System and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system

Inactive Publication Date: 2018-10-04
CARRIER CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a refrigeration system that includes a compressor, an expansion device, and an electronic controller. The controller is responsible for operating the compressor at different speeds and for managing the oil return mode. The system can automatically enter an oil return mode when the compressor operates at a speed below the minimal speed limit for a continuous duration of time greater than or equal to the run time limit. The oil return mode includes operating the compressor at the minimum speed limit for an oil return duration of time and controlling the expansion device to decrease a target superheat value by a given value. This technology allows for efficient oil return and improved performance of the refrigeration system.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, oil and refrigerant vapor do not mix readily, and the oil can be properly circulated through the system typically only if gas velocities are high enough to sweep the oil along In some refrigeration compressors, for example inverter compressors, if refrigerant velocities are not sufficiently high, oil will tend to coat the walls of the evaporator tubing, decreasing heat transfer and possibly causing a shortage of oil in the compressor.
Oil recovering devices are generally used in order to recover the oil; however, the addition of such devices increase the costs and size of the refrigeration system

Method used

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  • System and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system
  • System and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system
  • System and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system

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Embodiment Construction

[0005]In one aspect a refrigeration system is provided. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, an expansion device in flow communication with the compressor, and an electronic controller in communication with the expansion device and the compressor. The electronic controller is configured to operate in an oil return mode based at least in part on an operational speed and a continuous operational run time of the compressor. In an embodiment, the electronic controller is further configured to command the compressor to operate at the minimal speed limit for an oil return duration of time if it is determined that the operational speed is less than the minimal speed limit and the continuous operational run time is greater than or equal to the run time limit, and command the expansion device to operate in order to decrease a target superheat value by an oil return target value if it is determined that the operational speed is less than the minimal speed limit and the continuous o...

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Abstract

A system and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system, the system including a compressor, an expansion device in flow communication with the compressor, and an electronic controller in communication with the expansion device and the compressor, wherein the electronic controller is configured to operate in an oil return mode based at least in part on an operational speed and a continuous operational run time of the compressor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 232,274 filed Sep. 24, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety into the present disclosure.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS[0002]The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to refrigeration systems, and more particularly, to a system and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS[0003]Generally, in refrigeration compressors, oil and refrigerant mix continuously. Refrigeration oils are soluble in liquid refrigerant and at normal room temperatures they will mix completely. Since oil typically must pass through the compressor to provide lubrication, a small amount of oil is typically in circulation with the refrigerant. Typically, oil and refrigerant vapor do not mix readily, and the oil can be properly circula...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F25B49/02F25B31/00
CPCF25B49/022F25B31/002F25B2500/16F25B2600/01F25B2600/0253F25B2600/2513F25B2700/1933F25B2700/21151F25B49/02Y02B30/70
InventorDAS, SATHISH R.SEYMOUR, CHARLES A.LEE, JUN PYOAUSTIN, MATTHEWTURNER, LYNN A.
OwnerCARRIER CORP