Diagnostic system for a compressor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A capacity modulation system for a scroll compressor comprising:
- a first scroll member having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap upstanding therefrom;
a second scroll member having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap upstanding therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps being interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket which decreases in size as it moves from a radially outer position to a radially inner position;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said radially outer position;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said radially inner position;
a fluid chamber defined by a component of said scroll compressor, said fluid chamber being operable to receive a pressurized fluid for exerting a load on said first scroll member;
means for supplying said pressurized fluid to said fluid chamber;
a first fluid passage extending between said fluid chamber and said suction pressure zone;
a valve member disposed within said first fluid passage, said valve member operable to open and close said first fluid passage; and
a first temperature sensor for sensing a first fluid temperature within said first fluid passage and operatively connected to said valve member for determining an operational status.
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Abstract
A scroll type machine incorporates a unique system for monitoring the status of a valve which is used to control the capacity of the compressor. The valve functions to open and close a fluid passage between two areas of the compressor for capacity modulation. By monitoring the temperature of the fluid after the valve, it can be determined whether or not the valve is functioning. If the temperature fluctuates, the valve is functioning. If the temperature is constant, the valve is not operating properly. Another embodiment monitors the pressure within the fluid line controlled by the valve.
143 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A capacity modulation system for a scroll compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap upstanding therefrom;
a second scroll member having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap upstanding therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps being interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket which decreases in size as it moves from a radially outer position to a radially inner position;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said radially outer position;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said radially inner position;
a fluid chamber defined by a component of said scroll compressor, said fluid chamber being operable to receive a pressurized fluid for exerting a load on said first scroll member;
means for supplying said pressurized fluid to said fluid chamber;
a first fluid passage extending between said fluid chamber and said suction pressure zone;
a valve member disposed within said first fluid passage, said valve member operable to open and close said first fluid passage; and
a first temperature sensor for sensing a first fluid temperature within said first fluid passage and operatively connected to said valve member for determining an operational status. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16)
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11. A capacity modulation system for a scroll compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap upstanding therefrom;
a second scroll member having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap upstanding therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps being interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket which decreases in size as it moves from a radially outer position to a radially inner position;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said radially outer position;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said radially inner position;
a fluid chamber defined by a component of said scroll compressor, said fluid chamber being operable to receive a pressurized fluid for exerting a load on said first scroll member;
means for supplying said pressurized fluid to said fluid chamber;
a first fluid passage extending between said fluid chamber and said discharge pressure zone;
a valve member disposed within said first fluid passage, said valve member operable to open and close said first fluid passage; and
a first temperature sensor for sensing a first fluid temperature within said first fluid passage and operatively connected to said valve member for determining an operational status. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 17)
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18. A capacity modulation system for a scroll compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member having a first end plate and a first spiral wrap upstanding therefrom;
a second scroll member having a second end plate and a second spiral wrap upstanding therefrom, said first and second spiral wraps being interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket which decreases in size as it moves from a radially outer position to a radially inner position;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said radially outer position;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said radially inner position;
a fluid chamber defined by a component of said scroll compressor, said fluid chamber being operable to receive a pressurized fluid for exerting a load on said first scroll member;
means for supplying said pressurized fluid to said fluid chamber;
a first fluid passage extending between said fluid chamber and said suction pressure zone;
a valve member disposed within said first fluid passage, said valve member operable to open and close said first fluid passage; and
a pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure within said first fluid passage and operatively connected to said valve member for determining an operational status. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification