Abstract:
A system includes a variable-capacity compressor operable at a first capacity and at a second capacity that is higher than the first capacity and an outdoor-air-temperature sensor. A control module receives a demand signal from a thermostat and operates the variable-capacity compressor in a first mode when communication with the outdoor-air-temperature sensor has not been interrupted and in a fault mode when communication with the outdoor-air-temperature sensor has been interrupted. In the first mode, the control module switches the variable-capacity compressor between the first capacity and the second capacity based on the demand signal and the outdoor-air-temperature data. In the fault mode, the control module operates the variable-capacity compressor by operating the variable-capacity compressor at least one of the first capacity and the second capacity based on the demand signal.
Abstract:
A charge-verification system for a circuit including a condenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a coil circuit tube extending between the inlet and the outlet is provided. The charge-verification system may include a first of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a first distance from the inlet and a second of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a second distance from the inlet. The charge-verification system may also include a controller receiving a first signal from the first temperature sensor indicative of a first temperature and a second signal from the second temperature sensor indicative of a second temperature. The controller may determine which of the first signal and the second signal is closer to an actual saturated condensing temperature of the condenser.
Abstract:
An indoor air quality (IAO) system comprises a temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of air within a building, a relative humidity (RH) sensor is configured to measure a RH of the air within the building and at least one of a thermostat and an IAO control module is configured to, during cooling of the air within the building, based on the RH, control operation of: a blower of an air handler unit of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the building; and a compressor of a condenser unit of the HVAC system of the building. The at least one of the thermostat and the IAO control module is configured to, while the compressor is off: operate the blower at a first predetermined speed when the RH is less than a first predetermined RH but greater than a second predetermined RH; and operate the blower at a second predetermined speed that is greater than the first predetermined speed when the RH is less than the second predetermined RH.
Abstract:
A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor for a refrigeration system is provided. A temperature sensor generates temperature data corresponding to at least one of a compressor temperature and an ambient temperature. A control module receives the temperature data, determines an off-time period since the compressor was last on, determines an amount of liquid present in the compressor based on the temperature data and the off-time period, compares the amount of liquid with a predetermined threshold, and, when the amount of liquid is greater than the predetermined threshold, operates the compressor according to at least one cycle including a first time period during which the compressor is on and a second time period during which the compressor is off.
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 heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control system generates a request to replace a first air filter installed in an air handler of an HVAC system with a second air filter. The second air filter has a particulate matter removal efficiency rating that is greater than a particulate matter removal efficiency rating of the first filter. The system delays for a predetermined period of time and then obtains (i) a first temperature of air downstream of the air handler and (ii) a second temperature of air upstream of the air handler. The system then calculates a temperature difference between the f temperatures and determines whether the temperature difference is within an acceptable range. In response to the temperature difference being within the acceptable range, the system (i) operates the HVAC system using the second air filter and (ii) generates an alert indicating compatibility of the second air filter.
Abstract:
A control system for a mitigation device includes a processor and a computer-readable medium that includes instructions executable by the processor. The instructions include monitoring a first measured particulate matter (PM) level of a conditioned space. The first measured PM level includes PM having a first range of sizes. The instructions further include monitoring a second measured PM level of the conditioned space. The second measured PM level includes PM having a second range of sizes. The first and second ranges are different but overlapping. The instructions also include asserting, in response to the first measured PM level being greater than a first predetermined threshold, an activation signal. The activation signal forces operation of a fan of the mitigation device. The instructions include asserting, in response to the second measured PM level being greater than a predetermined percentage of the first measured PM level, the activation signal.
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 system is provided and may include a compressor having a motor and a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor. The system may further include a first sensor producing a signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor, a second sensor producing a signal indicative of a saturated condensing temperature, and a third sensor producing a signal indicative of a liquid-line temperature. Processing circuitry may processes the current or power signal to determine a derived condenser temperature and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the saturated condensing temperature received from the second sensor to determine a subcooling associated with a refrigerant charge level of the refrigeration circuit.
Abstract:
A compressor includes a shell, a compression mechanism, a motor, a data module, and a compressor controller. The data module includes a processor and a memory. The compressor controller includes a processor and a memory. The data module receives sensed data, stores sensed data in the memory, and communicates sensed data to the compressor controller. The compressor controller controls a capacity of the compressor based on the sensed data and is operable to communicate with a system controller of a refrigeration system.