Fresh food ice maker control
US8375734B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigeration system is provided with an ice maker chamber within a fresh food compartment. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration path and an ice maker path. The ice maker path includes an electronic expansion valve for controlling the refrigerant entering an ice maker evaporator and an evaporator pressure regulator. Controlling the refrigeration system includes the steps of sensing a first refrigerant temperature at an exit of the ice maker evaporator and controlling a first control of the electronic expansion valve until the temperature reaches a temperature target. The method of controlling can further include comparing a slope of the temperature to at least one of a minimum, a target, or a maximum setting to adjust the control. Subsequently, a second control for the electronic expansion valve can be repeatedly adjusted by evaluating the first refrigerant temperature and the slope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.