requirement is reduced fresh food storage when there is need to store less fresh food articles than the provided storage. Another requirement is to use refrigerator to store frozen food articles only. Existing convertible type of refrigerators control the temperature of storage compartments by use of multiple evaporator systems and/or air damper system along an air-circulating conduit with dedicated control devices. Both options are costly considering additional material required for components and control devices. Moreover, use of air damper system also results in pressure head losses at the fan blower resulting in in-efficient operation and higher overall energy consumption of refrigerators.
[5] Th conventional refrigerator is not capable of performing a fast conversion/switching from a “convertible mode” (also referred to as “fridge mode”) to a normal mode (also referred to as “auto cool mode”) and vice versa. Further, a plenum assembly used for mounting fans in the freezer compartment, includes a plurality of mounting members. Hence, plenum assembly is thicker resulting in higher manufacturing cost.
[6] There is a need for an enhanced dual fan refrigerator which overcomes at least the drawbacks discussed herein.
SUMMARY
[7] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[8] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment provided with a freezer fan and a fridge fan. The refrigerator further includes a fridge compartment. Furthermore, the refrigerator includes a freezer sensor disposed proximate to the freezer compartment and configured to detect a temperature of air of the freezer compartment. Additionally, the refrigerator includes a fridge sensor disposed proximate to the fridge compartment and configured to detect a temperature of air of the fridge compartment. Further, the refrigerator includes an ambient sensor disposed at a first predetermined location and configured to detect an ambient temperature of air. Also, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration cycle system having a compressor. Further, the refrigerator includes a control unit disposed at a second predetermined location and communicatively coupled to the freezer sensor, the fridge sensor, the ambient sensor, the freezer fan, the fridge fan, and the compressor. The control unit is configured to receive a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor, the fridge sensor, and the ambient sensor respectively and controls actuation of the freezer fan, the fridge fan, and the compressor based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator at a selected cooling mode from predetermined 12 cooling modes.
[9] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a freezer sensor, a temperature of air of a freezer compartment. The method further includes detecting, by a fridge sensor, a temperature of air of a fridge compartment. Furthermore, the method includes detecting, by an ambient sensor, an ambient temperature of air. The method also includes receiving, by a control unit, a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor, the fridge sensor, and the ambient sensor respectively. The method further includes controlling, by the control unit, actuation of a freezer fan and a fridge fan of the freezer compartment, and a compressor of a refrigeration cycle system, based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator at a selected cooling mode from predetermined 12 cooling modes.
[10] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[11] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[12] Figure 1 is a refrigerator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[13] Figure 2 is a partial perspective side view of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiment of figure 1 of the present disclosure;
[14] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the mounting structure is used to mount a plurality of fans such as the freezer fan and the fridge fan within the freezer compartment in accordance with the embodiment of figure 2;
[15] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the freezer fan and the fridge fan mounted on the intermediate plenum member in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3;
[16] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the freezer fan and the fridge fan mounted on the intermediate plenum member in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3;
[17] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the freezer fan and the fridge fan mounted on the intermediate plenum member in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3;
[18] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the freezer fan and the fridge fan mounted on the intermediate plenum member in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3;
[19] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a cooling system of the refrigerator in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of figures 1-3 of the present disclosure;
[20] Figure 9 is a table indicative of the predetermined 12 cooling modes of the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure;
[21] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating the refrigerator in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure; and
[22] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for switching, by the control unit, from the fridge mode to the auto cool mode, in predetermined duration in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure.
[23] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of refrigerator, one or more components of the refrigerator may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[24] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[25] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[26] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[27] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[28] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[29] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[30] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[31] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[32] Figure 1 is a refrigerator (10) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigerator (10) includes a cabinet (12) having a freezer compartment (14) and a fridge compartment (16). In the illustrated embodiment, the freezer compartment (14) is located at top and the fridge compartment (16) is located at bottom within the cabinet (12). The refrigerator (10) includes a refrigeration cycle system having a compressor, a condenser, a metering device, and an evaporator (18). The compressor, the condenser, and the metering device are not shown in figure 1. The evaporator (18) is disposed proximate to a rear side within the freezer compartment (14). A control unit (20) is disposed externally at a rear side of the cabinet (12). The locations of the evaporator (18) and the control unit (20) may vary depending on the application. The refrigerator (10) further includes a mounting structure (22) disposed within and proximate to the rear side of the freezer compartment (14). The mounting structure (22) is used to mount a plurality of fans (not shown in figure 1) within the freezer compartment (14).
[33] Figure 2 is a partial perspective side view of the refrigerator (10) in accordance with the embodiment of figure 1 of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, the refrigerator (10) includes the cabinet (12) having the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16). The control unit (20) is disposed externally at the rear side (23) of the cabinet (12). The refrigerator (10) further includes the mounting structure (22) disposed within and proximate to the rear side (25) of the freezer compartment (14). The mounting structure (22) is used to mount a plurality of fans such as the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) within the freezer compartment (14).
[34] Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the mounting structure (22) is used to mount a plurality of fans such as the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) within the freezer compartment (14) in accordance with the embodiment of figure 2. The mounting structure (22) includes a front plenum member (28), a rear plenum member (30), and an intermediate plenum member (32). The intermediate plenum member (32) is disposed between the front plenum member (28) and the rear plenum member (30). Further, the rear plenum member (30) includes a first pair of openings (34, 36). Furthermore, the intermediate plenum member (32) includes a second pair of openings (38, 40) aligned with the first pair of openings (34, 36). The front plenum member (28), the intermediate plenum member (32), and the rear plenum member (30) are coupled to each other. Specifically, the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) are mounted on the second pair of openings (38, 40) of the intermediate plenum member (32) via the first pair of openings (34, 36) of the rear plenum member (30) as shown in both in both figures 2 and 3.
[35] It should be noted herein that the intermediate plenum member (32) is a single plenum member having a first flow channel (42) and a second flow channel (44). The freezer fan (24) is configured to direct cold air from the evaporator (18) to the freezer compartment (14) via the first flow channel (42). Further, the fridge fan (26) is configured to direct cold air from the evaporator (18) to the fridge compartment (16) via the second flow channel (44).
[36] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) mounted on the intermediate plenum member (32) in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3. The freezer fan (24) is configured to direct cold air from the evaporator (18) to the freezer compartment (14) via the first flow channel (42). Further, the fridge fan (26) is configured to direct cold air from the evaporator (18) to the fridge compartment (16) via the second flow channel (44). In the illustrated embodiment, both freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) are switched “ON” to direct cold air to the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) respectively to operate the refrigerator (10) in an auto cool mode (i.e. normal mode). It should be noted herein that the refrigerator (10) is a convertible refrigerator capable of operating in different cooling modes depending on user requirements.
[37] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) mounted on the intermediate plenum member (32) in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the freezer fan (24) is switched “OFF” and the fridge fan (26) is switched “ON” to direct cold air to the fridge compartment (16) to direct cold air to the fridge compartment (16). In such an embodiment, the freezer compartment (14) also functions as a fridge compartment.
[38] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) mounted on the intermediate plenum member (32) in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the freezer fan (24) is switched “ON” and the fridge fan (26) is switched “OFF” to direct cold air to the freezer compartment (14). In such an embodiment, the freezer compartment (14) is an “ON” condition and the fridge compartment (16) is in an “OFF” condition.
[39] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) mounted on the intermediate plenum member (32) in accordance with the embodiment of figures 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the freezer fan (24) is switched “ON” at a relatively lower speed and the fridge fan (26) is switched “OFF” to direct cold air to the freezer compartment (14). In such an embodiment, the freezer compartment (14) functions as a fridge compartment and the fridge compartment (16) is in an “OFF” condition.
[40] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a cooling system (46) of the refrigerator (10) in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of figures 1-3 of the present disclosure. The cooling system (46) includes the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) provided within the freezer compartment (14). The cooling system (46) further includes a freezer sensor (48), a fridge sensor (50), and an ambient sensor (52). The freezer sensor (48) is disposed proximate to the freezer compartment (14) and configured to detect a temperature of air of the freezer compartment (14). The fridge sensor (50) is disposed proximate to the fridge compartment (16) and configured to detect a temperature of air of the fridge compartment (16). The ambient sensor (52) is disposed at a first predetermined location of the refrigerator (10) and configured to detect an ambient temperature of air. The cooling system (46) further includes the refrigeration cycle system (54) having the compressor (56), the condenser (58), the metering device (60), and the evaporator (18).
[41] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cooling system (46) includes the control unit (20) disposed at a second predetermined location (for example, rear side (23) of the cabinet (12)) and communicatively coupled to the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), the ambient sensor (52), the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56). The control unit (20) is configured to receive a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), and the ambient sensor (52) respectively and controls actuation of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator (10) at a selected cooling mode from predetermined 12 cooling modes. The predetermined 12 cooling modes include an auto cool mode, a freezer mode, a freezer as refrigerator mode, a turbo freeze mode, a turbo cool mode, an ice cream mode, a power saver mode, a mild freeze mode, a marinade mode, a dairy mode, a beverage mode, and a fridge mode.
[42] In certain embodiments, the control unit (20) may include more than one processor co-operatively working with each other for performing intended functionalities. The control unit (20) is further configured to store and retrieve content into and from a memory unit.
[43] In one embodiment, the control unit (20) includes at least one of a general-purpose computer, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor, and a controller. In some embodiments, the control unit (20) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any device that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory unit. In other embodiments, the control unit (20) includes a customized processor element such as, but not limited to, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In some embodiments, the control unit (20) may be communicatively coupled with a user interface (62) having at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and any other input device and configured to receive commands and/or parameters from an operator via a console.
[44] The memory unit includes a flash memory, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any other type of computer readable memory accessible by the control unit (20). In some embodiments, the memory unit may include, for example, volatile memory such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and/or dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) and/or non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM), hard disks, optical disks, and/or magnetic tapes. Also, in certain embodiments, the memory unit may be a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with a program having a plurality of instructions to instruct the control unit (20) to perform a sequence of steps to controls actuation of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56).
[45] The user interface (62) may further include a variety of client application and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like that allows the control unit (20) to interact with a user directly or through user devices. Further, the user interface (62) may enable the control unit (20) to communicate with other computing devices such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The user interface (62) may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks such as Local Area Network, cable, etc., and wireless networks such as Wireless Local Area Network, cellular, etc.
[46] In certain embodiments, the control unit (20) is configured to determine an ambient temperature compensation value based on the output of the ambient sensor (52). Further, the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the freezer fan (24) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value. Furthermore, the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the fridge fan (26) based on the outputs of the fridge sensor (50) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value. Additionally, the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the compressor (56) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50). The compressor (56) is operated when at least one of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) is operated.
[47] Further, in some embodiments, the control unit (20) is configured to determine respective speeds of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) from a database (64) based on the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes. A user may select the cooling mode, using the user interface (62). Furthermore, the control unit (20) is configured to operate the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the determined respective speeds to obtain a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined second temperature in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) respectively. The predetermined first temperature and the predetermined second temperature are indicative of the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes and may be obtained using simulation results during testing phase of the refrigerator (10), using thermocouples.
[48] Figure 9 is a table (66) indicative of the predetermined 12 cooling modes of the refrigerator (10) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure. The table (66) includes a column (68) indicative the predetermined 12 cooling modes including an auto cool mode, a freezer mode, a freezer as refrigerator mode, a turbo freeze mode, a turbo cool mode, an ice cream mode, a power saver mode, a mild freeze mode, a marinade mode, a dairy mode, a beverage mode, and a fridge mode. Column (70) is indicative of usage/operation mode corresponding to the 12 cooling modes. Column (72) is indicative of the range of speeds of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) corresponding to the 12 cooling modes. Column (73) is indicative of the range of temperatures of the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16). Column (74) is indicative of the range of speeds of the compressor (56) corresponding to the 12 cooling modes. Column (75) is indicative of range of temperatures of the freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50) corresponding to the 12 cooling modes. It should be noted herein that in other embodiments, the values of the speeds of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56), and temperatures of the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), the freezer compartment (14), and the fridge compartment (16) may vary depending on the application. In the illustrated table, the freezer compartment (14) is also represented by FC and the fridge compartment (16) is also represented by RC. Further, the freezer sensor (48) is also represented by F-S and the fridge sensor (50) is also represented by R-S.
[49] Figure 10 is a flow chart (76) illustrating a method for operating the refrigerator (10) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure. The method includes detecting, by the freezer sensor (48), a temperature of air of the freezer compartment (14) as represented by step (78). The method further includes detecting, by the fridge sensor (50), a temperature of air of the fridge compartment (16) as represented by step (80). Furthermore, the method includes detecting, by the ambient sensor (52), an ambient temperature of air as represented by step (82). The method further includes receiving, by the control unit (20), a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), and the ambient sensor (52) respectively as represented by the step (84). Additionally, the method includes controlling, by the control unit (20), actuation of the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) of the freezer compartment (14), and the compressor (56) of the refrigeration cycle system (54), based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator (10) at a selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes as represented by step (86).
[50] In some embodiments, the method includes determining, by the control unit (20), an ambient temperature compensation value based on the output of the ambient sensor (52). The method also includes controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the freezer fan (24) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value. The method also includes controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the fridge fan (26) based on the outputs of the fridge sensor (50) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value. Additionally, the method includes controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the compressor (56) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50).
[51] In certain embodiments, the method includes determining, by the control unit (20), respective speeds of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) from the database (64) based on the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes.
[52] Also, in some embodiments, the method further includes operating, by the control unit (20), the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the determined respective speeds to obtain a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined second temperature in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) respectively. As noted herein, the predetermined first temperature and the predetermined second temperature are indicative of the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes.
[53] Figure 11 is a flow chart (88) illustrating a method for switching, by the control unit (20), from the fridge mode to the auto cool mode, in predetermined duration in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1-7 of the present disclosure. Specifically, the method includes steps to quickly switch the refrigerator (10) from the fridge mode to the auto cool mode in short duration of time. The method includes operating the compressor (56) and the freezer fan (24) at a first predetermined speed and a second predetermined speed respectively as represented by step (90). The method further includes maintaining the fridge fan (26) at an off condition as represented by step (92). Furthermore, the method includes operating the fridge fan (26) at a third predetermined speed when a temperature of the freezer compartment (14) is less than a sum of a fourth predetermined temperature at which freezer fan is switched off to obtain the auto cool mode and a predetermined set temperature as represented by step (94). Additionally, the method includes operating the compressor (56), the freezer fan (24), and the fridge fan (26) till a temperature of the freezer compartment (14) is less than the fourth predetermined temperature to obtain the auto cool mode as represented by step (96).
