Charge loss detection and prognostics for multi-modular split systems
First Claim
1. A method of detecting refrigerant level within a refrigerant system comprising the steps of:
- a) estimating a value of a parameter indicative of a current refrigerant level;
b) measuring an actual value of the parameter; and
c) determining a charge indicator based on a difference between the actual value and the estimated value, wherein said charge indicator represents the level of refrigerant within the system.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for detecting and predicting refrigerant level includes the steps of determining an estimated value for a parameter indicative of refrigerant level and comparing that estimated value to an actual value. The difference between the actual and estimated value provides a refrigerant charge indicator value. The charge indicator value is indicative of the amount of refrigerant contained within the system. A change value is combined with the charge indicator value to provide a prediction for the future value of the charge indicator value. This future value is determined based on a rate of change and charge indicator value over a selected period of time.
104 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A method of detecting refrigerant level within a refrigerant system comprising the steps of:
-
a) estimating a value of a parameter indicative of a current refrigerant level;
b) measuring an actual value of the parameter; and
c) determining a charge indicator based on a difference between the actual value and the estimated value, wherein said charge indicator represents the level of refrigerant within the system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A method of predicting refrigerant amount within a refrigerant system comprising the steps of:
-
a) determining a charge indicator representing a current amount of refrigerant within the system based on a difference between an actual value and an estimated value; and
b) predicting a future value of the charge indicator by combining the current charge indicator value with a change value indicative of a rate of change in refrigerant level. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A heat pump system comprising:
-
a refrigerant circuit containing a quantity of refrigerant;
a compressor for circulating said refrigerant;
a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from said refrigerant;
an expansion valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant through said refrigerant circuit; and
a controller monitoring refrigerant level within said refrigerant circuit, said controller operable to estimate a value of a parameter indicative of current refrigerant level, measure an actual value of said parameter and determine a charge indicator based on a difference between said actual value and said estimated value. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
-
Specification