Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining multiple food storage chambers which are operable at distinct temperatures. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet comprising a plurality of insulated mullions. The insulated mullions at least partially define a fresh food chamber, a freezer chamber, a convertible chamber, and a plenum. The refrigerator appliance also includes a first damper selectively providing fluid communication between the fresh food chamber and the plenum, a second damper selectively providing fluid communication between the freezer chamber and the plenum, and a fan disposed between the convertible chamber and the plenum. The fan is configured to force air from the plenum into the convertible chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance may be provided that includes a housing, a first fluid-motivating unit (FMU), a second FMU, and a controller. The housing may define a chilled chamber. The first FMU may be mounted to the housing. The second FMU may be mounted to the housing apart from the first FMU. The controller may be in operable communication with the first FMU and the second FMU. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooling operation. The cooling operation may include activating the first FMU to generate a first fluid flow, increasing a speed setting of the first FMU gradually at a first predetermined ramp rate, activating the second FMU subsequent to activating the first FMU to generate a second fluid flow, and increasing a speed setting of the second FMU gradually.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance may be provided that includes a housing, a first fluid-motivating unit (FMU), a second FMU, and a controller. The housing may define a chilled chamber. The first FMU may be mounted to the housing. The second FMU may be mounted to the housing apart from the first FMU. The controller may be in operable communication with the first FMU and the second FMU. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooling operation. The cooling operation may include activating the first FMU to generate a first fluid flow, increasing a speed setting of the first FMU gradually at a first predetermined ramp rate, activating the second FMU subsequent to activating the first FMU to generate a second fluid flow, and increasing a speed setting of the second FMU gradually.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining multiple food storage chambers which are operable at distinct temperatures. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet comprising a plurality of insulated mullions. The insulated mullions at least partially define a fresh food chamber, a freezer chamber, a convertible chamber, and a plenum. The refrigerator appliance also includes a first damper selectively providing fluid communication between the fresh food chamber and the plenum, a second damper selectively providing fluid communication between the freezer chamber and the plenum, and a fan disposed between the convertible chamber and the plenum. The fan is configured to force air from the plenum into the convertible chamber.

Abstract: Compressors and methods for determining optimal parking positions for compressor pistons are provided. A method includes performing a current value evaluation for an initial time during operation of a motor of the compressor. Performing the current value evaluation includes measuring a motor current value at the time and comparing the motor current value to an existing optimal parking current value. Performing the current value evaluation further includes modifying the existing optimal parking current value to the motor current value when the motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value.

Abstract: A reciprocating refrigerant compressor system is disclosed. The compressor system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, at least one fluid passageway, and an actuator. The piston is movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position. The fluid passageway is disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC position and defined by one or more apertures. The actuator is in operative communication with the aperture and is responsive to an environmental condition external to the compressor system to at least partially close the aperture.

Abstract: Compressors and methods for determining optimal parking positions for compressor pistons are provided. A method includes performing a current value evaluation for an initial time during operation of a motor of the compressor. Performing the current value evaluation includes measuring a motor current value at the time and comparing the motor current value to an existing optimal parking current value. Performing the current value evaluation further includes modifying the existing optimal parking current value to the motor current value when the motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value.

Abstract: A reciprocating refrigerant compressor system is disclosed. The compressor system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, at least one fluid passageway, and an actuator. The piston is movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position. The fluid passageway is disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC position and defined by one or more apertures. The actuator is in operative communication with the aperture and is responsive to an environmental condition external to the compressor system to at least partially close the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller is described. The method includes establishing a control grid having at least one axis corresponding to a temperature at a specified location, and the axis is divided into a plurality of operating states of the sealed system. Each of the states correspond to a sensed temperature condition at the specified location, and each of the states includes a designated compressor speed parameter. The compressor speed parameter in some of the states is different from the compressor speed parameter in other of the states.

Abstract: A method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller includes defining a first set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature increase period, defining a second set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature decrease period, the second set of ranges different than the first set of ranges, and operating the compressor using the defined first set and the defined second set.

Abstract: A method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller includes defining a first set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature increase period, defining a second set of temperature ranges for operating the compressor during a temperature decrease period, the second set of ranges different than the first set of ranges, and operating the compressor using the defined first set and the defined second set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller is described. The method includes establishing a control grid having at least one axis corresponding to a temperature at a specified location, and the axis is divided into a plurality of operating states of the sealed system. Each of the states correspond to a sensed temperature condition at the specified location, and each of the states includes a designated compressor speed parameter. The compressor speed parameter in some of the states is different from the compressor speed parameter in other of the states.

Abstract: A scroll-type refrigeration compressor is disclosed which incorporates an efficient, reliable, low cost modulation system employing a single actuator to effect switching between full and reduced capacity operation. The modulation system of the present invention includes an annular valving ring rotationally supported on the non-orbiting scroll which operates to ensure simultaneous opening and closing one or more unloading passages thus avoiding the possibility of even transient pressure imbalances between opposed compression pockets during operation of the compressor or in one of the alternative embodiments, providing a controlled imbalance to provide a noise reducing torsional loading on the Oldham coupling. Further, the modulation system of the present invention provides for reduced capacity at both start up and shut down thus enabling the use of more efficient lower starting torque motors and reducing the potential for noise generating reverse rotation on shut down.