METHOD OF COOLING A DELI PAN IN A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE

Abstract

A method of operating a refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance comprising a chilled chamber, an auxiliary compartment positioned within the chilled chamber, an evaporator duct containing an evaporator, an evaporator fan for selectively urging a flow of primary air through the evaporator duct and into the chilled chamber, an auxiliary duct providing fluid communication between the evaporator duct and the auxiliary compartment, and an auxiliary fan for selectively urging a flow of auxiliary air from the evaporator duct, through the auxiliary duct, and into the auxiliary compartment. The method includes operating the evaporator fan at a first speed to provide the flow of primary air into the chilled chamber, receiving a request to cool the auxiliary compartment, operating the auxiliary fan to urge the flow of auxiliary air into the auxiliary compartment, and operating the evaporator fan at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinet; a chilled chamber defined within the cabinet; an auxiliary compartment positioned within the chilled chamber; an evaporator duct containing an evaporator; an evaporator fan for selectively urging a flow of primary air through the evaporator duct and into the chilled chamber; an auxiliary duct providing fluid communication between the evaporator duct and the auxiliary compartment; an auxiliary fan for selectively urging a flow of auxiliary air from the evaporator duct, through the auxiliary duct, and into the auxiliary compartment; and a controller in operative communication with the evaporator fan and the auxiliary fan, the controller being configured to: operate the evaporator fan at a first speed to provide the flow of primary air into the chilled chamber; receive a request to cool the auxiliary compartment; operate the auxiliary fan to urge the flow of auxiliary air into the auxiliary compartment; and operate the evaporator fan at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the second speed is a fixed offset relative to the first speed.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 2, wherein the fixed offset is between about 100 and 400 revolutions per minute (RPM).

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the second speed is a predetermined percentage higher than the first speed.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein the predetermined percentage is between about 10% and 30%.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the second speed is a predetermined fixed speed.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the first speed is between about 1800 and 2200 RPM.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the second speed is between about 2000 and 2400 RPM.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary duct is fluidly coupled to the evaporator duct downstream of the evaporator.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary compartment is a deli pan.

11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: determine that the evaporator fan is off; and turn off the auxiliary fan.

12. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance comprising a chilled chamber, an auxiliary compartment positioned within the chilled chamber, an evaporator duct containing an evaporator, an evaporator fan for selectively urging a flow of primary air through the evaporator duct and into the chilled chamber, an auxiliary duct providing fluid communication between the evaporator duct and the auxiliary compartment, and an auxiliary fan for selectively urging a flow of auxiliary air from the evaporator duct, through the auxiliary duct, and into the auxiliary compartment, the method comprising: operating the evaporator fan at a first speed to provide the flow of primary air into the chilled chamber; receiving a request to cool the auxiliary compartment; operating the auxiliary fan to urge the flow of auxiliary air into the auxiliary compartment; and operating the evaporator fan at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second speed is a fixed offset relative to the first speed.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fixed offset is between about 100 and 400 revolutions per minute (RPM).

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second speed is a predetermined percentage higher than the first speed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the predetermined percentage is between about 10% and 30%.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the second speed is a predetermined fixed speed.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the first speed is between about 1800 and 2200 RPM and the second speed is between about 2000 and 2400 RPM.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary duct is fluidly coupled to the evaporator duct downstream of the evaporator.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining that the evaporator fan is off; and turning off the auxiliary fan.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an evaporator duct and a deli pan that may be used with the example refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a rear, perspective view of the example evaporator duct and deli pan of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a rear view of the example evaporator duct and deli pan of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a method of operating a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] As used herein, the terms first, second, and third may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms upstream and downstream refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, upstream refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and downstream refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The terms includes and including are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising. Similarly, the term or is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., A or B is intended to mean A or B or both).

[0019] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as about, approximately, and substantially, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

[0020] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

[0021] Cabinet 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of cabinet 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as other appliances including fluid dispensers. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance or configuration.

[0022] Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. To prevent leakage of cool air, refrigerator doors 128, freezer door 130, and/or cabinet 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets, not shown) at the interface where the doors 128, 130 meet cabinet 102. It should be appreciated that doors having a different style, position, or configuration are possible within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0023] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator doors 128 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator doors 128 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Although several different exemplary embodiments of dispensing assembly 140 will be illustrated and described, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar components and features. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

[0025] Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0026] Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142. By contrast, refrigerator door 128 may define an icebox compartment 150 (FIG. 2) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown) that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess 142.

[0027] A control panel 152 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 152 includes one or more selector inputs 154, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 154 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 154 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 156. Signals generated in controller 156 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 154. Additionally, a display 158, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 152. Display 158 may be in communication with controller 156, and may display information in response to signals from controller 156.

