Abstract:
A refrigeration system includes a startup mode control module that receives at least one parameter associated with operation of a compressor of the refrigeration system, determines whether the at least one parameter indicates that the compressor is in a high ambient temperature startup condition, and selects, based on the determination, between a normal startup mode and a high ambient temperature startup mode. A compressor control module operates the compressor in the normal startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the normal startup mode, operates the compressor in the high ambient temperature startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the high ambient temperature startup mode, and transitions from the high ambient temperature startup mode to the normal startup mode after a predetermined period associated with operating in the high ambient temperature startup mode.
Abstract:
A refrigeration system includes a startup mode control module that receives an off time of a compressor of the refrigeration system and an ambient temperature, determines whether the off time and the ambient temperature indicate that the compressor is in a flooded condition, and selects, based on the determination, between a normal startup mode and a flooded startup mode. A compressor control module operates the compressor in the normal startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the normal startup mode, in the flooded startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the flooded startup mode, and transitions from the flooded startup mode to the normal startup mode after a predetermined period associated with operating in the flooded startup mode. The compressor is operated at a first speed in the normal startup mode and at a second speed in the flooded startup mode.
Abstract:
A carbon dioxide/co-fluid mixture is provided for use in a refrigeration cycle in which the carbon dioxide is alternately absorbed and desorbed from the co-fluid. Suitable co-fluids are selected from the class of alkoxylated carboxylic amides, wherein the amides are cyclic or non-cyclic. It has been discovered that N-2,5,8,11-tetraoxadodecyl-2-pyrrolidinone and its homologs exhibit an advantageous property of a high rate of desorption at lower temperatures.
Abstract:
A light-weight, high-strength compressor component having at least one fluid delivery feature that is 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 has at least one fluid delivery feature for permitting fluid flow through the body portion of the light-weight, high-strength compressor component. The fluid delivery feature may be a flow channel, a fluid delivery port, a porous fluid delivery feature, or the like that serves to transfer fluids through the component, such as refrigerant and/or lubricant oils. Methods of making such compressor components via additive manufacturing processes are also provided.
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 data.
Abstract:
A drive controller for a motor of a compressor includes a drive circuit that applies voltages to windings of the motor. A speed control module controls the drive circuit to rotate the motor at a requested speed. A speed determination module generates the requested speed based on a speed demand from a system controller. A lost rotor control module identifies a lost rotor condition and, in response to identifying the lost rotor condition, instructs the speed determination module to set the requested speed to an override speed that is lower than the speed demand. The lost rotor control module identifies the lost rotor condition in response to a comparison of a speed error with an adaptive threshold. The speed error is based on a difference between requested and estimated speeds of the motor. During first and second system states, the adaptive threshold is set to first and second thresholds, respectively.
Abstract:
A compressor may include a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap, a first chamber, and a first aperture. A second scroll member may include a second spiral wrap engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of compression pockets and a second aperture. The first aperture may be in communication with a first of the compression pockets to provide communication between the first compression pocket and the first chamber. The second aperture may be in communication with a second of the compression pockets. A capacity modulation assembly may include a first piston preventing communication between the first aperture and a first passage when in a first position and providing communication when in a second position. A second piston may prevent communication between the second aperture and a third passage when in the first position, and provide communication when in a second position.
Abstract:
A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, and a motor assembly. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and drivingly engaged with the driveshaft. The motor assembly may include a rotor, a stator, and a rotor support subassembly. The rotor may be disposed radially outwardly relative to the stator and fixed for rotation with the driveshaft. The rotor support subassembly may include a first support member coupled to the driveshaft and coupled to the rotor such that the driveshaft is operable to rotate with the rotor.
Abstract:
A system and method for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is provided. A monitoring device installed at the building is configured to measure a current supplied to the HVAC system and transmit current data based on the measured current. The monitoring system includes a monitoring server, located remotely from the building, configured to receive the transmitted current data and, based on the received current data, determine an average motor current over a predetermined time period and determine whether a failure has occurred in an air filter of the HVAC system based on a comparison of the average motor current with a predetermined threshold. The monitoring server generates a notification based on the comparison indicating that the failure has occurred in the air filter.
Abstract:
An expectation module determines an expected average power consumption of a heat pump for a predetermined period as a function of indoor and outdoor temperatures of the building during the predetermined period. A difference module determines a power difference between an average power consumption of the heat pump during the predetermined period and the expected average power consumption of the heat pump for the predetermined period. A grade determination module determines a grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period based on the power difference of the predetermined period. A reporting module generates a displayable report including the grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period.