Refrigerant circuit and refrigerant compressor

Abstract

To create a control unit that collaborates with many different operating units and / or conditional units, it is recommended that the control unit include a main module containing at least one processor and at least one memory for the program codes necessary to operate the processor, as well as connections for the operating units and / or conditional units that implement the basic functions. Furthermore, the program codes stored in the processor and memory should be structured in such a way that additional functions of an additional module that can be connected to the main module can be implemented.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerant compressor comprising a compressor unit which draws in refrigerant via a suction port, compresses it, and discharges it via a pressure port, wherein the refrigerant compressor has an electric drive unit that drives the compressor unit, and wherein the refrigerant compressor is provided with a control unit that interacts with operating units and / or condition monitoring units associated with the refrigerant compressor or the refrigerant circuit. A generic compressor is described in EP 3133286.

[0002] The invention is based on the objective of creating a control unit that can interact with a wide variety of operating units and / or condition monitoring units. This objective is achieved by the compressor with the features according to claim 1.

[0003] This problem is solved according to the invention in a refrigerant compressor of the type described above by the fact that the control unit comprises a basic module which has at least one processor and at least one memory for the required program code for operating the processor as well as connections for operating units and / or status detection units performing basic functions, and that the processor and the program code stored in the memory are designed in such a way that additional operating units and / or status detection units can also be operated with them via an additional module connectable to the basic module.

[0004] The advantage of the solution according to the invention lies in the fact that the base module not only offers the possibility of executing the operating units and state detection units for the basic functions that can be connected to it, but is already designed in such a way that it is also possible to execute additional functions of an additional module that can be connected to the base module, so that the functionalities provided in the base module also provide for the operation of the additional functions and thus all possibly provided basic functions and additional functions can be executed by the at least one processor and the at least one memory of the base module.

[0005] The basic module and the functionalities provided within it also prevent communication problems between the basic module and the additional modules intended for connection with it, especially since a wide variety of additional modules can be combined with the basic module.

[0006] A particularly advantageous solution of the invention provides that the base module for the execution of additional functions can be connected to an additional module which has connections for operating units and / or status monitoring units executing the additional functions, and that the additional module enables the execution of the additional functions by means of the operation of the operating units and / or status monitoring units by means of the base module through mediating communication between the base module and the operating units and / or status monitoring units connected to the additional module.

[0007] Preferably, all programs and data required for the basic and additional functions are therefore available in the basic module, and the determination, recording and storage of all operating states also takes place in the basic module.

[0008] It is particularly advantageous if communication between the base module and the additional module connected to it takes place directly via electrical connecting elements between the base module and the additional module.

[0009] In particular, the electrical connection elements are designed as plug-in connection elements, which allow a direct connection between the base module and the add-on module.

[0010] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the mediating communication of the respective additional module includes signal conversion and / or signal processing and / or intelligent signal processing and / or evaluative signal processing.

[0011] The mediating communication through the respective additional module includes, in particular, not only the forwarding of control information from the base module for the operation of the operating units and state acquisition units, but also an adaptation of the processor's control information to the requirements of the respective operating units and state acquisition units, which can be done in particular by output stages of the respective additional module, whereby such output stages can also be designed, for example, as switching units or continuously controllable output stages.

[0012] Furthermore, the mediating communication also includes, for example, a conversion of signals from the state detection units into predefined data structures for acquisition by the at least one processor and the at least one memory in the base module.

[0013] This makes it possible, in particular, to implement communication between the base module and the add-on module via standardized communication channels, such as a BUS connection, so that the add-on module receives information about the operation of the operating units via a BUS connection and also communicates information from the condition monitoring units with the base module via the BUS connection.

[0014] A particularly advantageous solution provides that different additional modules can be connected to the basic module, each of which enables the operation of different combinations of operating units and / or condition monitoring units through mediating communication between the basic module and these different combinations of operating units or condition monitoring units, thus also allowing adaptation to different applications.

[0015] Conversely, this means that the processor and the program code stored in memory are already designed to be able to operate any type of intended operating units and / or state detection units.

[0016] This means that all data for operating any additional modules and for executing basic and additional functions by any type of operating units and condition monitoring units is only available in the basic module and can therefore be easily updated and / or configured.

[0017] Furthermore, it is also possible to store operating data recorded by the base module and, if necessary, to transfer it, for example to a higher-level control system, in particular a system control or a separate data processing and storage unit.

[0018] No further details have yet been provided regarding the arrangement of the control unit on the refrigerant compressor.

[0019] One particularly advantageous solution provides that the control unit has a control housing arranged on the refrigerant compressor, which is designed to accommodate the base module and is also designed to accommodate at least one additional module.

[0020] A control housing arranged on the refrigerant compressor is in particular a control housing which is firmly connected to the refrigerant compressor and is located in particular on a component of the refrigerant compressor itself, i.e. on an overall housing and / or on a motor power supply unit of the refrigerant compressor.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the control housing is designed in such a way that different additional modules can be used in addition to the basic module.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control housing has mounting points for the fixed connection of the base module to it.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control housing has mounting points for the fixed connection of the additional module to it.

[0024] Preferably, the mounting brackets are arranged on a housing base of the control housing.

[0025] In particular, the mounting brackets are connected to the housing base by means of stiffeners.

[0026] Such stiffeners serve in particular to dampen vibrations of the housing base and thus prevent them from being transmitted to the base module and, if applicable, the additional module.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the housing base is equipped with vibration-damping structures, in particular in addition to the stiffeners.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if the respective mounting base for the base module and the additional module are arranged on the stiffeners of the housing base, so that these stiffeners provide a stable arrangement of the connection between the base module and the additional module.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the respective mounting base for the base module and the additional module are arranged on the same stiffeners connected to the housing base.

[0030] Furthermore, to create a simple and permanent electrical connection between the base module and the add-on module, it is advantageous if the base module mounted in the control housing and the add-on module connected to it are connected by a plug connection.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the plug connection is relieved and thus secured by fixing the base module with its mounting base and the additional module with its mounting base.

[0032] No further details have yet been provided regarding the various possibilities for connecting operating units and / or condition monitoring units to the basic module.

[0033] One advantageous solution provides that the basic module for the operating units and / or condition monitoring units has at least one low-voltage connection, for example for condition monitoring units, and at least one mains voltage connection, for example for operating units.

[0034] Furthermore, with regard to the possibilities of connecting operating units and / or condition monitoring units to the additional module, it is preferably provided that the additional module has at least one low-voltage connection, for example for condition monitoring units, and at least one mains voltage connection, for example for operating units, for the operation of the operating units and / or condition monitoring units.

[0035] In particular, it is advantageously provided that at least some of the mains voltage connections can be controlled by output stages communicating with the base module.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one of the low-voltage connections can be controlled by the base module.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base module has at least one BUS connection unit for a BUS system, wherein the BUS system is preferably a field BUS system for communication with at least one additional module or another base module of another refrigerant compressor unit and / or with configuration and / or readout devices and / or display units.

