Method and system for controlling the vibration of a variable capacity compressor of a refrigeration system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for minimizing vibration and noise in refrigeration systems with variable capacity compressors define permanent forbidden speed ranges that do not adapt to changing system conditions, which can lead to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjusts the speed of the compressor by comparing and measuring vibration levels within a speed range to adapt to changing system conditions, and not being dependent on absolute values of vibration levels within, and not being dependent on absolute values of vibration levels within a speed range, within a variable capacity compressor, using a first and second electronic controller and at least one vibration sensor to define and adjust compressor speed based on vibration differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If permanent forbidden speed ranges are defined for the compressor, then vibration and noise are minimized in specific conditions, but the system loses adaptability to changing operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noiseVSAvoidadaptability to changing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, permanent forbidden speed ranges into dynamic, adaptive speed restrictions. The control system continuously monitors vibration levels and temporarily prohibits specific speed ranges only when vibration thresholds are exceeded, allowing the system to adapt to changing operating conditions while minimizing vibration and noise when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where vibration sensors continuously monitor compressor vibration levels, and the control system adjusts speed restrictions based on real-time vibration data. When vibration exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system dynamically prohibits specific speed ranges, and when vibration levels are acceptable, the restrictions are lifted, creating a closed-loop adaptive control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If forbidden speed ranges are permanently defined, then vibration control is simplified, but compressor efficiency and cooling capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration controlVSAvoidcompressor efficiency and cooling capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts speed restrictions based on actual vibration levels rather than imposing permanent limitations. This allows the compressor to operate at previously restricted speeds when vibration conditions are acceptable, thereby maintaining efficiency and cooling capacity while still providing vibration control when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters (speed restrictions) based on varying vibration conditions. By adjusting the forbidden speed ranges dynamically according to real-time vibration measurements, the system optimizes the balance between vibration control and compressor performance, allowing efficient operation when vibration is not problematic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the system continuously monitors and adjusts compressor speed based on vibration levels, then vibration and noise are effectively minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noise minimizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback-based control system that uses vibration sensors to monitor compressor vibration levels and automatically adjusts speed restrictions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables effective vibration minimization through continuous monitoring and adaptive control, managing the complexity through automated responses to measured conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-adjustment based on vibration measurements, automatically prohibiting or allowing specific speed ranges without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by using its own vibration measurements to make control decisions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

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

Effectively minimizes vibration and noise in refrigeration systems by adjusting compressor speed based on real-time vibration levels, maintaining efficiency and cooling capacity without permanent speed restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vibration sensor to define and adjust compressor speed based on vibration differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20260088742A1Method and system for controlling the vibration of a variable capacity compressor of a refrigeration system
Publication Date: 2026.03.26 NIDEC GLOBAL APPLIANCE BRASIL LTDA
  • US20260088742A1 patent drawing
  • US20260088742A1 patent drawing
  • US20260088742A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for vibration control of a variable capacity compressor of a refrigeration system, comprising the following steps:receiving a request to change the speed of the variable capacity compressor from the current speed to a reference speed;verifying if the reference speed requires the minimization of the compressor vibration;defining a range of reference speeds with the reference speed inside said range;defining the highest speed within the range of speeds and the lowest speed within the range of speeds;comparing the reference speed with the current speed;changing the speed of the compressor;measuring the compressor vibration within the range of reference speeds;defining a lowest vibration speed and a highest vibration;defining a vibration difference;establishing a vibration difference reference;comparing the vibration difference with the vibration difference reference; anddefining a final operating speed for the compressor to operate.