Defrost control

US6772597B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Martin Mtichell Zentner · Prospect, US
• Rollie R. Herzog · Louisville, US
• Peter Brand · Kieselbronn, DE
• Gary Lester Chastine · Louisville, US
• Matthew G. Taylor · Oviedo, US
• Tam Nolan · Louisville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 1999
• Grant date: Aug 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2700/02
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An adaptive defrost control includes a microcomputer for controlling the initiation and termination of a defrost operation based, at least in part, on opening of the fresh food door and the freezer door. The control monitors the compressor run time and the fresh food and freezer door open times and adjusts the time until defrost accordingly. A pre-chill operation cools the freezer prior to defrosting the evaporator coils so that the defrost heat will have less of an affect on the maximum temperature after defrost, and enables the freezer compartment to be maintained at a temperature a few degrees higher than with known refrigerators, providing energy savings.