KR20220084716A - refrigerator and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, when the operation start condition of the load response operation is satisfied and the load response operation is performed, when the door is opened, the temperature in the storage room satisfies the operation termination condition, or the change in the storage temperature satisfies the operation termination condition It is made to end the load response operation, and through this, excessive power consumption during the operation of the load response operation can be prevented, and thus, the power consumption can be improved.

Description

Refrigerator and its control method

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same, configured to check an overuse time zone and a day of the week based on a user's usage pattern, and perform a power saving operation using the checked information.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is a device that allows storage objects stored in a storage space to be stored for a long time or while maintaining a constant temperature by using cold air.

Such a refrigerator is configured to generate and circulate cold air while being provided with a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator.

When the temperature control for the inside of the storage room rises further than the upper limit reference temperature (NT + diff) based on the set reference temperature (NT; Notch) of the storage room, the compressor is operated to supply cold air into the storage room, and set When the reference temperature (NT) is further lower than the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) based on the reference temperature (NT), the operation of the compressor is stopped and the cold air supplied into the storage chamber is blocked.

In particular, in recent years, the power consumption can be improved by allowing different controls to be performed according to various situations of the refrigerator. Various control methods are provided, such as 10-2011-0080062, Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2018-0055242, and Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2019-0096698.

However, the refrigerators of the prior art described above have limitations in improving power consumption as they are operated according to an algorithm set by a manufacturer regardless of a user's usage pattern.

In particular, when the frequency of use of the door opening/closing operation is high, the compressor is inevitably operated continuously. There was a problem in that power consumption had to be increased.

In addition, in the related art, as the load response operation is performed with the maximum cooling power, there is a concern that overcooling may occur depending on the temperature environment in the storage room, thereby causing a problem in that the freshness of the stored product is deteriorated.

Accordingly, in recent years, there is a need for operation or control to check and prevent the cause of the above-described power consumption in advance.

Publication No. 10-2017-0087440 Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0105183 Publication No. 10-2020-0087049 Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0055242

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised to solve various problems according to the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator capable of performing power saving operation using information identified based on a user's usage pattern and the same. To provide a control method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator capable of maintaining the freshness of stored products by preventing overcooling that may be caused by excessive provision of cooling power or a change in cooling power, and a method for controlling the same.

According to the refrigerator of the present invention for achieving the above object, the controller may be configured to acquire the user's usage pattern for each time period performed during a set period.

Further, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to classify a normal section and an overuse section for each time according to the acquired usage pattern.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to control to different reference values during the divided normal section and the overuse section.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include a reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator in the storage room.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to change and control the reference temperature to a lower value during the overuse section than during the normal section.

Further, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference temperature for the internal temperature is an upper limit reference temperature (NT-diff) or a lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) determined based on a set reference temperature (NT) set by the user, At least one of the set reference temperatures NT may be included.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, when the door is opened, the control unit may be configured to perform a load response operation when the internal temperature of the refrigerator rises above a set condition temperature within a set elapsed time.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include a set elapsed time for performing the load response operation.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the set elapsed time for the load response operation during the overuse section can be set shorter than the normal section.

Also, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include a set condition temperature for performing the load response operation.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the set condition temperature for the load response operation during the overuse section may be set lower than that of the normal section.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include a rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the internal temperature of the refrigerator.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the controller can control the rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage compartment during the overuse section to be greater than that for the normal section.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, when the door is opened, the control unit can control the load response operation to be performed when the rate of change of temperature that rises per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage compartment is higher than the preset rate of change when the door is opened.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include a set change rate for performing the load response operation.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the setting change rate for the load response operation during the overuse section may be set to be lower than that of the normal section.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit can control the rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage compartment to be decreased to be greater during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the reference value may include the cooling power of the cooling power control means.

Further, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the controller may control the cooling power adjusting means to provide a higher cooling power during the overuse section than during the normal section.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the controller may control the cooling power adjusting means to provide a higher cooling power during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

In addition, according to the refrigerator of the present invention, the control unit can be configured to update the classification of the normal section and the over-used section for each time at a predetermined time or date.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention may include a general operation performing step of selectively performing at least one of a general storage operation and a load response operation.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention may include an information acquisition step of acquiring information on a usage pattern for each time period of the load response operation.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention may include a power saving operation setting step of classifying a normal section and an overuse section for each time according to a usage pattern for each time performed for a set period based on the information acquired in the information acquisition step. have.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention adjusts the cooling power of the cooling power control means to different reference values during the time of the normal section and the overuse section divided in the power saving operation setting step, at least either of a general storage operation or a load response operation. A power saving operation execution step of selectively performing one operation may be included.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the step of performing the power saving operation may be performed when a user's request occurs.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, when there is no request for the step of performing the power saving operation by the user, the step of performing the normal operation may be performed.

In addition, in the method for controlling a refrigerator according to the present invention, the reference value in the step of performing the power saving operation may include a reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator in the storage room.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, in the step of performing the power saving operation, the reference temperature may be changed to be lower during the overuse section than during the normal section to be operated.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, in the step of performing the power saving operation, the reference temperature may be changed to be higher during the normal section than during the over-use section to be operated.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention may be operated with a set elapsed time set shorter during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

In addition, the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention may be operated with a set elapsed time set longer during the normal section than during the overuse section during the load response operation.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the set condition temperature may be set lower during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the set condition temperature may be set higher during the normal section than during the over-use section during the load response operation.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the temperature in the refrigerator in the storage room during the normal section is lower than that during the over-use section during the load-response operation in the step of performing the power saving operation.

Also, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the load response operation in the power saving operation performing step may be performed when the rate of change in temperature per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage room when the door is opened is higher than the set rate of change.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the setting change rate may be set to be lower during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the setting change rate may be set to be higher during the normal section than during the overuse section during the load response operation.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, in the power saving operation performing step, the cooling power adjusting means may be controlled to provide a higher cooling power during an overuse section than during a normal section.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, in the power saving operation performing step, the cooling power adjusting means may be controlled so that a lower cooling power is provided during a normal section than during an overuse section.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the reference value for each section in the power saving operation setting step may be updated for a predetermined time or every day.

In addition, in the control method of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the power saving operation performing step may be performed based on the updated reference value for each section.

As described above, in the refrigerator and the control method of the present invention, the power saving operation according to the user's usage pattern because the control is performed with different reference values by dividing the normal section and the over-used section according to the usage pattern for each time acquired during the set period. This has the effect made possible.

In addition, the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention are not operated only with the maximum cooling power during load response operation, but are provided in a state in which the cooling power is changed according to the usage pattern. It has the effect that the overcooling phenomenon can be prevented.

In addition, since the refrigerator and the control method of the present invention operate by changing the reference value (eg, reference temperature or reference time) to a lower value during the overuse section than in the general section, deterioration of the stored material can be prevented by preemptive response to the temperature, and the general During the section, power consumption is reduced, so that power consumption can be improved.

In addition, the refrigerator and the control method of the present invention have the effect of enabling accurate power saving operation according to the user's usage pattern because the usage pattern is continuously updated.

1 is a state diagram illustrating an internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a structure for a load-responsive operation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a state diagram schematically showing the structure of a thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation state performed according to an operation reference value based on a user-set reference temperature for a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a table showing the determination of cooling power according to the temperature region for each storage room of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a table showing a cooling power required for a decrease in each storage compartment temperature region of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a table showing a time required for a decrease in each storage compartment temperature region of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process during a load response operation in a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a flowchart illustrating a control process during an emergency operation in a control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
12 is a graph illustrating a state of providing a load during emergency operation of a conventional conventional refrigerator;
13 is a graph illustrating a state in which a load is provided during emergency operation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a refrigerator and a method for controlling the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 .

1 is a state diagram illustrating an internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure for load response operation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention It is a block diagram.

As shown in these drawings, in the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an emergency operation is performed, the cooling power of the cooling power control means can be determined in consideration of the internal temperatures of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment together, so that the excessive cooling power control means It is designed to reduce the power consumption caused by the cooling power and prevent overcooling.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

First, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 11 .

The cabinet 11 includes an inner-case 11a forming an inner wall surface of the refrigerator 1 and an outer case 11b forming an exterior surface of the refrigerator 1 . A storage room is provided in which the stored material is stored by the

Only one storage compartment may be provided, or a plurality of two or more storage compartments may be provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the storage chamber includes two storage chambers for storing stored materials in different temperature regions.

The storage chamber may include a first storage chamber 12 maintained at a first set reference temperature (NT: Notch Temperature).

The first set reference temperature NT may be a temperature at which the stored object is not frozen, but may be in a temperature range lower than the external temperature (indoor temperature) of the refrigerator 1 .

For example, the first set reference temperature NT may be a compartment temperature (CT) of 32° C. or less and greater than 0° C. (temperature in the first storage room). Of course, the first set reference temperature NT may be set higher than 32°C, or equal to or lower than 0°C, if necessary (eg, depending on the room temperature or the type of storage).

In particular, the first set reference temperature NT may be the internal temperature CT of the first storage compartment 12 set by the user, and if the user does not set the first set reference temperature NT Otherwise, an arbitrarily designated temperature is used as the first set reference temperature (NT).

In addition, a general storage operation is performed in the first storage chamber 12 with a first operation reference value NT±diff for maintaining the first set reference temperature NT. The first operation reference value (NT±diff) is a temperature range value of the satisfaction region including the first lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) and the first upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff) as shown in the attached FIG. 5 . to be.

That is, when the internal temperature CT in the first storage compartment 12 reaches the first lower limit reference temperature NT-diff1 based on the first set reference temperature NT, the operation for supplying cold air is stopped. . On the other hand, when the internal temperature (CT) of the refrigerator is increased based on the first set reference temperature (NT), the operation for supplying cold air before reaching (or reaching) the first upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff) this is resumed

As such, the inside of the first storage compartment 12 is supplied with or stopped supplying cold air in consideration of the first operation reference value NT±diff for the first storage compartment 12 based on the first set reference temperature NT. The general storage operation is performed.

The first set reference temperature NT and the first operation reference value NT±diff are as shown in FIG. 3 .

In addition, the storage chamber may include a second storage chamber 13 maintained at the second set reference temperature NT2.

The second set reference temperature NT2 may be a temperature lower than the first set reference temperature NT. In this case, the second set reference temperature NT2 may be set by the user, and when the user does not set it, an arbitrarily prescribed temperature is used.

The second set reference temperature NT2 may be a temperature sufficient to freeze the stored object. For example, the second set reference temperature NT2 may be set to a temperature of 0 °C or less -24 °C or higher.

Of course, the second set reference temperature NT2 may be set higher than 0°C, or equal to or lower than -24°C, if necessary (eg, depending on the room temperature or the type of storage). .

In particular, the second set reference temperature NT2 may be the internal temperature of the second storage chamber 13 set by the user, and if the user does not set the second set reference temperature NT2, An arbitrarily designated temperature may be used as the second set reference temperature NT2.

