Activation system for a coolant compressor unit and method for activating a coolant compressor unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerant compressor units require users to manually configure parameters, which can lead to suboptimal or error-prone settings, affecting the operation of the compressor and drive motor, and lack standardized commissioning processes.

Innovation Solution

A commissioning system with a processor, data memories for compressor and motor data, and a visualization unit that assists users in determining the correct compressor and drive motor configurations by generating and loading optimal configuration parameters into the compressor controller, ensuring reliable and trouble-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually configure parameters for refrigerant compressor units, then users have flexibility in setting parameters, but the operation becomes error-prone and suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidparameter configuration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores pre-configured optimal parameter sets in a memory device before actual operation. During commissioning, the processor automatically retrieves and applies these pre-stored parameters matching the specific compressor and motor models, eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining flexibility through model-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning system performs self-configuration by automatically identifying the compressor and motor models, retrieving corresponding optimal parameters from stored data, and applying them without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach ensures reliability while simplifying the user interface to minimal confirmation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If users manually enter configuration parameters, then users can customize settings, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning speedVSAvoidparameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical entry of parameters with an automated electronic identification and retrieval process. The processor automatically identifies compressor and motor models and retrieves corresponding parameters from stored data, eliminating manual typing errors and significantly accelerating the commissioning process while ensuring parameter accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and stores standardized parameter templates for different compressor and motor model combinations. During commissioning, the appropriate template is automatically copied and applied to the specific hardware configuration, ensuring consistency and accuracy while eliminating repetitive manual entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If standardized controls are put into operation without proper commissioning, then deployment is faster, but operational reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning reliabilityVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Optimal parameter sets are pre-calculated and stored in the memory device for each compressor and motor model combination before deployment. The commissioning process simply retrieves and applies these pre-prepared parameters, ensuring reliability through manufacturer-tested configurations while minimizing commissioning time to model identification and parameter application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive parameter validation is implemented, then parameter accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter verification accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor automatically verifies parameter consistency by comparing retrieved parameters against stored validation rules and model specifications. The system provides feedback through confirmation displays and error messages, ensuring parameter accuracy while keeping the interface simple through automated validation rather than manual checking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3430483B1Activation system for a coolant compressor unit and method for activating a coolant compressor unit
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 BITZER KUEHLMASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3430483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3430483B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3430483B1 patent drawingFigure 5a

AI summary

An activation system for a coolant compressor unit, comprising a coolant compressor, an electric drive motor for the coolant compressor and a compressor controller, which determines the voltage and rotational speed of the drive motor on the basis of sets of configuration parameters loaded into this compressor controller and actuates the drive motor correspondingly, wherein the activation system has a compressor data memory in which compressor data is stored for respectively possible coolant compressors and has a motor data memory in which motor data relating to possible drive motors is stored, wherein the activation system has a processor for carrying out the activation, a display unit and an input unit, wherein the display unit and the input unit serve to determine the coolant compressor and the drive motor during the activation, and wherein the processor generates compressor configuration parameters and motor configuration parameters by means of the compressor data of the determined coolant compressor and by means of the motor data of the determined drive motor and loads said parameters into the compressor controller to operate the drive motor.