Abstract: A method and system for converting a conventional cooler to a refrigerator. A heat transfer module is disposed within the cooler for cooling the contents therein, while an external cooling module includes refrigerant in a closed loop configuration that stays outside of the cooler. The heat transfer module includes a closed loop chilling fluid that extends outside the cooler through a drain port to perform a heat exchange with the refrigerant loop.

Abstract: An absorption chiller includes a heating medium supply pipe configured to supply a heating medium from a heating medium pipe to a cooling water pipe; a cooling water discharge pipe configured to discharge a cooling water from the cooling water pipe to the heating medium pipe; a control valve provided on the heating medium supply pipe and the cooling water discharge pipe, respectively; and a controller configured to cause the control valve to be opened and to cause the heating medium in the heating medium pipe to be introduced into the cooling water pipe, when a temperature detected by a cooling water temperature detector is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, in a wet lay-up state including a state in which a cooling water inlet shut-off valve and a cooling water outlet shut-off valve are closed and the cooling water pipe is filled with the cooling water.

Abstract: A refrigerator a duct arranged to partition an inner space of a storage chamber body into a storage chamber and an air flow channel, wherein the duct has an ejection hole defined therein; a roll-bond evaporator disposed in the air flow channel, wherein the roll-bond evaporator has a top and a bottom, a left end and a right end; a blowing fan configured to draw air from the storage chamber to blow the air into the air flow channel; and a defrost sensor closer to one of the top and bottom than the other of the top and the bottom, wherein said one is closer to the blowing fan than the other, wherein the sensor is closer to one of the left end and the right end than the other of the left end and the right end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet provided with a storage compartment; a chamber provided with an evaporator for supplying cold air, a discharge duct through which the cold air having gone through a heat exchange by means of the evaporator is supplied to the storage compartment, and an introduction duct guiding the air in the storage compartment to the evaporator; a first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the evaporator; a second temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the storage compartment; a third temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the air supplied from the chamber to the storage compartment; and a control unit for determining the time for defrosting the evaporator on the basis of the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor.

Abstract: A refrigerator damper system employs a fluidic valve providing switching of air between refrigerated compartments without the need for a movable valve plate such as can be obstructed by ice. In one embodiment, a bidirectional fan provides switching from a first compartment to a second compartment and then from a second compartment to a first compartment with change of fan direction.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling a refrigerator includes: a step for determining whether or not a defrosting initiation condition is satisfied with respect to an evaporator; a step for, if the defrosting initiation condition is satisfied, detecting a pressure differential by means of one differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure differential between a first through hole, which is positioned between the evaporator and an inlet port having air flowing in from a storage chamber, and a second through hole which is positioned between the evaporator and a discharge port having air discharged to the storage chamber; and a defrosting step for variably defrosting in accordance with the measured pressure differential.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system, a cooling tower cools cooling water. A chiller generates cold water using the cooling water cooled by the cooling tower. A cooling water circulation passage circulates cooling water between the cooling tower and chiller. A first heat exchanger exchanges heat between air and the cold water generated by the chiller. A cold water circulation passage circulates the cold water between the chiller and first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger exchanges heat between a portion of the cooling water cooled by the cooling tower and air heat-exchanged with the cold water. A cooling water branch passage, branching from the cooling water circulation passage, introduces to the second heat exchanger the portion of the cooling water introduced to the chiller from the cooling tower, and introduces to the cooling water circulation passage the portion of the cooling water heat-exchanged with air by the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a conventional cooler to a refrigerator. A heat transfer module is disposed within the cooler for cooling the contents therein, while an external cooling module includes refrigerant in a closed loop configuration that stays outside of the cooler. The heat transfer module includes a closed loop chilling fluid that extends outside the cooler through a drain port to perform a heat exchange with the refrigerant loop.

