Scroll compressor with three-step capacity control

Abstract

A scroll compressor comprises a first scroll member having a generally spiral wrap and a second scroll member having a generally spiral wrap. The generally spiral wraps interfit to define compression chambers. A pair of ports leads from the compression chambers. A pair of valves selectively blocks flow of refrigerant from the ports leaving the compression chambers. The valves selectively control the flow such that flow may pass from neither of the two ports, from both of the two ports, or from only one of the two ports to provide three levels of capacity control.

Description

technical field [0001] The present application relates to a scroll compressor having a capacity control valve. Background technique [0002] Scroll compressors are increasingly being utilized in refrigerant compression applications. In a typical scroll compressor, a generally helical first wrap is interfitted with a generally helical second wrap. These interfitting wraps define compression chambers into which refrigerant is introduced and compressed. [0003] In many cases of refrigerant compression applications, it is desirable to reduce the volume or amount of refrigerant being compressed. For example, if the load experienced by the air conditioning system is reduced, it would be energy efficient to reduce the amount of refrigerant that is compressed. Various means of capacity control are known. In a standard capacity control, a valve opens the port connecting the compression chamber back to the suction chamber in a scroll compressor. When the valve is open, the refri...

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Overall, however, they do not bring the desired flexibility

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