IANS | 20 Jun, 2024
Samsung Electronics on Thursday unveiled the industry's first hybrid
refrigerator using semiconductor elements and artificial intelligence (AI) to
improve energy efficiency and performance.
The new Bespoke AI Hybrid Refrigerator adopts a hybrid cooling method
that combines Peltier modules, along with a traditional compressor, reports
Yonhap news agency.
Peltier modules, or thermoelectric modules, are thermal control devices
that provide both heating and cooling effects, maintaining the surface
temperature at a set target.
These modules are commonly used in small consumer products, such as
portable coolers and minibar fridges, but are less frequently applied to larger
appliances due to their traditionally lower power efficiency.
Samsung said its new Hybrid Refrigerator is the first large-sized fridge
that uses Peltier modules for cooling, thanks to the company's advancements in
improving the power efficiency of these modules.
"We developed a new type of cooling for refrigerators in which the
compressor and semiconductor work together like a hybrid car to achieve optimal
efficiency," said Wee Hoon, vice president at Samsung. "I think there
are no similar products overseas."
The company said the hybrid cooling system reduces power consumption of
the fridge, one of the most power-hungry appliances in the home.
During normal operation, the AI inverter compressor functions alone to
maintain constant energy consumption. However, when a large amount of energy is
required -- such as during peak ice usage in summer or when a substantial
amount of new food is added -- the Peltier module activates to provide rapid
and efficient cooling.
Additionally, an AI algorithm built with machine learning optimises
operation by distinguishing between routine door openings and situations
requiring maximum cooling.