[0038] Another advantageous solution provides that the base module has a communication unit for wireless communication, for example via Bluetooth or WiFi, with the system control and / or configuration devices or readout devices and / or display units and / or for communication with additional modules and / or further base modules.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base module has a connection for communication with a system controller of the refrigerant circuit in order to receive control signals from the system controller for controlling the refrigerant circuit.

[0040] It is expediently provided that the connection for communication with the system control is the BUS connection unit.

[0041] Furthermore, an advantageous solution provides that the additional module has a BUS connection unit.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, another solution provides that the add-on module has a communication unit for wireless communication.

[0043] Another advantageous solution provides that the drive unit can be operated by means of a frequency converter and that the frequency converter is controlled by the base module, whereby the control can be carried out via one of the connections of the base module or via the BUS connection unit or by wireless communication.

[0044] Another advantageous solution provides that the drive unit can be operated by means of a frequency converter and that the frequency converter is controlled by the base module via the additional module, whereby the control via the additional module can be carried out using the connections of the additional module or via its BUS connection unit or by wireless communication.

[0045] No further details have yet been provided regarding the various operating units and / or condition monitoring units that can be connected to the basic module and / or the additional module.

[0046] One advantageous solution involves connecting the base module and / or the add-on module of the control unit to a lubricant sensor as a condition monitoring unit, and the base module recording the values ​​of the lubricant sensor.

[0047] In particular, it is intended that the base module evaluates the values ​​of the lubricant sensor.

[0048] Such an evaluation is carried out in particular by the at least one processor using the program code stored in the at least one memory of the base module, whereby in the simplest case reference values ​​are stored and compared with the values ​​of the lubricant sensor.

[0049] Regarding the design of the lubricant sensor, a wide variety of possibilities are conceivable.

[0050] One possibility is that the lubricant sensor is an optical lubricant level sensor.

[0051] Another advantageous option is for the lubricant sensor to be a float sensor.

[0052] Another possibility is that the lubricant sensor is a lubricant differential pressure sensor.

[0053] Furthermore, another advantageous way to implement an operating unit is for the base module to control the lubricant supply from a lubricant separator to the compressor unit via a lubricant supply unit connected to the base module and / or the additional module.

[0054] The lubricant supply unit can, for example, be designed as a pump.

[0055] One particularly simple solution involves designing the lubricant supply unit as a lubricant injection valve.

[0056] Another advantageous solution provides that the base module and / or the add-on module of the control unit is connected to a compressed gas temperature sensor as a status monitoring unit and that the base module records the values ​​of the compressed gas temperature sensor.

[0057] In this case, too, it is preferably provided that the base module evaluates the values ​​of the compressed gas temperature sensor, in particular taking into account reference values ​​stored in the at least one memory.

[0058] Another advantageous solution provides that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a high-pressure sensor as a condition monitoring unit and that the base module records the values ​​of the high-pressure sensor.

[0059] The basic module can also evaluate the values ​​of the high-pressure sensor using at least one processor and at least one memory containing the program code.

[0060] In many cases, however, it is sufficient for the base module to forward the values ​​from the high-pressure sensor.

[0061] Advantageously, the refrigerant compressor can also be switched off if the high-pressure sensor detects an excessively high pressure.

[0062] Another advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention provides that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a lubricant heater as an operating unit and that, in particular, the base module switches the lubricant heater on or off, especially depending on detected operating states of individual units, such as an operating state of the drive unit.

[0063] Another advantageous solution provides that the basic module and / or the additional module of the control unit are connected to a power control unit of the compressor unit and that the basic module controls the power control unit.

[0064] In the simplest case, the basic module is designed to control the power control unit according to a power requirement of the system control unit.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the base module to control the power control unit by means of at least one processor, depending on the compressed gas temperature detected by the compressed gas temperature sensor and taking into account specifications stored in the memory.

[0066] This can be done permanently, for example, if the power control unit is not to be controlled by the system control unit.

[0067] However, this can also be achieved by temporarily ignoring the power demand of the system control in order to avoid damage to the refrigerant compressor or to bring it into a non-critical operating state.

[0068] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a suction gas temperature sensor as a state detection unit and that the base module detects the values ​​of the suction gas temperature sensor.

[0069] In particular, it is advantageous if the processor of the base module compares the values ​​of the suction gas temperature sensor with reference values ​​stored in the memory or determined by the processor according to an operating state of the refrigerant compressor.

[0070] In this case, for example, it is possible that the base module communicates with the control unit when a reference value for the suction gas temperature is undershot and at least reports to the control unit that the suction gas temperature is too low.

[0071] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the base module, using at least one processor, controls the power control unit taking into account the compressed gas temperature and the suction gas temperature, as well as specifications stored in the memory.

[0072] This can be achieved, for example, by using operating diagrams for the refrigerant compressor in the stored specifications, which show which pairs of discharge gas temperature and suction gas temperature represent permissible or impermissible operating conditions for the refrigerant compressor and whether continued temporary operation of the refrigerant compressor in such an operating condition is still permissible or no longer permissible.

[0073] The power control unit mentioned above includes, for example, a frequency converter of the electric drive unit.

[0074] However, the term "power control unit" mentioned above also includes a mechanical power control unit.

[0075] For example, a reciprocating compressor consists of one or more valves, such as switching valves, which allow individual cylinders or cylinder banks to be activated or deactivated, thereby controlling the power or achieving start-up relief.

[0076] If the refrigerant compressor is a screw compressor, the valves serve to position an existing power slide or as bypass valves.

[0077] If the refrigerant compressor is a spiral or scroll compressor, the refrigerant supply is interrupted by a valve by opening a bypass or by a limited lifting of the spiral elements.

[0078] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit are connected to a fan for cooling the compressor unit as the operating unit and that the base module controls the fan.

[0079] One such fan is, for example, a fan for cooling one or more cylinder heads of a reciprocating compressor.

[0080] In this context, in particular, there is the possibility that the base module, using at least one processor, controls the fan taking into account the compressed gas temperature and specifications stored in the memory, especially to avoid exceeding a maximum temperature of the compressor unit in the area of ​​its cylinder heads.

[0081] Another advantageous embodiment of the refrigerant compressor provides that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a refrigerant injection unit as the operating unit and that the base module controls the injection unit.

[0082] Such an injection unit is arranged in particular such that it injects liquid refrigerant for cooling into the refrigerant drawn in by the compressor unit before its compression, in order to reduce the temperature of the compressor unit during the compression of the refrigerant.

[0083] If the refrigerant compressor is a screw compressor, an alternative is to inject refrigerant into a chamber closed by at least one screw.

[0084] In particular, it is provided that the basic module, by means of at least one processor, controls the injection unit taking into account the compressed gas temperature and taking into account specifications stored in the memory or determined by the processor according to other state variables, so that an increase in the compressed gas temperature can be avoided by such injection of liquid refrigerant.

