HVAC Compressor-Condenser Assembly for Backspin Power Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In HVAC systems, compressor motors can backspin due to high refrigerant pressure, generating excessive voltage that can damage electrical components, and existing solutions like mufflers and chopper resistors are not always effective in preventing damage.

Innovation Solution

The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly to dissipate the generated power by using it to operate the condenser motor or supply a DC or low frequency current, thereby preventing voltage spikes and inhibiting backspin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the compressor motor backspins due to reverse refrigerant flow, then the compressor motor generates electric power, but the generated voltage may exceed the motor supply voltage and damage electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power generationVSAvoidvoltage damage to electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful backspin energy into a beneficial resource by using the generated electricity to power the condenser fan motor. The compressor motor's backspin, which previously generated damaging voltage spikes, now provides free electrical power to drive the condenser fan, eliminating the need for separate braking mechanisms and reducing overall system energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If mufflers and check valves are used to inhibit reverse refrigerant flow and backspin, then backspin is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackspin inhibitionVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of backspin inhibition with the normal operation of the condenser fan motor. Instead of adding separate mufflers and check valves, the system uses the electrical connection between the compressor motor and condenser motor to achieve both cooling function and backspin protection, thereby reducing component count and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If chopper resistors are used to produce braking torque and inhibit backspinning, then backspin is prevented, but the device complexity and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackspin preventionVSAvoidenergy dissipation through resistors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than dissipating the backspin energy as waste heat through chopper resistors, the patent captures this energy and converts it into useful work by powering the condenser fan motor. This approach eliminates energy waste and removes the need for resistor-based braking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own internally generated energy from compressor motor backspin to power the condenser fan motor, making the system self-sufficient during normal operation and eliminating the need for external braking systems or additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively dissipates the electric power generated by the backspinning compressor motor, preventing damage to electrical components and eliminating the need for additional inhibiting devices like chopper resistors and mechanical check valves.

Implementation Method 1

the compressor motor being capable of generating electric power when backspinning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using the electric power generated by the backspinning compressor motor to operate the condenser motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2464915B1Compressor and condenser assemblies for HVAC systems

Publication Date: 2018.10.24 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes allowing the compressor motor to backspin and using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.