Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided and include a compressor for a refrigeration system and a duct assembly that includes a duct frame and a sensor unit. The duct frame provides a path for evaporating refrigerant from a lubricant sump of the compressor. The sensor unit obtains temperature measurements of the refrigerant and a lubricant within the lubricant sump and heats and evaporates the refrigerant located within the duct frame of the duct assembly. A control module receives temperature measurements from the sensor unit, determines a presence of liquid refrigerant within the lubricant sump of the compressor in response to a determination that an actual temperature change does not correspond with an expected temperature change for the lubricant, and in response to a determination that the actual temperature change corresponds with the expected temperature change for the lubricant, operates the compressor.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for scroll unloading detection are provided and include a scroll compressor having a scroll compression mechanism. A controller determines a predicted discharge temperature of the scroll compressor, receives an actual discharge temperature of the scroll compressor, and compares the predicted discharge temperature with the actual discharge temperature. The controller also compares a speed of the scroll compressor with a speed threshold and detects unloading of the scroll compression mechanism based on the comparison of the predicted discharge temperature with the actual discharge temperature and based on the comparison of the speed of the scroll compressor with the speed threshold. The controller performs at least one of generating an alert and a remediating action in response to detecting the unloading of the scroll compression mechanism.
Abstract:
A climate-control system can be used to heat or cool a space. The climate-control system may include first and second vessels between which refrigerant and co-fluid may be circulated. The refrigerant may be absorbed into the co-fluid within the first vessel at a first rate. The refrigerant may desorb from the co-fluid within the second vessel at a second rate. Ultrasonic energy may be used to adjust the second rate to substantially match the first rate.
Abstract:
A compressor (10) may include first and second scrolls (68, 70), a seal assembly (20) and a valve ring (126). The first scroll (70) may include a first end plate (84) having a discharge passage(92), a modulation port (112), and a biasing passage (110). The modulation port (112) may be in communication with a first pocket (94) formed between spiral wraps (74, 86) of the first and second scrolls (68, 70). The biasing passage (110) may be in communication with a second pocket (96) formed between spiral wraps (74, 86) of the first and second scrolls (68, 70). The modulation valve ring (126) is axially displaceable relative to the seal assembly (20) and the first scroll (70) between first and second positions. The valve ring (126) may abut an end plate (84) of the first scroll (70) and close the modulation port (112) when in the first position. The valve ring (126) may abut an axially-facing surface of the seal assembly (20) and is spaced apart from the end plate (84) to open the modulation port (112) when in the second position.
Abstract:
A compressor may include a non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, a drive shaft, a bearing housing and an annular seal. The non-orbiting scroll includes a first spiral wrap. The orbiting scroll includes an end plate having a second spiral wrap ending from a first side of the end plate and an annular hub extending from a second side of the end plate. The first and second spiral wraps cooperate to compress working fluid from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The drive shaft includes a crankpin received in the hub and drives the orbiting scroll. The bearing housing rotatably supports the drive shaft and may define a biasing chamber containing working fluid biasing the orbiting scroll toward the non-orbiting scroll in an axial direction. The annular seal may engage a diametrical surface of the hub and engage the bearing housing, thereby defining the biasing chamber.
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 control module is configured to switch the variable-capacity compressor between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal from the thermostat. The control module determines a number of previous consecutive operating cycles of the variable-capacity compressor in the first capacity mode within a predetermined period of time. The control module operates the variable-capacity compressor in the second capacity mode in response to the number of previous consecutive operating cycles of the variable-capacity in the first capacity mode within the predetermined period of time exceeding a predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a motor assembly, a driveshaft, a pump housing, and a pumping mechanism. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell. The driveshaft may be drivingly engaged with the motor assembly. The pump housing may be rotatably supported by the driveshaft for rotation relative to the shell. The pumping mechanism may be disposed within the pump housing and rotating with or orbiting about the driveshaft.
Abstract:
A climate-control system may include a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the compressor unit. The compressor unit may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the compressor unit among a shutdown state, the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal and outdoor-air-temperature
Abstract:
A first switching device includes a first and second inputs connected to first and second power lines, respectively, the first and second power lines for receiving a first voltage. The first switching device selectively connects and disconnects the first and second inputs to and from first and second nodes, respectively. A second switching device includes a third input connected to the first node, includes a fourth input connected to a third power line, and includes a first output connected to a first end of a stator winding. A third switching device includes a fifth input connected to the second node and includes a sixth input connected to a fourth power line, the third and fourth power lines for receiving a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. The third switching device further includes a second output connected to a second end of the stator winding. A compressor crankcase heating control module controls the second and third switching devices to control compressor crankcase heating.
Abstract:
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.