SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A RELATIVE HUMIDITY WITH A CHILLED CHAMBER OF A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Abstract

A method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes measuring a temperature of air with a dry bulb temperature sensor, measuring the temperature of air with a wet bulb temperature sensor and calculating a relative humidity for air about the dry and wet bulb temperature sensors based at least in part on the temperature of air measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, refrigerator appliances include a cabinet that defines chilled chambers, such as a fresh food chamber and/or a freezer chamber, for receipt of food items for storage. Regulating humidity within the chilled chamber can extend the shelf life of food items stored therein. However, regulating the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber can be difficult.

The atmosphere within the chilled chamber is often relatively dry. For example, water vapor within the chilled chamber often condenses on an evaporator of the refrigerator's cooling system, thereby decreasing the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber. Thus, water within the food items can evaporate rapidly within the chilled chamber. Such evaporation can spoil the food items or otherwise render them unusable. Certain refrigerator appliances include humidity sensors and humidifiers for regulating the humidity of the atmosphere within the chilled chamber. However, such components are expensive and can be difficult to operate.

Accordingly, a method for establishing a humidity level within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance would be useful. In particular, a method for cheaply and/or reliably establishing a humidity level within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance. The method includes measuring a temperature of air with a dry bulb temperature sensor, measuring the temperature of air with a wet bulb temperature sensor and calculating a relative humidity for air about the dry and wet bulb temperature sensors based at least in part on the temperature of air measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber. A drawer assembly is disposed within the chilled chamber of the cabinet. The drawer assembly includes a drawer casing that defining an interior volume. A bin is slidably disposed within the interior volume of the drawer casing. The bin is configured for storing food items therein. A dry bulb temperature sensor is positioned at the interior volume of the drawer casing, and a wet bulb temperature sensor is also positioned within the interior volume of the drawer casing. A reservoir is positioned at the wet bulb temperature sensor. An air handler is positioned adjacent the wet bulb temperature sensor such that the air handler is operable to urge a flow of air across the wet bulb temperature sensor.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance has a drawer assembly disposed within the chilled chamber of the cabinet. The method includes measuring a temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with a dry bulb temperature sensor, measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with a wet bulb temperature sensor, calculating a relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly based at least in part on the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor, and determining the relative humidity of air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance based at least in part on the relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly from said step of calculating.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes measuring a temperature of air within the chilled chamber with a dry bulb temperature sensor, measuring the temperature of air within the chilled chamber with a wet bulb temperature sensor, and calculating a relative humidity for air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance based at least in part on the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 provide schematic views of a drawer assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with the exemplary drawer assembly shown in various operation states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. More specifically, for illustrative purposes, the present subject matter is described with refrigerator appliance 10 having a construction as shown and described further below. As used herein, “refrigerator appliance” includes appliances such as a refrigerator/freezer combination, side-by-side, bottom mount, compact, and any other style or model of refrigerator appliance. Accordingly, other configurations including multiple and different styled compartments could be used with refrigerator appliance 10, it being understood that refrigerator appliance 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only.

Refrigerator appliance 10 includes a fresh food storage compartment 12 and a freezer storage compartment 14. Freezer compartment 14 and fresh food compartment 12 are arranged side-by-side within a cabinet or housing that includes an outer case 16 and inner liners 18, 20. Freezer compartment 14 and fresh food compartment 12 are defined by inner liners 18 and 20 within outer case 16. A space between case 16 and liners 18 and 20, and between liners 18 and 20, is filled with foamed-in-place insulation. Outer case 16 normally is formed by folding a sheet of a suitable material, such as pre-painted steel, into an inverted U-shape to form the top and side walls of case 16. A bottom wall of case 16 normally is formed separately and attached to the case side walls and to a bottom frame that provides support for refrigerator appliance 10. Inner liners 18 and 20 are molded from a suitable plastic material to form freezer compartment 14 and fresh food compartment 12, respectively. Alternatively, liners 18, 20 may be formed by bending and welding a sheet of a suitable metal, such as steel.

A breaker strip 22 extends between a case front flange and outer front edges of liners 18, 20. Breaker strip 22 is formed from a suitable resilient material, such as an extruded acrylo-butadiene-styrene based material (commonly referred to as ABS). The insulation in the space between liners 18, 20 is covered by another strip of suitable resilient material, which also commonly is referred to as a mullion 24. In one embodiment, mullion 24 is formed of an extruded ABS material. Breaker strip 22 and mullion 24 form a front face, and extend completely around inner peripheral edges of case 16 and vertically between liners 18, 20. Mullion 24, insulation between compartments, and a spaced wall of liners separating compartments, sometimes are collectively referred to herein as a center mullion wall 26.

