Compressor terminal fault interruption method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method of preventing damage to the terminal of a hermetic compressor having a motor, said method comprising the steps of:
- sensing current draw through the terminal;
monitoring a signal representing the sensed current draw;
comparing the monitored signal to a reference signal corresponding to a current draw substantially greater than a current draw associated with a locked rotor condition of the motor; and
rapidly disconnecting power to the terminal when the monitored signal exceeds the reference signal to prevent heating of the compressor terminal to a level likely to cause terminal venting;
wherein the reference signal corresponds to current draw that will subsequently heat the terminal to a level that the differential temperature between a pin and surrounding glass of the terminal exceeds a level where stresses in the glass will cause failure of the pin/glass seal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A compressor terminal fault interruption method and interrupter for disconnecting power to a compressor terminal when terminal venting failure is imminent including a current sensing circuit for sensing current provided to the terminal by a power source and outputting a sensed signal representing the current provided to the terminal and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first circuit for outputting a reference signal representing input current much higher than locked rotor current, a second circuit connected to the current sensing circuit and the first circuit for comparing the sensed signal to the reference signal, and a third circuit connected to the second circuit for disconnecting power to the terminal when the sensed signal exceeds the reference signal, thereby preventing excessive current from reaching the compressor terminal.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of preventing damage to the terminal of a hermetic compressor having a motor, said method comprising the steps of:
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sensing current draw through the terminal;
monitoring a signal representing the sensed current draw;
comparing the monitored signal to a reference signal corresponding to a current draw substantially greater than a current draw associated with a locked rotor condition of the motor; and
rapidly disconnecting power to the terminal when the monitored signal exceeds the reference signal to prevent heating of the compressor terminal to a level likely to cause terminal venting;
wherein the reference signal corresponds to current draw that will subsequently heat the terminal to a level that the differential temperature between a pin and surrounding glass of the terminal exceeds a level where stresses in the glass will cause failure of the pin/glass seal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of preventing damage to the terminal of a hermetic compressor having a motor, said method comprising the steps of:
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sensing power draw through the terminal;
monitoring a signal representing the sensed power draw;
comparing the monitored signal to a reference signal corresponding to a power draw substantially greater than the power draw associated with a locked rotor condition of the motor; and
rapidly disconnecting power to the compressor terminal when the monitored signal exceeds the reference signal to prevent heating of the compressor terminal to a level likely to cause terminal venting;
wherein the reference signal corresponds to power draw that will subsequently heat the terminal to a level that the differential temperature between a pin and surrounding glass of the terminal exceeds a level where stresses in the glass will cause failure of the pin/glass seal. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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Specification