[0028] As used herein, processing device or controller may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100, dispensing assembly 140 and other components of refrigerator appliance 100. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0029] Referring again briefly to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, cabinet 102 also defines a mechanical compartment 170 at or near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 for receipt of a hermetically sealed cooling system 172. In general, sealed cooling system 172 is configured for transporting heat from the inside of refrigerator appliance 100 to the outside (e.g., by executing a vapor-compression cycle or another suitable refrigeration cycle). As is generally understood by those of skill in the art, the hermetically sealed system 172 contains a working fluid, e.g., refrigerant, which flows between various heat exchangers of the sealed system 172 where the working fluid changes phases while transferring thermal energy.

[0030] In this regard, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, sealed system 172 may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and one or more evaporators (e.g., such as evaporator 174) connected in series by a fluid conduit that is charged with a refrigerant. Within sealed system 172, refrigerant flows into the compressor, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through the condenser. Within the condenser, heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A condenser fan may be used to pull air across the condenser, so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within the condenser and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across the condenser can, e.g., increase the efficiency of the condenser by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.

[0031] An expansion device (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from the condenser. From the expansion device, the refrigerant enters the evaporator 174. Upon exiting the expansion device and entering the evaporator 174, the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, the evaporator 174 is relatively cool. An evaporator fan is typically provided at each the evaporator 174, e.g., to force air across and around the at least one evaporator to transfer thermal energy from the air to the evaporator (and more particularly, to the working fluid or refrigerant therein).

[0032] In this manner, a flow of cooling air exits the evaporator 174 and may be distributed to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124. Specifically, one or more ducts may extend between the mechanical compartment 170 and the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124 to provide fluid communication therebetween, e.g., to provide the chilled air from the hermetically sealed cooling system 172, e.g., from an evaporator thereof, to one or more of the chilled chambers 122 and/or 124.

[0033] The sealed system 172 described herein is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system to be used as well. For example, according to alternative embodiments, sealed system 172 may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. For example, refrigerator appliance 100 may have two or more split evaporators, e.g., one dedicated primarily to cooling fresh food chamber 122 and one dedicated primarily to cooling freezer chamber 124. In addition, alternative plumbing configurations, valves, and flow regulators may be used to route refrigerant throughout sealed system 172.

[0034] In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 also includes one or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of refrigerator appliance 100, such as described below. For example, in order to obtain temperature measurements within one or more chilled chambers 122, 124 (or regions/zones within chilled chambers 122, 124), refrigerator appliance 100 may include a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown). Controller 156 may be communicatively coupled with the temperature sensors, may receive signals from these temperature sensors that correspond to the temperature of an atmosphere or air within their respective locations, and may implement responsive action, e.g., by directing more or less cooling air toward that region or chamber.

[0035] As used herein, temperature sensor or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, the temperature sensors may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, etc. In addition, the temperature sensors may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature of the air surrounding the temperature sensors. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described and illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that refrigerator appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

[0036] Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 180 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 180 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between refrigerator appliance 100 and one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of refrigerator appliance 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 180 may be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances and/or improve user interaction with such devices.

[0037] For example, external communication system 180 permits controller 156 of refrigerator appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to refrigerator appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 182. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 184. In general, external device 182 may be any suitable device separate from refrigerator appliance 100 that is configured to provide and/or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 182 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0038] In addition, a remote server 186 may be in communication with refrigerator appliance 100 and/or external device 182 through network 184. In this regard, for example, remote server 186 may be a cloud-based server 186, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 182 may communicate with a remote server 186 over network 184, such as the Internet, to transmit/receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control refrigerator appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 182 and remote server 186 may communicate with refrigerator appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

[0039] In general, communication between refrigerator appliance 100, external device 182, remote server 186, and/or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 182 may be in direct or indirect communication with refrigerator appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 184. For example, network 184 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short- or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0040] External communication system 180 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 180 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0041] With additional reference to FIGS. 2 through 5, an enclosed pan or auxiliary compartment, e.g., illustrated herein as deli pan 200 is disposed within the fresh food chamber 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the deli pan 200 is constructed similar to conventional slide-out drawer compartments that are normally provided in a refrigerator's fresh food chamber 122 to support items being stored therein. As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to improved methods for regulating the cooling airflow between and among fresh food chamber 122 and deli pan 200.

[0042] According to the illustrated embodiment, fresh food evaporator 174 can be housed within an evaporator duct 202. An evaporator fan 204, which can be referred to as the first refrigeration fan or a primary fan may be disposed in the fresh food chamber 122, is used to pass air over the refrigeration evaporator 174 for cooling of a fresh food chamber 122. More specifically, evaporator fan 204 may be selectively operated to cool fresh food chamber 122, e.g., by drawing in a flow of primary cooling air (identified generally by reference numeral 206) through an inlet 208, cooling the flow in evaporator duct 202, and passing the flow back into fresh food chamber 122 through a primary outlet 210.

[0043] In addition, refrigerator appliance 100 may include an auxiliary duct 212 that provides fluid communication between deli pan 200 and evaporator duct 202 and/or fresh food chamber 122. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, auxiliary duct 212 is fluidly coupled to a top end of evaporator duct 202. In addition, an auxiliary fan 214, which can be referred to as the second refrigeration fan, is operably coupled to auxiliary duct 212 and is configured to selectively urge a flow of auxiliary air (identified generally by reference numeral 216) through auxiliary duct 212 and into deli pan 200.

[0044] Now that the construction and configuration of refrigerator appliance 100 has been presented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, an exemplary method 300 for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. Method 300 can be used to operate refrigerator appliance 100 or to operate any other refrigeration appliance. In this regard, for example, controller 156 may be configured for implementing method 300. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary method 300 is discussed herein only to describe exemplary aspects of the present subject matter and is not intended to be limiting.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, method 300 includes, at step 310, operating an evaporator fan at a first speed to provide a flow of primary air into a chilled chamber. In this regard, continuing the example from above, evaporator fan 204 may be operated to circulate the flow of primary air 206 through inlet 208, into evaporator duct 202 where the air is cooled by evaporator 174, and back into fresh food chamber 122 through outlet 210. It should be appreciated that the first speed may be determined by controller 156 based on the cooling needs of fresh food chamber 122 or may be determined in any other suitable manner. This first speed may also be referred to as the nominal or standard operating speed.

[0046] Step 320 includes receiving a request to cool the auxiliary compartment. In this regard, controller 156 may need to periodically circulate cool air into deli pan 200 to maintain a desirable temperature therein. Step 330 may include operating the auxiliary fan to urge the flow of auxiliary air into the auxiliary compartment. Notably, drawing the flow of auxiliary air 216 into deli pan 200 may take a portion of the flow of primary air 206 before it reaches fresh food chamber 122. In addition, operation of auxiliary fan 214 may draw in warm air from fresh food chamber 122 back into evaporator duct 202, resulting in an undesirable increase in the temperature and/or humidity within deli pan 200 and affecting system cooling efficiency.

[0047] Accordingly, step 340 may include operating the evaporator fan at a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed. In this regard, the speed of evaporator fan 204 may be increased to compensate for the draw of the flow of auxiliary air 216, e.g., thereby ensuring proper cooling of both fresh food chamber 122 and deli pan 200. Although example speed adjustments are provided below, it should be appreciated that these speeds are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner.

[0048] According to example embodiments, the second speed may be a fixed offset relative to the first speed. For example, the fixed offset may be between about 100 and 400 revolutions per minute (RPM) more than the first speed. According to still other embodiments, the second speed may be a predetermined percentage higher than the first speed. For example, the predetermined percentage may be between about 5% and 50%, between about 10% and 30%, or about 20%. According to still other embodiments, the second speed may be a predetermined fixed speed, e.g., as determined by the manufacturer or programmed into controller 156. For example, the first speed may be between about 1800 and 2200 RPM (e.g., such as 2000 RPM) and the predetermined fixed speed may be between about 2000 and 2400 RPM (e.g., such as 2200 RPM). Other speed variations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0049] According to example embodiment, it may be desirable to ensure that the evaporator fan is running any time the auxiliary fan is running. Accordingly, step 350 may include determining that the evaporator fan is off and step 360 may include turning off the auxiliary fan.

[0050] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary control method having steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of the methods are explained using refrigerator appliance 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable appliance.

[0051] As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method of operating a refrigerator. In general, the refrigerator controls the speed of an evaporator fan for a temperature-controlled pan (e.g., a deli pan) cooling and may include one or more evaporators, a fan for moving air from the evaporator to a compartment, a temperature-controlled pan (deli pan), and an auxiliary fan (deli fan) that moves air from the evaporator to the temperature controlled pan. The method may include running the evaporator fan at a designated/increased speed when the deli fan is ON. The evaporator fan may run at a requested speed when the deli fan is ON, and when the deli fan is OFF the speed of the evaporator fan is not controlled. The logic may request a proportional increase in the current evaporator fan speed instead of a predetermined speed (i.e. a 10% increase in the currently voted speed). For example, if the evaporator fan is running at 2000 RPM (deli fan==OFF), the logic increases the speed to 2000 RPM x 110%=2200 RPM when the deli fan is ON. The evaporator fan may be maintained at variable speed logic as determined by the needs of other portions of the system. Alternatively, the logic may request a flat increase in the current evaporator fan speed instead of a predetermined speed (i.e. 2000 RPM increase in the currently voted speed). If the evaporator fan is running at 2000 RPM (Deli fan==OFF), the logic increases the speed to 2000 RPM+200 RPM=2200 RPM when the deli fan is ON. Therefore, by increasing the evaporator fan speed, the freezer compartment receives the same volume of airflow regardless of the deli fan ON/OFF condition.

[0052] 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.