In addition, the second storage chamber 13 may be operated at a second operation reference value NT2±diff for maintaining the second set reference temperature NT2.

The second operation reference value NT2±diff is a temperature range value of a satisfactory region including the second lower limit reference temperature NT2-diff and the second upper limit reference temperature NT2+diff.

That is, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator in the second storage chamber 13 reaches the second lower limit reference temperature NT2-diff based on the second set reference temperature NT2±diff, the operation for supplying cold air may be stopped. . On the other hand, when the internal temperature of the refrigerator is raised based on the second set reference temperature (NT2), the operation for supplying cold air is resumed before (or when it reaches) the second upper limit reference temperature (NT2+diff). can

As such, in the second storage chamber 13, cold air is supplied or stopped in consideration of the second operation reference value NT2±diff for the second storage chamber 13 based on the second set reference temperature NT2. do.

In particular, the first operation reference value NT±diff may be set to have a smaller range between the upper limit reference temperature NT+diff and the lower limit reference temperature NT-diff than the second operation reference value NT2±diff. .

For example, the first lower limit reference temperature NT-diff and the first upper limit reference temperature NT+diff of the first operation reference value NT±diff may be set to ±2.0° C., and the second operation reference value NT2 The second lower limit reference temperature (NT2-diff) and the second upper limit reference temperature (NT2+diff) of ±diff) may be set to ±1.5°C.

On the other hand, each of the storage chambers 12 and 13 described above is configured such that the temperature inside the refrigerator is maintained while the fluid is circulated.

The fluid may be air. In the following description, the fluid circulating in the storage chambers 12 and 13 is air as an example. Of course, the fluid may be a gas other than air.

The temperature (indoor temperature) outside the storage chambers 12 and 13 may be measured by the indoor temperature sensor 1a, and the interior temperature (temperature in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber) CT is measured by the interior temperature sensor 1b, 1c) (see attached FIG. 2).

Each of the temperature sensors 1a, 1b, and 1c may be formed separately. Of course, the room temperature and the temperature inside each refrigerator (CT) may be measured by the same single temperature sensor, or two or more temperature sensors may be configured to measure cooperatively.

In addition, doors 12a and 13a are provided in the storage compartments 12 and 13 .

The doors 12a and 13a serve to open and close the storage compartments 12 and 13, and may have a rotational opening/closing structure or a drawer type opening/closing structure.

One or more of the doors 12a and 13a may be provided.

In particular, at least one of the doors 12a and 13a or the cabinet 11 may be provided with a detection sensor 14 capable of detecting whether the doors 12a and 13a are opened.

Next, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cold air heat source.

The cold air heat source is configured to generate cold air.

The cold air heat source may be made in various ways.

For example, the cold air heat source may be composed of a thermoelectric module 23 .

At this time, the thermoelectric module 23 includes at least one of a thermoelectric element 23a including a heat absorbing surface 231 and a heat generating surface 232 , and the heat absorbing surface 231 or the heating surface 232 as shown in FIG. 3 . It can be a module comprising a sink 23b connected to one.

In addition, the cold air heat source may be composed of evaporators (21, 22).

The evaporators 21 and 22 form a refrigeration system together with a compressor 60 (refer to attached FIG. 4), a condenser (not shown), and an expander (not shown), and exchange heat with air passing through the evaporator. operated to lower the temperature of the air.

When the storage chamber includes a first storage chamber 12 and a second storage chamber 13 , the evaporator includes a first evaporator 21 for supplying cold air to the first storage chamber 12 and the second storage chamber 13 . It may be composed of a second evaporator 22 for supplying cold air to the furnace.

At this time, the first evaporator 21 is located on the rear side of the first storage chamber 12 in the inner case 11a, and the second evaporator 22 is located on the rear side of the second storage chamber 13 . can be located on the side.

Of course, although not shown, the evaporator may be provided only in at least one of the first storage chamber 12 and the second storage chamber 13 .

In addition, even if two evaporators 21 and 22 are provided, only one compressor 60 constituting the corresponding refrigeration system may be provided.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4 , the compressor 60 is connected to supply refrigerant to the first evaporator 21 through the first refrigerant passage 61 and the second refrigerant passage 62 through the second refrigerant passage 62 . It may be connected to supply a refrigerant to the evaporator 22 . At this time, each of the refrigerant passages (61, 62) can be selectively opened and closed using the refrigerant valve (63).

Next, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cooling power control means.

The cooling power control means is configured to adjust the cooling power of the cold air supplied to the first storage chamber 12 .

The cooling power regulating means may be configured to enable load control by the controller 70 , and the cooling power regulating means may include at least one of the compressor 60 and the first cooling fan 31 .

Here, the compressor 60 is one of the components constituting the refrigeration system together with the cold air heat source (evaporator) 21 and 22 , and the cooling power can be adjusted by controlling the load of the compressor 60 .

In addition, the first cooling fan 31 is a device that supplies cool air generated while passing through the first evaporator 21 to the first storage chamber 12 , and controls the load (rotation speed) of the first cooling fan 31 . control) to control the cooling power.

Of course, the refrigerator further includes a second cooling fan 41 that supplies cool air generated while passing through the second evaporator 22 to the second storage chamber 13, or the first cooling fan 31 (or , second cooling fan) may be configured to supply cool air generated while passing through the first evaporator 21 or the second evaporator 22 to the second storage chamber 13 .

Next, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 70 .

The control unit 70 may be configured to control the load and operation of the cooling power control means. That is, while controlling the load and operation of the compressor 60 and the first cooling fan 41 constituting the cooling power control means based on the temperatures measured by the indoor temperature sensor 1a and the high temperature sensors 1b and 1c, each The storage chambers 12 and 13 are controlled to maintain the respective set reference temperatures NT and NT2.