[54] In one example, consider a user has selected auto cool mode at ambient temperature of 32 degrees celsius. Also, consider that temperatures in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) are -18 degrees celsius and 4 degrees celsius to achieve the auto cool mode. Internal set temperatures (i.e. temperatures which will be tracked by freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50)), ambient temperature compensation value are fed to software logic of the control unit (20) for the auto cool mode based on prior testing results to achieve compartment temperatures in the freezer compartment (14) and fridge compartment (16) mentioned herein. For example, consider freezer compartment internal set temperature =-20 degrees celsius, refrigerator internal set temperature = -6 degrees celsius, and ambient temperature compensation value for 32 degrees celsius = 0.
Ambient sensor compensated set temperature for freezer compartment = freezer compartment set temperature + current freezer compartment ambient temperature compensation value= -20+0= -20 degrees celsius
Ambient sensor compensated set temperature for fridge compartment = fridge compartment set temperature + current fridge compartment ambient temperature compensation value= -6+0= -6 degrees celsius.
Freezer compartment cut--in temperature = ambient sensor compensated set temperature for freezer compartment (14) + freezer sensor cut-in difference= -20+4= -16 degrees celsius., where freezer compartment cut--in temperature is representative of a temperature at which the freezer fan (24) is started, the freezer sensor cut-in difference is representative of a temperature indicative of a difference between the freezer compartment cut-in temperature and the ambient sensor compensated set temperature for the freezer compartment (14).
Freezer compartment cut-out temperature =ambient sensor compensated set temperature for freezer compartment (14) + freezer sensor cut-out difference= -20 – 4=-24 degrees celsius, where freezer compartment cut--out temperature is representative of a temperature at which the freezer fan (24) is stopped, the freezer sensor cut-out difference is representative of a temperature indicative of a difference between the freezer compartment cut-out temperature and the ambient sensor compensated set temperature for the freezer compartment (14).
Fridge compartment cut-in temperature =ambient sensor compensated set temperature for fridge compartment (16) + fridge sensor cut-in difference= -6+2= -4 degrees celsius, where fridge compartment cut--in temperature is representative of a temperature at which the fridge fan (26) is started, the fridge sensor cut-in difference is representative of a temperature indicative of the difference between the fridge compartment cut-in temperature and the ambient sensor compensated set temperature for the fridge compartment (16).
Fridge compartment cut-out temperature =ambient sensor compensated set temperature for fridge compartment (16) + fridge sensor cut-out difference= -6 – 2=-8 degrees celsius, where fridge compartment cut--out temperature is representative of a temperature at which the fridge fan (26) is stopped, fridge sensor cut-out difference is representative of a temperature indicative of the difference between fridge compartment cut-out temperature and the ambient sensor compensated set temperature for the fridge compartment.
It should be noted herein that the freezer sensor cut-in difference, the freezer sensor cut-out difference, the fridge sensor cut-in difference, and the fridge sensor cut-out difference are predetermined using simulation results obtained during testing phase of the refrigerator (10).
Therefore, cut-in and cut-out temperatures for the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) are (-16, -24) & (-4, -8) degrees celsius respectively to achieve the temperatures in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) of -18 degrees celsius and 4 degrees celsius to obtain the auto cool mode. It should be noted herein that in other embodiments, values mentioned herein may vary depending on the application.
[55] In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure discussed herein, the refrigerator (10) enables variable temperature storage in the freezer and fridge compartments by operating the fans and the compressor at different speeds, to achieve 12 different cooling modes depending on user requirements. The exemplary refrigerator is also capable of fast switching/conversion from the fridge mode to auto cool mode. Further, same plenum member can be used to mount both fans, thereby reducing width and material cost of the plenum assembly.
[56] In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A refrigerator (10) comprising:
a freezer compartment (14) provided with a freezer fan (24) and a fridge fan (26);
a fridge compartment (16);
a freezer sensor (48) disposed proximate to the freezer compartment (14) and configured to detect a temperature of air of the freezer compartment (14);
a fridge sensor (50) disposed proximate to the fridge compartment (16) and configured to detect a temperature of air of the fridge compartment (16);
an ambient sensor (52) disposed at a first predetermined location and configured to detect an ambient temperature of air;
a refrigeration cycle system comprising a compressor (56); and
a control unit (20) disposed at a second predetermined location and communicatively coupled to the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), the ambient sensor (52), the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56), wherein the control unit(20) is configured to receive a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), and the ambient sensor (52) respectively and controls actuation of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator (10) at a selected cooling mode from predetermined 12 cooling modes.

2. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined 12 cooling modes comprise an auto cool mode, a freezer mode, a freezer as refrigerator mode, a turbo freeze mode, a turbo cool mode, an ice cream mode, a power saver mode, a mild freeze mode, a marinade mode, a dairy mode, a beverage mode, and a fridge mode.

3. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to determine an ambient temperature compensation value based on the output of the ambient sensor (52).

4. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the freezer fan (24) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value.

5. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the fridge fan (26) based on the outputs of the fridge sensor (50) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value.

6. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control a start and a stoppage of the compressor (56) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50).

7. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to:
determine respective speeds of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) from a database (64) based on the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes; and
operate the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the determined respective speeds to obtain a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined second temperature in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) respectively, wherein the predetermined first temperature and the predetermined second temperature are indicative of the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes.

8. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mounting structure (22) disposed within and proximate to a rear side (25) of the freezer compartment (14), wherein the mounting structure (22) comprises:
a front plenum member (28);
a rear plenum member (30) comprising a first pair of openings (34, 36); and
an intermediate plenum member (32) disposed between the front plenum member (28) and the rear plenum member (30), wherein the intermediate plenum member (32) comprises a second pair of openings (38, 40) aligned with the first pair of openings (34, 36), wherein the freezer fan (24) and the fridge fan (26) are mounted on the second pair of openings (38, 40) of the intermediate plenum member (32) via the first pair of openings (34, 36) of the rear plenum member (30), and wherein the front plenum member (28), the intermediate plenum member (32), and the rear plenum member (30) are coupled to each other.

9. The refrigerator (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the intermediate plenum member (32) is a single plenum member comprising a first flow channel (42) and a second flow channel (44), wherein the freezer fan (24) is configured to direct cold air from an evaporator (18) to the freezer compartment (14) via the first flow channel (42), and wherein the fridge fan (26) is configured to direct cold air from the evaporator (18) to the fridge compartment (16) via the second flow channel (44).

10. A method for operating a refrigerator (10), the method comprising:
detecting, by a freezer sensor (48), a temperature of air of a freezer compartment (14);
detecting, by a fridge sensor (50), a temperature of air of a fridge compartment (16);
detecting, by an ambient sensor (52), an ambient temperature of air;
receiving, by a control unit (20), a plurality of outputs from the freezer sensor (48), the fridge sensor (50), and the ambient sensor (52) respectively; and
controlling, by the control unit (20), actuation of a freezer fan (24) and a fridge fan (26) of the freezer compartment (14), and a compressor (56) of a refrigeration cycle system, based on the plurality of outputs to operate the refrigerator (10) at a selected cooling mode from predetermined 12 cooling modes.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the predetermined 12 cooling modes comprise an auto cool mode, a freezer mode, a freezer as refrigerator mode, a turbo freeze mode, a turbo cool mode, an ice cream mode, a power saver mode, a mild freeze mode, a marinade mode, a dairy mode, a beverage mode, and a fridge mode.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising determining, by the control unit (20), an ambient temperature compensation value based on the output of the ambient sensor (52).

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the freezer fan (24) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the fridge fan (26) based on the outputs of the fridge sensor (50) and the determined ambient temperature compensation value.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising controlling, by the control unit (20), a start and a stoppage of the compressor (56) based on the outputs of the freezer sensor (48) and the fridge sensor (50).

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising:
determining, by the control unit (20), respective speeds of the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) from a database (64) based on the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes; and
operating, by the control unit (20), the freezer fan (24), the fridge fan (26), and the compressor (56) based on the determined respective speeds to obtain a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined second temperature in the freezer compartment (14) and the fridge compartment (16) respectively, wherein the predetermined first temperature and the predetermined second temperature are indicative of the selected cooling mode from the predetermined 12 cooling modes.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising switching, by the control unit (20), from the fridge mode to the auto cool mode in predetermined duration by:
operating the compressor (56) and the freezer fan (24) at a first predetermined speed and a second predetermined speed respectively;
maintaining the fridge fan (26) at an off condition; and
operating the fridge fan (26) at a third predetermined speed when a temperature of the freezer compartment (14) is less than a sum of a fourth predetermined temperature at which freezer fan (24) is switched off to obtain the auto cool mode and a predetermined set temperature;
operating the compressor (56), the freezer fan (24), and the fridge fan (26) till a temperature of the freezer compartment (14) is less than the fourth predetermined temperature to obtain the auto cool mode.