Abstract:
A system includes a plurality of compressors, an evaporator, an expansion device, and a system controller. The compressors may be linked in parallel. The system controller may: determine a saturated evaporator temperature, a saturated condensing temperature, and a target capacity demand; determine an estimated system capacity and an estimated power consumption for each compressor operating configuration; compare the estimated system capacity with the target capacity demand and an error tolerance value; select an optimum operating mode based on the comparisons and based on the estimated power consumption; and command activation and deactivation of the plurality of compressors to achieve the selected optimum operating mode. The optimum operating mode may be selected after the normal system logic achieves a steady state and may be selected from a group having the estimated system capacity within the error tolerance of the target capacity demand and a lowest associated power consumption value.
Abstract:
A light-weight, high-strength insulating compressor component formed via additive manufacturing is provided. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprising the lattice structure minimizes or reduces transmission of at least one of thermal energy, sound, or vibrational energy through the component. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
Abstract:
A light-weight, high-strength compressor component is formed via additive manufacturing that has controlled stiffness and/or deflection levels. The component may have at least one interior region comprising a lattice structure that comprises a plurality of repeating cells. A solid surface is disposed over the lattice structure. The interior region comprises the lattice structure in the body portion of the light-weight, high-strength compressor component. The lattice structure may be used to globally or locally control stiffness and/or deflection levels of the compressor component. Additive manufacturing provides flexibility in forming compressor components with desirably improved strength-to-weight ratios while exhibiting high levels of control over stiffness and/or deflection. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
Abstract:
A compressor including a shell including an opening; an electrical terminal engaging said opening and including a fence at least partially surrounding a plurality of first electrically conductive members; a plug including a plurality of second electrically conductive members in electrical communication with said first electrically conductive members, the plug including a threaded coupling unitary therewith; a plurality of wires extending from said second electrically conductive members through the threaded coupling; a conduit adapter including a first threaded surface for engagement with the threaded coupling, and a second threaded surface; and a threaded conduit engaging the second threaded surface to allow the plurality of wires to extend from the plug body, through the conduit adapter, and into the threaded conduit.
Abstract:
A leak detection system for a refrigerant circuit is provided. The refrigerant circuit is sealed and circulates a working fluid having a refrigerant ( e.g ., flammable refrigerant) and an oil. A reducing tag component is solubilized within the refrigerant. The leak detection system also includes a sensor for detecting the tag component if the refrigerant should leak from the refrigerant circuit. The sensor is highly sensitive to the tag component and thus enhanced detection is enabled. The tag component is stable in the working fluid and does not affect the flammability rating or performance of the refrigerant or oil. The tag component is present at a concentration of from about 50 ppm to about 35,000 ppm in the refrigerant. Methods of detecting leaks from refrigeration systems are also provided.
Abstract:
A system includes a variable-capacity compressor operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. A variable-speed blower is operable at a first speed and at a second speed that is higher than the first speed. A control module is configured to (i) receive indoor relative humidity data corresponding to an indoor relative humidity (ii) switch the variable-capacity compressor between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal from a thermostat and the indoor relative humidity and (iii) switch the variable-speed blower between the first speed and the second speed based on the demand signal from the thermostat and the indoor relative humidity.
Abstract:
A compressor includes a shell, a motor assembly, a driveshaft, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is disposed within the shell and supports the driveshaft for rotation. The bearing assembly includes a bracket, a hub, and a bushing. The bracket is coupled to the shell and includes an aperture. The hub is disposed within the aperture and defines a bore having a radially inwardly extending lip. The bushing includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the bushing includes a plurality of radially extending engagement features. The distal portion of the bushing is disposed within the bore of the hub such that the engagement features engage the lip of the hub.
Abstract:
A lubricant management system is provided. The lubricant management system may include a compressor, at least one sensor, and a controller. The compressor may include a lubricant sump, a driveshaft, and a bearing assembly. The compressor may circulate a refrigerant. The lubricant sump may be configured for containing a lubricant. The bearing assembly may be supported by the driveshaft. The at least one sensor may be configured to determine at least one operating condition of the compressor. The controller may be in communication with the at least one sensor to receive the at least one operating condition. The controller may be configured to determine a lubricant film thickness from the at least one operating condition and compare the lubricant film thickness to a threshold lubricant film thickness.
Abstract:
A head pressure control system may control a high side operating condition of a vapor compression system. The head pressure control system includes a vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The head pressure control system may also include a high side condition sensor, a low side condition sensor, a controller, and a control device. The low side condition sensor may measure and communicate a low side operating condition to the controller. The high side condition sensor may measure and communicate a high side operating condition to the controller. The controller may compare a theoretical high side operating condition to the high side operating condition, and determine a control output. The controller may communicate the control output to a control device, which may influence the high side operating condition based on the control output.
Abstract:
A drive controller for a motor of a compressor includes a drive circuit that applies voltages to windings of the motor. The drive controller includes a speed control module that controls the drive circuit to rotate the motor at a requested speed. The drive controller includes a speed determination module that generates the requested speed. The drive controller includes a locked rotor protection module that identifies a locked rotor condition and, in response to identifying the locked rotor condition, instructs the speed determination module to power down the motor. The locked rotor protection module acquires an estimated speed of the motor upon expiration of a predetermined time interval that begins upon startup of the motor. The locked rotor protection module identifies the locked rotor condition in response to the estimated speed being lower than a threshold speed. The threshold speed is based on the requested speed.