A shelf 34 and wire baskets 36 are also provided in freezer compartment 14. In addition, an ice maker 38 may be provided in freezer compartment 14. A freezer door 42 and a fresh food door 44 close access openings to freezer and fresh food compartments 14, 12, respectively. Each door 42, 44 is mounted to rotate about its outer vertical edge between an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position (not shown) closing the associated storage compartment. Freezer door 42 includes a plurality of storage shelves 46, and fresh food door 44 includes a plurality of storage shelves 48. Refrigerator appliance 10 includes a machinery compartment that incorporates at least part of a sealed refrigeration system (not shown). The sealed refrigeration system includes various components for generating chilled air within the freezer and fresh food compartments 14, 12, such as a compressor 60 (FIG. 2) and an evaporator 62 (FIG. 3), as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, refrigerator appliance 10 includes shelves 28 and slide-out storage drawers 30, sometimes referred to as storage pans, which normally are provided in fresh food compartment 12 to support items being stored therein. Slide out-drawers 30 may include at least one temperature and/or humidity controlled drawer assembly 100. Drawer assembly 100 is disposed or positioned within fresh food compartment 12, and food items may positioned and stored within drawer assembly 100. To facilitate or improve storage of food items within drawer assembly 100, drawer assembly 100 includes features for modifying or adjusting the temperature and/or humidity level within drawer assembly 100. As an example, by modifying or adjusting the temperature and/or humidity level within drawer assembly 100, food items within drawer assembly 100 may keep longer or more uniformly. Drawer assembly 100 also includes features for measuring or determining a relative humidity of air within fresh food compartment 12. Drawer assembly 100 is discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of certain components of refrigerator appliance 10. As may be seen in FIG. 2, refrigerator appliance 10 includes a compressor 60. Compressor 60 is fluidly coupled (e.g., in series) to various components of the sealed refrigeration system of refrigerator 10 and is operable to provide compressed refrigerant to such components of the sealed refrigeration system, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Refrigerator appliance 10 also includes a controller 70. Various components of refrigerator appliance 10 are operative coupled or in communication with controller 70. Controller 70 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operating cycles of refrigerator appliance 10. Thus, processors of controller 70 may be operable to process inputs, commands and instructions to control the operation of compressor 60, ice maker 38, etc. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 70 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 70 may also be operatively coupled to a user interface panel 32 that permits a user of refrigerator appliance 10 to input commands or signal controller 70. Controller 70 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 10. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1, controller 70 may be located e.g., behind an interface panel 32 or doors 42 or 44. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 70 and e.g., temperature sensors 52 and 54 as well as various operational components of refrigerator appliance 10. These signals can be provided along wiring harnesses that may be routed through e.g., the back, sides, or mullion 24. Typically, through user interface panel 32, a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor the operation of refrigerator appliance 10. In certain exemplary embodiments, user interface panel may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. User interface panel 32 may also include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface panel 32 may further include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface panel may 32 be in communication with controller 70 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

As may be seen in FIG. 2, controller 70 is also operatively coupled to or in communication with various components of drawer assembly 100. For example, controller 70 is operatively coupled to or in communication with a dry bulb temperature sensor 130, a wet bulb temperature sensor 140, an air handler 160, a damper 164 and a heater 170 of drawer assembly 100. Controller 70 may operate and/or receive inputs from such components in order to establish, determine and/or regulate a relative humidity for air within drawer assembly 100, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 provide schematic view of drawer assembly 100 in various operation states. It should be understood that drawer assembly 100 is provided by way of example only and that drawer assembly 100 may be used in any suitable refrigerator appliance, in alternative exemplary embodiments. Drawer assembly 100 is shown in a deactivated operation state in FIG. 3, and drawer assembly 100 is shown in a cooling operation state in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, drawer assembly 100 is shown in a heating operation state, and drawer assembly 100 is shown in a circulation operation state in FIG. 6. As discussed in greater detail below, controller 70 may adjust or shift drawer assembly 100 between the deactivated operating state, the cooling operating state, the heating operating state and the circulation operation state. In such a manner, controller 70 may adjust various components of drawer assembly 100 in order to adjust or regulate a temperature and/or humidity level within drawer assembly 100.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, drawer assembly 100 includes a drawer casing 110 that defines an interior volume 112. The various walls of drawer casing 110 assist with isolating or separating the interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 from fresh food compartment 12 (FIG. 1). Thus, drawer casing 110 is disposed between interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 and fresh food compartment 12 in order to limit or reduce air flow and/or heat transfer between interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 and fresh food compartment 12. Drawer casing 110 may be formed of or with any suitable material, such as plastic.

