VIBRATION DETECTION IN A TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM THROUGH CURRENT SENSING
First Claim
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1. A refrigeration system comprising:
- a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device for circulating a refrigerant; and
at least one sensor used to sense at least one system value representative of a level of vibration in a component of said refrigeration system.
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Abstract
A current sensor positioned on a power line monitors current draw associated with an electrical motor driven shaft based device, such as a scroll compressor. Mechanical vibrations in the scroll compressor force stress on the motor shaft of the scroll compressor, directly influencing current draw. By monitoring current draw, vibrations resulting from problems in the compressor, such as a broken mounting bracket, can be detected. A controller receives the current values and indicates if a current value exceeds a threshold current value or if a plurality of current values exceed a threshold value.
32 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A refrigeration system comprising:
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a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device for circulating a refrigerant; and
at least one sensor used to sense at least one system value representative of a level of vibration in a component of said refrigeration system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A transport refrigeration system comprising:
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a compressor to compress a refrigerant to a high pressure, said compressor being provided with an electric current to drive a motor of said compressor;
a heat rejecting heat exchanger for cooling said refrigerant;
an expansion device for reducing said refrigerant to a low pressure;
a heat accepting heat exchanger for evaporating said refrigerant;
a refrigeration container for being cooled by said heat accepting heat exchanger; and
at least one current sensor to sense at least one current value representative of a level of vibration being delivered to said compressor motor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for monitoring operation of a refrigeration system comprising the steps of:
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(1) providing a refrigerant cycle including a compressor, a heat accepting heat exchanger, an expansion device and a heat rejecting heat exchanger, supplying electric current to a motor for driving said compressor;
(2) monitoring a current draw to said compressor motor, and detecting when said current draw exceeds predetermined conditions; and
(3) identifying undue vibration is said compressor when said monitored current exceeds said predetermined value in step (2).
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Specification