Variable capacity compressor operation mode determination method, apparatus, variable capacity compressor, and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable capacity compressors experience instability and inefficiency due to unbalanced rotor forces, leading to shaking, noise, and reduced reliability, particularly during transitions between single-cylinder and dual-cylinder operations, necessitating accurate determination of switching success for optimal system control.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for determining compressor operation mode switching by controlling discharge pressure and suction pressure differences and operation frequency within preset ranges, followed by comparing current values before and after mode switching to ensure accurate determination of successful transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-cylinder operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but rotor force stability deteriorates causing shaking and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor structureVSAvoidrotor force stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor is divided into multiple cylinders (first cylinder and second cylinder) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to switch between single-cylinder and dual-cylinder modes, providing structural simplicity when needed while enabling force balance when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system periodically switches between single-cylinder and dual-cylinder operation modes based on operating conditions. This periodic switching allows the compressor to alternate between simple operation and balanced operation, maintaining rotor force stability during critical phases while preserving simplicity during other phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-cylinder operation with different volumes is used, then adaptability is improved, but rotor force stability deteriorates causing large jitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor operation modesVSAvoidrotor force stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different cylinder volumes (large cylinder and small cylinder) to meet different cooling demands, providing local optimization for adaptability. However, the control system compensates for the force imbalance by implementing selective operation modes and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters by switching between different cylinder combinations and adjusting operating conditions to maintain force balance. This allows the system to adapt to varying cooling requirements while preventing excessive jitter through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If operation mode switching is implemented, then compressor efficiency is improved, but determination accuracy deteriorates due to misjudgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor efficiencyVSAvoidswitching determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses feedback from current detection and operating condition monitoring to accurately determine when mode switching has occurred. By continuously monitoring system parameters and comparing them against switching criteria, the system achieves precise detection of operation mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and verification before confirming operation mode switching. This preliminary action includes checking current changes, pressure conditions, and other parameters to ensure accurate determination of switching events, preventing misjudgment and improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3848647B1Variable capacity compressor operation mode determination method, apparatus, variable capacity compressor, and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI

AI summary

Disclosed are a variable capacity compressor operation mode determination method and device, a variable capacity compressor and an air conditioner. The variable capacity compressor operation mode determination method includes: detecting a current value of a compressor at present as A1 before switching an operation mode of the compressor; detecting the current value of the compressor at present as A2 after switching the operation mode of the compressor and reaching a preset time; comparing A1 and A2, determining that the switching of the operation mode of the compressor is successful when a ratio relationship between A1 and A2 satisfies a preset condition, and determining that switching of the operation mode of the compressor is failed when the ratio relationship between A1 and A2 dissatisfies a preset condition. By this determination method, the ratio relationship between the current value before the operation mode of the compressor is switched and the current value after the operation mode is switched is compared, accordingly whether the switching of the operation mode of the compressor is successful can be accurately determined to optimize the use of the compressor.