[0085] Another advantageous solution involves connecting the base module and / or the add-on module of the control unit to an ambient temperature sensor as a status monitoring unit, and the base module recording the values ​​of the ambient temperature sensor.

[0086] For example, only a message about the ambient temperature can be passed on to the control system.

[0087] In such a case, it is specifically provided that the base module uses the processor to evaluate the values ​​of the ambient temperature sensor according to reference values ​​specified in the memory.

[0088] Another advantageous solution provides that the base module controls a blower unit of the high-pressure-side heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit by means of the processor, based on the values ​​of a condensing pressure sensor and / or the ambient temperature sensor, according to specifications stored in the memory or determined by the processor according to other operating condition variables.

[0089] In this case, the basic module takes over the function of the system control for controlling the refrigerant circuit, for example, temporarily or permanently.

[0090] Furthermore, it is also possible that in one embodiment the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a cooling point temperature sensor as a state detection unit and that the base module detects the values ​​of the cooling point temperature sensor.

[0091] In this case, it is also possible that the base module uses the processor to compare the cooling point temperature with reference values ​​specified in the memory or determined by the processor based on other operating state variables.

[0092] Different activities of the base module can result from this comparison.

[0093] One possibility is that the base module uses the processor to control a mass flow control unit in the refrigerant circuit, taking into account the cooling point temperature and a control program stored in the memory.

[0094] In this case, the basic module can take over the function of the system control, at least temporarily or permanently, and control the refrigerant circuit accordingly.

[0095] Another advantageous solution provides that the base module is designed to execute a lubricant return operation, controlled by the processor according to a lubricant return program, and that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a switchable output for activating the lubricant return operation as an operating unit, for example by the system control, and that the base module controls the output.

[0096] Another advantageous solution provides that, when damaging operating conditions occur, the base module detects them using the processor and stores an alarm signal, and / or that the base module and / or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a display unit as an operating unit, and that the base module controls the display unit in such a way that it displays an alarm signal detected by the base module.

[0097] For example, to perform basic functions, at least one lubricant sensor, and / or a compressed gas temperature sensor, and / or, if necessary, a high pressure sensor and / or a lubricant heater are connected to the basic module.

[0098] In particular, to execute the additional functions, all other of the aforementioned operating units and / or condition monitoring units are connected individually or in any combination with an additional module.

[0099] Furthermore, the invention relates to a refrigerant circuit comprising at least one refrigerant compressor, a high-pressure line leading away from the at least one refrigerant compressor, a high-pressure-side heat exchanger arranged in the high-pressure line, at least one expansion element following the high-pressure-side heat exchanger in the high-pressure line, and a low-pressure-side heat exchanger following the expansion element, arranged in a low-pressure line, from which the low-pressure line leads to the at least one refrigerant compressor.

[0100] To solve the aforementioned problem, it is provided in such a refrigerant circuit that at least one refrigerant compressor is designed according to one or more of the preceding characteristics.

[0101] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is therefore that the control of the at least one refrigerant compressor in the refrigerant circuit according to the invention can be carried out in a simple manner using a wide variety of operating units and / or state detection units, and can be easily adapted to these.

[0102] One particularly advantageous solution provides that the refrigerant circuit detects a high-pressure sensor arranged in a high-pressure line, the value of which can advantageously be detected by the control unit of the refrigerant compressor.

[0103] Another advantageous solution provides that the refrigerant circuit includes a lubricant separator arranged in the high-pressure line, which thus makes it possible to easily separate lubricants and, if necessary, supply them to the at least one refrigerant compressor in case of a lubricant deficit.

[0104] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the refrigerant circuit includes a mass flow control unit upstream of the expansion device, so that it is possible to control the mass flow in the refrigerant circuit by means of the control unit provided on the refrigerant compressor.

[0105] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the refrigerant circuit includes a cooling point temperature sensor which is connected to the control unit arranged on the refrigerant compressor and makes it possible to control the refrigerant circuit temporarily or permanently by means of the control unit arranged on the refrigerant compressor.

[0106] Another advantageous solution provides that the refrigerant circuit includes a system control which interacts with the control unit on at least one refrigerant compressor.

[0107] Preferably, the system control is provided to interact with the base unit of the at least one refrigerant compressor and, in particular, to transmit specifications to the base unit regarding the mass flow to be delivered by the at least one refrigerant compressor.

[0108] This interaction between the system control and the control unit is expediently achieved in a solution with a BUS connection of the base module.

[0109] Alternatively, it is also possible for the control panel to interact wirelessly with the base module.

[0110] Another alternative involves the system control interacting with the base module through analog setpoint specifications and / or switching signals.

[0111] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the refrigerant circuit according to the invention provides that several refrigerant compressors are arranged in the refrigerant circuit according to one or more of the preceding features.

[0112] Preferably, the refrigerant compressors are arranged in such a way that they are connected in parallel in the refrigerant circuit and thus operate in parallel.

[0113] For controlling the respective refrigerant compressors, it is particularly advantageous if the control units of the refrigerant compressors communicate via the respective base module.

[0114] One solution involves the system control interacting directly with the respective control unit of the refrigerant compressors, particularly via their base module.

[0115] This can be done directly via analog means, via a BUS system, or via wireless communication.

[0116] An alternative solution involves the system control interacting with the control unit of one of the refrigerant compressors, and this control unit in turn interacting with the other control units.

[0117] This allows the control units of the refrigerant compressors to communicate with each other, for example via one of the basic modules with the system control, whereby the system control advantageously specifies the required mass flow and each of the refrigerant compressors is controlled independently of the other refrigerant compressor by its own control unit.

[0118] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of some exemplary embodiments.

[0119] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a refrigerant circuit according to the invention; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a refrigerant compressor according to the invention; Fig. 3 a view of a housing base of a control housing of a control unit according to the invention; Fig. 4 a top view of the housing base of the control housing with a built-in base module; Fig. 5 a view of the housing base of the control housing with a built-in base module and a built-in auxiliary module; Fig. 6 a side view of a refrigerant compressor according to the invention with a first embodiment of a control unit according to the invention arranged on it, comprising exclusively a base module together with functional units connected to the base module; Fig. 7 a representation similar to Fig. 6 with a second embodiment of a control unit according to the invention, comprising the base module and a first embodiment of an additional module; Fig. 8 a representation similar to Fig. 7 of a refrigerant compressor with a third embodiment of a control unit according to the invention, comprising a base module and a second embodiment of an additional module; Fig. 9 shows various operating limits of an embodiment of a refrigerant compressor according to the invention; Fig. 10 shows a similar representation Fig. 8 of a refrigerant compressor with a fourth embodiment of a control unit according to the invention, comprising a base module and a third embodiment of an additional module; Fig. 11 a representation similar to Fig. 6 of a refrigerant compressor with the fifth embodiment of a control unit according to the invention, comprising a base module to which a frequency converter is additionally connected; Fig. 12 a representation similar to Fig. 7 of a refrigerant compressor with a sixth embodiment of a control unit according to the invention, comprising an additional module to which a frequency converter is connected, Fig. 13 a representation similar to Fig. 1 of a second embodiment of a refrigerant circuit according to the invention; Fig. 14 a representation similar to Fig. 13 a third embodiment of a refrigerant circuit according to the invention and Fig. 15 a representation similar to Fig. 13 a fourth embodiment of a refrigerant circuit according to the invention.

[0120] A in Fig. 1 The illustrated first embodiment of a refrigerant circuit 10 according to the invention comprises a refrigerant compressor 20, designated as a whole by 20, from whose pressure port 22 a high-pressure line 12 leads through a high-pressure-side heat exchanger 14, in which the refrigerant is cooled, in particular condensed, and then leads to an expansion element 15, in which the refrigerant is expanded to low pressure and is carried by a low-pressure line 16 through a low-pressure-side heat exchanger 18, in which the refrigerant expands, in particular evaporates, and absorbs heat through expansion. The refrigerant leaving the low-pressure-side heat exchanger 18 is then supplied by the low-pressure line 16 to a suction port 24 of the refrigerant compressor 20.

[0121] The pressure port 22 and the suction port 24 are assigned to a compressor unit of the refrigerant compressor 20, designated as a whole by 26, in which the refrigerant drawn in through the suction port 24 is compressed, wherein the compressor unit 26 is designed, for example, as a reciprocating compressor.

[0122] Furthermore, the compressor unit 26 is driven by an electric drive unit designated as a whole by 28, in particular an electric motor.

[0123] The refrigerant circuit 10 is controlled by a system control 30 or system control unit, which on the one hand controls, for example, a blower unit 32 of the high-pressure side heat exchanger 14 and on the other hand controls the expansion element 15 and in addition also controls the refrigerant compressor 20 by the system control 30 interacting with the motor supply unit 34 arranged on the electrical drive unit 28.

[0124] The motor power supply unit 34 is directly assigned a control unit 40, with which operating and condition monitoring units for the refrigerant compressor 20 and also the refrigerant circuit 10 are operated in order to monitor the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 on the one hand and to optimize it with regard to the operating conditions ( Fig. 2 ).

[0125] The motor power supply unit 34 in turn comprises a housing 36, which is arranged directly on the electrical drive unit 28, in particular a drive housing 29 of the same that accommodates it.

[0126] On the housing 36 sits a control housing 42 of the control unit 40, which protects the control unit 40 by means of an encapsulation according to the respective protection requirements ( Fig. 2 ), which interacts with the motor supply unit 34.

[0127] The control housing 42 includes a Fig. 3 The housing base 44 shown, which sits directly on the housing 36 and in particular forms a base of the control housing 42, is provided with a vibration-damping structure 46, for example a honeycomb structure, which rises above a housing base 48, in order to prevent vibrations of the drive housing 29 from being transmitted via the housing 36 of the motor supply unit 34 to the control unit 40.

[0128] Furthermore, the housing base 44 is provided with stiffeners 52 and 54, which are designed, for example, as stiffening ribs 52, 54 rising above the housing base, on which the control unit 40 rests in the assembled state.

[0129] Furthermore, the housing base 44 has mounting receptacles 56 for fixing the control unit 40.

[0130] Additionally, an earthing terminal strip 58 is arranged on the housing base 44.

[0131] The control unit 40 comprises, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, in its basic version a basic module 60, which can be placed on a part of the stiffeners 52 and 54 and fixed to a part of the mounting fixtures 56.

[0132] The basic module 60 has connections 62 and 64 for the execution of basic functions, to which operating and / or status detection units can be connected, as described in detail below.

[0133] For example, terminals 62 are mains voltage terminals, for example for alternating current, and terminals 64 are low voltage terminals, for example for direct current ( Fig. 4 )

[0134] In particular, at least some of the mains voltage connections 62 can be switched by output stages 63 equipped with switching units in order to switch operating units on or off.

[0135] Furthermore, at least a portion of the low-voltage connections 64 is designed for the operation of status detection units and is partially equipped with switchable or controllable output stages 65, and furthermore, a portion of the low-voltage connections 64 serves for the acquisition of measured values ​​from the status detection units ( Fig. 4 ).

[0136] Furthermore, the base module 60 also has an electrical connecting element 66, with which, as in Fig. 5 As shown, an additional module 70 can be connected, which can also be inserted into the control housing 42 and can be arranged resting on the stiffeners 52 and 54 in addition to the base module 60 and can also be mounted on the housing base 44 with another part of the mounting brackets 56.

[0137] The stiffeners 52 and 54, which support both the base module 60 and the additional module 70, thus also protect the connection between the electrical connecting element 66 of the base module 60 and a corresponding electrical connecting element 72 of the additional module 70 against mechanical loads, in particular vibrations, so that the electrical connection made thereby through the connecting element 66 to the additional module 70 remains safe and reliable.

[0138] Alternatively, it is also possible to connect the base module 60 and the additional module 70 via plug-in strips provided in the control housing 40.

[0139] Furthermore, the additional module 70 is also equipped with electrical connections 74 and 76, via which a connection is made to operating and / or status detection units for the execution of additional functions.

[0140] For example, terminals 74 are mains voltage terminals, for example for alternating current, and terminals 76 are low voltage terminals, for example for direct current.

[0141] In particular, at least some of the mains voltage connections 74 can be switched by means of output stages 75 equipped with switching units and controlled by the base module 60 in order to switch operating units on or off.

[0142] For example, these mains voltage connections 74 are additionally protected to prevent further disruptions in the event of damage to an operating unit.

[0143] Furthermore, at least one of the low-voltage connections 76 is designed for the operation of a status detection unit and is provided, for example, with an output stage 77 that can be switched or controlled by the base module 60, and furthermore, a part of the low-voltage connections 76 serves to detect and transmit measured values ​​from status detection units to the base module 60.

[0144] Furthermore, both the base module 60 and the additional module 70 are connected to the earth terminal strip 58 for grounding.

[0145] Because operating and / or status detection units can already be connected to the basic module 60 for the execution of basic functions, the control unit 40 can, in a first embodiment, be designed such that it only has the basic module 60 and is therefore only capable of executing the basic functions.

[0146] The communication between the base module 60 and the system control 30 takes place, for example, either analogously or via a BUS system using a BUS connection 140.

[0147] For wireless communication with the system control 30 and / or with configuration and / or readout devices and / or other base modules 60, each base module 60 is advantageously equipped with a wireless communication unit 86 which transmits and receives information and / or data, for example via Bluetooth or WiFi.

[0148] Depending on the application, the basic functions can now be extended to include operating and / or status monitoring units that perform additional functions by installing an additional module 70. These units can be configured and combined according to the configuration of the additional module 70 and thus according to the requirements for the respective refrigerant compressor 20 in the respective refrigerant circuit 10.

[0149] In this case, the basic module 60 is able to recognize such an additional module 70 as such.

[0150] For optimal operation of the state module 70, a configuration of the base module 60 is preferably also carried out.

[0151] In principle, however, the operation of the basic functions and the additional functions is carried out by at least one processor 82 already provided in the basic module 60 and at least one memory 84 assigned to it, using program code and data stored in the memory 84, such as reference values, operating state variables, etc., so that the respective additional module 70 only performs an intermediary communication between the basic module 60 and the operating and condition monitoring units connected to the additional module 70 for the execution of the additional functions.

[0152] The communication between the respective additional module 70 and the base module 60 takes place internally or externally, either via a wired analog connection or via a BUS connection.

[0153] In particular, an internal connection between the basic module 60 and the respective additional module 70 is established via the connecting elements 66 and 72.

[0154] Alternatively, an external connection can be established via lines, for example between exclusion units 140 and 144.

[0155] Another alternative provides that communication between the base unit 60 and the additional module 70 takes place wirelessly, between the communication unit 86 of the base module and the communication unit 87 of the respective additional module 70.

[0156] Such mediating communication of the respective additional module 70 can include not only the transmission of a signal, but also, if necessary, signal conversion and / or signal conditioning and / or intelligent signal conditioning and / or evaluative signal processing or forwarding of a control signal for the operation of output stages 75 and 77 in accordance with the control specifications of the basic module 60.

[0157] The additional module 70 will under no circumstances perform evaluation and / or control functions. These remain reserved for the at least one processor 82 in the base module 60.

[0158] Thus, the respective additional modules 70 serve only to provide optimal adaptation of various operating and / or condition recording units for the execution of the additional functions through mediating communication, while the basic module 60 provides all evaluation and / or control options for the various additional functions and thus for all combinations with additional modules 70 due to the stored program code and the data.

[0159] At a Fig. 6 In the first embodiment of a refrigerant compressor 20 arranged in the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the invention, the control unit 40 comprises only the base module 60, as shown in Fig. 4 depicted.

[0160] The base module 60, with its processor 82, controls a configurable start sequence for the electric drive unit 28 by controlling the motor power supply unit 34, which has the switching elements required for the start sequence. This allows for adaptation to a wide variety of drive units 28.

[0161] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 88 is connected to the base module 60 to detect the temperature of the electric drive unit 28, so that the base module 60 can switch off the drive unit 28 in the event of overheating of the electric drive unit 28 by comparing the measured temperature with a stored reference value.

[0162] The base module 60 is connected to a lubricant sensor 92, which is arranged on the compressor unit 26, for example on the front of an outer housing 27 of the same, and optically detects a lubricant level in a drive chamber of the compressor unit 26 as a lubricant level sensor.

[0163] The signal indicating the lubricant level is evaluated by at least one processor of the base module 60 and, if it falls below a threshold value, causes the processor 82 to switch off the drive unit 28 in order to prevent damage to the compressor unit 26.

[0164] Furthermore, a sensor 94 for monitoring the temperature of the compressed gas at the pressure port 22 is connected to the base module 60, whereby the detected compressed gas temperature is also compared by the processor 82 of the base module 60 with a threshold value, if this threshold is exceeded, for example if 150° Celsius is exceeded, the electric drive unit 28 is switched off.

[0165] However, it is also possible to provide a warning threshold as a further threshold, for example at 140° Celsius, so that the processor 82 of the base module generates a warning signal when the warning threshold is exceeded and transmits this, for example, to the system control 30.

[0166] In addition, a high-pressure sensor 96 is connected to the base module 60, which detects, for example, the high pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10, in particular in the high-pressure line 12, so that the processor 82 can compare this high pressure with a threshold value and either switch off the drive unit 28 if this threshold value is exceeded or at least transmit a warning signal to the system control 30.

[0167] The base module 60 in turn controls one or more display units 90, which, for example, display a warning signal and / or a stop of the drive unit 28 due to an impermissible operating condition detected by the processor 82 and / or the start readiness of the control unit 40 and are recognizable through a window 91 in the control housing 42 ( Fig. 4 ).

[0168] Furthermore, a lubricant heater 98 is provided in the compressor unit, which is operated by the base module 60 in such a way that it heats the lubricant when the drive unit 28 is switched off and then switches off the heating for the lubricant when the drive unit 28 is back in operation in order to keep the lubricant at a desired viscosity.

[0169] The basic module 60 operates in particular the lubricant sensor 92, the compressed gas temperature sensor 94 and the high pressure sensor 96 with direct current, for example 12 volts or 24 volts.

[0170] Furthermore, the base module 60 operates the lubricant heater 98 with mains voltage, for example 110 volts or 230 volts, whereby an internal or a separate mains supply is provided for the lubricant heater 98, which the processor 82 switches on or off by means of one of the output stages 63.

[0171] In a second embodiment of the control unit 40' ( Fig. 7 ) includes these, as in Fig. 5 The basic module 60 and a first additional module 70 are shown.

[0172] The base module 60 can be designed in the same way and connected to the same sensors 92, 94, 96 as in the first embodiment according to Fig. 6 .

[0173] Alternatively, it is also possible to use a lubricant sensor 93 instead of the lubricant sensor 92, which is designed as a continuous level sensor and enables precise detection of the lubricant level.

[0174] In addition, a lubricant injection system 102 connected to the auxiliary module 70 is provided, which injects lubricant according to the lubricant level measured by the lubricant sensor 93. This lubricant originates from a lubricant separator 104, which is arranged in the high-pressure line 12 of the refrigerant circuit 10 downstream of the pressure port 22, so that the processor 82 supplies lubricant from the lubricant separator 104 to the compressor unit 26 via the lubricant injection system 102 at defined intervals, according to the lubricant level determined by the lubricant sensor 93. This is done by utilizing the fact that the lubricant in the lubricant separator 104 is under high pressure and can therefore be easily injected into the drive chamber of the compressor unit 26 due to the high pressure.

[0175] Furthermore, the additional module 70 is connected to a power control unit 106 assigned to at least one cylinder bank 105 of the compressor unit 26, which in particular includes at least one power control valve which, for example, interrupts the supply of refrigerant to an intake chamber in the case of cylinder bank 105 or short-circuits an outlet chamber with the corresponding intake chamber, so that this cylinder bank 105 does not contribute any mass flow to the mass flow generated by the refrigerant compressor 20.

[0176] However, the invention also provides for controlling individual cylinders with each assigned power control unit 106.

[0177] However, it is also conceivable to use the additional module 70 of the control unit 40' to individually switch on or off several cylinder banks 105 to vary the mass flow and thus control the power with regard to the mass flow of the refrigerant compressor 20 in multiple stages.

[0178] The control of at least one power control unit 106 or several power control units 106 is carried out by the processor 82 of the base module 60, which transmits the control signals to the additional module 70, which then performs the respective control of the at least one power control unit 106.

[0179] For example, the processor 82 of the base module 60 responds to request signals from the system control 30, which requests the required mass flow in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0180] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, it is also provided that the additional module 70 controls a head fan 108, which is a blower used for blower cooling of cylinder heads, for example of the cylinder banks 105, of the compressor unit 26, in order to prevent overheating of the compressor in the area of ​​the cylinder heads and in particular of the pressure port 22.

[0181] Furthermore, it is optionally provided that an injection unit 110 for liquid refrigerant is arranged on the refrigerant compressor 20 in such a way that it cools the refrigerant drawn in by the compressor unit 26 in the area of ​​the intake chambers of the same by expansion in order to reduce the compressed gas temperature.

[0182] This injection unit 110 is connected to the additional module 70 and is controlled, for example, by the processor 82 of the base module 60 when evaluating the compressed gas temperature at the compressed gas connection 22 in the same way as the head fan 108.

[0183] In a further embodiment of a refrigerant circuit 10 according to the invention with a refrigerant compressor 20 according to the invention, in a third embodiment the control unit 40", is shown in Fig. 8 , the basic module 60 is designed as described in connection with the second embodiment according to Fig. 7 described, and the add-on module 70 is connected to the same units as the add-on module 70 according to Fig. 7 , wherein the additional module 70' is connected to further power control units 106' and 106" in addition to the power control unit 106, in order to carry out more precise power control and also to achieve start-up relief by at least one of the power control units 106, 106' and 106".

[0184] The power control units 106 or 106, 106' and 106" are preferably used in such a way that power control between 10% and 100% of the mass flow is possible.

[0185] This is achieved, for example, by pulse width modulation, in particular with a high switching frequency, with which the power control units 106, 106' and 106" are controlled by the processor 82 according to a pre-programmed control logic stored in the memory 84, in order to achieve the most stable control possible of the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 and, on the other hand, to be able to react quickly to load changes.

[0186] In particular, the power control also includes monitoring of the refrigerant compressor 20 based solely on the signal from the compressed gas temperature sensor 94, which, when a threshold value for the compressed gas temperature is exceeded, prompts the processor 82 to increase the mass flow through the refrigerant compressor 20 according to a predefined operating program stored in memory 84 by appropriately controlling the power control unit 106 or the power control units 106, 106' and 106" in order to thereby lower the compressed gas temperature again.

[0187] In addition, the supplementary module 70' is connected to a suction gas temperature sensor 112, which records the temperature of the aspirated refrigerant, which can then be transmitted by the supplementary module 70' to the base module 60.

[0188] Thus, the processor 82 is able to compare the suction gas temperature with a threshold value to check whether it is high enough so that no liquid refrigerant enters the compressor unit 26 of the refrigerant compressor 20, and to transmit a warning signal to the system control 30 if the suction gas temperature is too low.

[0189] Another possibility is that the processor 82 compares both the suction gas temperature measured by the suction gas temperature sensor 112 and the discharge gas temperature measured by the discharge gas temperature sensor 94 with the operating limits E for the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 defined in the memory 84.

[0190] Alternatively, the E values ​​of a high-pressure sensor and a suction pressure sensor can be used to monitor the operating limits.

[0191] Such operational limits E are, for example, as in Fig. 9 shown is an operating limit E1, which causes the processor 82 to report a warning to the control panel 30.

[0192] Furthermore, for example, an operating limit E2 is provided, which results in the refrigerant compressor 20 being switched off if it is not operated within the operating limit E1 again within a certain period of time, or an operating limit E3 is provided, which results in the refrigerant compressor 20 being switched off immediately by the processor 82.

[0193] Additionally, for example, an operational threshold E4 is provided, the crossing of which results in all previous warnings based on an exceedance of the operational thresholds E1 or E2 being deleted.

[0194] In addition, the supplementary module 70' is also connected to an ambient temperature sensor 114, which reports an ambient temperature to the processor 82, so that it is able to further monitor and, if necessary, adjust the operating conditions for the refrigerant compressor 20.

[0195] Furthermore, there is the possibility that the processor 82, by comparing the ambient temperature with stored reference values ​​and by connecting the additional module 70' to the blower unit 32 of the high-pressure side heat exchanger 14, can switch on this blower unit 32 independently of the system control 30.

[0196] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the additional module 70', it is also provided that this is to be used by means of the lubricant sensor 92, as described in connection with the exclusive use of the base module according to Fig. 6 , and also monitors the lubricant level.

[0197] In a fourth embodiment of a control unit 40"' according to the invention, shown in Fig. 10 , the base module 60 is identical to that in the first embodiment of the control unit 40 according to the invention.

[0198] However, the lubricant sensor 91 is a lubricant differential pressure sensor, which detects a pressure difference in the lubricant supply of the compressor unit 26 and thus transmits values ​​regarding the quality of the lubricant supply of the compressor unit 20 to the base module 60.

[0199] If the processor 82 detects a deficit in the lubricant supply by comparison with reference values ​​stored in memory 84, the processor 82 temporarily operates the refrigerant compressor 20 at full load, i.e. maximum mass flow, in order to achieve sufficient lubricant return.

[0200] The additional module 70" is further designed to be connected to the power control unit 106 and to the suction gas temperature sensor 112, and as a result, the processor 82 of the base module 60 is able to compare the suction gas temperature with a threshold value and to determine whether the refrigerant compressor 20 is operated within its operating limits E1 to E4.

[0201] Furthermore, the additional module 70" is connected to the ambient temperature sensor 114 and thus the processor 82 of the base module 60 is able to operate the blower unit 32 taking into account the ambient temperature and, if necessary, the high pressure.

[0202] Additionally, it is possible to connect this additional module 70" with a cooling point temperature sensor 116, which detects the temperature of the point to be cooled by the low-pressure side heat exchanger 18 and thus, when this temperature is transmitted by the additional module 70" to the processor 82 of the base module 60, the processor 82 can temporarily or permanently take over the control functions of the refrigerant circuit, in particular the system control 30, and control the performance of the refrigerant compressor 20, in particular its mass flow, according to the temperature measured by the cooling point temperature sensor 116, according to a control program stored in the memory 84.

[0203] Furthermore, the additional module 70" is connected to a display of a lubricant return operation 118, which makes it possible to return lubricant to the refrigerant compressor 20 by operating the refrigerant compressor 20 at full load, i.e., with maximum mass flow, for a specified period of time by means of the processor 82 and a lubricant return program stored in the memory 84. For example, the lubricant return operation is initiated by the processor 82 when a lubricant deficit is detected by one of the lubricant sensors of the processor 82.

[0204] Furthermore, the additional module 70" is connected to a mass flow control unit 122, which is arranged on the high-pressure side of the expansion element 15 and allows the mass flow flowing through the expansion element 15 to be controlled by the processor 82 according to a control program specified in the memory 84.

[0205] In addition, the 70" add-on module is connected to a display unit 124, which serves to indicate whether any damaging operating condition has been detected by the processor 82 or whether the refrigerant compressor 20 is operating without an alarm and, if necessary, also to the display 118 to indicate whether the refrigerant compressor 20 is operating temporarily at full load for lubricant return.