A bin 120 is slidably or removably disposed within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Bin 120 is configured for storing food items therein. As an example, a user of drawer assembly 100 may at least partially remove bin 120 from interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 and place food items within bin 120. The user may then return or reposition bin 120 within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. With bin 120 disposed or positioned within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110, food items within bin 120 are stored or positioned within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 and exposed to air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 rather than fresh food compartment 12.

Dry bulb temperature sensor 130 is positioned at the interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. For example, dry bulb temperature sensor 130 may be positioned or disposed within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 or may be mounted to drawer casing 110 such that dry bulb temperature sensor 130 is not positioned within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Dry bulb temperature sensor 130 is configured for measuring a temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. When dry bulb temperature sensor 130 is not positioned within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110, dry bulb temperature sensor 130 may be positioned on drawer casing 110 and measure the temperature of drawer casing 110 in order to indirectly measure the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110.

Controller 70 is coupled to dry bulb temperature sensor 130 such that signals (e.g., a voltage or a current of such signals) received from dry bulb temperature sensor 130 by controller 70 correspond to the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. In such a manner, controller 70 can measure the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 with dry bulb temperature sensor 130. Dry bulb temperature sensor 130 may be any suitable temperature sensor. For example, dry bulb temperature sensor 130 may be a thermistor or a thermocouple.

As may be seen FIG. 3, wet bulb temperature sensor 140 is positioned or disposed within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Wet bulb temperature sensor 140 is configured for measuring a temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Wet bulb temperature sensor 140 may be any suitable temperature sensor. For example, wet bulb temperature sensor 140 may be a thermistor or a thermocouple.

A probe or other suitable component of wet bulb temperature sensor 140 is disposed at or adjacent a reservoir 150. Reservoir 150 contains liquid water therein such that the probe or other suitable component of wet bulb temperature sensor 140 is kept wet or damp. Controller 70 is coupled to wet bulb temperature sensor 140 such that signals (e.g., a voltage or a current of such signals) received from wet bulb temperature sensor 140 by controller 70 correspond to the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. In such a manner, controller 70 can measure the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 with wet bulb temperature sensor 140.

Air handler 160 is positioned adjacent wet bulb temperature sensor 140. Air handler 160 is configured (e.g., positioned and/or oriented) for circulating air (shown with arrows A in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. In particular, air handler 160 is operable with controller 70 to urge air across wet bulb temperature sensor 140. An air supply conduit 162 extends between an evaporator 62 of refrigerator appliance 10 and the interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Evaporator 62 is fluidly coupled to compressor 60 such that evaporator 62 receives refrigerant from compressor 60 and chills air about evaporator 62, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, air supply conduit 162 may direct chilled air from evaporator 62 into interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 in the cooling operation mode as shown in FIG. 4. Chilled air from evaporator 62 may assist with cooling interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 such that interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 is maintained at a cooler temperature than fresh food compartment 12. As shown in FIG. 4, heater 170 is deactivated and air handler 160 is operating to draw air from evaporator 62 into interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 via air supply conduit 162 in the cooling operation mode.

Damper 164 is disposed within or at air supply conduit 162. Damper 164 is selectively adjustable between an open configuration (FIG. 4) and a closed configuration (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6), e.g., with an electric motor or other actuating mechanism. Damper 164 is operable to regulate the flow of chilled air through air supply conduit 162 by adjusting between the open and closed configurations. For example, damper 164 hinders or obstructs the flow of chilled air through air supply conduit 162 when damper 164 is in the closed configuration, and damper 164 permits the flow of chilled air through air supply conduit 162 when damper 164 is in the open configuration.

