| EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20160131405 | HEAD PRESSURE CONTROL - A head pressure control system may control a high side operating condition of a vapor compression system. The head pressure control system includes a vapor compression system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The head pressure control system may also include a high side condition sensor, a low side condition sensor, a controller, and a control device. The low side condition sensor may measure and communicate a low side operating condition to the controller. The high side condition sensor may measure and communicate a high side operating condition to the controller. The controller may compare a theoretical high side operating condition to the high side operating condition, and determine a control output. The controller may communicate the control output to a control device, which may influence the high side operating condition based on the control output. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160123326 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A compression mechanism can include a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an Oldham coupling. The first scroll member can include a base plate. The second scroll member can meshingly engaged with the first scroll member, and include a first radially extending slot. The Oldham coupling can include a ring portion disposed about the base plate and a first radially extending key portion disposed in the first radially extending slot. The ring portion and the key portion can include a pair of upper surfaces and a pair of lower surfaces. At least one pair of upper surfaces or lower surfaces can be substantially coplanar. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123314 | RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR SYSTEM - A compressor may include a crankcase, a crankshaft, a piston, a discharge valve and a suction plenum. The crankcase defines a discharge plenum receiving working fluid at a first pressure. The crankshaft is disposed within the discharge plenum. The piston is drivingly connected to the crankshaft and reciprocatingly received in a cylinder. The piston and cylinder cooperate to define a compression chamber therebetween. The discharge valve may control fluid flow through a discharge passage between the compression chamber and the discharge plenum. The suction plenum may receive working fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The suction plenum may provide working fluid at the second pressure to the compression chamber. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160115958 | COMPRESSOR SHELL ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include a compression mechanism and a shell assembly. The shell assembly may include first and second snap rings, a body, and first and second caps cooperating with the body to enclose the compression mechanism therein. The body may include first and second ends and an inner surface extending between both ends. The first cap may be received within the first end and may include a first side wall having a first groove. The second cap may be received within the second end and may include a second side wall having a second groove. The first snap ring may be disposed within the first groove and may engage the first end to restrict removal of the first cap from the body. The second snap ring may be disposed within the second groove and may engage the second end to restrict removal of the second cap from the body. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160115955 | COMPRESSOR SHELL ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include a compression mechanism and a shell assembly. The shell assembly may include a body and first and second end caps cooperating to contain the compression mechanism within the body. The body may include first and second open ends and inner and outer surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The outer surface may include first and second threaded portions disposed near the first and second ends, respectively. The first end cap may include a side wall having a third threaded portion engaging said first threaded portion of said body. The second end cap may include a side wall having a fourth threaded portion engaging the second threaded portion of the body. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160115954 | Compressor - A compressor may include first and second scrolls, a hub plate and a valve. The first scroll may include an end plate defining first and second sides, a primary discharge passage extending therethrough, and a secondary discharge passage extending therethrough and located radially outward from the primary discharge passage. The hub plate may be mounted to the first scroll and may include first and second opposite sides and a hub discharge passage in fluid communication with the primary discharge passage. The first side of the hub plate may face the second side of the end plate and may include a valve guide extending axially toward the end plate adjacent the hub discharge passage. The valve member may be secured on the valve guide for axial movement between open and closed positions to respectively allow and restrict fluid communication between the secondary discharge passage and the hub discharge passage. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160108908 | COMPRESSOR AND CRANKSHAFT-CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include a shell, a crankshaft, a piston and a connecting rod. The shell may define a cylinder. The crankshaft is supported for rotation relative to the shell. The piston reciprocates within the cylinder in response to rotation of the crankshaft. The piston and the cylinder define a compression chamber therebetween. The connecting rod includes a first bushing rotatably coupled to the piston and a second bushing rotatably coupled to the crankshaft. The second bushing may include a driving surface contacting the crankshaft and having a recess formed therein. The recess receives an insert. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160076543 | Compressor Having Capacity Modulation Assembly - A compressor may include a shell, first and second scrolls, a seal assembly, a modulation control chamber, and a modulation control valve. The first scroll may include a first end plate having a biasing passage extending therethrough. The seal assembly may isolate a discharge pressure region from a suction pressure region. The seal assembly and the first scroll may define an axial biasing chamber therebetween that communicates with the axial biasing chamber and a first pocket between the first and second scrolls. The modulation control chamber may be fluidly coupled with the biasing chamber by a first passage. The modulation control valve may be fluidly coupled with the modulation control chamber by a second passage and movable between a first position allowing communication between the second passage and the suction pressure region and a second position restricting communication between the second passage and the suction pressure region. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160076542 | COMPRESSOR WITH FLOODED START CONTROL - A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor having a crankcase heater are provided. A control module receives sensed data from a sensor, determines a current rate of liquid migration into the compressor, and compares the current rate with first and second predetermined thresholds. The control module operates the compressor in a flooded-start control mode, including operating the compressor according to at least one cycle with a first time period when the compressor is on and a second time period when the compressor is off. The control module operates the compressor in the flooded start control mode when the current rate is greater than the first predetermined threshold, activates the crankcase heater when the current rate is between the first and second predetermined thresholds, and operates the compressor without the flooded start control mode when the current rate is less than the second predetermined threshold. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160076541 | COMPRESSOR WITH FLOODED START CONTROL - A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor for a refrigeration system are provided. A sensor generates sensed data corresponding to a condition of the refrigeration system. A control module is configured to operate the compressor in a flooded-start control mode including operating the compressor according to a cycle with a first time period during which the compressor is on and a second time period during which the compressor is off. The control module operates the compressor in an initial time period, without using the flooded-start control mode, with liquid refrigerant present in the compressor and monitors the sensed data from the sensor. The control module operates the compressor in the flooded start control mode after determining the first time period, the second time period, or a number of cycles, based on the sensed data monitored during the initial time period. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160076540 | COMPRESSOR WITH FLOODED START CONTROL - A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor are provided. An ambient temperature sensor generates ambient temperature data and a compressor temperature sensor generates compressor temperature data. A control module receives the ambient temperature data and the compressor temperature data, determines whether the outdoor ambient temperature is rising faster than the compressor temperature, determines whether the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than the compressor temperature by more than a predetermined threshold for more than a predetermined time period, and, in response to the outdoor ambient temperature rising faster than the compressor temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature being greater than the compressor temperature by more than the predetermined threshold for more than the predetermined time period, operates the compressor according to at least one cycle including a first time period during which the compressor is on and a second time period during which the compressor is off. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160076536 | COMPRESSOR SENSOR MODULE - A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes: a first input connected to a first voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply; a second input connected to a first current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply; and a processor connected to the first and second inputs. The processor monitors the first and second inputs and, based on voltage measurements from the first input and current measurements from the second input, detects at least one of: (i) an unexpected variation of electric power from the power supply; and (ii) a mechanical malfunction. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160069348 | Scroll Compressor With Unloader Assembly - A compressor may include a shell, orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, an unloader bushing assembly and a drive shaft. The unloader bushing assembly may include a drive bushing and a spring. The drive bushing includes an outer surface engaged with the orbiting scroll and may define an opening extending from a first bushing end to a second bushing end. The spring may include a body disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and may include first and second spring ends with at least a portion of the first spring end extending laterally from the body and overlapping the first bushing end. At least a portion of the second spring end may extend laterally from a body and overlap the second bushing end to secure the spring within the drive bushing. The drive shaft may include a crank pin disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and engaging the spring. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160061505 | COMPRESSOR CRANKCASE HEATING CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A crankcase heating control system for a heat pump system includes a data receiving module and a power control module. The data receiving module receives data indicative of a temperature of a compressor of the heat pump system, data indicative of an ambient temperature, and data indicative of a current date and a current time. The power control module selectively applies power to a heater of a crankcase of the compressor and selectively disables the heater based on the temperature of the compressor, the ambient temperature, the current date, and the current time. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160047584 | REFRIGERANT CHARGE DETECTION FOR ICE MACHINES - A system includes a compressor driven by a motor. A condenser receives working fluid from the compressor. An evaporator is in fluid communication with the condenser and the compressor. A first sensor produces a first signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor. A second sensor produces a second signal indicative of a discharge line temperature. A processing circuitry processes the first signal and the second signal to determine a freeze time. The processing circuitry processes the freeze time, the current signal, and the discharge line temperature signal to determine a working fluid charge level. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160028333 | Controller And Method For Transitioning Between Control Angles - A system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) module, a subtraction module, an error reducing module, and a summing module. The PWM module controls switching of an inverter that powers a motor. The PWM module controls the switching based on a first angle in a first mode and a second angle in a second mode. The subtraction module determines a difference between the first and second angles. The error reducing module (i) stores the difference when a transition from the first mode to the second mode is commanded and (ii) decreases a magnitude of the stored difference to zero. The summing module calculates a sum of the stored difference and the second angle. The PWM module controls the switching based on the sum in the second mode. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025094 | COMPRESSOR MOTOR WITH CENTER STATOR - A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, and a motor assembly. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell. The driveshaft is drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The motor assembly may be disposed within the shell and drivingly engaged with the driveshaft. The motor assembly may include a rotor, a stator, and a rotor support subassembly. The rotor may be disposed radially outwardly relative to the stator and fixed for rotation with the driveshaft. The rotor support subassembly may include a first support member coupled to the driveshaft and coupled to the rotor such that the driveshaft is operable to rotate with the rotor. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025093 | COMPRESSOR WITH CAPACITY MODULATION AND VARIABLE VOLUME RATIO - A compressor is provided and may include a shell assembly defining a suction pressure region and a discharge pressure region. A first scroll member may include a first discharge port and a first modulation port. A second scroll member may include a first variable volume ratio port. A capacity modulation valve assembly may be in fluid communication with the first modulation port and may be displaceable between open and closed positions to selectively provide communication between a first intermediate compression pocket and the suction pressure region via the first modulation port. A variable volume ratio valve assembly may be in fluid communication with the first variable volume ratio port. The variable volume ratio valve assembly may be displaceable between open and closed positions to selectively provide communication between a second intermediate compression pocket and the discharge pressure region via the first variable volume ratio port. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20150367463 | COMPRESSOR DIAGNOSTIC AND PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method is provided that includes installing a compressor in a refrigeration system and determining a condenser temperature difference using processing circuitry. The method also includes checking for an overcharge condition or a condenser fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is greater than a high condenser temperature difference value. The method also includes determining a discharge superheat temperature using the processing circuitry and checking for the overcharge condition or the condenser fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is less than the high condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat temperature is less than a low discharge superheat temperature value. The method also includes checking for an undercharge condition or an evaporator fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is less than the high condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat temperature is greater than a high discharge superheat temperature value. The method also includes completing installation of the compressor when the condenser temperature difference is between the high condenser temperature difference value and the low condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat is between the high discharge superheat temperature value and the low discharge superheat temperature value. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150365034 | POWER FACTOR CORRECTION WITH VARIABLE BUS VOLTAGE - A controller includes a voltage determination module, a bus voltage command module, and a power factor correction (PFC) control module. The voltage determination module determines a desired direct current (DC) bus voltage for a DC bus electrically connected between a PFC module and an inverter power module that drives a motor. The voltage determination module determines the desired DC bus voltage based on at least one of torque of the motor and speed of the motor. The bus voltage command module determines a commanded bus voltage based on the desired DC bus voltage. The PFC control module controls the PFC module to create a voltage on the DC bus that is based on the commanded bus voltage. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150361983 | COMPRESSOR BEARING AND UNLOADER ASSEMBLY - A compressor is provided that may include a drive shaft, a compression mechanism, a bearing and an unloader. The drive shaft may include a main body and a crank pin extending from the main body. The compression mechanism may include first and second members. The crank pin may drivingly engage the second member and cause motion of the second member relative to the first member. The bearing may rotatably supporting the main body of the drive shaft. The unloader may rotatably engage the bearing and slidably engage the main body. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150354571 | COMPRESSOR AND BEARING ASSEMBLY - A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a hub, an insert, and at least one collar. The hub may be disposed within the shell and define an axis of rotation. The hub may include an axially extending aperture. The insert may be disposed within the aperture. The at least one collar may be disposed about the hub. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150345821 | HVAC System Remote Monitoring and Diagnosis of Refrigerant Line Obstruction - A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building includes a refrigerant loop. A monitoring system for the HVAC system includes a monitoring device installed at the building. The monitoring device is configured to measure a first temperature of refrigerant in a refrigerant line located between a filter-drier of the refrigerant loop and an expansion valve of the refrigerant loop. The monitoring system includes a monitoring server, located remotely from the building. The monitoring server is configured to receive the first temperature and, in response to the first temperature being less than a threshold, generate a refrigerant line restriction advisory. The monitoring server is configured to, in response to the refrigerant line restriction advisory, selectively generate an alert for transmission to at least one of a customer and an HVAC contractor. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345493 | VARIABLE VOLUME RATIO SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A compressor may include a scroll member, a hub, a discharge valve and a bypass valve. An end plate of the scroll member includes a recess, a discharge passage in communication with the recess, and a bypass passage in communication with the recess and disposed radially outward relative to the discharge passage. The hub may be received in the recess and may include a central opening in communication with the discharge passage and the bypass passage. The discharge valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may control fluid flow through the discharge passage. The bypass valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may be movable between a first position restricting fluid flow through the bypass passage and a second position allowing fluid to flow through the bypass passage, around the discharge valve and through the central opening. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150330861 | CURRENT BASED AIR FILTER DIAGNOSTICS AND MONITORING - A system and method for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is provided. A monitoring device installed at the building is configured to measure a current supplied to the HVAC system and transmit current data based on the measured current. The monitoring system includes a monitoring server, located remotely from the building, configured to receive the transmitted current data and, based on the received current data, determine an average motor current over a predetermined time period and determine whether a failure has occurred in an air filter of the HVAC system based on a comparison of the average motor current with a predetermined threshold. The monitoring server generates a notification based on the comparison indicating that the failure has occurred in the air filter. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330691 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING COMPRESSOR FLOODBACK - A system and method for monitoring a floodback condition includes a compressor connected to a condenser, a discharge sensor that outputs a discharge temperature signal corresponding to a discharge temperature, and a control module connected to the discharge sensor. The control module receives compressor power data or compressor current data, determines a saturated condensing temperature based on the compressor power data or compressor current data, calculates a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condensing temperature and the discharge temperature, monitors a floodback condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a threshold, and, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the threshold, increases the speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330386 | CAPACITY-MODULATED SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A compressor is provided and may include a first scroll member having an end plate and a spiral wrap extending from the end plate. The end plate may include a first modulation port and a second modulation port each in fluid communication with a compression pocket formed by the spiral wrap. A first modulation valve ring may be movable relative to the end plate between a first position blocking the first modulation port and a second position spaced apart from the first modulation port. A second modulation valve ring may movable relative to the end plate between a first position blocking the second modulation port and a second position spaced apart from the second modulation port. The second modulation ring may be located radially inward from the first modulation valve ring. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150323423 | HEAT PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONING GRADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An expectation module determines an expected average power consumption of a heat pump for a predetermined period as a function of indoor and outdoor temperatures of the building during the predetermined period. A difference module determines a power difference between an average power consumption of the heat pump during the predetermined period and the expected average power consumption of the heat pump for the predetermined period. A grade determination module determines a grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period based on the power difference of the predetermined period. A reporting module generates a displayable report including the grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150323394 | BUILDING ENVELOPE AND INTERIOR GRADING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A difference module determines differences between an outdoor ambient temperature and an indoor temperature, determines a first average of the differences, and determines a second average of the differences. A storing module stores a first data point, the first data point including the first average and a first total run time of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, and stores a second data point, the second data point including the second average and a second total run time of the HVAC system. A fitting module fits a line to the first and second data points. An envelope grading module generates a grade for an exterior envelope of a building based on a first characteristic of the line. An interior grading module generates a grade for an interior of the building based on a second characteristic of the line. A reporting module generates a displayable report for the building including the grade of the exterior envelope and the grade of the interior of the building. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150300353 | PULSATION DAMPENING ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure provides a pulsation dampening assembly for a compressor having an outlet port configured for supplying compressed refrigerant from a compression mechanism of the compressor. The pulsation dampening assembly includes a pulsating disc and a spring. The pulsating disc and the spring are disposed within the outlet port. The pulsating disc includes a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the compression mechanism. The spring includes a first end engaging the pulsating disc and a second end engaging the outlet port. The pulsating disc is translatably disposed within the outlet port between an operative state and an inoperative state. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150276291 | System And Method Of Controlling A Variable-Capacity Compressor - A climate-control system may include a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module controlling the compressor unit. The compressor unit may be operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the compressor unit among a shutdown state, the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal and outdoor-air-temperature data. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150261230 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Refrigeration-Cycle Systems - A monitoring system is disclosed for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building. The monitoring system includes an evaporator unit device including a first current sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower. The measured current from the first current sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The monitoring system includes a first temperature sensor that measures refrigerant temperature between a condenser and an expansion valve. The monitoring system includes a second temperature sensor that measures refrigerant temperature between an evaporator and a compressor. The monitoring system includes a condenser unit device that communicates with the evaporator unit device. The condenser unit device includes a second current sensor that measures current supplied to the compressor. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150152868 | COMPRESSOR HAVING SOUND ISOLATION FEATURE - Scroll compressor designs are provided to minimize vibration, sound, and noise transmission. The scroll compressor has a bearing housing, and orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members. The non-orbiting scroll member has a radially extending flanged portion with at least one aperture substantially aligned with the axially extending bore. At least one fastener is disposed within the aperture and the bore. A sound isolation member contacts at least one of the non-orbiting scroll member, the fastener, or the bearing housing, to reduce or eliminate noise transmission. The sound isolation member may be formed of a polymeric composite having an acoustic impedance value greater than the surrounding materials. The sound isolation member may be an annular washer, an O-ring, or a biasing member, by way of non-limiting example. In other variations, fluid passages are provided within the fastener and/or bearing housing to facilitate entry of lubricant oil to further dampen sound and noise. | 06-04-2015 |
