Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
3-22-2016
Patent Number
9291383
CPC
F25B 2700/02; F25B 2700/11; F25D 12/02; F25D 12/04; F25D 12/08; F25D 12/14
Abstract
An appliance such as a refrigerator receives a demand response signal indicating a peak demand period and operates the refrigerator in an energy savings mode by disabling an anti-sweat heater. A sensor on an external surface of the refrigerator enables the anti-sweat heater during the peak demand period if moisture is detected by the sensor. A preselected location can be defined where incipient moisture would form such as reducing the amount of insulation in this location. By forming a depression in the location and using an impedance-type sensor, moisture can be easily detected. The sensor signal is sent to the controller which then activates the anti-sweat heater to remove the moisture.
Application Number
12/859411
Assignees
Clemson University (Clemson, SC, US) Hokkaido University (Sapporo, JP)
Filing Date
08/19/2010
Primary/U.S. Class
1/1