Self-Capacitance Oil Level Sensor for Compressor Monitoring
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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 electrodes to detect oil concentration, height, and amount within a compressor using self-capacitance methods, allowing for accurate 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 sensor is divided into multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged at different heights and positions. Each electrode detects oil level at its specific location, and the control unit integrates these segmented measurements to determine the overall oil amount, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the first electrode detects oil level at the upper region, the second electrode detects at the middle region, and the third electrode detects at the lower region. This multi-functional sensor assembly replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate oil level sensors.
2Measurement precision
If oil level sensors are installed at specific locations to detect oil amount, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to unnecessary oil recovery operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives detection signals from multiple electrodes and processes this feedback information to accurately determine the oil amount. Based on this precise feedback, the control unit decides whether oil recovery operation is necessary, preventing unnecessary operations and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of oil levels at multiple locations before initiating any oil recovery operation. This advance measurement allows the control unit to make informed decisions about whether recovery is actually needed, preventing premature or unnecessary operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional oil level sensors are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to location limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single sensor that must be perfectly positioned, the sensor assembly segments the detection function across multiple electrodes at different locations. This segmentation makes the system more tolerant of installation variations while maintaining high measurement precision through combined data from multiple points.
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 level monitoring, optimizing oil recovery operations and enhancing compressor performance and energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary operations.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system utilizing electrodes to detect oil concentration, height, and amount within a compressor using self-capacitance methods
Data Source
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.