Variable speed compressor motor control for low speed operation
US7854137B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable speed drive is provided for a compressor in a refrigerant system. When a low load situation has been determined by the refrigerant system controls, the variable speed drive moves the compressor to a lower speed mode of operation. In this case, if a speed is so low that it cannot ensure adequate oil lubrication of the compressor elements, then the motor speed is periodically increased to a level that will ensure proper lubrication. In this manner, a variable speed drive compressor can be operated at an extremely low speed to precisely match load demand on a refrigerant system. The invention can be extended beyond refrigerant system applications and to any oil-lubricated compressors whose lubrication is speed dependant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.