Variable speed compressor protection system and method
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a compressor connected to a condenser;
a discharge line temperature sensor that outputs a discharge line temperature signal corresponding to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor;
a control module connected to the discharge line temperature sensor, said control module receiving compressor power data, determining a saturated condenser temperature as a function of the compressor power data and a speed of the compressor, calculating a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature, monitoring a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold, and, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, increasing the speed of the compressor or decreasing an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to a condenser, a discharge line temperature sensor that outputs a discharge line temperature signal corresponding to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor, and a control module connected to the discharge line temperature sensor. The control module determines a saturated condenser temperature, calculates a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature, and monitors a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. The control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a compressor connected to a condenser; a discharge line temperature sensor that outputs a discharge line temperature signal corresponding to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor; a control module connected to the discharge line temperature sensor, said control module receiving compressor power data, determining a saturated condenser temperature as a function of the compressor power data and a speed of the compressor, calculating a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature, monitoring a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold, and, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, increasing the speed of the compressor or decreasing an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method comprising:
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receiving, with a control module, compressor power data of a compressor; determining, with the control module, a saturated condenser temperature of a condenser connected to the compressor as a function of the compressor power data and a speed of the compressor; receiving, with the control module, a discharge line temperature signal that corresponds to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor; calculating, with the control module, a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature; monitoring, with the control module, a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold; and increasing the speed of the compressor or decreasing an opening of an expansion valve, with the control module, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification