Multi-Electrode Oil Sensor for Compressor Recovery Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil level sensors in compressors are limited to specific locations, requiring multiple installations to accurately detect oil levels, leading to inefficient oil recovery operations and potential compressor damage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing multiple electrodes, including an upper and lower electrode and a shield electrode, to detect oil concentration, height, and amount within a compressor using self-capacitance methods, allowing for accurate oil detection without size limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple oil level sensors are installed at various locations inside the compressor to accurately detect oil amount, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor includes an upper electrode, lower electrode, and shield electrode arranged in a specific configuration that allows simultaneous detection of oil concentration, oil surface height, and oil amount through capacitance measurements, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. By using the electrode configuration with different positions and the shield electrode, the sensor can detect oil concentration through capacitance changes, determine oil surface height based on the same capacitance measurements, and calculate total oil amount, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.
2Device complexity
If conventional oil level sensors are used at specific locations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates as they can only detect oil levels at their specific installation location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based detection (single location sensors) to volumetric detection by using the self-capacitance method. The capacitance measurements reflect the integrated oil distribution throughout the compressor sump volume, allowing the sensor to detect oil amount and surface height without physical presence at multiple locations, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to detect oil concentration and surface height, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different functional roles to different parts of the electrode structure. The upper electrode and lower electrode are positioned at specific locations with distinct functions: the upper electrode primarily detects oil surface height through capacitance changes, while the lower electrode detects oil concentration. The shield electrode provides electromagnetic shielding to reduce interference. This localized functional differentiation allows precise measurements without requiring complex multi-sensor systems.
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
Enables precise oil detection, optimizing oil recovery operations and enhancing compressor performance and energy efficiency by minimizing unnecessary operations.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosure may further provide a sensor capable of detecting the height of the oil surface using the self-capacitance method, without the detection range being limited by the size of the electrodes.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor. The sensor of the present disclosure includes an upper electrode extending in a horizontal direction; at least one lower electrode disposed below the upper electrode; and a shield electrode disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, wherein the shield electrode and the lower electrode are disposed to be immersed in a fluid at least containing oil, and a sensing voltage is applied to the upper electrode and the lower electrode.