At this time, the temperature range between the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff) is set as a satisfactory area when viewed based on the set reference temperature (NT, NT2). A higher temperature than the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) may be set as a dissatisfaction region.

Also, the control unit 70 may be configured to perform a general storage operation for the first storage compartment 12 or the second storage compartment 13 .

In the general storage operation, when the internal temperature (CT, CT2) in each storage room (12, 13) reaches the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff1, NT2-diff) based on the set reference temperature (NT, NT2), cold air When the operation for supply is performed and the internal temperature (CT, CT2) rises based on the set reference temperature (NT, NT2), before reaching the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) (or, It is an operation to resume operation for supplying cold air when the

In this general storage operation, each storage chamber (12, 13) is operated so that cold air is alternately supplied, each of the internal temperatures (CT, CT2) is the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff1, NT2+diff) and the lower limit reference temperature (NT) -diff1,NT2-diff) is maintained.

Also, the control unit 70 may be configured to perform a load response operation for the storage compartments 12 and 13 .

The load response operation is an operation for preventing excessive temperature rise after opening when the doors 12a and 13a are opened while the refrigerator is being operated as a general storage operation.

The load response operation may be set to satisfy the operation start condition when the temperature inside the storage room rises by more than the set condition temperature (supply condition temperature) (Δt) within the set elapsed time (T) when the door is opened.

The load response operation may be set to satisfy the operation start condition when the rate of change of temperature that rises per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage chamber when the door is opened is higher than a preset rate of change.

The load response operation may be set such that an operation start condition is satisfied when the temperature inside the storage room is a dissatisfaction region when the door is opened.

In addition, the control unit 70 may be configured to differently control the load of the cooling power control means (compressor or the first cooling fan) according to the above-described general storage operation and load response operation.

For example, during the general storage operation, the temperature of each of the storage chambers 12 and 13 may be controlled to be gradually lowered while operating in a power saving operation in consideration of the power consumption of the cooling power control means (compressor or the first cooling fan).

On the other hand, in the load response operation, the cooling power control means (compressor or the first cooling fan) is controlled to operate at a higher load compared to the general storage operation in order to prevent deterioration of the food while quickly controlling each storage compartment (12, 13) can be controlled to lower the temperature of

Also, the control unit 70 may be configured to perform an active power saving operation for the storage compartments 12 and 13 .

The active power saving operation is an operation performed by changing a reference value based on a user's usage pattern, and may be performed automatically or by a user's selection.

For such an active power saving operation, the control unit 70 may be configured to acquire a user's usage pattern for each hour performed during a set period.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , by checking whether the refrigerator is used every hour for 3 weeks (whether a door is opened or whether a load response operation is performed), the user's usage pattern is acquired for each hour.

In addition, the control unit 70 may be configured to classify a normal section and an overused section for each time according to the acquired usage pattern, and perform control with different reference values during the divided normal section and the overused section.

In this case, the general section may be a general use state, and the overuse section may be a use state in which door opening and closing operations are performed more frequently than the normal section.

The reference value may be a factor used for performing a general storage operation or a load response operation.

For example, the reference value may include a reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator in the storage room. The reference temperature is an upper limit reference temperature (NT-diff) or a lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) determined based on a set reference temperature (NT) set by the user, or at least one of the set reference temperature (NT) can be

In this case, the reference temperature may be set lower during the overuse section than during the general section. That is, by lowering the reference temperature during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented through a preemptive decrease in the internal temperature, and by raising the reference temperature during the general section, the power according to the operation of the cooling power control means (compressor or cooling fan) This was done to reduce consumption.

In addition, the reference value may include a set elapsed time T used to determine whether the driving start condition of the load response operation is satisfied.

In this case, the set elapsed time T may be set shorter during the overuse section than during the normal section. That is, during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented by lowering the set elapsed time (T) that determines the operation start condition of the load response operation, and during the normal section, the set elapsed time ( By increasing T), it is possible to reduce power consumption due to load response operation.

In addition, the reference value may include a set condition temperature Δt used to determine whether the driving start condition of the load response operation is satisfied.

In this case, the set condition temperature Δt may be set to be lower during the overuse section than during the general section. That is, during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented by lowering the set elapsed time (T) that determines the operation start condition of the load response operation, and during the normal section, the set elapsed time ( By increasing T), it is possible to reduce power consumption due to load response operation.

In addition, the reference value may include a rate of change in temperature that decreases per unit time with respect to the temperature in the refrigerator in the storage room.

In this case, the rate of change in temperature may be set to be higher than the rate of change in temperature per unit time during the overuse period compared to the normal period. That is, during the overuse section, the cooling power is increased so that the rate of temperature change per unit time is increased so that the temperature rise can be prevented even when the door is opened frequently, and the cooling power is lowered to lower the rate of temperature change per unit time during the normal section. In this way, power consumption can be reduced.

Of course, the change setting of the temperature change rate for each section (normal section or over-use section) may be set to be performed only during load-responsive operation. That is, during the load response operation, the rate of temperature change per unit time falling during the overuse section can be set to be higher than that of the general section.

In addition, the reference value may include a set change rate used to determine whether the driving start condition of the load response operation is satisfied.

In this case, the set rate of change may be set to be lower than the set rate of change for the load response operation during the over-use section than in the general section. That is, during the overuse section, the setting change rate is set low, so that the temperature rise can be prevented through preemptive load response operation, and the power consumption can be reduced by setting the setting change rate high during the general section.

In addition, the reference value may include the cooling power of the cooling power control means (compressor or cooling fan).

In this case, the cooling power may be set to provide a higher cooling power during an overuse section than a normal section. That is, during the overuse section, the cooling power of the cooling power control means is controlled to be higher, and the temperature inside the refrigerator can be rapidly decreased, and in the general section, the cooling power of the cooling power control means is controlled to be lower and power consumption can be reduced.

In particular, it is preferable to set so that a higher cooling power is provided during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation.

Meanwhile, the control unit 70 may be configured such that the division between the normal section and the over-used section for each time is updated for each predetermined time or date. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 , the division between the normal section and the overused section may be updated every hour, or the division between the normal section and the overused section may be updated every day (or weekly).

In addition, when the doors 12a and 13a are reopened while the load response operation is being performed, the control unit 70 operates the cooling power control means (compressor or first cooling fan) with the maximum load while the load response operation is performed. can be controlled to be performed. That is, when the doors 12a and 13a are reopened during the load response operation, the maximum cooling power can be provided when the doors 12a and 13a are closed regardless of whether the driving start condition for the load response operation is satisfied.

In this case, the maximum load is a load sufficient to provide a higher cooling power than that during a general storage operation.

Of course, the provision of the maximum cooling power is performed until a predetermined time elapses after the re-performation of the load response operation is performed, and after that, it is more preferable to control the cooling power to be variable according to the temperature inside the storage compartments 12 and 13 do.

In particular, when the load response operation is performed with the maximum cooling power due to the reopening of the doors 12a and 13a, the reference value may not be changed even while the active power saving operation is being executed.

In addition, when the input condition of the defrost operation is satisfied while the load response operation is being performed, the control unit 70 may control the load response operation to be stopped and the operation before the defrost for the defrost operation to be preferentially performed.

In particular, in the operation before the defrost, the cooling power control means (compressor and the first cooling fan) is controlled to operate at the maximum load while the internal temperature (CT) in the first storage compartment 12 is higher than the first lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff). It can be controlled to cool until it reaches a low-temperature defrosting performance temperature.

The control of the controller 70 is to minimize the time until the defrosting operation temperature is reached even when the internal temperature of the refrigerator is the first upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff) or higher.

At the same time, after the operation before the defrost is finished, the defrost operation is performed, and after the defrost operation is completed, the cooling power control means is operated at the maximum load, and then the internal temperatures (CT, CT2) in the storage chambers 12 and 13 are It can be controlled to cool until it reaches a temperature lower than the set reference temperature (NT, NT2).

Next, each control process for the general storage operation, the load response operation, and the active power saving operation of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 10 .

Prior to the description, each operation is performed under the control of the controller 70 that receives the sensing values of each temperature sensor 1a, 1b, and 1c and operates the refrigeration system.

First, as shown in the accompanying flowchart of FIG. 7 , the control unit 70 continuously acquires ( S110 ) sensing values for the internal temperatures CT and CT2 in the storage chambers 12 and 13 .

The refrigerator internal temperature is measured by each refrigerator internal temperature sensor 1b and 1c positioned in each storage chamber 12 and 13 , and the measured internal temperature CT and CT2 are provided to the controller 70 .

Then, the control unit 70 continuously performs the general storage operation for the storage compartments 12 and 13 while controlling the cooling power control means based on the acquired internal temperatures CT and CT2 (S120).

The general storage operation is based on the set reference temperature (NT, NT2) for each storage room, the temperature range of the satisfactory area (upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) and lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff) to maintain a temperature range between

In this case, the compressor 60 constituting the refrigeration system during the general storage operation is controlled to operate at a lower output compared to the load response operation or the emergency operation.

In addition, in the general storage operation, when the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) is reached, the compressor 60 is operated while increasing the cold air supply and at the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff). It proceeds by continuously repeating the control to reduce the cold air supply while the operation of the compressor 60 is stopped before reaching.

Of course, the compressor 60 may be controlled to operate before reaching the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff), and the dissatisfaction area exceeding the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff) It can also be controlled to drive when reaching .

In particular, in the general storage operation, the first storage chamber 12 is operated with priority. That is, even if both the internal temperature of the first storage compartment 12 and the second storage compartment 13 are in the unsatisfactory region, the second storage compartment is operated preferentially so that the internal temperature CT of the first storage compartment 12 reaches the satisfactory region. An operation is performed to bring the furnace temperature CT2 of (13) to a satisfactory region.

This is because, in the case of the first storage compartment 12, even a small temperature change may cause deterioration of the stored material, whereas in the case of the second storage compartment 13, even a temperature change does not significantly affect the stored material.

Of course, even while the cold air is being supplied to the second storage chamber 13, if the first storage chamber 12 belongs to the dissatisfaction region or reaches the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff), it is supplied to the second storage chamber 13 . The cold air is operated to be supplied to the first storage chamber (12).

And, it is continuously checked whether the doors 12a and 13a are opened in the process of performing the above-described general storage operation S1.

If the doors 12a and 13a are opened, the control unit 70 checks whether the driving start condition of the load response operation is satisfied (S130).

The operation start condition of the load response operation is when the temperature inside the storage chambers 12 and 13 rises by more than the set condition temperature (insertion condition temperature) Δt within the set elapsed time T, the inside of the storage chambers 12 and 13 When the rate of change of temperature, which is increased per unit time for the temperature, is higher than the preset rate of change, at least one of the cases where the temperature in the refrigerator in the storage compartments 12 and 13 is a dissatisfaction region may be included. In this case, the dissatisfaction region is a higher temperature than the upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff).

