Compressor Diagnostic Indicators via Dimensional Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for refrigerant compressors are impaired by changing operating and environmental influences, leading to reduced accuracy and increased analysis time due to reliance on single parameters, necessitating the use of multiple diagnostic parameters which complicates the diagnostic process.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting diagnostic parameter values of at least two parameters, calculating diagnostic metric values using similarity theory and dimensional analysis, comparing these values to reference values, and adjusting operating conditions based on the comparison, thereby forming diagnostic key figures that account for physical laws and reduce analysis effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple diagnostic parameters are used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diagnostic parameters (temperature, pressure, speed) into a single composite diagnostic indicator through dimensional analysis and similarity theory. This merging approach maintains the information content of multiple parameters while simplifying the diagnostic process to a single indicator evaluation, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms multiple physical parameters with different dimensions into a dimensionless diagnostic indicator through dimensional analysis. By changing the parameter representation from dimensional quantities to dimensionless groups, the system maintains diagnostic accuracy while reducing complexity in data processing and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple diagnostic parameters are analyzed simultaneously, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple diagnostic parameters into a single composite indicator through dimensional analysis, reducing the analysis process from evaluating multiple parameters simultaneously to evaluating one indicator. This significantly reduces analysis time while preserving the diagnostic accuracy that would require multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary transformation of multiple parameters into a dimensionless diagnostic indicator before actual diagnostic evaluation. This preliminary action consolidates the information processing workload, allowing rapid assessment without the need to analyze multiple parameters in detail during the diagnostic phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If single-parameter diagnostic algorithms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic process simplicityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation from single dimensional quantities to dimensionless composite indicators through dimensional analysis. This transformation allows the system to maintain the simplicity of single-parameter algorithms while incorporating the information content of multiple parameters, thus improving diagnostic accuracy without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal diagnostic indicator that can evaluate compressor condition across different operating conditions and environmental factors. This single indicator serves multiple diagnostic functions that would otherwise require separate parameter analyses, improving accuracy while maintaining algorithm simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the accuracy of compressor condition assessment, increases the probability of predicting damage conditions, and allows for proactive maintenance planning by combining multiple diagnostic parameters into informative diagnostic indicators that account for operating and environmental influences.

Implementation Method 1

Calculating at least one diagnostic indicator value from the diagnostic parameter values using similarity theory and dimensional analysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSimilarity theory:

Implementation Method 2

Calculating at least one diagnostic indicator value from the diagnostic parameter values using similarity theory and dimensional analysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDimensional analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP3771827B1Method for operating a coolant compressor and coolant compressor system
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a refrigerant compressor, in particular a speed-controlled refrigerant compressor. The invention is characterized by the steps of: acquiring diagnostic parameter values ​​of at least two diagnostic parameters characterizing the operation of the refrigerant compressor; calculating at least one diagnostic indicator value from the diagnostic parameter values ​​using similarity theory with the aid of dimensional analysis; comparing the diagnostic indicator value with at least one reference value; and changing at least one operating condition depending on the result of the comparison. The invention also relates to a refrigerant compressor system with a refrigerant compressor, in particular a speed-controlled one, wherein the system comprises means for carrying out the method according to the invention.