Air Conditioner Compressor Staging to Prevent Restart Pressure Spikes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with multiple compressors face pressure spikes when restarting due to refrigerant accumulation, leading to potential mechanical failure and instability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a staggered start-up strategy by allowing the first compressor to operate while restricting the second compressor for a predetermined wait time, based on properties of the air conditioner, expansion device, and ambient temperature, to manage refrigerant flow and prevent pressure spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both compressors are allowed to operate simultaneously after a shutdown, then the air conditioner responds efficiently to operation requests, but pressure spikes occur due to refrigerant accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by allowing the first compressor to start before the second compressor. The controller is configured to allow operation of the first compressor and restrict operation of the second compressor for a period of time approximately equal to a retrieved wait time. This staged approach prepares the system gradually, allowing refrigerant to redistribute before full operation resumes, preventing pressure spikes while maintaining efficient response to operation requests.
2Reliability
If the second compressor is restricted for a wait time period, then pressure spikes are prevented, but the response time to operation requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by allowing the first compressor to operate initially while restricting the second compressor. This partial operation is sufficient to prevent pressure spikes during the critical wait time period. The controller retrieves a wait time from memory and restricts the second compressor for approximately this period. This partial approach balances reliability (preventing pressure spikes) with time efficiency (eventually allowing both compressors to operate for full cooling capacity).
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 inhibits high pressure events and mechanical failure, ensuring stable operation and efficient response to requests by controlling refrigerant flow and compressor activation.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may allow heat transfer between the heat transfer element and the bulb to alter a temperature of the bulb for at least a portion of the wait time
Implementation Method 2
A temperature of the bulb may at least partially control an amount of refrigerant allowed to pass through the thermal expansion device
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, an air conditioning system may include one or more compressors. The operation of the compressor(s) may be managed. For example, when an air conditioner is allowed to operate after being shut down, a first compressor may be allowed to operate and a wait time may elapse prior to starting at least one other compressor. When a compressor has multiple stages of operation, in some implementations, a first compressor may be allowed to operate at a low stage and a wait time may elapse prior to starting a higher stage of operation of the first compressor.