Abstract: An air conditioner 1 includes: an outdoor heat exchanger 14; an outdoor fan 12 for blowing air to the outdoor heat exchanger; an outdoor fan motor 20 that drives the outdoor fan; an outdoor fan inverter 21 that drives the outdoor fan motor; and a control unit 31 that generates a rotation-speed command voltage for controlling the rotation number of the outdoor fan motor. In addition, the control unit starts a defrost operation of the outdoor heat exchanger, based on the rotation-speed command voltage. In this manner, it is possible to achieve an outdoor device of an air conditioner in which there is no need to provide a current detecting sensor, and it is possible to detect frost formation over the heat exchanger during a heating operation and to perform a defrost operation at low costs.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit, a fan configured to send air to a heat exchanger, and a controller. The controller is configured to switch among a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation. In the first operation, the heat exchanger is caused to act as an evaporator. In the second operation, the heat exchanger is caused to act as a radiator to defrost the heat exchanger. In the third operation that is performed after the second operation, a compressor is stopped and the fan is operated at a constant rotational speed. The controller is configured to finish the third operation and start the first operation when a physical value positively correlated with electric power supplied to the fan falls to or below a threshold value during the third operation.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes: a first defrosting pipe branching from a main circuit to supply a portion of refrigerant discharged from a compressor to one of plural parallel heat exchangers to be defrosted; a second defrosting pipe which returns, to the main circuit, the refrigerant supplied through the first defrosting pipe to the one parallel heat exchanger; a first expansion device provided on the first defrosting pipe; a second expansion device provided on the second defrosting pipe to adjust a pressure of the refrigerant in the one parallel heat exchanger; and a third expansion device provided between a connection point between an outlet of the second defrosting pipe and the main circuit and one of plural indoor heat exchangers functioning as an evaporator, to adjust a pressure of the refrigerant in the one of the indoor heat exchangers; and a controller that controls the second and third expansion devices individually.

Abstract: A method of initiating a defrost cycle using a controller of a heat pump system includes measuring a temperature of an evaporator coil and determining whether the temperature of the evaporator coil is less than a freezing temperature. Responsive to a determination that the temperature of the evaporator coil is less than the freezing temperature, determining whether a current dew point temperature of air is greater than the temperature of the evaporator coil. Responsive to a determination that the current dew point temperature of air is greater than the temperature of the evaporator coil, calculating a frost-collection rate. Determining whether the frost-collection rate is greater than a frost-collection-rate threshold, and, responsive to a determination that the frost-collection rate is greater than the frost-collection-rate threshold, initiating a defrost cycle.

Abstract: A refrigerator a duct arranged to partition an inner space of a storage chamber body into a storage chamber and an air flow channel, wherein the duct has an ejection hole defined therein; a roll-bond evaporator disposed in the air flow channel, wherein the roll-bond evaporator has a top and a bottom, a left end and a right end; a blowing fan configured to draw air from the storage chamber to blow the air into the air flow channel; and a defrost sensor closer to one of the top and bottom than the other of the top and the bottom, wherein said one is closer to the blowing fan than the other, wherein the sensor is closer to one of the left end and the right end than the other of the left end and the right end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for checking proper airflow within a container (307) having a refrigeration unit (320) are provided. The system includes one or more sensors (358) located within the container configured to measure at least one airflow characteristic, and a controller (360) in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to store predetermined information related to airflow within the container, wherein the predetermined information includes minimum airflow criteria related to the at least one airflow characteristic, receive data from the one or more sensors, compare the received data with the predetermined information, and provide an indicator when the comparison indicates that the received data does not meet or exceed the minimum airflow criteria.

Abstract: A method for operating a fan within a refrigerator appliance includes initiating a defrost cycle of the refrigerator appliance, monitoring an output of a temperature sensor of the fan during the defrost cycle, and terminating the defrost cycle when the output of the temperature sensor reaches or exceeds a threshold temperature.

Abstract: An inner part for a refrigerating device, such as an inner wall, a refrigerating item support, or similar item ideally should be easy to clean. At least a surface of the inner part is provided with effective protection against microbes and/or fungi. Because the inner part inhibits the growth of microbes and/or fungi, it is easier to clean and maintain.

Abstract: A smart HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors that monitor the temperature and humidity of a conditioned space and the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. A system controller is operable to control one or more bypass dampers. The modulation of air volume allows the cooling coil to achieve an optimum BTU extraction rate, and regulate temperature and humidity levels of the conditioned space. Sensor data is interpreted by a controller to modulate positioning of the dampers, thereby regulating the volume of air moved across the cooling coil. The smart HVAC system regulates the amount of air moved over the coil according to the desired system output, which includes temperature humidity and energy efficiency while maintaining a constant movement of air and the optimal amount of air exchanges per hour throughout the conditioned space with enhanced dehumidification and mold free systems.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a compressor, a flow path switch, a first heat exchanger, a pressure-reducing device, a second heat exchanger, a moisture adsorption member that is arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, a fan, a storage unit configured to store an operation time map, and a temperature and humidity detection unit. The controller controls the flow path switch that switches a first operation mode to adsorb moisture by the moisture adsorption member and a second operation mode to desorb moisture adsorbed by the moisture adsorption member. The controller acquires a first time and a second time corresponding to the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity detection unit from the operation time map, and controls the flow path switch in accordance with the acquired first time and second time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a shielding device for closing a path through which air circulates in a refrigerator and a refrigerator having shielding device. The shielding device includes a forced draft fan cover having a threaded hole formed with a threaded slot; and a drive shaft formed with a thread being screwed with the threaded slot and extended to pass through the threaded hole, where an air duct that allows the air flows from the inside of the forced draft fan cover to the outside is provided between the drive shaft and the forced draft fan cover.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to a multistage refrigeration system comprising a vapor compression cycle (VCC) stage, a thermosiphon stage, and an interface device. The VCC stage may circulate a VCC refrigerant, for example, to work a vapor compression cycle on the VCC refrigerant. The thermosiphon stage may circulate a thermosiphon refrigerant between the interface device and an evaporator. The interface device may comprise an interface flow path in fluid communication with the VCC stage to receive the VCC refrigerant and a first vessel that at least partially encloses the first interface flow path. The vessel may receive the first thermosiphon refrigerant at least partially in a vapor phase and may provide the first thermosiphon refrigerant to the evaporator at least partially in a liquid phase. The vessel may be at a second elevation, higher than the first elevation, to generate a thermosiphon force to circulate the thermosiphon refrigerant between the vessel and the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body including a freezing-compartment inner case forming a freezing compartment and a refrigerating-compartment inner case forming a refrigerating compartment, and a heat transfer module including a thermosiphon part having a portion provided in the freezing-compartment inner case and another portion provided in the refrigerating-compartment inner case and having a closed loop in which working fluid for transferring heat flows and a heating member coupled to one side of the thermosiphon part to heat the working fluid. Other configurations are possible.

Abstract: An electronic ballast with power thermal cutback including an electronic ballast operably connected to provide power to a lamp, the electronic ballast having a PFC converter (HO) operable to receive a PFC input voltage (112) and operable to provide a DC bus voltage on a DC bus (114); a DC/AC converter (120) operable to receive the DC bus voltage from the DC bus (114) and to provide AC power (122) to the lamp (140) at an AC output frequency; a compensator (130) responsive to an electronic ballast condition parameter, the compensator (130) being operable to provide a compensator signal to at least one of the PFC converter (110) and the DC/AC converter (120). At least one of the PFC converter (110) and the DC/AC converter (120) is responsive to the compensator signal to reduce the power to the lamp (140) when the electronic ballast condition parameter passes a threshold.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes at least indoor heat exchangers. In response to a request to increase heat exchange performance from the indoor heat exchanger, the air-conditioning apparatus decreases a heat exchange capacity of an outdoor heat exchanger and controls an opening degree of an expansion valve corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger to decrease a flow rate of a refrigerant that flows through the indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: An air conditioner, having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, to perform a heating operation and a defrosting operation, the air conditioner including a detection unit to detect a state of at least one selected between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and to output the detected value, a controller to determine whether the air conditioner is in a stable state when the defrosting operation is completed and, upon determining that the air conditioner is in the stable state, to control the detected value output from the detection unit to determine entry time of the next defrosting operation, and a storage unit to store a value detected in the stable state. The entry time of the defrosting operation is accurately determined, thereby minimizing the number of times of the defrosting operation during the heating operation.

Abstract: An evaporator includes multiple refrigerant tubes, multiple air passages provided between the refrigerant tubes, a cold storage container disposed in the multiple air passages, and a temperature detector. The evaporator further includes a freezing allowable region and a freezing unallowable region that is provided above the freezing allowable region. The cold storage container has a small thickness region and a large thickness region that is positioned above the small thickness region. The large thickness region demarcates a smaller space with the refrigerant tubes than the space demarcated between the small thickness region and the refrigerant tubes. The small thickness region of the cold storage container is positioned within the freezing allowable region, the large thickness region is positioned in the freezing unallowable region, and the temperature detector is disposed in the freezing allowable region.

Abstract: An oxygen liquefier system may be configured to defrost an oxygen line included therein. The system may include one or more sieve beds, a liquid oxygen reservoir, an oxygen line, a controller, a heating apparatus, and/or other components. The one or more sieve beds are configured to extract oxygen from air obtained from an ambient environment. The liquid oxygen reservoir is configured to store oxygen extracted at the one or more sieve beds that has been liquefied. The oxygen line is configured to provide fluid communication between the one or more sieve beds and the liquid oxygen reservoir. The controller is configured to detect a blockage caused by frozen liquid within the oxygen line based on a liquid oxygen production rate. The heating apparatus is configured to defrost the oxygen line to melt frozen liquid within the oxygen line responsive to the detection of the blockage.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are a heat pump system for a vehicle and a method of controlling the heat pump system, which determines that frosting begins on an exterior heat exchanger and carries out a defrosting control if a difference value between outdoor temperature and refrigerant temperature of an outlet side of the exterior heat exchanger is above a frosting decision temperature in a heat pump mode, thereby increasing frost-prevention and defrosting effects and enhancing heating performance and stability of the system because the system recognizes the beginning of frosting on the exterior heat exchanger at a proper time so as to carry out the defrosting control.

Abstract: A method for defrosting an evaporator of a water heater appliance is provided. The method includes initiating a defrost cycle of the water heater appliance, deactivating a compressor of the water heater appliance during the defrost cycle of the water heater appliance, and operating a fan of the water heater appliance during the defrost cycle of the water heater appliance. A related water heater appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an evaporator and a defrost heater which periodically subjects the evaporator to a defrost process, A temperature sensor is disposed at least in proximity to the evaporator and is adapted for switching off the defrost heater once the temperature sensor detects a predetermined defrost temperature. The temperature sensor provides a predetermined defrost temperature profile having first, second and third time segments. A first defrost temperature during the first time segment changes to a second defrost temperature during the second time segment, and holds the second defrost temperature during the third time segment.

Abstract: In various implementations, a condition of a motor may be monitored based at least partially on time required to achieve a change in speed. A notification may be transmitted based on the condition of the motor.

Abstract: In various implementations, frost in a vapor compression system may be controlled. A property of a fan may be determined. A determination may be made whether a frost event and/or a nonfrost event has occurred based at least partially on the determined fan property.

Abstract: A method for determining a phase angle between voltage applied to a winding of the electric motor and an electric current flowing through the winding may include receiving a signal from the electric motor, including a value of a voltage applied to a winding of the electric motor. The method may also include determining a value of an electric current flowing through the winding and determining a phase angle between the voltage applied to the winding and the electric current flowing through the winding. The method may also include determining a speed or a stall state of the electric motor.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes a solar radiation amount detection element configured to detect the amount of solar radiation incident on an instrument panel, a temperature correction element configured to correct a detection signal value output from the solar radiation amount detection element according to a temperature on the instrument panel, a solar radiation sensor configured to output a detection signal in which a temperature is corrected by the temperature correction element, and an air conditioner configured to control air conditioning inside a vehicle based on the detection signal from the solar radiation sensor.

Abstract: To defrost one barrel of a two barrel FCB dispenser, a refrigeration system defrosts the one barrel, while neither defrosting nor chilling the other barrel, for either a selected time or until a frozen beverage is drawn from the other barrel, whichever occurs first. Once the selected time or beverage draw occurs, the refrigeration system chills the other barrel until beverage within it is properly frozen, while neither defrosting nor chilling the one barrel. Once beverage in the other barrel is properly frozen, the refrigeration system resumes defrosting the one barrel, whereupon the foregoing cycle is repeated until defrost of the one barrel is complete, at which point the refrigeration system chills the one barrel to refreeze product in it. The arrangement keeps beverage in the other barrel properly frozen during defrosting of the one barrel.

Abstract: An auxiliary heater control device can be readily attached to a hot water heating system configured with a simple water circuit without a hot water storage tank, and is capable of preventing freezing of circulating water such that use of an auxiliary heater is minimized. When a sensed temperature tS sensed by a temperature sensor is in a range, a control device increases a rotational speed of a circulation pump. When the sensed temperature tS is in a range, the control device increases the rotational speed of the circulation pump and lowers an operating frequency of a compressor. When the sensed temperature tS is in a range, the control device increases the rotational speed of the circulation pump, lowers the operating frequency of the compressor, and activates an auxiliary heater.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator, which includes a main body, a door, an evaporator, a defrosting heater, a defrosting sensor, and a control part. The main body includes a food storage space and an evaporation compartment. The door selectively closes the food storage space. The evaporator is disposed in the evaporation compartment. The defrosting heater is disposed at a side of the evaporator to remove frost from an outer surface of the evaporation compartment or the evaporator. The defrosting sensor is disposed at a side of the evaporation compartment or the evaporator to sense a frost formation amount. The control part receives a sensed value transmitted from the defrosting sensor, and controls an operation of the defrosting heater according to the sensed value. A sensing period of the defrosting sensor is varied according to a frost formation amount sensed by the defrosting sensor.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is described. The mobile computing device includes an enclosure. A humidity sensor senses humidity inside the enclosure and generates humidity data. An internal temperature sensor senses a temperature inside the enclosure and generates internal temperature data. An external temperature sensor senses a temperature exterior to the enclosure and generates external temperature data. An environmental control apparatus adjusts at least a temperature inside the enclosure of the mobile electronic device. A processor receives the humidity data, the internal temperature data, and the external temperature data and activates the environmental control apparatus in response to the humidity data, the internal temperature data, and the external temperature data to minimize condensation from forming inside the enclosure due to rapid changes in external ambient temperature.

Abstract: To defrost one barrel of a two barrel FCB dispenser, a refrigeration system defrosts the one barrel, while neither defrosting nor chilling the other barrel, for either a selected time or until a frozen beverage is drawn from the other barrel, whichever occurs first. Once the selected time or beverage draw occurs, the refrigeration system chills the other barrel until beverage within it is properly frozen, while neither defrosting nor chilling the one barrel. Once beverage in the other barrel is properly frozen, the refrigeration system resumes defrosting the one barrel, whereupon the foregoing cycle is repeated until defrost of the one barrel is complete, at which point the refrigeration system chills the one barrel to refreeze product in it. The arrangement keeps beverage in the other barrel properly frozen during defrosting of the one barrel.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a condensation control system features a dew point analyzer, a fluid system, and a condensation control engine. The dew point analyzer provides a dew point temperature measurement of environmental conditions outside a fluid line having a refrigerant flowing therein. The fluid system provides a flow of insulating fluid to an insulation chamber at least partially separating the fluid line from environmental conditions outside the fluid line. The condensation control engine instructs the fluid system to provide the flow of insulating fluid to the insulation chamber at a temperature such that the temperature of the insulating fluid exiting the insulation chamber is greater than the dew point temperature measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for water collection from atmospheric moisture in large quantities in uncontrolled outdoor environments where the temperature may be cold and humidity levels low. To extract water from air when the dew point is low, a heat exchanger cools to a point where water vapor is deposited on its surface as ice. The heat exchanger then cycles through a heating phase to melt the ice and generate liquid water. The accumulation of frost is advantageous. Frost accumulation enables water collection when the dew point is low. Disclosed variations enhance efficiency and environmental tolerance.