Heater 170 is positioned at or adjacent interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Heater 170 is operable to heat air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Heated air from heater 170 may assist with heating interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 such that interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 is maintained at a warmer temperature than fresh food compartment 12. As shown in FIG. 5, heater 170 is activated and air handler 160 is operating to circulate heated air from heater 170 within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 in the heating operation mode. Damper 164 is in the closed configuration in the heating operation mode, e.g., in order to hinder heated air from interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 from flowing through air supply conduit 162 to evaporator 62. Heater 170 may be any suitable device for heating air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. For example, heater 170 may be an electric resistance heating element or a convective heating element. Heater 170 may be positioned adjacent air handler 160 within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 in certain exemplary embodiments.

Drawer assembly 100 also includes a water supply conduit 152. Water supply conduit 152 extends from evaporator 62 to reservoir 150. Thus, water supply conduit 152 directs liquid water from evaporator 62 into reservoir 150. As an example, during a defrost cycle, frost on evaporator 62 may melt and flow through water supply conduit 152 into reservoir 150. In such manner, reservoir 150 may be supplied with liquid water in order to wet or dampen wet bulb temperature sensor 140. In alternative exemplary embodiments, water supply conduit 152 may extend from any other suitable water source to reservoir 150 in order to supply liquid water to reservoir 150. For example, water supply conduit 152 may extend from a water supply line of refrigerator 10 that supplies water to ice maker 38 and/or a dispenser (not shown) of refrigerator 10 to reservoir 150.

As discussed above, drawer assembly 100 includes features for establishing or determining the relative humidity of air within drawer assembly 100. Such features are discussed in greater detail below in the context of FIG. 6 with drawer assembly 100 in circulation operation state. Thus, the relative humidity of air within drawer assembly 100 may be established or determined when drawer assembly 100 is in circulation operation state. It should be understood that the relative humidity of air within drawer assembly 100 may be established or determined when drawer assembly 100 is in any other suitable operation state, such as the cooling or heating operation state, in alternative exemplary embodiments.

With drawer assembly 100 in circulation operation state, the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 may be measured with dry bulb temperature sensor 130. In particular, controller 70 may receive a signal from dry bulb temperature sensor 130 with a voltage or current of the signal corresponding to the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. In addition, the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 may also be measured with wet bulb temperature sensor 140. In particular, controller 70 may receive a signal from wet bulb temperature sensor 140 with a voltage or current of the signal corresponding to the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. Dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 may simultaneously measure the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 in certain exemplary embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6, air handler 160 may also operate when drawer assembly 100 is in circulation operation state such that air handler 160 directs air across wet bulb temperature sensor 140 and/or reservoir 150, e.g., while measuring the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 with wet bulb temperature sensor 140. To ensure that wet bulb temperature sensor 140 is wet or damp, liquid water from evaporator 62 (or any other suitable water source) may be directed to reservoir 150 via water supply conduit 152 prior to measuring the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 with wet bulb temperature sensor 140. Thus, a probe or other suitable component of dry bulb temperature sensor 130 may be dry when the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 is measured with dry bulb temperature sensor 130. Conversely, a probe or other suitable component of wet bulb temperature sensor 140 may be damp or wet from liquid water within reservoir 150 when the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 is measured with wet bulb temperature sensor 140. Evaporation of liquid water on wet bulb temperature sensor 140 may cause the measurements from dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 to be different.

The relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 may be calculated based at least in part on the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 measured with dry bulb temperature sensor 130 and the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 measured with wet bulb temperature sensor 140. In particular, the relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 may be correlated to a difference between the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 measured with dry bulb temperature sensor 130 and the temperature of air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 measured with wet bulb temperature sensor 140, e.g., using the a relative humidity table, such as the Relative Humidity and Dew Point Table “No. 0-500 ASL RH Table” published by the U.S. Department of Commerce Weather Bureau for elevations between zero and five hundred feet above sea level. Thus, controller 70 may include a relative humidity table within the memory of controller 70 in certain example embodiments.

The relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 may also be determined or established. For example, the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 may also be determined or established based at least in part on the relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. In particular, the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 may directly correspond to the relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110, in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, controller 70 may calculate the relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110 in the manner described above in order to determine or establish the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12.

In such manner, temperature measurements from dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 within drawer assembly 100 may be used to determine or establish the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 and/or the relative humidity for air within interior volume 112 of drawer casing 110. With the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 established, controller 70 may take various actions to adjust the humidity level within fresh food compartment 12, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, controller 70 may delay a defrost cycle, activate a circulation fan within fresh food compartment 12, etc., in order to adjust the humidity level within fresh food compartment 12.