In addition, if the operation start condition of the load response operation is satisfied while the general storage operation S1 is being performed, the load response operation S2 is performed (refer to the attached FIG. 8 ).

This load response operation (S2) is performed with a higher cooling power than the general storage operation (S1) (S210), and when the load response operation (S2) is performed, the operation termination condition for the corresponding load response operation (S2) is checked ( When the operation termination condition is satisfied by S220), the load response operation (S2) is terminated (S230).

And, when the load response operation (S2) is finished, the control unit 70 controls the cooling power control means (compressor and each cooling fan) based on the internal temperature (CT, CT2) in each storage room (12, 13) while controlling the general A storage operation (S1) is performed.

On the other hand, when the general storage operation (S1) or the load response operation (S2) is performed, information on the usage pattern for each time of each operation is acquired (S160) and stored.

In this case, the use pattern may be at least one of opening the doors 12a and 13a or performing a load response operation, and may be stored as any one of whether or not the operation is performed or the number of times.

At the same time, the information on the usage pattern by time of each driving is accumulated for a set period and then divided into a normal section and an overuse section for each time ( S170 ).

For example, based on the hourly usage pattern acquired for 3 weeks, check the time zone in which more usage is made compared to the average usage for each hour, classify the corresponding time zone as an overuse section, and classify the other time zones as a general section .

Of course, the general section may be further divided into an average usage section and a non-use section in which use is less than the average usage section.

When the normal section and the overuse section are divided as described above, when the active power saving operation S3 is performed, the operation using a different reference value is set for each of the divided sections.

The reference value is the reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the storage chambers 12 and 13 as in the above description, and the set elapsed time (T) used to determine whether the operation start condition of the load response operation S2 is satisfied. However, at least one of a set condition temperature (Δt), a rate of change of temperature falling per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage chambers 12 and 13, a rate of change of setting, and a cooling power of the cooling power control means may be included.

And, when a user selects (request) to perform the active power saving operation (S3) while the above-described general storage operation (S1) or load response operation (S2) is being performed, the active power saving operation (S3) is performed (attached) (see Figure 9).

That is, when a request to perform the active power saving operation (S3) is generated, the control unit 70 adjusts the cooling power of the cooling power control means to different reference values during the time of the divided normal section and overuse section, while adjusting the cooling power of the cooling power control means (S1) or, At least one of the load response operations (S2) is selectively performed.

For example, during the overuse section than in the general section, any one of the set standard temperature (NT, NT2), the upper limit standard temperature (NT+diff, NT2+diff), or the lower limit standard temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff) is more It may be changed to a lower value or by changing one of the above-mentioned reference temperatures to be higher during the general section than during the overuse section.

That is, by lowering the reference temperature during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented through a preemptive decrease in the internal temperature, and by raising the reference temperature during the general section, the power according to the operation of the cooling power control means (compressor or cooling fan) This was done to reduce consumption.

In addition, in the load response operation (S2), the set elapsed time (T) is set shorter during the overuse section than the normal section, or the set elapsed time (T) is set longer during the normal section than the overuse section. have.

That is, during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented by lowering the set elapsed time (T) that determines the operation start condition of the load response operation, and during the normal section, the set elapsed time ( By increasing T), it is possible to reduce power consumption due to load response operation.

In addition, in the load response operation (S2), the set condition temperature (Δt) is set lower during the overuse section than during the normal section, or the set condition temperature (∆t) is set higher during the normal section than the overuse section. can

That is, during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented by lowering the set elapsed time (T) that determines the operation start condition of the load response operation (S2), and during the normal section, the operation start condition of the load response operation (S2) is lowered. By increasing the determined elapsed time (T), the power consumption due to the load response operation (S2) can be reduced.

In addition, during the load response operation (S2), the rate of temperature change per unit time for the temperature inside the storage chambers 12 and 13 during the general section is set to be lower than that of the overuse section, or during the overuse section than during the general section. 13) The rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the internal temperature of the refrigerator is set higher and can be operated.

That is, during the overuse section, the cooling power is increased to increase the rate of temperature change per unit time to increase, so that the temperature rise can be prevented even when the doors 12a and 13a are frequently opened. It is designed to reduce power consumption by lowering the cooling power to lower it.

Of course, the change setting of the temperature change rate for each section (normal section or overuse section) may be set to be performed only during the load response operation (S2). That is, during the load response operation (S2), the rate of temperature change per unit time falling during the overuse section can be set to be higher than that of the general section.

In addition, during the load response operation (S2), the setting change rate may be set lower during the overuse section than during the general section, or the set change rate may be set higher during the normal section than the overuse section and may be operated.

That is, by setting the setting change rate low during the overuse section, the temperature rise can be prevented through the preemptive load response operation (S2), and the setting change rate is set high during the general section to reduce power consumption. did it

In addition, the cooling power control means may be controlled so that a higher cooling power is provided during the overuse section than in the normal section, or a lower cooling power is provided during the normal section than during the overuse section.

That is, during the overuse section, the cooling power of the cooling power control means is controlled to be higher, and the temperature inside the refrigerator can be rapidly decreased, and in the general section, the cooling power of the cooling power control means is controlled to be lower and power consumption can be reduced. In particular, during the load response operation (S2), it is preferable to set so that a higher cooling power is provided during the overuse section than in the general section.

Also, even when the active power saving operation S3 is performed, the information on the usage pattern for each time zone is continuously updated while being grasped at a predetermined time (eg, every hour) or on a predetermined date (eg, every day or every other day).

In addition, the active power saving operation ( S3 ) is configured to be operated based on the continuously updated usage pattern for each time period.

Meanwhile, the active power saving operation S3 is terminated when the termination condition is satisfied.

In this case, the termination condition may include a case in which the inside temperature of the refrigerator satisfies a set temperature range, a case in which the temperature drop rate of the refrigerator temperature is greater than a set drop rate, and a case in which the inside temperature drops more than the set temperature within a set time. can

In particular, the termination condition of the active power saving operation ( S3 ) may be set differently depending on the driving for the normal section and the driving for the overused section.

For example, during operation for a general section, it may be set to end when the internal temperature reaches the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff), and in the overuse section, the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff, NT2-diff) ) can be set to end when the set minimum temperature (strong notch-diff) is reached.

At the same time, when the input condition of the defrosting operation is satisfied while the active power saving operation (S3) is being performed, the control unit 70 stops the active power saving operation (S3) (S350) and a defrosting operation for the defrost operation It is possible to control so that the normal operation is performed preferentially ( S510 ).

In particular, in the operation before the defrost, the cooling power control means (compressor and the first cooling fan) is controlled to operate at the maximum load while the internal temperature (CT) in the first storage compartment 12 is higher than the first lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff). It can be controlled to cool until it reaches a low-temperature defrosting performance temperature.

The control of the controller 70 is to minimize the time until the defrosting operation temperature is reached even when the internal temperature of the refrigerator is the first upper limit reference temperature (NT+diff) or higher.

At the same time, the control unit 70 performs a defrost operation after the operation before the defrost is finished (S520), and after the defrost operation is completed, operates the cooling power control means at the maximum load to provide the maximum cooling power (S530) It is cooled until the temperature inside the refrigerator (CT) in the first storage chamber (12) reaches a temperature lower than the first set reference temperature (NT).

At the same time, the control unit 70 checks whether the emergency operation input condition is satisfied (S360) while the active power saving operation (S3) is being performed, and when the emergency operation input condition is satisfied, active power saving In addition to stopping the operation (S370), it is possible to control the emergency operation (S4) to be performed (refer to the attached FIG. 10).

At this time, the input condition of the emergency operation (S4) includes at least any one of when the compressor 60 is operated continuously for a set time or longer, and the temperature inside the refrigerator does not drop (or included in the satisfaction region) for a set time or longer. can

The emergency operation (S4) may be performed while operating (S410) the cooling power control means with the set cooling power. In this case, the set cooling power may be the maximum cooling power.

At the same time, after the cooling power control means is operated, the emergency operation is controlled to end (S430) after the operation termination condition of the emergency operation is checked (S420) and when the operation termination condition is satisfied.

Of course, after the input condition of the emergency operation (S4) is satisfied and the emergency operation (S4) is performed, the cooling power is controlled to be variable (decreased) only in the general section during the active power saving operation (S3), and the cooling power is controlled in the overuse section It may be desirable to reduce power consumption by being controlled not to change.

As described above, in the refrigerator and the control method thereof of the present invention, the power saving operation according to the user's usage pattern is performed because the control is performed with different reference values by classifying the normal section and the over-used section according to the usage pattern for each time acquired during the set period. This becomes possible.

That is, when referring to the accompanying graphs of FIGS. 11 to 13, the power saving operation (Save TDC) of the present invention is higher than the temperature deviation (difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature) in the refrigerator during the conventional general load response operation (Power TDC). ), the temperature deviation inside the operating cabinet can be greatly reduced, so power consumption can be improved. At this time, the attached FIG. 12 is a load and temperature state by time during a conventional general operation, and FIG. 13 is a load and temperature state by time during operation according to the present invention.

In addition, the refrigerator and its control method of the present invention are not operated only with the maximum cooling power during load response operation, but are provided in a state in which the cooling power is changed according to the usage pattern. Overcooling can be prevented.

In addition, since the refrigerator and the control method of the present invention operate by changing the reference value (eg, reference temperature or reference time) to a lower value during the overuse section than in the general section, deterioration of the stored material can be prevented by preemptive response to the temperature. During the period, power consumption may be reduced and power consumption may be improved.

In addition, the refrigerator and the control method thereof according to the present invention enable accurate power saving operation according to the user's usage pattern because the usage pattern is continuously updated.

1. Refrigerator 1a. indoor temperature sensor
1b, 1c. High temperature sensor 11. Cabinet
12. Storage Room 1 13. Storage Room 2
12a, 13a. Door 14. Sensor
21,22. Evaporator 23. Thermoelectric module
23a. thermoelectric element 23b. sink
231. Heat absorbing side 232. Heating side
31. 1st cooling fan 41. 2nd cooling fan
60. Compressor 61. First refrigerant passage
62. Second refrigerant passage 63. Refrigerant valve
70. Control 71. Counter

