Diagnostic system for a compressor
First Claim
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1. A compressor comprising:
- first and second members operative to pressurize fluid;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said first and second members;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said first and second members;
a force-applying structure operable to modulate a capacity of the compressor;
a first fluid passage extending between said force-applying structure 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.
93 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A compressor comprising:
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first and second members operative to pressurize fluid;
a suction pressure zone in communication with said first and second members;
a discharge pressure zone in communication with said first and second members;
a force-applying structure operable to modulate a capacity of the compressor;
a first fluid passage extending between said force-applying structure 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, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A compressor comprising:
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a first scroll member and a second scroll member, said first and second scroll members being interleaved to define at least one moving fluid pocket that 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;
force-applying structure operable to modulate a compressor capacity;
a first fluid passage extending between said force-applying structure and said suction pressure zone;
a valve member operable to open and close said first fluid passage; and
a first temperature sensor operatively connected to said valve member for determining an operational status. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification