Sensor data evaluation unit for refrigeration compressor sensors

Abstract

A sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) for the sensors of a fluid working machine (11, 17), wherein the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) is designed and arranged to receive data from at least two sensors (4, 5), preferably at least two sensors (4, 5) for different parameters. The sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) evaluates the received data and generates a combined sensor signal that is sent via a common sensor data output line (14). (Fig. 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Sensor data evaluation unit for sensors of a refrigeration compressor

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor data evaluation unit for the sensors of a fluid working machine. The invention further relates to a sensor data arrangement, a fluid working machine, and a method for monitoring a fluid working machine.

[0002] Refrigeration circuits and heat pump circuits are well established in the state of the art, with even a tendency to become increasingly widespread. In principle, a refrigerant having a suitable boiling point is pumped in a closed circuit, comprising a compressor (which is used to pump the refrigerant), two heat exchangers (a so-called condenser and a so-called evaporator) and a throttling device, generally a porous plug or a small orifice.

[0003] More specifically: The gaseous refrigerant is compressed by the compressor. This causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise. This heat is dissipated in the condenser. Thanks to the judiciously chosen refrigerant, not only is excess heat dissipated by the condenser, but the latent heat from the condensation of the refrigerant is also released by the condenser. From there, the pressurized liquid, which is now approximately at ambient temperature, passes through the throttling device. Here, the refrigerant expands, resulting in a decrease in both pressure and temperature. The refrigerant can now be used to absorb thermal energy by means of the evaporator.As with the condenser, not only does a temperature change occur, but also a phase change of the refrigerant, allowing even more thermal energy to be absorbed. Consequently, the refrigerant returns to the compressor and is repressurized, thus repeating the cycle. All of this is well known in the prior art.

[0004] Due to the widespread application of such refrigeration circuits and their use in a wide variety of different technological fields, there are a significant number of producers and consumers of various components for such refrigeration cycles. In particular, some producers typically specialize in the production of certain components. For example, some companies produce only heat exchangers (condensers, evaporators), while others specialize in the production of compressors. This raises the issue of interoperability.

[0005] Furthermore, various components of the refrigeration cycle generally have clearly distinct service lives and / or different intervals between necessary maintenance or repairs. This, too, poses interoperability problems when exchanging certain components of the refrigeration cycle (and potentially when changing the manufacturer of the respective exchanged component). In this context, the compressor is generally the most vulnerable component due to the various moving parts it contains.

[0006] A particular interoperability issue is monitoring the operating status of the compressor. As is known, various sensors can be used to monitor various physical parameters of the compressor. In particular, for many years / decades, monitoring the presence of lubricant in the compressor was considered sufficient to monitor the operating status of the compressor.

[0007] Consequently, for existing systems, the corresponding control logic of the refrigeration circuit has often been designed to be compatible with the compressors existing at the time of the original design of the refrigeration circuit (which may date back several years, or even several decades). At that time, only the presence of lubricant was generally monitored, and if there was too little lubricant, the compressor operation was stopped. For the sake of completeness: to monitor the presence or absence of lubricant, the oil level in the compressor's oil sump is generally monitored.

[0008] By way of example, the French document made available FR 3124554 A1 includes a compressor housing in which an oil reservoir is arranged. An arrangement of oil level sensors is provided, which is configured to detect an oil level in the reservoir.

[0009] With technological advances, it became necessary to monitor not only the presence / absence of lubricant for the compressor, but also additional parameters that indicate a possible problem or even an imminent compressor failure. With newer refrigeration circuits, this is generally achieved by providing a plurality of different sensors measuring various compressor parameters (e.g., a temperature sensor and an oil level sensor). Consequently, the control device must include a plurality of input connections so that several input signals can be read and evaluated to determine the operating state of the refrigeration cycle, and in particular, of the compressor.

[0010] Now, a particular problem arises if the compressor fails in a pre-existing refrigeration system of a certain age (or needs to be replaced for another reason). Although one would like to use a replacement compressor equipped with using a plurality of sensors would require upgrading the entire control circuitry of the refrigeration system, which is often undesirable, or even prohibitively expensive.