[0206] A fifth embodiment of a refrigerant compressor 20" according to the invention is shown in Fig. 11 , is equipped with a frequency converter 130 for the electric drive unit 28, which in this embodiment is connected to the control unit 40"" with the base module 60, for example via the BUS connection unit 140, preferably via its BUS connection 142, and is thus controllable by the processor 82, so that the mass flow of the refrigerant and thus the power of the refrigerant compressor 20 in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be controlled by means of the frequency converter 130.

[0207] Alternatively, in a sixth embodiment of the control unit 40""', shown in Fig. 12 , is intended to operate the frequency converter 130 in addition to one or more of the operating units or status detection units described above via the respective additional module 70, for example the BUS connection unit 144, whereby in this case the operation of the power control units 106 for controlling the mass flow at this refrigerant compressor 20" may be omitted or may also be additionally provided.

[0208] In the embodiments of the control unit 40 described above, communication between it and the system control 30 takes place either via a direct line or via the BUS connection unit 140 or via the wireless communication unit 86 of the respective base module 60.

[0209] The BUS connection units 140 and 144 as well as the communication units 86, 87 serve in particular not only for communication with the system control 30, but can also be used for communication with other basic modules 60 or additional modules 70 or configuration or readout units in order to read or read program code and / or data.

[0210] In the embodiments of the refrigerant circuit 10 described so far, it comprises only one refrigerant compressor 20.

[0211] However, in another embodiment, it is also conceivable, as in Fig. 13 shown, several parallel operating refrigerant compressors 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 each with a control unit 40 1 , 40 2 , 40 3 according to one of the preceding embodiments, which in this embodiment and all further embodiments is designed according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0212] One possible means of communication between the system controller 30 and the control units 40 1 , 40 2 and 40 3 is that the system controller 30 transmits a start / stop signal analogous or digital and a setpoint specification analogous to each of the control units 40 1 , 40 2 and 40 3, so that the signal controller 30 controls the respective refrigerant compressor of each of the control units 40 1 , 40 2 and 40 3 according to these specifications.

[0213] Alternatively, it is also possible to control each base module 60 from the system control 30 via the BUS connection unit 140 1 , 140 2 , 140 3 at its BUS connection 141, whereby mass flow specifications are then transmitted to each of the refrigerant compressors 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 via the BUS connection 141 by the system control 30, but otherwise each refrigerant compressor 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 is controlled independently of the other refrigerant compressors 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 by the respective base module 60 1 , 60 2 , 60 3.

[0214] Furthermore, the refrigerant compressor 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10 are designed in the same way as in the preceding embodiments.

[0215] In a further embodiment, shown in Fig. 14 , for example, the system control 30 is connected via a BUS system to the base module 60 of the control unit 40 1 via the connection unit 140 and the base module 60 of this control unit 40 1 communicates with the base modules 60 of the control units 40 2 and 40 3 as subordinate control units 40 2 and 40 3, so that all communication with the system control 30 takes place via the one interface of the base unit 60 of the control unit 40 1.

[0216] Furthermore, this embodiment is designed in the same way as the embodiment according to Fig. 13 .

[0217] In a further embodiment, shown in Fig. 15 , the communication between the refrigerant compressors 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 is identical to that in the previous embodiment according to Fig. 14, however, for example one of the refrigerant compressors 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3 or several of them are equipped with a frequency converter 130, which is controlled via the control unit 40 1 , 40 2 , 40 3 assigned to this refrigerant compressor 20 1 , 20 2 , 20 3.

Claims

1. A refrigerant compressor (20), having a compressor unit (26) which draws in refrigerant with a suction port (24), compresses it and delivers it by means of a pressure port (22), wherein the refrigerant compressor (20) has an electrical drive unit (28) driving the compressor unit (26) and wherein the refrigerant compressor (20) is provided with a control unit (40) which cooperates with operating units and / or status acquisition units associated with the refrigerant compressor (20) and a refrigerant circuit (10), wherein the control unit (40) comprises a base module (60) which has at least one processor (82) and at least one memory store (84) for the required program code and data for operating the processor (82) and also terminals for operating units carrying out basic functions and / or status acquisition units and in that the processor (82) and the program code stored in the memory store (84) are configured so that operating units carrying out additional functions by means of an additional module (70) connectable to the base module (60) and / or status acquisition units are also operable with these, characterized in that the functionalities provided in the base module (60) also provide the operation of the additional functions and thus all the basic functions and additional functions that are possibly provided can be carried out by the at least one processor (82) and the at least one memory store (84) of the base module (60).

2. The refrigerant compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, for the execution of additional functions, the base module (60) is connectable to an additional module (70) which has terminals for operating units carrying out the additional functions and / or status acquisition units, and in that the additional module (70) enables, by way of mediatory communication between the base module (60) and the operating units and / or status acquisition units connected to the additional module (70), the execution of the additional functions by way of the operation of the operating units and / or status acquisition units by means of the base module (60) and / or, in that in particular a communication between the base module (60) and the additional module (70) connected thereto takes place directly by means of electrical connecting elements (66, 72) between the base module (60) and the additional module (70) and / or, in that in particular the mediatory communication of the respective additional module (70) comprises a signal conversion and / or a signal processing and / or an intelligent signal processing and / or an evaluating signal processing.

3. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different additional modules (70) are connectable to the base module (60), of which each enables an operation of different combinations of operating units and / or status acquisition units by way of mediatory communication between the base module (60) and these different combinations of operating units and / or status acquisition units.

4. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (40) has a controller housing (42) arranged on the refrigerant compressor (20), which is configured to accommodate the base module (60) and also to accommodate at least one additional module (70), in particular in that in addition to the base module (60), different additional modules (70) are insertable into the controller housing (42) and / or, in that in particular the controller housing (42) has mounting receptacles (56) for fixedly connecting the base module (60) thereto and / or, in that in particular the controller housing (42) has mounting receptacles (56) for fixedly connecting the one additional module (70) thereto and / or, in that in particular the mounting receptacles (56) are arranged on a housing base (44) of the controller housing (42), in that in particular the mounting receptacles (56) are connected by means of reinforcements (52, 54) to the housing base (44) and in that in particular the reinforcements (52, 54) dampen vibrations of the housing base (44), in that in particular the housing base (44) is provided with vibration damping structures (46) and / or, in that in particular the respective mounting bases (56) for the base module (60) and the additional module (70) are arranged on the reinforcements (52, 54) of the housing base (44) and / or, in that in particular the respective mounting bases (56) for the base module (60) and the additional module (70) are arranged on the same reinforcements (52, 54) connected to the housing base (44).

5. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the base module (60) mounted in the controller housing (42) and the additional module (70) connected thereto are connected to one another by way of a plug-in connector (66, 72), in that in particular the plug-in connector (66, 72) is secured by fixing the base module (60) by way of its mounting base (56) and the fixing of the additional module (70) is secured by way of its mounting base (56).

6. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) for the operating units and / or the status acquisition units has at least one low voltage terminal (64), in particular for DC voltage, and at least one terminal (62), in particular for AC voltage and / or, in that in particular the additional module (70) for the operation of the operating units and / or the status acquisition units has at least one low voltage terminal (76), in particular for DC voltage, and at least one mains voltage terminal (74), in particular for AC voltage.

7. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) has at least one BUS terminal unit (140) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) has a communication unit (86) for wireless communication and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) has a terminal for communication with a system controller (30) of the refrigerant circuit (10), in particular in that the terminal for communication with the system controller (30) is configured as a BUS terminal unit (140) or as a wireless communication unit (88) and / or, in that in particular the additional module (70) has a BUS terminal unit (72, 144).

8. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (28) is operable by means of a frequency converter (130) and in that the frequency converter (130) is controlled by the base module (60) or, in that the drive unit (28) is operable by means of a frequency converter (130) and in that the frequency converter (130) is controlled by means of the additional module (70) by way of the base module (60).

9. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on occurrence of damage-prone operating states, the base module (60) detects them by means of the processor (82) and stores an alarm signal and in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a display unit (90, 124) for the display of possible operating states and in that the base module (60) controls, in particular, the display unit (90, 124) such that it displays an alarm signal recognized by the base module (60) and / or a stopping of the drive unit (28) and / or a start readiness of the control unit (40) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) detects a temperature of the electrical drive unit (28) by means of a temperature sensor (88) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a lubricant sensor (92) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the lubricant sensor (92), in particular in that the base module (60) evaluates the values of the lubricant sensor (91, 92, 93).

10. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) as the operating unit controls a lubricant feed from a lubricant separator (104) to the compressor unit (26) by way of a lubricant feed unit (102) connected to the base module (60) and / or to the additional module (70) of the control unit (40), in particular in that the lubricant feed unit is configured as a lubricant injection valve (102).

11. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a compressed gas temperature sensor (94) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the compressed gas temperature sensor (94), in particular in that the base module (60) evaluates the values of the compressed gas temperature sensor (94), in particular while taking account of stored reference values.

12. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a high pressure sensor (96) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the high pressure sensor (96), in particular in that the base module (60) passes on values detected and / or determined, in particular by means of sensors.

13. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a lubricant heater (98) as an operating unit and in that, in particular, the base module (60) switches the lubricant heater on or off.

14. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a power control unit (106) of the compressor unit (26) and in that the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106), in particular in that the base module (60) controls the power control unit according to a power demand of the system control unit (30) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106, 130) by means of the at least one processor (82) dependent upon the compressed gas temperature detected by means of the compressed gas temperature sensor (94), while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a suction gas temperature sensor (112) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the suction gas temperature sensor (112), in that in particular the processor (82) of the base module (60) compares the values of the suction gas temperature sensor (112) with reference values stored in the memory store (84) or determined by the processor according to an operating state of the refrigerant compressor, in particular in that if a reference value for the suction gas temperature is undershot, the base module (60) communicates with the system controller (30) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106, 130) by means of the at least one processor (82), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and the suction gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84).

15. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) are connected to a fan (108) for cooling the compressor unit (26) as an operating unit and in that the base module (60) controls the fan (108), in particular in that the base module (60) controls the fan (108) by means of the at least one processor (82), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84) and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) are connected to an injection unit (110) for refrigerant as an operating unit and in that the base module (60) controls the injection unit (110), in particular in that by means of the at least one processor (82), the base module (60) controls the injection unit (110), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84) or determined by the processor according to further status variables and / or, in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to an ambient temperature sensor (114) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114), in particular in that by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) evaluates the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114) according to reference values specified in the memory store (84) and / or, in that in particular by means of the processor (82), according to the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114), the base module (60) controls a blower unit (32) of the high pressure-side heat exchanger (14) on the basis of specifications stored in the memory store (84) or specifications determined by the processor (82) according to further operating state variables.

16. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a refrigeration location temperature sensor (116) as a status acquisition unit and in that the base module (60) detects the values of the refrigeration location temperature sensor (116), in particular in that by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) compares the refrigeration location temperature with reference values specified in the memory store (84) or determined by means of the processor (82) on the basis of further operating state variables, in particular in that by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) controls a mass flow control unit (122) in the refrigerant circuit, while taking account of the refrigeration location temperature and a control program stored in the memory store (84).

17. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (60) is configured to execute a lubricant return operation controlled by means of the processor (82) in accordance with a lubricant return program, and in that in particular the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a switchable output (118) to activate the lubricant return operation as an operating unit and in that the base module (60) controls the output (118).

18. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on occurrence of damage-prone operating states, the base module (60) detects them by means of the processor (82) and stores an alarm signal and in that the base module (60) and / or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a display unit (124) as an operating unit and in that the base module (60) controls the display unit (124) such that it displays an alarm signal recognized by the base module (60).

19. A refrigerant circuit (10) comprising at least one refrigerant compressor (20), a high pressure line (12) extending away from the at least one refrigerant compressor (20), a high pressure-side heat exchanger arranged in the high pressure line (12), at least one expansion element (15) following the high pressure-side heat exchanger (14) in the high pressure line (12), a low pressure-side heat exchanger (18) which is arranged in a low pressure line (16) following the expansion element (15) and from which the low pressure line (16) extends to the at least one refrigerant compressor (20), characterized in that the at least one refrigerant compressor is configured according to one of the preceding claims, in particular in that it comprises a high pressure sensor (96) arranged in the high pressure line (12) and / or, in that in particular the refrigerant circuit comprises a lubricant separator (104) arranged in the high pressure line (12) and / or, in that in particular it comprises a mass flow control unit (122) connected upstream of the expansion element (15) and / or, in that in particular it comprises a refrigeration location temperature sensor (116).

20. The refrigerant circuit according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises a system controller (30) which cooperates with the control unit (40) of the at least one refrigerant compressor (20), in particular in that the system controller (30) cooperates with the base module (60) of the at least one refrigerant compressor (20) and / or, in that in particular the system controller (30) cooperates with a BUS terminal unit (140) of the base module (60) and / or, in that in particular the system controller (30) cooperates wirelessly with the base module (60).

21. The refrigerant circuit according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a plurality of refrigerant compressors (20) according to one of the claims 1 to 18 are arranged in the refrigerant circuit (10), in particular in that the refrigerant compressors (20) are connected in parallel in the refrigerant circuit (10) and / or, in that in particular the control units (40) of the refrigerant compressors (20) communicate by means of the respective base module (60) and / or, in that in particular the system controller (30) cooperates directly with the respective control unit (40) of the refrigerant compressor (20) and / or, in that in particular the system controller (30) cooperates with the control unit (401) of one of the refrigerant compressors (201, 202, 203) and this control unit (401) in turn cooperates with the other control units (402, 403).