US5054294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compressor discharge temperature control for a variable speed compressor
Assignee: Carrier Corp
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Filing: 1990-09-21
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Granted: 1991-10-08
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Expires: 2010-09-21
Abstract
Abstract In an air conditioning system with a variable speed compressor drive, the discharge temperature is sensed and if it is found to exceed a predetermined threshold limit for a predetermined period of time, then the compressor speed is reduced by an incremental amount. If this condition persists, the compressor speed will continue to be reduced in incremental steps until the temperature of the discharge gas is reduced to a level below the predetermined threshold limit.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin F. Dudley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 01:40
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B49/00; F25; F25B; F25B49/00; F25B49/02; F25B49/022; G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1906; G05D23/1912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
An improved air conditioning system of a type having an evaporator and condenser coils, an expansion device, and a compressor with a variable speed drive mechanism, wherein the improvement comprises; a sensor for sensing a discharge temperature of the compressor; a comparator for receiving and comparing said discharge temperature with a first predetermined threshold temperature; and a control system for decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said comparator indicates that said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
An improved air conditioning system of a type having an evaporator and condenser coils, an expansion device, and a compressor with a variable speed drive mechanism, wherein the improvement comprises; a sensor for sensing a discharge temperature of the compressor; a comparator for receiving and comparing said discharge temperature with a first predetermined threshold temperature; and a control system for decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said comparator indicates that said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control system is operable to decrease the speed of the variable speed compressor drive only after said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature for a first predetermined period of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said control system is operable to further decrease the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said discharge temperature continues to exceed said first predetermined threshold temperature for a second predetermined period of time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said control system continues to incrementally decrease the speed of the variable speed compressor drive until said discharge temperature is below said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
An improved air conditioning system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control system is operable to shut off said variable speed compressor drive when said comparator indicates that said discharge temperature exceeds a second predetermined threshold temperature higher than said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
78 words
An improved method of operating an air conditioning system of the type having evaporator and condenser coils, an expansion device, and a compressor with a variable speed drive, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of; sensing the discharge temperature of the compressor; comparing said discharge temperature with a first predetermined threshold temperature; and responsively decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said comparing step indicates that said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
An improved method of operating an air conditioning system of the type having evaporator and condenser coils, an expansion device, and a compressor with a variable speed drive, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of; sensing the discharge temperature of the compressor; comparing said discharge temperature with a first predetermined threshold temperature; and responsively decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said comparing step indicates that said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein said step of decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive is accomplished only after said discharge temperature exceeds said first predetermined threshold temperature for a first predetermined period of time.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 and including the further step of further decreasing the speed of the variable speed compressor drive when said discharge temperature continues to exceed said first predetermined threshold temperature for a second predetermined period of time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 and including the further steps of continuing to incrementally decrease the speed of the variable speed compressor drive until said discharge temperature has decreased to a level below said first predetermined threshold temperature.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein, if in said comparing step said discharge temperature exceeds a second predetermined threshold temperature higher than said first predetermined threshold temperature, then the compressor drive is shut off.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-07 | 1995-04-08 | 1995-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-07 | 1999-04-08 | 1999-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-07 | 2003-04-08 | 2003-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |