Vehicle Compressor Pressure Control for Inverter Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor control methods for electric vehicles fail to adequately manage refrigerant flow rates, leading to insufficient cooling of inverters, heat damage, and potential permanent failure of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
A compressor control method that selectively controls the operation of the compressor based on real-time data from pressure and temperature sensors, including processes to prevent thermal burnout of the inverter by adjusting RPMs and applying protection modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor operation RPM is lowered to prevent heat damage, then the temperature management is improved, but the refrigerant flow rate becomes insufficient and inverter cooling is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor RPM adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the compressor rotation speed based on real-time monitoring of discharge pressure and inverter temperature, allowing the system to optimize between cooling performance and temperature protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by establishing different RPM thresholds (first threshold value for normal operation, second threshold value for protection mode). When inverter temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system transitions to protection mode and adjusts the RPM parameter to a lower value, thereby controlling temperature while maintaining sufficient refrigerant flow.
2Temperature
If on/off control of the compressor is performed to prevent heat damage, then the temperature management is improved, but the inverter accumulates heat damage and may be permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through protection mode operation. Instead of continuous on/off cycling, the system periodically activates protection mode when temperature thresholds are exceeded, maintaining compressor operation at reduced RPM to provide continuous but gentler cooling, thereby preventing thermal accumulation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by establishing protective measures in advance - setting predetermined temperature thresholds and corresponding RPM adjustment strategies before thermal damage occurs. This proactive approach cushions the inverter against thermal stress by preventing temperature from reaching dangerous levels in the first place.
3Temperature
If the compressor operation RPM is lowered to prevent heat damage, then the temperature management is improved, but the compressor must be replaced if inverter is permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing temperature monitoring and protective RPM adjustment before thermal damage occurs. The control unit continuously monitors inverter temperature and preemptively adjusts compressor operation to prevent conditions that would lead to inverter failure, thereby avoiding costly replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring inverter temperature and discharge pressure, then using this information to adjust compressor RPM in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the compressor operates within safe temperature parameters while maintaining efficiency, preventing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.
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
Prevents heat damage and failure of the compressor by ensuring adequate refrigerant flow and managing inverter temperatures, thereby improving compressor durability, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the inverter provided inside the compressor is cooled by using refrigerant inflowed to the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant discharged by driving of a compressor is circulated back to the compressor through the condenser
Implementation Method 3
condensing a high-temperature high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant compressed from the compressor by the condenser
Implementation Method 4
evaporating the refrigerant in the evaporator in a cooling mode
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method for controlling a compressor of a vehicle includes selectively controlling an operation of the compressor by determining and comparing a discharge pressure of the compressor and a temperature of an inverter with predetermined values based on data detected in real time when the compressor is operated to cool or heat an interior of the vehicle and operating a protection mode to prevent thermal burnout of the inverter in response to a determination that the discharge pressure of the compressor is higher than an operation stop pressure.