Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels

摘要

Radio frequency identification heat flux measurement systems for refrigerator vacuum insulation panels and methods of operation thereof are provided. One example refrigerator includes a plurality of vacuum insulation panels respectively positioned within a plurality of walls of the refrigerator. The plurality of walls of the refrigerator define an interior refrigerated space. Each of the plurality of vacuum insulation panels includes a conductive barrier layer forming a jacket around such vacuum insulation panel. The refrigerator includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum insulation panels. The refrigerator includes an RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver. Each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors utilizes the conductive barrier layer of its adjacent vacuum insulation panel as an antenna during the transmission of the information.

主权项

1. A refrigerator comprising:
a plurality of vacuum insulation panels respectively positioned within a plurality of walls of the refrigerator, the plurality of walls of the refrigerator defining an interior refrigerated space, wherein each of the plurality of vacuum insulation panels comprises a conductive barrier layer forming a jacket around such vacuum insulation panel; a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver; a plurality of RFID temperature sensors respectively positioned adjacent to the plurality of vacuum insulation panels, wherein each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors transmits temperature information concerning a local temperature to the RFID receiver, and wherein each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors utilizes the conductive barrier layer of its adjacent vacuum insulation panel as an antenna during the transmission of the temperature information; and a controller that:
obtains the information concerning the local temperature at each RFID temperature sensor from the RFID receiver;analyzes the respective temperature information received from each of the plurality of RFID temperature sensors; andidentifies a first vacuum insulation panel of the plurality of vacuum insulation panels that is not properly functioning based at least in part on the respective temperature information received from a first RFID temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors that is positioned adjacent to the first vacuum insulation panel.