Abstract:
A flash tank for a heat pump operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode includes a shell having a middle portion disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion, with the top portion, bottom portion, and middle portion cooperating to define an inner volume of the shell. A first port is in fluid communication with the inner volume and functions as an inlet in the heating mode and as an outlet in the cooling mode. A second port is in fluid communication with the inner volume and functions as an inlet in the cooling mode and as an outlet in the heating mode. Flow control devices and check valves are fluidly coupled to control the tank as a flash tank in heating mode and as a receiver in cooling mode.
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.