Cooling system diagnostic system apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for diagnosing a cooling system includes a first sensor operable to detect a compressor supply amperage, a second sensor operable to detect a compressor supply voltage, and a third sensor operable to detect a compressor rotational speed. A controller in communication with the first, second and third sensors communicates with a computer that compares at least two of the supply amperage, supply voltage and rotational speed with normal operating parameters, and outputs a diagnosis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 844,607 filed on May 12, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 280,774 filed on Oct. 25, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,680), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 012,631 filed on Dec. 7, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,976), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 721,594 filed on Nov. 22, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,854), which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and a method for servicing a cooling system. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Several air-conditioning service units are available to assist a trained technician in servicing an air-conditioning system. Some prior art units are adapted to be connected to the high- and low-pressure sides of the air-conditioning system and these...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] Expensive and high-end large commercial air-conditioning systems are typically provided with their own sophisticated electronics and a host of internal sensors. The sophisticated electronics and the host of sensors for these large commercial systems simplify the diagnosis for these systems. However, the costs associated with these electronics and the sensors is too much for cost sensitive systems like residential air-conditioning systems and small commercial installations. In these smaller systems, the servicing efficiency is still dependent upon the skill of the technician. The tools that the technician typically uses to help in the diagnosis are pressure gauges, service units which suggest possible fixes, common electronic instruments like multi-meters and component data books which supplement the various service units that are available. Even though these tools have improved over the years in terms of accuracy, ease of use and reliability, the technician still has to rely on his own personal skill and knowledge in interpreting the results of these instruments. The problems associated with depending upon the skill and knowledge of the service technician is expected to compound in the future due in part to the introduction of many new refrigerants. Thus, the large experience that the technicians have gained on current day refrigerants will not be adequate for the air-conditioning systems of the future. This leads to a high cost for training and a higher incident of misdiagnosing which needs to be addressed.

[0008] The present invention provides the art with a diagnostic system which is applicable to the present day air-conditioning systems as well as being adaptable to the air-conditioning systems of the future. The present invention provides a data acquisition system which includes a judicious integration of sensors. The sensors monitor the system's pressures, various temperatures within the system as well as operating parameters for the motor driving the system. By incorporating these additional sensors and specifically the motor operating sensors, the data acquisition system can provide better diagnostic results for the air-conditioning system. The data acquisition system coupled with a hand held computer using sophisticated software provides a reasonable cost diagnostic tool for a service technician. In the very cost sensitive systems like residential air-conditioning systems, this diagnostic tool eliminates the need for having each system equipped with independent sensors and electronics, yet they will still have the capability to assist the technician to efficiently service the air-conditioning system when there is a problem. The diagnostic tool also includes a wireless Internet link with a master computer which contains the service information on all of the various systems in use. In this way, the hand held computer can be constantly updated with new information as well as not being required to maintain files on every system. If the technician encounters a system not on file in his hand held computer, a wireless Internet link to the master computer can identify the missing information.

Problems solved by technology

However, the costs associated with these electronics and the sensors is too much for cost sensitive systems like residential air-conditioning systems and small commercial installations.

The problems associated with depending upon the skill and knowledge of the service technician is expected to compound in the future due in part to the introduction of many new refrigerants.

Thus, the large experience that the technicians have gained on current day refrigerants will not be adequate for the air-conditioning systems of the future.

This leads to a high cost for training and a higher incident of misdiagnosing which needs to be addressed.

The problem of accurate diagnosis is complicated by the large number of different air-conditioning systems in the marketplace.

While each air-conditioning system includes a basic air-conditioning cycle, the various systems can include components and options that complicate the diagnosis for the system as a whole.

Accordingly, with these prior art service units, misdiagnosis can occur, resulting in improperly repaired systems and in excessive time to complete repairs.

Although service manuals are available to assist the technician in diagnosing and repairing the air-conditioning systems, their use is time-consuming and inefficient.

In addition, the large number of manuals require valuable space and each manual must be kept up to date.

The systems that monitor only the high and low pressure side pressures of the air-conditioning system are thus inherently limited in their diagnostic ability.

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