Claims (34)

a cabinet having a storage room;
a door for opening and closing the storage compartment;
a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the storage chamber;
a cold air heat source for generating cold air supplied to the storage chamber;
Cooling power control means for adjusting the cooling power of the cold air supplied to the storage chamber while the load control is possible;
A control unit for selectively performing at least one of a general storage operation and a load response operation while controlling the cooling power of the cooling power control means to control the supply of cold air to the storage chamber;
The control unit is
Acquires a user's usage pattern for each time period performed for a set period, divides a normal section and an overuse section for each time according to the acquired usage pattern, and controls the divided normal section and overuse section with different reference values during the time of the divided normal section and overuse section A refrigerator, characterized in that it is made to perform. The method of claim 1,
and the reference value includes a reference temperature for controlling a temperature inside a refrigerator in a storage room. 3. The method of claim 2,
The reference temperature for the internal temperature is either the upper limit reference temperature (NT-diff) or the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) determined based on the set reference temperature (NT) set by the user, or the set reference temperature (NT). Refrigerator, characterized in that at least one temperature is included. 3. The method of claim 2,
and the control unit controls the reference temperature by changing the reference temperature to a lower level during an overuse section than during a normal section. The method of claim 1,
and the control unit controls the load response operation to be performed when the internal temperature of the refrigerator rises above a set condition temperature within a set elapsed time when the door is opened. 6. The method of claim 5,
The reference value includes the set elapsed time. 7. The method of claim 6,
Refrigerator, characterized in that the set elapsed time for the load response operation during the excessive use section is set shorter than that of the general section. 6. The method of claim 5,
The reference value is a refrigerator, characterized in that the set condition temperature is included. 9. The method of claim 8,
Refrigerator, characterized in that the set condition temperature for the load response operation during the overuse section than the normal section is set to be lower. The method of claim 1,
and the reference value includes a rate of change in temperature that decreases per unit time with respect to the temperature in the refrigerator in the storage room. 11. The method of claim 10,
and the control unit controls the temperature change rate to be lowered per unit time to be higher during the overuse section than during the normal section. 11. The method of claim 10,
and the control unit controls the rate of temperature change per unit time to be higher during the overuse section than during the normal section during the load response operation. The method of claim 1,
and the control unit controls the load response operation to be performed when the rate of change of temperature per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage compartment is higher than a preset rate of change when the door is opened. 14. The method of claim 13,
The reference value is a refrigerator, characterized in that the set rate of change is included. 15. The method of claim 14,
Refrigerator, characterized in that the setting change rate for the load response operation during the overuse section is set to be lower than that of the general section. The method of claim 1,
The reference value is a refrigerator, characterized in that the cooling power of the cooling power control means is included. 17. The method of claim 16,
and the control unit controls the cooling power control means to provide a higher cooling power during an overuse section than during a normal section. 17. The method of claim 16,
and the controller controls the cooling power control means to provide a higher cooling power during an overuse section than during a normal section during load response operation. The method of claim 1,
and the control unit is configured such that the division between the normal section and the over-used section is updated for each predetermined time or date for each time period. a temperature measurement step of measuring the temperature inside the refrigerator in the storage room;
a door open confirmation step of confirming whether the door is opened;
At least one of a general storage operation or a load response operation is performed while controlling the cold air supplied to the storage room by controlling the cooling power of the cooling power control means according to the temperature information inside the storage room and whether the operation start conditions of the load response operation are satisfied. a step of performing a general operation selectively performed;
an information acquisition step of acquiring information on a usage pattern for each time period of the respective driving;
a power saving operation setting step of dividing into a normal section and an overuse section for each time according to a usage pattern for each time performed for a set period based on the information acquired in the information acquisition step;
A power saving operation performing step of selectively performing at least one of a general storage operation or a load response operation while adjusting the cooling power of the cooling power control means to different reference values during the time of the normal section and the overuse section divided in the power saving operation setting step ; A control method of a refrigerator, characterized in that it is included. 21. The method of claim 20,
The power saving operation performing step is made to be performed when a user's request occurs,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that the normal operation performing step is performed when there is no request for the power saving operation performing step by the user. 21. The method of claim 20,
The reference value in the power saving operation performing step includes a reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the storage room,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the power saving operation performing step, the operation is performed by changing the reference temperature to a lower value during an overuse section than during a normal section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The reference temperature for the internal temperature is either the upper limit reference temperature (NT-diff) or the lower limit reference temperature (NT-diff) determined based on the set reference temperature (NT) set by the user, or the set reference temperature (NT). A method of controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that at least one temperature is included. 21. The method of claim 20,
The reference value in the power saving operation performing step includes a reference temperature for controlling the temperature inside the storage room,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the power saving operation performing step, the operation is performed by changing the reference temperature to be higher during a normal section than during an overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation step is performed when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the set condition temperature within the set elapsed time when the door is opened,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the set elapsed time is set to be shorter during the overuse section than during the normal section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation step is performed when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the set condition temperature within the set elapsed time when the door is opened,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the set elapsed time is set to be longer for a normal section than for an overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation step is performed when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the set condition temperature within the set elapsed time when the door is opened,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the set condition temperature is set to be lower during the overuse section than during the normal section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation step is performed when the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the set condition temperature within the set elapsed time when the door is opened,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the set condition temperature is set to be higher during a normal section than during an overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that, during the load response operation of the power saving operation performing step, the rate of temperature change per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage room during the normal section is controlled to be lower than that of the overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation performing step is performed when the rate of change of temperature per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage room when the door is opened is higher than the set rate of change,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the setting change rate is set to be lower during the overuse section than during the normal section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The load response operation of the power saving operation performing step is performed when the rate of change of temperature per unit time with respect to the temperature inside the storage room when the door is opened is higher than the set rate of change,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that during the load response operation, the setting change rate is set to be higher during a normal section than during an overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the step of performing the power saving operation, the cooling power adjusting means is controlled to provide a higher cooling power during the overuse section than during the normal section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The control method of the refrigerator, characterized in that in the step of performing the power saving operation, the cooling power adjusting means is controlled to provide a lower cooling power during a normal section than during an overuse section. 21. The method of claim 20,
The reference value for each section of the power saving operation setting step is updated for each predetermined time or date,
The method of controlling a refrigerator, wherein the power saving operation performing step is performed based on the updated reference value for each section.

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