[0011] It is understandable that a solution to the dilemma related to the interoperability aspects described above would be desired. In particular, this concerns the replacement of a compressor, where a replacement compressor with multiple sensors is to be used, whereas the pre-existing refrigeration system was designed to use a single sensor signal to monitor the compressor.

[0012] The present invention therefore aims to provide a sensor data evaluation unit for the sensors of a fluid working machine which is improved compared to sensor data evaluation units for fluid working machine sensors as known in the prior art.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a sensor arrangement for fluid working machines that is improved compared to sensor arrangements for fluid working machines as known in the prior art.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid working machine arrangement that is improved compared to fluid working machine arrangements as known in the prior art.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a method for monitoring a fluid working machine which is improved compared to the methods for monitoring fluid working machines as they are known in the prior art.

[0016] It is suggested to design a sensor data evaluation unit for the sensors of a fluid working machine, wherein the sensor data evaluation unit is designed and arranged to receive data from at least two sensors, such that the sensor data evaluation unit evaluates the received data and generates a combined sensor signal that is sent via a common sensor data output line. Although not strictly required, it is preferable that the data be received from at least two sensors that detect different parameters. However, it is also possible for the data to be received from at least two sensors that measure (at least in part) the same parameter, but preferably at a different point / location.For example, two liquid level sensors could be installed in two different positions so that the liquid level is detected not at a single location, but rather at two different locations, which could improve the safety of the system. While frequent data reception from two sensors may be sufficient, it is of course also possible to use data from even more sensors. To give just a few examples: the... Data from three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or even more sensors could be received and evaluated (where two, three, etc., can be used as both the lower and / or upper limit of a range). For the sake of completeness, it is also possible to combine the concept of different parameters and different positions for the same parameter, for example, providing two or three liquid level sensors at different positions, and providing one temperature sensor (or even possibly two temperature sensors at different positions). The sensor data evaluation unit receives the input data, evaluates the data, and can then send an appropriate output signal via the common sensor data output line to another device, for example, to a control device / control arrangement for the fluid working machine.

[0017] By using the proposed sensor data evaluation unit, it is possible to increase the number of monitored positions and / or monitored parameters of a fluid workpiece beyond one (for the fluid workpiece, in particular for a refrigeration compressor or similar), and to nevertheless use the thus improved (better monitored) fluid workpiece in combination with existing arrangements / machinery / apparatus in which the fluid workpiece is used. As already mentioned, such pre-existing arrangements often show a control arrangement with a single input connection for the fluid workpiece data.Using the suggestion disclosed here, the single-input control device / arrangement can continue to be used, possibly without any adaptation (and, if any adaptation is necessary, with only minor adjustments), which is of course advantageous and cost-effective. Nevertheless, greater reliability of the control arrangement—and therefore of the entire machinery—can be achieved because more positions / parameters can be monitored. This alternative solution with a technical improvement is highly beneficial.

[0018] It is recognized that the currently proposed solution has shortcomings compared to a so-called simple solution, in which a plurality of sensors are provided, and in which each sensor individually feeds an individual sensor data input port of a control device. For example, using the currently proposed suggestion, the control arrangement cannot determine whether a compressor problem arises due to a low oil level or excessive temperature. However, it can determine the presence of a problem based on any two or more possible causes. Thus, further actions can be initiated. For example, the pre-assembled fluid work machine can be stopped. Then, a mechanic can perform further measurements to determine the exact problem. Furthermore, as As suggested in more detail below, the sensor arrangement could be provided with indicator devices or similar, delivering appropriate output information through a display device or similar (which can be read by a machinery operator, or similar).

[0019] Preferably, the sensor data evaluation unit is designed and arranged to receive flag-type data from at least one sensor, preferably from at least two sensors, and / or such that the data evaluation unit is designed and arranged to send one of the flag-type data signals via the common sensor data output line. In other words, it may be a more or less digital input and / or output signal, where one state of the flag signal indicates a fault state, while the other state of the flag signal indicates an operational state. Of course, the meaning of the respective flag may also be different; for example, it may mean: maintenance required soon, maintenance imminent, operation prohibited, device in good condition, or similar.It should be noted that "binary" can also include the possibility of a high output signal level versus a low output signal level, or a positive signal versus a negative signal. It should be noted that these types of data are particularly appropriate for use within the framework of this suggestion.

[0020] However, it is also possible for the sensor data evaluation unit to be designed and arranged so that the output / sensor data (from at least one of the at least two sensors) is of a variable-level type (analog signal type). This can also prove advantageous. For example, two analog signals can simply be added together (and possibly divided by two). Then, if two temperature sensors are used at different locations in the resulting machinery / pre-assembled fluid work machine, a slightly higher temperature level at one location can be, so to speak, compensated for by a slightly lower temperature at another location.It should be noted that with typical designs, excessively large temperature differences between the two positions will generally not occur due to the thermal conductivity of the pre-assembled fluid working machine, particularly its housing or other components. This is especially true if thermally conductive materials, such as metals, are used. Furthermore, the use of an analog-type data output on the common sensor data output line may be necessary if the sensor data evaluation unit is to be used in conjunction with certain control arrangements or similar systems.

[0021] Furthermore, it is suggested that the sensor data evaluation unit be designed and arranged so that it receives data from at least two sensors that are electrically arranged in series and / or in parallel. The preferred design will generally be obvious to those skilled in the art. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that where three or more sensors are used, a combination of a series and a parallel arrangement is, of course, possible. For example, two fluid level sensors can be arranged in series, while the "combined series fluid level sensor" can be arranged in parallel with another sensor, such as a temperature sensor. The currently proposed arrangement of at least two sensors is particularly simple, inexpensive to implement, and generally sufficiently accurate and reliable.

[0022] Alternatively, the sensor data evaluation unit may be designed and arranged to include at least one Boolean-type circuit. For example, a type of OR logic circuit, an XOR logic circuit, an AND logic circuit, a NOT logic circuit, or similar (possibly even a combination thereof) may be used. This design is, of course, particularly advantageous if flag-type data is used.

[0023] For the sake of completeness, in the case where analog / non-flag data is used, the sensor data evaluation unit may also include various electrical / electronic circuits. For example, amplifiers, additive devices, operational amplifiers, or the like may be used to weight one signal stronger than another, or to separate different signal sources from one another, to name just a few examples.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor data evaluation unit can be designed and arranged to evaluate data from sensors selected from a group including liquid level sensors, Reed sensors, Hall effect sensors, temperature sensors, PTC sensors, and NTC sensors (PTC = positive temperature coefficient; NTC = negative temperature coefficient). When using such sensors, the suggestion disclosed herein can particularly demonstrate its characteristics and advantages. Furthermore, such sensors monitor the most critical physical parameters of the pre-assembled fluid working machine, especially a refrigeration compressor. Of course, in addition or alternatively, data from different types of sensors can also be evaluated.

[0025] Furthermore, it is suggested that the sensor data evaluation unit be designed so that it includes a time smoothing arrangement for the Data from at least one of the sensors. "Time smoothing arrangement" can be understood as a "time smoothing arrangement" or similar. It is not uncommon for some sensors / parameters being monitored to exhibit variations / peaks over a short timescale. For example, a fluid level sensor may show a low level for a brief period of half a second or similar. These strong variations / peaks may originate from the design of the respective sensor, but may also be based on short-term behavior of the fluid working machine (and / or connected or similar components). However, such short fluctuations do not necessarily require (counter)measures and can be ignored.Therefore, to avoid erroneous results, it is proposed to average the respective sensor / data signal over a certain time interval (or to use a different smoothing function, as is known in the prior art). Consequently, these short-term fluctuations can be ignored, while a true deviation from the norm can still be detected. The smoothing timescale can be on the order of seconds, tens of seconds, minutes, or tens of minutes (typical possible timescales; different timescales can also be used). In this way, the reliability of the sensor arrangement can be improved.

[0026] Furthermore, it is suggested that the sensor data evaluation unit include an electrical and / or electronic control device. In this way, the electrical and / or electronic control device can be used to improve the quality of the data output on the common sensor data output line. In particular, nonlinear, weighted, time-averaged, or similar evaluations can be easily achieved. Specifically, the electrical and / or electronic control device can be (at least) programmable.