It should be understood that dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 may be positioned at any other suitable location within refrigerator appliance 10 in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, at least one of dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 may be positioned or disposed, e.g., directly, within or adjacent fresh food compartment 12 in order to determine or establish the relative humidity for air within fresh food compartment 12 in alternative exemplary embodiments. Thus, dry and wet bulb temperature sensors 130, 140 need not be disposed within drawer assembly 100 in certain exemplary embodiments. In addition, air handler 160 may be any suitable fan or air handler within refrigerator appliance 10. For example, air handler 160 may be a fresh food compartment fan, an odor filter fan, etc.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance, comprising:

a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;

a drawer assembly disposed within the chilled chamber of the cabinet, the drawer assembly comprising a drawer casing defining an interior volume; a bin slidably disposed within the interior volume of the drawer casing, the bin configured for storing food items therein; a dry bulb temperature sensor positioned at the interior volume of the drawer casing; a wet bulb temperature sensor positioned within the interior volume of the drawer casing; a reservoir positioned at the wet bulb temperature sensor; and an air handler positioned adjacent the wet bulb temperature sensor such that the air handler is operable to urge a flow of air across the wet bulb temperature sensor.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a water supply conduit and a sealed system, the sealed system operable to generate chilled air within the chilled chamber of the cabinet, the sealed system comprising an evaporator positioned at the chilled chamber of the cabinet, the water supply conduit extending from the evaporator to the reservoir such that the water supply conduit directs liquid water from the evaporator into the reservoir.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, further comprising an air supply conduit extending between the evaporator to the interior volume of the drawer casing such that the air supply conduit directs chilled air from the evaporator into the interior volume of the drawer casing.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, further comprising a damper disposed within the air supply conduit, the damper selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the damper operable to regulate a flow of chilled air through the air supply conduit by adjusting between the open and closed configurations.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, further comprising a heater positioned at the interior volume of the drawer casing, the heater operable to heat air within the interior volume of the drawer casing.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a heater positioned at the interior volume of the drawer casing, the heater operable to heat air within the interior volume of the drawer casing.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the heater is positioned adjacent the air handler within the interior volume of the drawer casing.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a controller in operative communication with the dry bulb temperature sensor, the wet bulb temperature sensor and the air handler, the controller configured for

measuring a temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer casing with the dry bulb temperature sensor;

measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer casing with the wet bulb temperature sensor; and

establishing a relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer casing based at least in part on the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer casing measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer casing measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured for determining a relative humidity for air within the chilled chamber of the cabinet based at least in part on the relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer casing from said step of establishing.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured for operating the air handler during said step of measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer casing with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

11. A method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance having a drawer assembly disposed within the chilled chamber of the cabinet, the method comprising:

measuring a temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with a dry bulb temperature sensor;

measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with a wet bulb temperature sensor;

calculating a relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly based at least in part on the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor; and

determining the relative humidity of air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance based at least in part on the relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly from said step of calculating.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the relative humidity of air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance directly corresponds to the relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly at said step of determining.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the relative humidity for air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly is correlated to a difference between the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor at said step of calculating.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing liquid water from an evaporator of the refrigerator appliance to a reservoir positioned at the wet bulb temperature sensor prior to said step of measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing liquid water from a water supply to a reservoir positioned at the wet bulb temperature sensor prior to said step of measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising operating an air handler of the refrigerator appliance in order to direct a flow of air across the wet bulb temperature sensor during said step of measuring the temperature of air within the interior volume of the drawer assembly with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

17. A method for establishing a relative humidity of air within a chilled chamber of a refrigerator appliance, comprising:

measuring a temperature of air within the chilled chamber with a dry bulb temperature sensor;

measuring the temperature of air within the chilled chamber with a wet bulb temperature sensor;

calculating a relative humidity for air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance based at least in part on the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein relative humidity for air within the chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance is correlated to a difference between the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the dry bulb temperature sensor and the temperature of air within the chilled chamber measured with the wet bulb temperature sensor at said step of calculating.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising directing liquid water from an evaporator of the refrigerator appliance to a reservoir positioned at the wet bulb temperature sensor prior to said step of measuring the temperature of air within the chilled chamber with the wet bulb temperature sensor.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising operating an air handler of the refrigerator appliance in order to direct a flow of air across the wet bulb temperature sensor during said step of measuring the temperature of air within the chilled chamber with the wet bulb temperature sensor.