Compressor Pressure Sensor Merging for HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle air conditioning systems require multiple pressure sensors to monitor refrigerant pressures, leading to increased production costs, complex packaging, and reduced diagnostic efficiency due to the need for additional sensors and interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A single pressure sensor located within the compression chamber of the compressor is used to determine both compressor inlet and outlet pressures, as well as compressor speed, eliminating the need for separate sensors in the high and low pressure lines and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used to monitor refrigerant pressures in high and low pressure lines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure sensing functions into a single pressure sensor located in the compressor crankcase. This single sensor monitors both high-side and low-side refrigerant pressures by detecting pressure variations during the compressor compression cycle, thereby reducing the number of sensors from two to one and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor in the crankcase performs multiple functions: it monitors low-side pressure during the suction stroke, monitors high-side pressure during the discharge stroke, and detects compressor speed through pressure pulse frequency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for high-side pressure, low-side pressure, and compressor speed monitoring
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are installed in the system, then refrigerant pressure monitoring accuracy is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate pressure sensors (high-side and low-side) into a single pressure sensor located in the compressor crankcase. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while maintaining the capability to monitor both inlet and outlet pressures through intelligent signal processing of the pressure variations during the compression cycle
3Measurement precision
If a compressor speed sensor is added to the system, then compressor speed measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and diagnostic efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor in the crankcase serves as a multi-functional device that simultaneously monitors refrigerant pressure and determines compressor speed. The compressor speed is derived from the frequency of pressure pulses generated during each compression cycle, eliminating the need for a separate speed sensor and reducing overall system complexity
4Measurement precision
If three sensors are used to monitor compressor status, then diagnostic capability is improved, but packaging space and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates three separate sensing functions (high-side pressure monitoring, low-side pressure monitoring, and compressor speed monitoring) into a single pressure sensor located in the compressor crankcase. This significant reduction in sensor count from three to one directly reduces packaging space requirements and simplifies system integration
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of an automotive air conditioning system including a pressure sensor positioned within a compression chamber. In one example, a method may include adjusting operation of the air conditioning system based on one or more parameters of a compressor operation including a compressor inlet pressure, a compressor outlet pressure, and a compressor speed, that are determined based on output from the pressure sensor positioned within the compression chamber.