[0027] Furthermore, it is suggested that the sensor data evaluation unit be designed so that it includes additional data output means, in particular an optical data indicator and / or an electrical data output connector. As already mentioned, using the currently disclosed sensor data evaluation unit, the informative content of the data on the common sensor data output line may be (and generally will be) somewhat reduced. Nevertheless, this data can be used for an initial assessment. Once an operator is alarmed (or a mechanic is investigating the problem), a relatively quick and easy assessment of the problem can be achieved simply by looking at the optical data indicator and / or connecting the measuring equipment to the (additional) electrical data output connectors.To name just a few examples of possible optical data indicators: LCD screens, LED screens, etc. TFT screens, lamps, LEDs, or similar devices could be used. Particularly in the case of lamps / LEDs, different colors and / or flashing frequencies, or similar effects, could be used instead of / in addition to a simple on / off function. Again, it should be noted that it is not necessary to significantly modify the existing control layout to implement this proposal.

[0028] In particular, the sensor data evaluation unit can be designed and arranged so that the common sensor data output line is designed and arranged to be connected to an external control arrangement, in particular to an external electrical and / or electronic control device. In particular, the external control device can be programmable (for example, in the form of a printed circuit board computer or similar). The external control arrangement can already be used in the existing (pre)existing machine arrangement for which the (replacement) fluid working machine is used. The external control arrangement can even be obsolete.However, by using the currently proposed sensor data evaluation unit, more parameters and / or positions can be monitored, while no (significant) adaptation of the pre-existing control arrangement necessarily needs to be made (i.e., the sensor arrangement can be used as an improved alternative). This is, of course, advantageous.

[0029] Furthermore, a sensor arrangement is suggested that includes at least two sensors and at least one sensor data evaluation unit as disclosed herein. The resulting sensor arrangement may then offer the same advantages as those discussed, at least by analogy. In addition, the resulting sensor arrangement may also be modified in the manner disclosed herein, at least by analogy.

[0030] Furthermore, it is suggested to provide a fluid working machine arrangement that includes a fluid working machine and at least two sensors for monitoring said fluid working machine, with at least one sensor data evaluation unit as disclosed herein. The resulting fluid working machine arrangement may then offer the same advantages as those discussed, at least by analogy. In addition, the resulting fluid working machine arrangement may also be modified in the manner disclosed herein, at least by analogy.

[0031] In particular, it is suggested to design the fluid working machine arrangement so that the fluid working machine is designed and arranged to be a pre-assembled fluid working machine arrangement and / or an encapsulated pre-assembled fluid working machine, and / or a refrigeration compressor and / or a pre-assembled refrigeration compressor. In this way, the data evaluation unit of sensors / fluid working machine arrangement currently proposed(s) can particularly well show its intrinsic characteristics and adventures.

[0032] Furthermore, a method for monitoring a fluid working machine is proposed, wherein sensor data generated by at least two sensors, preferably by at least two sensors monitoring a different type of data, are combined into a common data output (line), and wherein a monitoring state of the fluid working machine is determined based on the common data output. For brevity, reference is made to the previous disclosure given in connection with the sensor arrangement currently disclosed.

[0033] The process can also be modified in the direction of the previous disclosure, at least by analogy.

[0034] In particular, the method can be modified in the sense that the sensor data and / or the data output and / or the monitoring state is / are a flag-type state.

[0035] In addition, the method can be modified so as to be used in combination with a sensor data evaluation unit according to this disclosure and / or in combination with a sensor arrangement and / or in combination with a fluid working machine according to this disclosure.

[0036] Other advantages, features and objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the drawings show:

[0037] [Fig.l]: a possible sensor arrangement for a refrigeration compressor according to the prior art in a schematic circuit set;

[0038] [Fig.2]: a first possible embodiment of a sensor arrangement for a refrigeration compressor, comprising a sensor data evaluation unit according to the present disclosure in a schematic circuit set;

[0039] [Fig.3]: a second possible embodiment of a sensor arrangement for a refrigeration compressor, comprising a sensor data evaluation unit according to the present disclosure in a schematic circuit set.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows in a schematic sketch a pre-assembled fluid working machine 1, in particular a refrigeration compressor 1 according to the prior art (represented schematically only by a dashed frame) which is mounted in its intended position in a more complex arrangement, for example a heat pump 3. The heat pump 3 is controlled by a control unit 2. This control includes the actuation of the refrigeration compressor 1, as well as various other components of the heat pump 3.

[0041] To ensure proper operation of the heat pump 3, various sensor data are entered.

[0042] It should be noted that for the specific embodiments discussed here (both according to the prior art and according to the present suggestion), reference is made to a heat pump. It should be understood that the heat pump can be used for heating and / or cooling purposes. Thus, depending on the context of use, the heat pump can generally be called a refrigeration circuit, cooling device, air conditioning unit, or similar.

[0043] To prevent the refrigeration compressor 1 from operating in a defective state, which could cause (and generally will cause) further damage, currently two sensors 4, 5 are used for the refrigeration compressor 1, namely a PTC temperature sensor 4 and an oil level sensor 5. The respective sensors 4, 5 are connected by individual data lines 6, 7 to the respective input ports 20 of the control unit 2. This means that an appropriate number of electrical input connections must be provided at the control unit 2, where the number of connectors corresponds to the number of sensors 4, 5.

[0044] This generally poses no problem (or to be more precise: a perfectly acceptable problem) for newly installed heat pumps 3, since the control unit 2 can be appropriately designed and suitable wiring for the various data lines 6, 7 can also be provided. But even in this case, the increased cost or the required mounting space may be problematic.

[0045] However, if one has to deal with a pre-existing arrangement, for example a pre-existing heat pump 8, as shown in [Fig.2] (similarly in [Fig.3]), where the control unit 9 is of a prefabricated design with a single input port 10 for sensor signals from the refrigeration compressor 11, things become more complicated.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a sensor arrangement 12, including a sensor data evaluation unit 13 according to the present disclosure, which solves this problem. In particular, Figure 2 shows—like Figure 1—a prefabricated refrigeration compressor 11 (represented schematically only as a dashed frame) that includes a sensor arrangement 12 with a sensor data evaluation unit 13. The refrigeration compressor 11 is a prefabricated refrigeration compressor intended to replace a previously used refrigeration compressor of the pre-existing heat pump 8. The heat pump 8 includes a control unit 9 (also pre-existing) (similar to control unit 2 of Figure 1).The control unit 9 has several actuation outputs (not shown) and several input ports (not shown) for signals from various devices (with the exception of sensors 4, 5 of the sensor arrangement 12 of the refrigeration compressor 11).

[0047] For many years, it was a standard design whereby a single input port 10 was provided at the control unit 9 for sensor signals from the refrigeration compressor 11.

[0048] Currently, however, the refrigeration compressor 11 is provided with two sensors 4, 5, namely a PTC temperature sensor 4 and an oil level sensor 5. It should be noted that for better understanding, identical reference numbers are used on the different Fig. for identical, or at least very similar, parts.

[0049] To make the sensor output of the two current sensors 4, 5 of the sensor arrangement 12 suitable for the single input port 10 of the control unit 9, a sensor data evaluation unit 13, which is currently designed as a logic module 13, is used for the sensor arrangement 12. This sensor data evaluation unit 13 / logic unit 13 is currently designed to be an integral part of the refrigeration compressor 11. However, it could also be supplied separately from the refrigeration compressor 11.

[0050] Currently, the two sensors 4, 5 are electrically arranged in series 15 and are connected to the logic unit 13. Based on the combined (i.e. added) output of the PTC sensor 4 and the oil level sensor 5, the logic unit 13 generates a combined signal which is transmitted via a single data output line 14 to the single input port 10 of the control unit 9.

[0051] In particular, the currently selected PTC 4 sensor will increase its electrical resistance as the temperature increases. Furthermore, the oil level sensor 5 is currently designed as a reed switch. If the oil level is too low, the reed switch will open, thus (considerably) increasing the resistance of the series conduit 15.

[0052] Therefore, if the electrical resistance exceeds a certain threshold level, the logic unit 13 outputs an error flag via a single data output line 14 to the control unit 9. Typically, the control unit 9 outputs an error message, and a technician can inspect the cause of the problem. For this purpose, the individual sensors 4, 5 may have individual electrical connectors for connecting the measuring device, or even optical indicators that point to the problem.

[0053] It is recognized that the error flag is merely a "general compressor error flag," in which the exact cause of the problem is not transmitted to the control unit 9. Nevertheless, despite a pre-existing control unit 9 with a single input port 10, monitoring of the refrigeration compressor 11 can be increased to two (or even more) monitored parameters, although none no modification should be made to the control unit 9 / to the pre-existing heat pump 8.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a variant of the situation depicted in Figure 2. Namely, a different refrigeration compressor 17 is used (compared to the refrigeration compressor 11 of Figure 2). Namely, the refrigeration compressor 17 has a different sensor arrangement 16 (compared to the sensor arrangement 12 shown in Figure 2). More specifically, the sensor arrangement 16 is designed and arranged so that the individual sensors 4, 5 are electrically connected to the sensor data evaluation unit 19 / to the logic unit 19 in parallel 18.

[0055] This design allows in particular the individual weighting of the different inputs of the PTC temperature sensor 4 and the oil level sensor 5. In all cases, the logic unit 19 will generate a single output signal via a single data output line 14 to the single input port 10 of the control unit 9.

[0056] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the different designs of refrigeration compressors 11, 17 can be used for a heat pump 8 - otherwise - identical and / or for control units 9 - otherwise - identical, as shown in [Fig.2] and 3.

[0057] It should be noted that one or more features of one, several or all of the detailed embodiments disclosed herein may be used in combination with the generic description in this disclosure.

[0058] In addition, it should be emphasized that for better understanding, identical reference numbers have been used on the different Fig., if the respective parts are sufficiently similar, very similar or even (essentially) identical.

[0059] Reference list: 1. Refrigeration compressor 2. Control unit 3. Heat pump 4. PTC temperature sensor 5. Oil level sensor 6. Data line of 4 7. Data line of 5 8. Heat pump 9. Control unit 10. Port of entry 11. Refrigeration compressor 12. Sensor arrangement 13. Logical unit (sensor data evaluation unit) 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Single data output line, series-connected sensor arrangement, refrigeration compressor, parallel circuit, logic unit (sensor data evaluation unit), input port

Claims

Demands

1. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) for sensors of a fluid working machine (11, 17), wherein the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) is designed and arranged to receive data from at least two sensors (4, 5), preferably at least two sensors (4, 5) for different parameters, characterized in that the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) evaluates the received data and generates a combined sensor signal which is sent via a common sensor data output line (14).

2. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) is designed and arranged to receive flag-type data from at least one sensor (4, 5), preferably from said at least two sensors (4, 5), and / or characterized in that the sensor data evaluation unit is designed and arranged to send flag-type data via the common sensor data output line (14).

3. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) is designed and arranged to receive data from at least two sensors (4, 5) which are electrically arranged in series (15) and / or which are electrically arranged in parallel (18).

4. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one Boolean type circuit.

5. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed and arranged to evaluate data from sensors (4, 5) which are selected from the group comprising liquid level sensors (5), Reed sensors, Hall effect sensors, temperature sensors, PTC sensors (4) and NTC sensors.

6. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a time smoothing arrangement for data from at least one of the sensors.

7. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electrical and / or electronic control device (9).

8. Sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) comprises an additional data output means, in particular an optical data indicator and / or an electrical data output connector.

9. Sensor arrangement (12, 16), comprising at least two sensors (4, 5), characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Fluid working machine arrangement (11, 17), comprising a fluid working machine and at least two sensors (4, 5) for monitoring said fluid working machine, characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor data evaluation unit (13, 19) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Fluid working machine arrangement (11, 17) according to claim 10, characterized in that said fluid working machine (11, 17) is designed and arranged to be a pre-assembled fluid working machine arrangement (11, 17) and / or an encapsulated pre-assembled fluid working machine (11, 17), and / or a refrigeration compressor (11, 17) and / or a pre-assembled refrigeration compressor (11, 17).

12. A method for monitoring a fluid working machine, wherein sensor data that are generated by at least two sensors (4, 5), preferably by at least two sensors (4, 5) monitoring a different type of data, are combined into a common data output (14), and wherein a monitoring state of the fluid working machine is determined on the basis of the common data output (14).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the sensor data and / or the data output and / or the monitoring state is / are a flag-type state.

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the method is implemented with a data evaluation unit of sensors (12, 16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or with a sensor arrangement (13, 19) according to claim 9, and / or with a fluid working machine arrangement (11, 17) according to any one of claims 10 or 11.

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