Abstract: A system for controlling the defrost cycle of an evaporator comprising a sensor in the coil of an evaporator or downstream of the coil, the sensor configured to determine changes in the liquid mass ratio of the refrigerant in the evaporator. The difference in liquid mass ratio relating to frost buildup on the outside of said evaporator. When the difference in liquid mass ratio reaches a predetermined amount, corresponding to an unsatisfactory frost buildup, a defrost cycle is initiated. When the liquid mass ratio returns to a value that corresponds to a defrosted evaporator, the defrost cycle is discontinued.

Abstract: A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element.

Abstract: Adaptable evaporator defrost logic is employed in a refrigeration system to detect a build-up of ice on the evaporator. In response to the detected build-up of ice, a defrost operation is initiated that includes decreasing the speed of the compressor. At the end of the defrost operation, the adaptable evaporator defrost logic determines whether the defrost operation was a success. If the defrost operation was a success, then normal operation is resumed. If the defrost operation was not a success, then the defrost operation is modified by turning the compressor off and extending a duration of the defrost operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for water collection from atmospheric moisture in large quantities in uncontrolled outdoor environments where the temperature may be cold and humidity levels low. To extract water from air when the dew point is low, a heat exchanger cools to a point where water vapor is deposited on its surface as ice. The heat exchanger then cycles through a heating phase to melt the ice and generate liquid water. The accumulation of frost is advantageous. Frost accumulation enables water collection when the dew point is low. Disclosed variations enhance efficiency and environmental tolerance.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are a heat pump system for a vehicle and a method of controlling the heat pump system, which determines that frosting begins on an exterior heat exchanger and carries out a defrosting control if a difference value between outdoor temperature and refrigerant temperature of an outlet side of the exterior heat exchanger is above a frosting decision temperature in a heat pump mode, thereby increasing frost-prevention and defrosting effects and enhancing heating performance and stability of the system because the system recognizes the beginning of frosting on the exterior heat exchanger at a proper time so as to carry out the defrosting control.

Abstract: A heat exchanger usable as an evaporator in a refrigerant cycle device includes a heat exchanging portion configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant and air so as to evaporate the refrigerant. A thermal deformation member is provided in en entire range on a surface of the heat exchanging portion, to be deformed bordering on a predetermined temperature when the surface of the heat exchanging portion is frosted to produce ice. The thermal deformation member is deformed by a temperature change between a first temperature lower than the predetermined temperature and a second temperature higher than the predetermined temperature, to cause distortion between the surface of the heat exchanging portion and the ice when the ice is attached to the surface of the heat exchanging portion. Thus, the ice attached to the surface of the heat exchanging portion can be effectively removed while heat energy for removing the ice can be reduced.

Abstract: A frost detecting apparatus including a first electrode to generate an electric field in a frost detection region, a second electrode to prevent the electric field from leaking into a frost non-detection region, an insulator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, to insulate the first electrode, and a shield arranged around an exposed portion of the insulator, to prevent the electric field from leaking into the frost non-detection region through the exposed portion of the insulator. As the same potential is established at the first and second electrodes, it is possible to prevent electric field from leaking into a frost non-detection region through side surfaces of the first electrode. Accordingly, the electric field is varied only by frost formed in a frost detection region, so that it is possible to more accurately detect formation of frost and the amount of the formed frost.

Abstract: An embodiment of a probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. For example, a defrost controller may use an embodiment of such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration or freezer unit) so that the controller may initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted. Such a probe may be more reliable than other defrost-detection techniques, and such a defrost controller may increase the cooling and energy efficiencies of a cooling unit as compared to a cooling unit having a conventional defrost controller.