Controller design for high-energy-efficient performance of a household refrigerator using inverter technology

Abstract

This work presents the control design of a domestic refrigeration system by using a variable speed compressor (inverter technology) with the main purpose of reducing energy consumption and complying with Ecuadorian standards for this type of household appliances. A study on refrigeration systems is carried out, its operating principles are discussed and a comparison between conventional systems and the variable speed technology is performed. Additionally, an analysis of the refrigeration control is included and the variable speed controller is implemented in a prototype card, which was installed in a domestic refrigerator of 12 ft3. The system exhibits a reduction of 27% in the consumption test regulated by the RTE INEN 035 and the NTE-INEN 2 206 norms, which demonstrates its high-energy efficient performance.