Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for controlling variable displacement compressor

US6578372B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
1References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 9, 2001
Grant dateJun 17, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 9, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF04B2027/1859
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A variable displacement compressor has a control valve for controlling the displacement of the compressor. When the pressure in a discharge chamber of the compressor (discharge pressure) is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, a controller sets a duty ratio, which is sent to the control valve, to zero % to limit the discharge pressure. As a result, the compressor displacement is minimized and the discharge pressure is lowered. Therefore, the pipes of an external refrigerant circuit does not receive excessive load based on high discharge pressure. When the displacement of the compressor is minimized, circulation of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is stopped and refrigerant containing lubricant circulates within the compressor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.