| 20150139844 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR WITH OIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A compressor ( | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150135748 | Heat Pump System With Refrigerant Charge Diagnostics - A heat-pump circuit may include an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor adapted to circulate a working fluid between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and an expansion device disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. A monitor for the heat-pump system may include a return-air temperature sensor, a supply-air temperature sensor, and a processor. The return-air temperature sensor may be adapted to measure a first air temperature of air upstream of the indoor heat exchanger. The supply-air temperature sensor may be adapted to measure a second air temperature of air downstream of the indoor heat exchanger. The processor may be in communication with the return-air temperature sensor and the supply-air temperature sensor. The processor may be programmed to determine a working-fluid-charge condition of the heat-pump system based on the first and second air temperatures. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150118076 | COMPRESSOR WITH IMPROVED VALVE ASSEMBLY - A thermal-valve assembly for a compressor including a partition plate having a first bore formed therethrough is provided. The thermal-valve assembly may include a body having a wall extending from and surrounding a bottom wall. The bottom wall may include a first surface defining a valve seat, a second surface formed on an opposite side of the bottom wall than the first surface and facing the partition plate, and a second bore extending through the bottom wall between the first surface and the second surface and aligned with the first bore. A projection may extend from the second surface and may be attached to the partition plate. A valve element may be received by the body and may be supported on the valve seat between an open state permitting communication through the second bore and a closed state preventing communication through the second bore. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150114031 | HEAT PUMP SYSTEM - A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a coolant flow path. The compressor may include a suction port, a first discharge port and a second discharge port. The first heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the first discharge port. The second heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the second discharge port. The coolant flow path may be in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150044019 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor may include a crankshaft, a lower bearing, an oil sump, an oil pump and a pressure equilibrium tube. The crankshaft may include an oil supply passage formed therethrough. The lower bearing may rotatably support a lower part of the crankshaft. The oil sump may be disposed proximate the lower part of the crankshaft. The oil pump may include an inlet, an outlet, an intake chamber and a discharging chamber. The inlet may be positioned below a level of oil in the oil sump and in fluid communication with the intake chamber. The discharging chamber may be in fluid communication with the oil supply passage at the lower part of the crankshaft through the outlet. The pressure equilibrium tube provides fluid communication between a space above the level of oil in the oil sump and the intake chamber. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20140356209 | VARIABLE SPEED SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A compressor is provided and may include a driveshaft and an orbiting scroll member driven by the driveshaft. The orbiting scroll member may include an end plate, a spiral wrap extending from the end plate, and a chamber formed by the orbiting scroll member and disposed on an opposite side of the end plate than the spiral wrap. A counterweight may be fixed for rotation with the driveshaft and may be received within the chamber of the orbiting scroll member. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140326018 | CLIMATE-CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE COMPRESSORS - A system may include first and second compressors and first, second and third heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger may receive working fluid discharged from the first and second compressors. The second heat exchanger may be disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and may provide working fluid to the first compressor. The third heat exchanger may be disposed between the first and second heat exchangers and may include an inlet and first and second outlets. The first outlet may provide working fluid to the second heat exchanger. The second outlet may provide working fluid to the second compressor. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140308138 | COMPRESSOR WITH FLOODED START CONTROL - A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor for a refrigeration system is provided. A temperature sensor generates temperature data corresponding to at least one of a compressor temperature and an ambient temperature. A control module receives the temperature data, determines an off-time period since the compressor was last on, determines an amount of liquid present in the compressor based on the temperature data and the off-time period, compares the amount of liquid with a predetermined threshold, and, when the amount of liquid is greater than the predetermined threshold, operates the compressor according to at least one cycle including a first time period during which the compressor is on and a second time period during which the compressor is off. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140268433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTION OF A COMPRESSOR WITH AN ALUMINUM WINDING MOTOR - A compressor is provided and includes a single-phase electric motor and a protector device. The electric motor drives a compression mechanism and has a rotor and a stator. The stator is comprised of aluminum windings. The protector device is attached to the stator and is configured to disconnect the electric motor from a power supply when an input voltage of the power supply to the electric motor is less than a threshold voltage value set at a level between a minimum run voltage and an overheat voltage of the compressor. The overheat voltage corresponds to an overheat temperature of the electric motor. The threshold voltage value is set at a level that is between the minimum run voltage and the overheat voltage. The protector device includes a tolerance level such that the threshold voltage minus the tolerance level is greater than the overheat voltage and the threshold voltage plus the tolerance level is less than the minimum run voltage. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260390 | SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERANT CHARGE VERIFICATION - A diagnostic system for a refrigeration system including a condenser is provided. The diagnostic system may include a controller determining a subcooling temperature of the refrigeration system, an approach temperature of the condenser, and a condenser temperature difference of the condenser. The controller may determine at least one of a fault condition of the refrigeration system and a charge of the refrigeration system based on the subcooling temperature, the approach temperature, and the condenser temperature difference. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260342 | SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERANT CHARGE VERIFICATION - A charge-verification system for a circuit including a condenser having an inlet, an outlet, and a coil circuit tube extending between the inlet and the outlet is provided. The charge-verification system may include a first of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a first distance from the inlet and a second of coil temperature sensor located on the coil circuit tube a second distance from the inlet. The charge-verification system may also include a controller receiving a first signal from the first temperature sensor indicative of a first temperature and a second signal from the second temperature sensor indicative of a second temperature. The controller may determine which of the first signal and the second signal is closer to an actual saturated condensing temperature of the condenser. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140255209 | CRANKCASE HEATER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSORS - A system includes a compressor having a shell housing a compression mechanism driven by an electric motor in an on state and not driven by the electric motor in an off state. The system also includes a variable frequency drive that drives the electric motor in the on state by varying a frequency of a voltage delivered to the electric motor and that supplies electric current to a stator of the electric motor in the off state to heat the compressor. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140247524 | Three-Phase Detection Module - A method includes receiving N power signals, each having a different one of N phases, over N power supply lines, where N is an integer greater than two. The method further includes selectively activating a first switch to allow a first current to flow from a first one of the N power supply lines to a second one of the N power supply lines. The method includes generating a signal based on the first current, and selectively generating a phase failure signal when the signal is less than a predetermined threshold. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140241909 | System Including High-Side and Low-Side Compressors - A system may be operable to circulate a working fluid between first and second heat exchangers. The system may include a suction line, a low-side compressor, a high-side compressor and a discharge line. The low-side and high-side compressors may both be in fluid communication with the suction and discharge lines. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238066 | System Including High-Side and Low-Side Compressors - A heat pump system may be operable to circulate fluid between first and second heat exchangers in a first direction in a heating mode and in a second direction in a cooling mode. The heat pump system may include a suction conduit, a low-side compressor and a high-side compressor. The low-side and high-side compressors may both be in fluid communication with the suction conduit. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140219850 | COMPRESSOR BEARING ASSEMBLY - A compressor is provided that may include a drive shaft, a compression mechanism, a bearing and an unloader. The drive shaft may include a main body and a crank pin extending from the main body. The compression mechanism may include first and second members. The crank pin may drivingly engage the second member and cause motion of the second member relative to the first member. The bearing may rotatably supporting the main body of the drive shaft. The unloader may rotatably engage the bearing and slidably engage the main body. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140219846 | CAPACITY MODULATED SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A capacity modulation assembly is provided and may include a control valve and a first line extending between the control valve and a suction pressure region disposed within a compressor shell, whereby the suction pressure region is in communication with a suction inlet gas fitting extending through a shell of a compressor. The capacity modulation assembly may additionally include a second line extending between the control valve and an intermediate pressure region disposed within the compressor shell, whereby the intermediate pressure region is in communication with compression pockets defined between an orbiting scroll and a non-orbiting scroll. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140216103 | COMPRESSOR COOLING SYSTEM - A system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, a lubricant separator, and a flow path. The compressor includes a compression mechanism. The heat exchanger receives compressed working fluid from the compressor. The expansion device is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger. The lubricant separator receives lubricant and working fluid discharged from the compression mechanism and provides separated lubricant to the compression mechanism. The flow path may receive working fluid from the heat exchanger and may provide working fluid to the heat exchanger. The flow path may extend between a first location disposed between the heat exchanger and the expansion device and a second location disposed between the heat exchanger and the compressor. The working fluid from the flow path may absorb heat from the separated lubricant. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140216102 | COMPRESSOR COOLING SYSTEM - A system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, and first and second working fluid flow paths. The compressor may include a compression mechanism and a motor. The heat exchanger may receive compressed working fluid from the compressor. The expansion device may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger. The first working fluid flow path may fluidly connect the heat exchanger and the expansion device. The second working fluid flow path may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger and may fluidly connect the heat exchanger with the compressor. The second working fluid flow path may provide compressed working fluid to the compression mechanism and to the motor. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140205484 | RADIALLY COMPLIANT SCROLL COMPRESSOR - A compressor may include a compression mechanism, a driveshaft, and a lever. The compression mechanism may include orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members meshingly engaging each other. The driveshaft may include an eccentric crank pin engaging the orbiting scroll member such that rotation of the driveshaft about a first axis causes orbital motion of the orbiting scroll relative to the non-orbiting scroll. The lever may be mounted for rotation with the driveshaft about the first axis and may be rotatable relative to the driveshaft about a second axis. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140170006 | RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR WITH VAPOR INJECTION SYSTEM - A compressor assembly is provided and may include a compression cylinder and a compression piston disposed within the compression cylinder that compresses a vapor disposed within the compression cylinder from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The compressor assembly may additionally include a crankshaft that cycles the compression piston within the compression cylinder and an injection port in fluid communication with the compression cylinder that selectively communicates intermediate-pressure vapor at a pressure between the suction pressure vapor and the discharge pressure vapor to the compression cylinder. The injection port may communicate the intermediate-pressure vapor to the compression cylinder when the compression piston exposes the injection port and may be prevented from communicating the intermediate-pressure vapor to the compression cylinder when the compression piston blocks the injection port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140170003 | RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR WITH VAPOR INJECTION SYSTEM - A compressor assembly is provided and may include a first compression cylinder, a first compression piston disposed within the first compression cylinder that compresses a vapor disposed within the first compression cylinder, and a crankshaft that cycles the first compression piston within the first compression cylinder. The compressor assembly may additionally include a first control piston moveable between a first state restricting passage of intermediate-pressure fluid into the first compression cylinder and a second state permitting passage of intermediate-pressure fluid into the first compression cylinder. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140154124 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR WITH VARIABLE VOLUME RATIO PORT IN ORBITING SCROLL - A compressor may include a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a drive shaft. The first scroll member may include a first end plate defining a first discharge port and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member may include a second end plate defining a first variable volume ratio port and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap and forming compression pockets. The variable volume ratio port may be located radially outward relative to the first discharge port and in communication with a first compression pocket. The drive shaft may be engaged with the second scroll member and driving orbital displacement of the second scroll member relative to the first scroll member. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140154121 | COMPRESSOR WITH CAPACITY MODULATION AND VARIABLE VOLUME RATIO - A compressor is provided and may include a shell assembly defining a suction pressure region and a discharge pressure region. A first scroll member may include a first discharge port and a first modulation port. A second scroll member may include a first variable volume ratio port. A capacity modulation valve assembly may be in fluid communication with the first modulation port and may be displaceable between open and closed positions to selectively provide communication between a first intermediate compression pocket and the suction pressure region via the first modulation port. A variable volume ratio valve assembly may be in fluid communication with the first variable volume ratio port. The variable volume ratio valve assembly may be displaceable between open and closed positions to selectively provide communication between a second intermediate compression pocket and the discharge pressure region via the first variable volume ratio port. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152209 | POWER FACTOR CORRECTION WITH VARIABLE BUS VOLTAGE - A controller includes a voltage determination module, a bus voltage command module, and a power factor correction (PFC) control module. The voltage determination module determines a desired direct current (DC) bus voltage for a DC bus electrically connected between a PFC module and an inverter power module that drives a motor. The voltage determination module determines the desired DC bus voltage based on at least one of torque of the motor and speed of the motor. The bus voltage command module determines a commanded bus voltage based on the desired DC bus voltage. The PFC control module controls the PFC module to create a voltage on the DC bus that is based on the commanded bus voltage. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140147324 | Scroll Compressor with Unloader Assembly - A compressor may include a shell, orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, an unloader bushing assembly and a drive shaft. The unloader bushing assembly may include a drive bushing and a spring. The drive bushing includes an outer surface engaged with the orbiting scroll and may define an opening extending from a first bushing end to a second bushing end. The spring may include a body disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and may include first and second spring ends with at least a portion of the first spring end extending laterally from the body and overlapping the first bushing end. At least a portion of the second spring end may extend laterally from a body and overlap the second bushing end to secure the spring within the drive bushing. The drive shaft may include a crank pin disposed within the opening of the drive bushing and engaging the spring. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140147294 | VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR WITH LINE-START BRUSHLESS PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR - A variable capacity compressor assembly ( | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140140876 | COMPRESSOR WITH SERVICE VALVE ASSEMBLY - A scroll machine according to the present disclosure can include a shell, a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a valve assembly. The valve assembly can permit intermediate pressure in the shell to flow to an area of suction pressure in the shell. The valve assembly can include a first valve manifold that selectively couples to the shell. A second valve manifold can slidably and non-threadably locate against the first valve manifold. A retainer can couple to the first valve manifold to capture the second valve manifold against the first valve manifold. A valve can selectively connect an intermediate flow exiting the shell through the first and second valve manifolds to a suction flow entering the shell. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140140868 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR WITH OIL-COOLED MOTOR - A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a motor, a pumping mechanism, and a heat exchanger. The shell may define an internal cavity and an oil sump. The compression mechanism is disposed the said shell. The motor is coupled to a driveshaft for selectively powering the compression mechanism. The pumping mechanism may be in fluid-pumping communication with the oil sump. The first heat exchanger may be disposed external from the shell and in fluid communication with the pumping mechanism. The first heat exchanger may cool the oil prior to returning the cooled oil to the internal cavity. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140138451 | Compressor Crankcase Heating Control Systems and Methods - A crankcase heating control system for a heat pump system includes a data receiving module and a power control module. The data receiving module receives data indicative of a temperature of a compressor of the heat pump system, data indicative of an ambient temperature, and data indicative of a current date and a current time. The power control module selectively applies power to a heater of a crankcase of the compressor and selectively disables the heater based on the temperature of the compressor, the ambient temperature, the current date, and the current time. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140134031 | COMPRESSOR - A compressor may include first and second scrolls, a hub plate and a valve. The first scroll may include an end plate defining first and second sides, a primary discharge passage extending therethrough, and a secondary discharge passage extending therethrough and located radially outward from the primary discharge passage. The hub plate may be mounted to the first scroll and may include first and second opposite sides and a hub discharge passage in fluid communication with the primary discharge passage. The first side of the hub plate may face the second side of the end plate and may include a valve guide extending axially toward the end plate adjacent the hub discharge passage. The valve member may be secured on the valve guide for axial movement between open and closed positions to respectively allow and restrict fluid communication between the secondary discharge passage and the hub discharge passage. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140134030 | COMPRESSOR VALVE SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include first and second scroll members having first and second scroll wraps, respectively. The scroll members define a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, and fluid pockets moving therebetween. The second scroll member may include a port, and a passage. The port may be in fluid communication with at least one of the pockets. The passage may extend through a portion of the second end plate and may be in fluid communication with the port. A valve assembly may be disposed in the passage and may include a valve member displaceable between open and closed positions. A recompression volume may be disposed between the valve member and the at least one of the pockets. The recompression volume may be less than or equal to approximately one percent of a volume of one of the pockets at a suction seal-off position. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140130531 | Compressor Protection And Grid Fault Detection Device - A system includes a control module and a monitor module. The control module selectively operates a component of the system in an ON state. The system receives power from an electrical grid. The monitor module selectively detects a fault event of the electrical grid in response to (i) an amount of current drawn by the component or (ii) a voltage of power received by the component. In response to detecting the fault event, the control module switches the component from the ON state to a second state, determines a first delay period according to a random process, identifies an apparent conclusion of the fault event, and in response to the apparent conclusion of the fault, waits for the first delay period before switching the component back to the ON state. The component consumes less power in the second state than in the ON state. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140123692 | System And Method For Calculating Parameters For A Refrigeration System With A Variable Speed Compressor - A system and method for calculating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. An evaporator sensor outputs an evaporator signal corresponding to at least one of an evaporator pressure and an evaporator temperature. An inverter drive modulates electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. A control module is connected to the inverter drive that receives the evaporator signal. The control module monitors electrical power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive and calculates at least one of a condenser temperature and a condenser pressure based on the evaporator signal, the electrical power data, and the compressor speed data. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140084836 | COMPRESSOR HAVING A CONTROL AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE - A system and method includes a power supply that generates an alternating current power for powering a compressor with a capacitor, a voltage sensor that measures voltage values based on the alternating current power, a current sensor that measures current values based on the alternating current power, and a controller. The controller communicates with the voltage sensor and the current sensor, determines a power factor value based on at least one of the voltage values and at least one of the current values, and determines a fault in the capacitor based on the power factor and at least one of the current values. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140074730 | HVAC SYSTEM REMOTE MONITORING AND DIAGNOSIS - A method of operating a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) monitoring service is described. The method includes: providing a local device for installation in an HVAC system of a residential or commercial building; periodically receiving data from the local device across a wide area network, wherein the received data includes electrical sensor data including at least one of current or power; and storing the received data. The method further includes: analyzing the stored data to selectively identify problems and selectively predict faults of the HVAC system; receiving a subscription fee corresponding to the building, the subscription fee applying to a calendar period; and during the calendar period, providing information on the identified problems and the predicted faults to a customer corresponding to the building. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140072467 | COMPRESSOR AND OIL-COOLING SYSTEM - A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a crankshaft, a bearing support, and a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed in the shell and may compress a working fluid. The crankshaft may be disposed at least partially in the shell and may drivingly engage the compression mechanism. The bearing support may rotatably support the crankshaft. The lubricant sump may retain a volume of lubricant and may be disposed between the bearing support and the compression mechanism. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140072466 | COMPRESSOR HAVING CAPACITY MODULATION ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include a shell, first and second scrolls, a seal assembly, a modulation control chamber, and a modulation control valve. The first scroll may include a first end plate having a biasing passage extending therethrough. The seal assembly may isolate a discharge pressure region from a suction pressure region. The seal assembly and the first scroll may define an axial biasing chamber therebetween that communicates with the axial biasing chamber and a first pocket between the first and second scrolls. The modulation control chamber may be fluidly coupled with the biasing chamber by a first passage. The modulation control valve may be fluidly coupled with the modulation control chamber by a second passage and movable between a first position allowing communication between the second passage and the suction pressure region and a second position restricting communication between the second passage and the suction pressure region. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140069139 | COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY WITH DIRECTED SUCTION - A compressor may include a shell assembly, a compression mechanism and a conduit. The shell assembly may include a fitting through which fluid is received from outside of the compressor. The compression mechanism may be disposed within a chamber defined by the shell assembly. The conduit may extend through the chamber between the fitting and a suction inlet of the compression mechanism and transmit at least a portion of the fluid from the fitting to the suction inlet. The conduit may include an inlet that may be spaced apart from the fitting and an outlet that may engage the compression mechanism. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140069121 | PROTECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE FOR A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A system is provided and may include a compressor functioning in a refrigeration circuit. An ambient temperature sensor may produce a signal indicative of an ambient temperature. Processing circuitry may calculate an energy efficiency rating of the refrigeration circuit and may generate a relationship of the calculated energy efficiency rating and ambient temperature. The processing circuitry may compare the calculated energy efficiency rating to a base energy efficiency rating to determine if a fault condition exists. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140064999 | Capacity Modulated Scroll Compressor - A compressor including a housing defining a suction pressure region and a discharge pressure region includes first and second scroll members forming compression pockets. A first chamber located on the first end plate of the first scroll member includes first and second passages and a first aperture extending therethrough and in communication with the first chamber. The first aperture provides communication between a compression pocket and the first chamber. A modulation assembly is located in the first chamber and includes a heater and a thermal valve. The valve is displaceable from a first position that isolates the first passage from the second passage and a second position that permits communication between the first and second passages. The valve is displaced as a result of a temperature change provided by the heater. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140042948 | Motor Drive Control Using Pulse-Width Modulation Pulse Skipping - A control system for a motor includes a pulse-width modulation module, a pulse skip determination module, and a duty cycle adjustment module. The pulse-width modulation module generates three duty cycle values based on three voltage requests, respectively. A plurality of solid-state switches control three phases of the motor in response to the three duty cycle values, respectively. The pulse skip determination module generates a pulse skip signal. The duty cycle adjustment module selectively prevents the plurality of solid-state switches from switching during intervals specified by the pulse skip signal. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140037486 | COMPRESSOR HAVING CAPACITY MODULATION OR FLUID INJECTION SYSTEMS - A compressor may include a fluid-injection source, a shell, and first and second scroll members. The shell may define a suction pressure region. The first scroll member may include a first end plate and a first scroll wrap extending therefrom. The second scroll member may include a second end plate and a second scroll wrap extending therefrom. The first and second scroll wraps may cooperate to define a plurality of fluid pockets. The second end plate may include a first passage and a second passage. The second end plate may also include a first port and a second port extending through the second end plate and communicating with at least one of the fluid pockets. The first passage may be in communication with the suction pressure region. The second passage may be in communication with the fluid-injection source. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140037463 | CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN CONTROL ANGLES - A control system for a motor includes an angle determination module, a control module, an angle generation module, and an estimator module. The angle determination module generates an output rotor angle indicative of a desired angle of a rotor of the motor. The control module controls current supplied to the motor based on the output rotor angle. The angle generation module generates a commanded rotor angle in response to a commanded speed. The estimator module determines an estimated rotor angle of the motor. Upon startup of the motor, the angle determination module generates the output rotor angle based on the commanded rotor angle. Upon beginning of a transition period, the angle determination module generates the output rotor angle based on the commanded rotor angle and the estimated rotor angle. Upon ending of the transition period, the angle determination module generates the output rotor angle based on the estimated rotor angle. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140033746 | System And Method For Monitoring Compressor Floodback - A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to an evaporator, a suction sensor that outputs a suction temperature signal corresponding to a suction temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor, and a control module connected to the suction sensor. The control module determines a saturated evaporator temperature, calculates a suction superheat temperature based on the saturated evaporator temperature and the suction temperature, and monitors a floodback condition of the compressor by comparing the suction superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. When the suction superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140013780 | CONDENSING UNIT HAVING FLUID INJECTION - A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and including an inlet and an outlet. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit. A controller may control the valve based on a temperature difference between the outlet of the third heat exchanger and the inlet of the third heat exchanger. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140012422 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Refrigerant-Cycle Systems - A monitoring system for an HVAC system including an evaporator unit device, first and second temperature sensors, and a condenser unit. The evaporator unit device includes a first current sensor that measures current provided to a circulator blower and a differential pressure sensor that measures pressure between a point prior to a filter element and a point after the filter element. The first temperature sensor measures a refrigerant temperature between a condenser and an expansion valve. The second temperature sensor measures a refrigerant temperature between an evaporator and a compressor. The condenser unit device communicates with the evaporator unit device over low-voltage control lines, wherein the condenser unit comprises a second current sensor that measures current provided to the compressor. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network. An efficiency of the HVAC system is calculated based on the sensor data. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140000294 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring A Refrigeration-Cycle System | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000293 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring A Refrigeration-Cycle System | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000292 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring A Refrigeration-Cycle System | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000291 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring A Refrigeration-Cycle System | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000290 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring A Refrigeration-Cycle System | 01-02-2014 |
| 20130342142 | System And Method for Permanent Magnet Motor Control - A method of operating an electric motor is disclosed. The method includes: starting the electric motor in an open loop control mode; operating an estimator that estimates operating conditions of the electric motor; and, while the electric motor is in the open loop control mode, evaluating a first parameter of the estimator. The method further includes: in response to the evaluation of the first parameter, determining whether the estimator has converged; and in response to a determination that the estimator has not converged within a predetermined period of time after starting the electric motor, signaling a first fault condition. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130330177 | SUCTION ARRANGEMENT FOR A REFRIGERATION COMPRESSOR - A refrigeration compressor is provided and may include a shell carrying a suction-inlet tube having an outlet nozzle opened to the interior of the shell and a cylinder block to which is mounted a suction muffler that incorporates an admission tube provided with an inlet nozzle. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130323105 | THRUST PLATE FOR A HORIZONTAL SCROLL COMPRESSOR AND A HORIZONTAL SCROLL COMPRESSOR HAVING THE SAME - A thrust plate for a compressor may include first and second ends and a feed hole. The first end may include a thrust surface. The second end may include a lubricant accumulation feature. The feed hole may extend between the lubricant accumulation feature and the thrust surface to provide communication therebetween. The feed hole may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the thrust plate such that lubricant flows through the feed hole from the lubricant accumulation feature to the thrust surface. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130287617 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCROLL ALIGNMENT - A compressor may include a shell, a bearing housing supported within the shell, an orbiting scroll, a non-orbiting scroll meshingly engaged with the orbiting scroll, fasteners and a drive shaft. The bearing housing may include a central body defining a bore and arms extending radially outward from a central body and defining circumferentially extending grooves. The circumferentially extending grooves may include inner side walls, outer side walls and base regions extending regionally between the inner and outer side walls and defining fastener receiving apertures. The orbiting scroll may be supported on the bearing housing and a non-orbiting scroll may be meshingly engaged with the orbiting scroll and may include flanges defining flange apertures. The fasteners may extend through the flange apertures and the fasteners receiving apertures and secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing. The drive shaft may extend through the bore and be engaged with the orbiting scroll. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130287557 | COMPRESSOR STAKING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - A compressor is provided and may include a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface and a bearing housing disposed within the shell and having an engagement surface opposing the inner surface. The engagement surface may include a first channel formed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shell and a second channel formed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell and in communication with the first channel. The first channel and the second channel may receive a deformed portion of the shell therein to fix a position of the bearing housing relative to the shell. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130255932 | HEAT SINK FOR A CONDENSING UNIT AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A condensing unit control module may be cooled using multiple methods of cooling. A first method of cooling can be used to cool the control module when a minimal or reduced amount of cooling is needed, and a second method of cooling can be used when the control module requires a larger or maximum amount of cooling. The first method of cooling may include the use of air cooling. The second method of cooling can be through working fluid cooling. The second cooling method can supplement the first cooling method as the cooling needs of the control module increase. The second cooling method can be activated based upon a temperature of a heat sink, a temperature of one or more components of the control module, operating conditions of a heat pump system, ambient conditions, and/or a temperature of the working fluid flowing throughout the heat pump system. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130240043 | Variable Speed Compressor Protection System And Method - 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. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130200295 | REFRIGERATION COMPRESSOR LUBRICANT - Disclosed are working fluid compositions for heat transfer apparatuses, such as refrigeration systems, that include a refrigerant and an ester based lubricant. The working fluid may comprise ≦50% by weight of the ester based lubricant composition and ≧50% by weight of one or more refrigerant compounds. The ester based lubricant comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of: diaryl sulfides, arylalkyl sulfides, dialkyl sulfides, diaryl disulfides, arylalkyl disulfides, dialkyl disulfides, diaryl polysulfides, arylalkyl polysulfides, dialkyl polysulfides, dithiocarbamates, derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, derivatives of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, and combinations thereof. The refrigerants may be C | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130177465 | COMPRESSOR WITH COMPLIANT THRUST BEARING - A bearing housing may include a body portion, a hub, and a thrust bearing. The body portion may include a radially inwardly facing first annular surface. A structure may extend radially outward from the body portion. The hub may extend axially from the body portion and may include a radially inwardly facing second annular surface adapted to rotatably support a shaft. The thrust bearing may extend axially from the body portion and may include an outer surface, a thrust surface, an inner surface, and an undercut feature formed in one of the inner and outer surfaces. The undercut feature may define a cantilevered portion of the thrust bearing. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130176649 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPRESSOR MOTOR PROTECTION - A system includes a refrigerant compressor including an electric motor, a current sensor that measures current flow to the electric motor, a switching device configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the electric motor, respectively, a maximum continuous current (MCC) device that includes a resistance corresponding to a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and a motor protection module. The motor protection module communicates with the MCC device, the current sensor, and the switching device and determines a first MCC value for the electric motor as a function of the resistance of the MCC device. The motor protection module also selectively sets a predetermined MCC to the first MCC and controls the switching device based on a comparison of the current flow to the electric motor and the predetermined MCC. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130174588 | REFRIGERATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is provided and may include a refrigeration circuit having a condenser, a first sensor producing a signal indicative of a detected condenser temperature of the condenser, and processing circuitry in communication with the first sensor. The processing circuitry may determine a derived condenser temperature independent from information received from the first sensor and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the detected condenser temperature to determine a charge level of the refrigeration circuit. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130166231 | COMPRESSOR SENSOR MODULE - A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes an input that receives current measurements generated by a current sensor based on a current of the power supply. The sensor module also includes a processor. The processor is connected to the input, determines a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and selectively compares the current measurements with a value equal to the maximum continuous current multiplied by a predetermined value. The maximum continuous current is set based on at least one of a type of refrigerant used by the compressor and actual refrigeration system conditions. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130156614 | SOUND ENCLOSURE FOR ENCLOSING A COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY - A sound enclosure for enclosing a compressor assembly in an assembled state can include at least one cover piece, a shoe member, and a base. The shoe member can include a partial circumferential wall that projects upright from a generally planar portion. One of the partial circumferential wall or the cover piece has a projected portion. The other of the partial circumferential wall or the cover piece has a recessed portion. In the assembled state, the projected portion nests into the recessed portion. The base includes an outer contact area. The shoe member includes an outer perimeter. In the assembled state, the outer contact area is in contact with the outer perimeter of the shoe member. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130156607 | COMPRESSOR PROTECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - A compressor diagnostic device is provided and includes at least one of a temperature sensor and a current sensor. The current sensor measures a first current flow through a motor of a refrigerant compressor. The temperature sensor is disposed within and sensing a temperature of a measurement region of an electrical conductor that is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the motor, respectively. The compressor diagnostic device also includes a controller in communication with the at least one of the current sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller is operable to control the electrical conductor based on a comparison of a second current flow through the motor and a maximum current. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130120881 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING THREE-PHASE MOTORS - A three-phase electric motor of a compressor receives first, second, and third phases from a three-phase power supply. A method for protecting the motor includes, using a line break protector, disconnecting the motor from only the first phase in response to a temperature being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The method also includes measuring a first current flowing through the line break protector, and determining a current value based on the first current independent of current in the second and third phases. The method further includes disconnecting the motor from the first, second, and third phases in response to the current value being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130081710 | DIRECT-SUCTION COMPRESSOR - A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, and a suction passageway. The shell may include an inlet port. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may include a suction inlet. The suction passageway may include a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion. The first portion may be fluidly coupled to the inlet port. The second portion may be fluidly coupled to the suction inlet of the compression mechanism. The intermediate portion may be disposed between the first and second portions and may be movable between a first position in which the intermediate portion engages the first and second portions and a second position in which the intermediate portion is disengaged from at least one of the first and second portions. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130078128 | COMPRESSOR INCLUDING BIASING PASSAGE LOCATED RELATIVE TO BYPASS PORTING - A compressor may include a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a seal engaged with the second scroll member. The first scroll member may include a first end plate having a first spiral wrap extending therefrom. The second scroll member may be supported relative to the first scroll member and may include a second end plate having a second spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with said first spiral wrap. The second end plate may define a discharge port, bypass porting and a biasing passage. The biasing passage may be in communication with the bypass porting during a portion of a compression cycle of the compressor. The seal and the second scroll member may define an axial biasing chamber in communication with the biasing passage. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130064690 | UNLOADER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A COMPRESSOR - An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate having a plurality of ports, a header, and a plurality of cylinders disposed within the header. A plurality of pistons may be respectively disposed in the plurality of cylinders and may be movable between a first position separated from the valve plate and permitting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism and a second position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism. A chamber may be disposed within each of the cylinders and may receive a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move the piston into the second position and may vent the pressurized fluid in a second mode to move the piston into the first position. One of the chambers may include a different diameter than the other of the chambers. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20120329689 | Refrigeration Compressor Lubricant - The disclosed lubricant compositions comprise a mixture of from about 1-99% by weight of the mixture of one or more ester compounds | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120317831 | COMPRESSOR DEHYDRATION VIA SORBENT TECHNOLOGY - Methods of removing moisture from a compressor using a sorbent technology are provided. A dehydration device incorporating the sorbent technology is disposed in a system that contains a hygroscopic fluid. By passing the hygroscopic fluid over the sorbent technology, moisture is removed from the hygroscopic fluid. The systems include sealed devices and integral components for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and refrigeration devices. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120308421 | Compressor Having Wire Retainer - A compressor comprising a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a drive shaft for operating the compression mechanism, and a motor for driving the drive shaft. A terminal is secured to the shell for delivering electric current to at least one of the compression mechanism and the motor. A terminal block is engaged with the terminal, and a wire carries the electric current from the terminal and the terminal block. A wire retainer located relative to the compression mechanism supports the wire in a predetermined orientation within the shell. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120306414 | CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN CONTROL ANGLES - A system includes a control module that controls a motor based on a first rotor angle and an angle determination module that generates the first rotor angle. An estimator module determines an estimated rotor angle of the motor. A transition module generates a transition signal in response to convergence of the estimator module. The angle determination module initially generates the first rotor angle based on an open loop angle. In response to the transition signal, the angle determination module switches to generating the first rotor angle based on the estimated rotor angle and an offset value. The offset value is based on a difference between the estimated rotor angle and the open loop angle at the time when the transition signal is generated. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120302100 | Conduit Adaptor - An adaptor may include a body portion and a conduit receptacle. The body portion may include a cross-member and first and second arms extending from the cross-member. The first and second arms may include first and second engagement features, respectively. The conduit receptacle may extend from the cross-member in a direction opposite the first and second arms and may include an aperture and a third engagement feature. The third engagement feature may retain an outer surface of a conduit. The conduit may receive and protect a plurality of wires transmitting electrical power to an electrically powered component. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120282409 | RECYCLED NYLON MATERIALS FOR USE IN REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS - Methods of forming an integral component for a compressor and methods for improving ductility of an integral component for a compressor are provided. The integral component is formed of a recycled nylon and a recycled polypropylene. Recycled carpet is used to provide the recycled nylon and recycled polypropylene. The integral components are useful for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and refrigeration devices. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120282124 | COMPRESSOR AND ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - A compressor electrical component enclosure may include a base and a lid. The base may include first and second opposing surfaces and a magnet. The magnet may be coupled to the second surface and may secure the base to a compressor shell. The lid may engage the base and cooperate with the base to define an electrical component housing. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120177508 | CAPACITY MODULATION SYSTEM FOR COMPRESSOR AND METHOD - An apparatus is provided and may include a control valve that moves a pressure-responsive unloader valve between a first position permitting flow through a valve plate and into a compression mechanism and a second position restricting flow through the valve plate and into the compression mechanism. The control valve may include at least one pressure-responsive valve member movable between a first state supplying discharge-pressure gas to the unloader valve to urge the unloader valve into one of the first position and the second position and a second state venting the discharge-pressure gas from the unloader valve to move the unloader valve into the other of the first position and the second position. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120120534 | Three-Phase Detection Module - A method includes receiving N power signals, each having a different one of N phases, over N power supply lines, where N is an integer greater than two. The method further includes selectively activating a first switch to allow a first current to flow from a first one of the N power supply lines to a second one of the N power supply lines. The method includes generating a signal based on the first current, and selectively generating a phase failure signal when the signal is less than a predetermined threshold. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120107163 | COMPRESSOR SEAL ASSEMBLY - A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, and a seal assembly. The shell defines a first and second pressure regions. The first scroll member may include a first end plate defining a chamber. The seal assembly may surround the discharge passage and fluidly separate the first and second pressure regions from each other. The seal assembly may include first and second sealing members. The first sealing member may prevent communication between the chamber and the second pressure region when a first fluid pressure within the second pressure region is higher than a second fluid pressure within the chamber. The first sealing member may define a leakage path when the first fluid pressure is lower than the second fluid pressure. The second sealing member may fluidly separate the chamber and the second pressure region when the first fluid pressure is lower than the second fluid pressure. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120075754 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING THREE-PHASE MOTORS - A system for protecting a three-phase electric motor of a compressor, the motor receiving first, second, and third phases from a three-phase power supply, the system including a single-phase line break protector, a first current sensor, and a control module. The single-phase line break protector disconnects the motor from the first phase in response to a temperature being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The first current sensor measures a current through the single-phase line break protector. The control module determines a current value based on the measured current, and disconnects the motor from the second and third phases in response to the current value being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120006048 | COMPRESSOR WITH VAPOR INJECTION SYSTEM - A heat pump system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the compressor, and a flash tank fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A first conduit may extend between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A valve associated with the first conduit may operate in an open state to permit flow along the first conduit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to at least partially bypass the flash tank and may operate in a closed state to prevent flow along the first conduit between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to direct flow into the flash tank. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110264409 | COMPRESSOR SENSOR MODULE - A sensor module for a compressor, having an electric motor operating at a first voltage, the sensor module operating at a second voltage, is provided. The sensor module includes a plurality of inputs connected to a plurality of sensors that generate a plurality of operating signals associated with operating conditions of the compressor. A processor is connected to the plurality of inputs and records multiple operating condition measurements from the plurality of operating signals. A communication port is connected to the processor for communicating said operating condition measurements to a control module that controls the compressor. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting a power supply to the electric motor. The second voltage is less than said first voltage. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110229360 | POWDER METAL SCROLL HUB JOINT - A scroll component including a spiral scroll wrap, a baseplate having a first major surface coupled to the scroll wrap and a second opposing major surface comprising a protruding pilot extending a distance from the baseplate, and a hub fastened to the baseplate adjacent to the protruding pilot. A method of forming a scroll compressor element is also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110150688 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR WITH DISCHARGE VALVE - A scroll compressor is provided and may include an orbiting scroll member having an orbiting end plate and an orbiting spiral wrap extending from the orbiting end plate. The scroll compressor may also include a non-orbiting scroll member having a non-orbiting end plate and a non-orbiting spiral wrap extending from the non-orbiting end plate and intermeshed with the orbiting spiral wrap. The scroll compressor may further include a drive member for causing the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member and a discharge slot formed by one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member. A discharge valve may be rotatable with the drive member and may operate between a closed state preventing fluid communication between the pockets and the discharge slot and an open state permitting fluid communication between the pockets and the discharge slot. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110144944 | COMPRESSOR DIAGNOSTIC AND PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method is provided and may include generating a high-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of a refrigeration circuit and generating a low-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit. The method may further include processing by a processor the high-side signal and the low-side signal to determine a non-measured system condition and determining by the processor an efficiency of the refrigeration circuit based on the non-measured system condition. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139794 | FLASH TANK DESIGN AND CONTROL FOR HEAT PUMPS - A flash tank is provided and may include a shell having an inner volume. A first port may be in fluid communication with the inner volume and may be positioned relative to a surface of the inner volume such that fluid flows therebetween in a direction that is substantially tangent to the surface. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110129354 | Vibration Protection In A Variable Speed Compressor - Vibration protection in a compressor system with a variable speed compressor may include operating a variable speed compressor of a compressor system at a first frequency, measuring a vibration of the compressor system at the first frequency, determining whether the vibration exceeds a maximum vibration value, and operating the variable speed compressor at an average frequency equivalent to the first frequency, when the vibration exceeds the maximum vibration value, by identifying an allowed upper frequency and an allowed lower frequency, calculating an upper operating time and a lower operating time, and operating the variable speed compressor at the allowed upper frequency for the upper operating time and the allowed lower frequency for the lower operating time. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110107778 | Parallel Condensing Unit Control System And Method - A method comprises monitoring an operating parameter of a refrigeration system that includes a first condensing unit having a first control module and a second condensing unit having a second control module, the first and second condensing units each having at least one compressor. The method also includes controlling, with the first control module, the at least one compressor of the first condensing unit based on the monitoring. The method also includes controlling, with the first control module, the at least one compressor of the second condensing unit based on the monitoring. The first control module controls the at least one compressor of the second condensing unit by communicating with the second control module via a communication link. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110107775 | Parallel Condensing Unit Control System And Method - A system comprises a condenser for a refrigeration system and a control module. The condenser has a plurality of variable speed condenser fans. The control module controls the plurality of variable speed condenser fans. The control module increases condenser fan operation by activating a deactivated variable speed condenser fan at a first fan speed when at least one variable speed condenser fan of the plurality is deactivated and by increasing a fan speed of an activated variable speed condenser fan to a second fan speed when each variable speed condenser fan of the plurality is activated and operating at the first fan speed. The second fan speed is faster than the first fan speed. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110103988 | COMPRESSOR HAVING CAPACITY MODULATION SYSTEM - A compressor may include a housing and first and second scroll members supported within the housing, each having an end plate with a spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with the other to form a series of compression pockets operating at an intermediate fluid pressure between a suction pressure and a discharge pressure. A first passage in communication with one of the compression pockets extends from a first side of the first end plate to a second side of the first end plate generally opposite the first side. A modulation plate overlies the second side of the first scroll member for radial displacement between first and second positions. The modulation plate isolates the first passage from communication with a suction pressure region of the compressor when in the first position and provides communication between the first passage and the suction pressure region when in the second position. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110091342 | THERMALLY COMPENSATED SCROLL MACHINE - A compressor may include first and second scroll members and a compensation member. The first scroll member may include a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending therefrom. The second scroll member may include a second end plate and a second spiral wrap. The second end plate may be positioned proximate to a distal end of the first spiral wrap. The first end plate may be positioned proximate to a distal end of the second spiral wrap. The compensation member may engage the first scroll member and having a first reaction to a temperature change causing the first scroll member to maintain a sealed relationship between the first end plate and the distal end of the second spiral wrap. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110070100 | CRANKCASE HEATER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSORS - A system includes a compressor having a shell housing a compression mechanism driven by an electric motor in an on state and not driven by the electric motor in an off state. The system also includes a variable frequency drive that drives the electric motor in the on state by varying a frequency of a voltage delivered to the electric motor and that supplies electric current to a stator of the electric motor in the off state to heat the compressor. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110052410 | POWDER METAL SCROLLS - Scrolls made from one or more near-net shaped powder metal processes either wholly or fabricated together from sections. Both “conventional” press and sinter methods and metal injection molding methods will be described. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110033328 | COMPRESSOR HAVING CAPACITY MODULATION SYSTEM - A compressor includes first and second scroll members, a structure supporting the second scroll member, and a first piston. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap engaged with the first spiral wrap to form compression pockets. The second end plate includes a first aperture in communication with a first compression pocket. The structure includes a first recess and first and second passages. The first piston is axially displaceable between first and second positions within the first recess. The first piston isolates the first passage from communication with the second passage when in the first and second positions, prevents communication between the first aperture and the first passage when in the first position, and provides communication between the first aperture and the first passage when in the second position. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER FACTOR CORRECTION - A first rectifier diode is electrically connected between a first input terminal where an alternating current (AC) power is received and a first output terminal where a direct current (DC) power is output. A second rectifier diode is electrically connected between the first input terminal and a second output terminal. The first and second rectifier diodes rectify first and second portions of the AC power into the DC power, respectively. When switching of a plurality of power factor correction (PFC) switches is enabled, the plurality of PFC switches increases a voltage of the DC power to greater than a peak voltage of the AC power. An inductor is electrically connected between a second input terminal and two of the plurality of PFC switches. When the switching is disabled, first and second bypass diodes provide a current path past the plurality of PFC switches and the inductor. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031943 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REJECTING DC CURRENT IN POWER FACTOR CORRECTION SYSTEMS - A power factor correction (PFC) system includes a direct current (DC) module, an error control module, an offset module, and a duty cycle control module. The DC module determines an average current value based on a plurality of current values over at least one cycle of an input alternating current (AC) line signal of the PFC system. The error control module generates an error signal based on the average current value. The offset module offsets a desired instantaneous current based on the error signal. The duty cycle control module controls at least one duty cycle of switches of the PFC system based on the offset desired instantaneous current. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031942 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING LINE CURRENT DISTORTION - A power factor correction (PFC) system includes an adjustment module, a compensation module, and a duty cycle control module. The adjustment module generates N time advances based on N predetermined time advances and (N−1) time advance adjustments, wherein N is an integer greater than zero. The compensation module generates N compensated versions of an input alternating current (AC) line signal by predicting ahead of the input AC line signal using a gradient of a sinusoidal reference signal and the N time advances, respectively, wherein the sinusoidal reference signal is synchronized with the input AC line signal in phase and frequency. The duty cycle control module generates PFC duty cycles based on the N compensated versions of the input AC line signal. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031941 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CURRENT BALANCING - A power factor correction (PFC) system includes a comparison module, an adjustment module, a compensation module, and a duty cycle control module. The comparison module measures N currents having different phases, and generates (N−1) comparisons based on the N measured currents, wherein N is an integer greater than one. The adjustment module determines (N−1) time advance adjustments based on the (N−1) comparisons, respectively. The compensation module generates N compensated versions of an input alternating current (AC) line signal based on the input AC line signal, a sinusoidal reference signal, and the (N−1) time advance adjustments, wherein the sinusoidal reference signal is synchronized to the input AC line signal in phase and frequency. The duty cycle control module controls PFC switching based on the N compensated versions of the input AC line signal. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031940 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER FACTOR CORRECTION FREQUENCY TRACKING AND REFERENCE GENERATION - A power factor correction (PFC) system includes a period determination module, a frequency generation module, an angle generation module, a signal generation module, and an angle correction module. The period determination module determines a period of an input alternating current (AC) line signal based on a time between rising edges of the input AC line signal. The frequency generation module generates a frequency based on the period. The angle generation module generates an angle based on the frequency. The signal generation module generates a sinusoidal reference signal based on the frequency and an adjusted angle. The angle correction module generates the adjusted angle based on the angle and based on a comparison of a falling edge of the sinusoidal reference signal, the period, and a rising edge of the input AC line signal. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031920 | CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING, MANAGING, AND DIAGNOSING MOTOR PARAMETERS - A motor control system includes a control module, a switching module, and a filtering module. The control module determines output voltages for operating a motor based on a torque demand. The switching module generates switching signals for an inverter that drives the motor. The switching module generates the switching signals based on the output voltages. The switching module generates an out-of-volts (OOV) signal according to a comparison based on the output voltages, a maximum duty cycle, and a voltage of a direct current (DC) bus that provides power to the inverter. The filtering module generates an OOV amount by filtering the OOV signal. The control module selectively limits the torque demand based on the OOV amount. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031919 | CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING PHASE ADVANCE CURRENT - A current control module generates a voltage request based on a d-axis current (Idr) demand. A switching control module controls a motor based on the voltage request and generates an out-of-volts (OOV) signal based on a comparison of the voltage request and an available voltage. An Idr injection module generates the Idr demand based on a direct current (DC) bus voltage, a rotational speed, and a demanded torque and selectively applies a first adjustment to the Idr demand. The Idr injection module identifies whether an improvement resulted from the first adjustment, wherein the improvement is identified based on at least one of (i) a measured current of the motor and (ii) the OOV signal. The Idr injection module selectively applies a second adjustment to the Idr demand based on whether the improvement is identified. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031914 | CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN CONTROL ANGLES - A system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) module, a subtraction module, an error reducing module, and a summing module. The PWM module controls switching of an inverter that powers a motor. The PWM module controls the switching based on a first angle in a first mode and a second angle in a second mode. The subtraction module determines a difference between the first and second angles. The error reducing module (i) stores the difference when a transition from the first mode to the second mode is commanded and (ii) decreases a magnitude of the stored difference to zero. The summing module calculates a sum of the stored difference and the second angle. The PWM module controls the switching based on the sum in the second mode. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031911 | POWER FACTOR CORRECTION WITH VARIABLE BUS VOLTAGE - A controller includes a voltage determination module, a bus voltage command module, and a power factor correction (PFC) control module. The voltage determination module determines a desired direct current (DC) bus voltage for a DC bus electrically connected between a PFC module and an inverter power module that drives a compressor motor. The voltage determination module determines the desired DC bus voltage based on at least one of torque of the compressor motor, speed of the compressor motor, output power of the inverter power module, and drive input power. The bus voltage command module determines a commanded bus voltage based on the desired DC bus voltage. The PFC control module controls the PFC module to create a voltage on the DC bus that is based on the commanded bus voltage. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20100229386 | POWDER METAL SCROLLS AND SINTER-BRAZING METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Methods of forming scroll compressor components are provided. The methods include forming at least one component of a scroll member from a powder metallurgy technique and joining the component with another distinct component via a sinter-brazing process. For example, a baseplate having a spiral scroll involute is joined to a hub via a joint interface having brazing material to form a braze joint with superior quality. At least one component is formed from a powder metal material including carbon and at least one species that reacts with or binds carbon to prevent migration during brazing of the sinter-brazing heat process. Optionally, during the powder metallurgy process, an alloy with a lower concentration of carbon is selected, which may be incorporated into a crystal structure with the species that prevents carbon migration. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100111709 | COMPRESSOR PROTECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - A compressor includes at least one current sensor and processing circuitry in communication with the at least one current sensor. The processing circuitry declares a locked rotor condition when current drawn by the compressor is at least forty (40) percent of peak locked rotor current. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100101250 | COMPRESSOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - A system is provided and may include logic circuitry in communication with an intelligent device. The logic circuitry may process a refrigeration system operating parameter as a function of time and at least one of the logic circuitry and the intelligent device may diagnose a refrigeration system status based on the processing. The intelligent device may output the diagnosis. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20090241592 | COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTRONICS COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an accumulator, and electronics for controlling the compressor. The accumulator collects gaseous and liquid refrigerant passing from the evaporator to the compressor. The electronics are mounted to the accumulator to transfer heat from the electronics to the refrigerant located within the accumulator to cool the electronics. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090200076 | Compressor Having Wire Retainer - A compressor comprising a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a drive shaft for operating the compression mechanism, and a motor for driving the drive shaft. A terminal is secured to the shell for delivering electric current to at least one of the compression mechanism and the motor. A terminal block is engaged with the terminal, and a wire carries the electric current from the terminal and the terminal block. A wire retainer located relative to the compression mechanism supports the wire in a predetermined orientation within the shell. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090128972 | THREE-PHASE DETECTION MODULE - An apparatus includes a first optocoupler and a control module. The first optocoupler selectively allows a first current to flow from a first one of a first pair of N power supply lines to a second one of the first pair. N is an integer greater than two. The N power supply lines each provide a phase signal. The control module controls the first optocoupler and determines an occurrence of a phase failure of the phase signals based on a first signal, which is based on the first current. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090125257 | COMPRESSOR SENSOR MODULE - A sensor module for a compressor, having an electric motor operating at a first voltage, the sensor module operating at a second voltage, is provided. The sensor module includes a plurality of inputs connected to a plurality of sensors that generate a plurality of operating signals associated with operating conditions of the compressor. A processor is connected to the plurality of inputs and records multiple operating condition measurements from the plurality of operating signals. A communication port is connected to the processor for communicating said operating condition measurements to a control module that controls the compressor. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting a power supply to the electric motor. The second voltage is less than said first voltage. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090119036 | COMPRESSOR SENSOR MODULE - A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply and a processor disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor is provided, with the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor. The sensor module includes a first input connected to a voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply and a second input connected to a current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply. The processor is connected to the first and second inputs. The processor may calculate a power factor of the compressor, detect an unexpected variation in the power supply, and/or detect a mechanical malfunction of the compressor based on the voltage measurements and the current measurements. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090110581 | Scroll Compressor For Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant - A scroll machine is provided with wear resistant features to provide the scroll machine with improved operation when processing CO | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090095002 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING PARAMETERS FOR A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR - A system and method for calculating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. An evaporator sensor outputs an evaporator signal corresponding to at least one of an evaporator pressure and an evaporator temperature. An inverter drive modulates electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. The control module is connected to the inverter drive and receives the evaporator signal, monitors electrical power data and compressor speed data from said inverter drive, and calculates at least one of a condenser temperature and a condenser pressure based on the evaporator signal, the electrical power data, and the compressor speed data. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090094998 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING PARAMETERS FOR A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR - A system and method for evaluating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. A condenser sensor and an evaporator sensor are provided. An inverter drive modulates a frequency of electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. A monitor module receives compressor power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive, determines a measured condenser temperature based on the condenser signal, determines a measured evaporator temperature based on the evaporator signal, calculates a first derived condenser temperature based on the compressor power data and the compressor speed data, calculates a second derived condenser temperature based on the measured evaporator temperature, the compressor power data and the compressor speed data, and compares the measured condenser temperature with the first and second derived condenser temperatures to determine whether any of the measured condenser temperature and the first and second derived condenser temperatures are inaccurate. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090094997 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING PARAMETERS FOR A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH A VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR - A system and method for calibrating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. A condenser sensor outputs a condenser signal corresponding to at least one of a sensed condenser pressure and a sensed condenser temperature. An inverter drive modulates a frequency of electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. A control module is connected to the inverter drive and determines a measured condenser temperature based on the condenser signal, monitors electric power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive, calculates a derived condenser temperature based on the electric power data, the compressor speed data, and compressor map data for the compressor, compares the measured condenser temperature with the derived condenser temperature, and updates the compressor map data based on the comparison. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090093911 | Vibration Protection In A Variable Speed Compressor - Vibration protection in a compressor system with a variable speed compressor may include operating a variable speed compressor at a plurality of frequencies, measuring a plurality of vibration values associated with the plurality of frequencies, determining a frequency characteristic of the compressor system based on the plurality of vibration values, and identifying prohibited compressor frequencies based on the frequency characteristic. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090092502 | COMPRESSOR HAVING A POWER FACTOR CORRECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A power factor correction (PFC) device may be connected with a power source and a compressor. A control module may receive a measured operating parameter of the compressor, compare the measured operating parameter with a predetermined threshold, and control a switch to selectively bypass the PFC device based on the measured operating parameter of the compressor. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090092501 | COMPRESSOR PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for protecting a variable speed compressor may include an inverter drive that modulates a frequency of electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. The inverter drive may be cooled by refrigerant and include a temperature sensor that outputs an inverter temperature signal corresponding to an inverter temperature. A control module may receives the inverter temperature signal, compare the inverter temperature with a predetermined threshold, and reduce a compressor operating speed range when the inverter temperature is greater than the predetermined threshold. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090118 | VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for a compressor may include an inverter drive connected to the compressor that receives electric power and modulates a speed of the compressor by modulating a frequency of the electric power. A control module connected to the inverter drive monitors compressor power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive, and calculates a saturated condenser temperature of a refrigeration system associated with the compressor based on the compressor power data and the compressor speed data. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING OVERHEAT OF A COMPRESSOR - A system and method for monitoring an overheat condition of a compressor is provided. A compressor connected to an evaporator. A suction sensor outputs a suction signal corresponding to a temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor. A control module is connected to the evaporator sensor and the suction sensor and determines an evaporator temperature, calculates a suction superheat temperature based on the evaporator temperature and the suction signal, and monitors an overheat condition of the compressor by comparing the suction superheat with a predetermined suction superheat threshold. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090113 | COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTRONICS COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system, compressor, and method that cools an electronics module with a low-pressure refrigerant. The system, compressor, and method utilize a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the low pressure refrigerant and communicates with the electronics module. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the electronics module controls a liquid dry out point of the refrigerant that is used to cool the electronics module. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090071175 | REFRIGERATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is provided and may include a compressor having a motor and a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator and a condenser fluidly coupled to the compressor. The system may further include a first sensor producing a signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor, a second sensor producing a signal indicative of a saturated condensing temperature, and a third sensor producing a signal indicative of a liquid-line temperature. Processing circuitry may processes the current or power signal to determine a derived condenser temperature and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the saturated condensing temperature received from the second sensor to determine a subcooling associated with a refrigerant charge level of the refrigeration circuit. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090060749 | Molded Plug For A Compressor - A plug assembly for a compressor having a shell, a terminal body on the shell, and a conductor pin extending through the terminal body, wherein a connector body of the plug assembly includes a plurality of electrical receptacles for electrical communication with the conductor pin at least partially disposed within a fence disposed around the terminal body. The plug assembly may be formed of a thermoplastic or thermoset material having a tensile modulus between 9500 MPa and 18000 MPa, and/or about 30 percent glass fibers. At least one electrical receptacle may be housed by an inner core of the plug assembly for electrical communication with the conductor pin. An annular sealing member may be supported by an outer body of the plug assembly for sealingly engaging the fence. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20080317619 | TANDEM COMPRESSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A compressor system including a first compressor and a second compressor. The first and second compressors each include a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, and a drive member adapted to drive the compression mechanism. A discharge tube assembly interconnects the first compressor and the second compressor, and the discharge tube assembly includes an inlet portion adjacent the first compressor that is inclined relative to another inlet portion adjacent the second compressor. The inlet portion that is inclined is adapted to prevent a backflow of oil through the discharge tube assembly. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080286118 | CAPACITY MODULATED SCROLL COMPRESSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for modulating capacity of a scroll compressor having a motor includes determining a target capacity of the scroll compressor, operating the motor at a first speed when the target capacity is within a first predetermined capacity range and at a second speed when the target capacity is within a second predetermined capacity range, determining a pulse width modulation cyclic ratio based on the target capacity and the first or second speed, and periodically separating intermeshing scroll members of the compressor according to the pulse width modulation cyclic ratio to modulate the capacity of the scroll compressor. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080219872 | SCROLL MACHINE HAVING COUNTERWEIGHTS WITH CHANGEABLE CAVITY - A balancing system for different compressors utilizes a counterweight having a common exterior configuration. The mass of the counterweight is optimized for each compressor by changing the size of a recess located in the counterweight. In one embodiment, the recess is an arcuately shaped recess; and in another embodiment, the recess is a plurality of holes. | 09-11-2008 |
