Power-Line Communication for Variable Capacity Compressor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data and command communication systems between compressors and electronic thermostats in cooling systems with variable capacity compressors are inefficient and costly, often requiring multiple cables and complex hardware arrangements for bidirectional and unidirectional communication.
Innovation Solution
A data communication system utilizing the electrical network as a reference, allowing for bidirectional or unidirectional communication through a single cable by modulating the alternating voltage source to transmit and receive data, reducing the need for multiple cables and insulation, and enabling the use of a single electronic thermostat model across different arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables and complex hardware arrangements are used for bidirectional and unidirectional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single electrical network phase or neutral conductor. The communication signal is superimposed on the power line, eliminating the need for separate communication cables while maintaining both power supply and data exchange capabilities between the electronic thermostat and frequency inverter.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical network conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission to the electronic thermostat and frequency inverter, and also carries the modulated communication signals for bidirectional data exchange. This multi-functional use reduces the number of required conductors and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are used for communication and power, then power transmission and communication are ensured, but loss of substance and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and communication functions into a single cable (the electrical network phase or neutral conductor). By superimposing the communication signal on the power line, the system eliminates the need for separate communication cables, reducing material consumption while maintaining both power supply and data exchange reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single cable is used for both communication and power, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and signal interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces modulation as an intermediary technique to separate the communication signal from the power transmission. By modulating the communication signal onto the power line carrier frequency and using demodulation at the receiving end, the system enables accurate data extraction despite the presence of power transmission, effectively filtering out interference and maintaining signal precision.
4Productivity
If bidirectional communication is implemented, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity and insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bidirectional communication capabilities with the existing power transmission infrastructure. By using the electrical network conductor for both power delivery and bidirectional data exchange through signal modulation, the system achieves efficient two-way communication without requiring separate communication pathways or additional insulation arrangements.
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 reduces costs and simplifies assembly by using a single cable for both communication and power, enabling efficient data exchange with reduced hardware complexity and insulation requirements, while maintaining effective communication for both complex and simple command signals.
Implementation Method 1
the exchange of data between the thermostat and inverter unit being provided by the modulation of an electrical magnitude of the alternating voltage source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a data and commands communication system between compressor and electronic thermostat, particularly applied to cooling systems having variable capacity compressor (VCC), with the purpose of providing an exchange of data between said equipment which is technically more efficient and less costly compared to the solutions available today. Accordingly, there is described a data communication system between variable capacity compressor and electronic thermostat for a cooling system, the compressor comprising at least a frequency inverter unit (100) electrically associated to an electrical motor of the compressor, the electronic thermostat (200) being electrically associated to the frequency inverter unit (100), the electronic thermostat (200) and the frequency inverter unit (100) being powered by an alternating voltage source (15), the data communication system comprising a data communication single highway (50) between the electronic thermostat (200) and the inverter unit (100), arranged to establish an exchange of data between the thermostat (200) and the inverter unit (100), the exchange of data between the thermostat (200) and the inverter unit (100) being provided by the modulation of an electrical magnitude (Snetwork) of the alternating voltage source (15), the modulation of the electrical magnitude (Snetwork) of the alternating voltage source (15) being capable of configuring a modulated information signal (Sx), the exchange of data between the thermostat (200) and the inverter unit (100) being provided by a demodulation of the modulated information signal (Sx).