Patent Application
20240175616
The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in German application number 10 2022 131 405.7 of 28 Nov. 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
The invention relates to a refrigerant compressor having a compressor unit which draws in refrigerant with a suction port, compresses it and delivers it by means of a pressure port, wherein the refrigerant compressor has an electrical drive unit driving the compressor unit and wherein the refrigerant compressor is provided with a control unit which cooperates with the refrigerant compressor or operating units associated with the refrigerant circuit and/or with status acquisition units.
Such refrigerant compressors configured for use in refrigerant circuits are known from the prior art.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a control unit is provided which can cooperate with a great variety of operating units and/or status acquisition units.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a refrigerant compressor of the aforementioned type is provided, wherein the control unit comprises a base module which has at least one processor and at least one memory store for the required program code for operating the processor and terminals for operating units carrying out basic functions and/or status acquisition units and wherein the processor and the program code stored in the memory store are configured so that operating units and/or status acquisition units carrying out additional functions by means of an additional module connectable to the base module are also operable with these.
The advantage of the solution according to the invention is to be seen therein that the base module offers not only the possibility of carrying out the basic functions with the operating units and status acquisition units connectable thereto, but is even configured so that therewith the possibility also exists of carrying out additional functions of an additional module connectable to the base module, so that the functionalities provided in the base module also provide the operation of the additional functions and thus all the basic functions and additional functions that are possibly provided can be carried out by way of the at least one processor and the at least one memory store of the base module.
By way of the base module and the functionalities provided therein, in particular communication problems between the base module and the additional modules provided for connection thereto are also prevented, in particular since a great variety of additional modules are combinable with the base module.
A particularly advantageous solution of the invention provides that, for the execution of additional functions, the base module is connectable to an additional module which has terminals for the operating units carrying out the additional functions and/or status acquisition units, and that the additional module enables, by way of mediatory communication between the base module and the operating units and/or status acquisition units connected to the additional module, the execution of the additional functions by way of the operation of the operating units and/or status acquisition units by means of the base module.
Preferably, therefore, all the programs and data required for the basic functions and additional functions are available in the base module and the establishment and acquisition and storage of all the operating states also takes place in the base module.
It is particularly favorable therein if a communication between the base module and the additional module connected thereto takes place directly by means of electrical connecting elements between the base module and the additional module.
In particular, the electrical connecting elements are therein configured as plug-in connecting elements which permit a direct connection between the base module and the additional module.
It is further particularly advantageous if the mediatory communication of the respective additional module comprises a signal conversion and/or a signal processing and/or an intelligent signal processing and/or an evaluating signal processing.
Therein, the mediatory communication by way of the respective additional module comprises, in particular, not only the passing-on of control information items from the base module for the operation of the operating units and the status acquisition units, but also an adaptation of the control information items from the processor to the requirements of the respective operating units and status acquisition units which can take place, in particular, by way of output stages of the respective additional module, wherein output stages of this type can also be configured, for example, as switching units or steplessly controllable end stages.
The mediatory communication also comprises, for example, a conversion of signals from the status acquisition units into predetermined data structures for acquisition by way of the at least one processor and the at least one memory store in the base module.
With this, the possibility exists, in particular, of realizing the communication between the base module and the additional module by means of standardized communication channels, for example, a BUS connection, so that the additional module receives, for example, information for the operation of the operating units by means of a BUS connection and also communicates information from the status monitoring units by means of the BUS connection to the base module.
A particularly advantageous solution provides that different additional modules are connectable to the base module, of which each enables an operation of different combinations of operating units and/or status acquisition units by way of mediatory communication between the base module and these different combinations of operating units or status monitoring units and thereby also the adaptation to different applications.
This then means however, by converse reasoning, that the processor and the program code stored in the memory store are already configured such that they are capable of operating any type of operating units and/or status acquisition units provided.
Thus all the data for the operation of any additional modules and the execution of basic and additional functions by way of any type of operating units and status acquisition units is also available only in the base module and can therefore also be updated and/or configured in a simple manner.
The possibility also exists of storing the operating data acquired by the base module and possibly also of transmitting it, for example, to a higher-level controller, in particular, a system controller or a separate data processing and storage unit.
With respect to the arrangement of the control unit on the refrigerant compressor, no further details have so far been given.
Thus, a particularly advantageous solution provides that the control unit has a controller housing arranged on the refrigerant compressor, which is configured to accommodate the base module and also to accommodate at least one additional module.
A controller housing arranged on the refrigerant compressor is, in particular, a controller housing which is fixedly connected to the refrigerant compressor and is seated, in particular, on a component of the refrigerant compressor itself, that is on an overall housing and/or a motor power supply unit of the refrigerant compressor.
It is particularly advantageous if the controller housing is configured such that in addition to the base module, different additional modules can be used.
It is further preferably provided that the controller housing has mounting receptacles for fixedly connecting the base module thereto.
It is further preferably provided that the controller housing has mounting receptacles for fixedly connecting the additional module thereto.
Preferably, the mounting receptacles are therein arranged on a housing base of the controller housing.
In particular, therein, the mounting receptacles are connected to the housing base by means of reinforcements.
Such reinforcements therein serve, in particular, to dampen vibrations of the housing base and thereby not to transmit them to the base module and, where relevant, the additional module.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the housing base is provided with vibration-damping structures, in particular, in addition to the reinforcements.
It is particularly advantageous if the respective mounting base for the base module and the additional module are arranged on the reinforcements of the housing base so that by way of these reinforcements, a stable arrangement of the connection of the base module and the additional module is provided.
It is therein particularly advantageous if the respective mounting base for the base module and the additional module are arranged on the same reinforcements connected to the housing base.
It is also advantageous for the production of a simple and lasting electrical connection between the base module and the additional module if the base module mounted in the controller housing and the additional module connected thereto are connected to one another by way of a plug-in connector.
It is therein advantageous, in particular, if the plug-in connector is relieved of loading through fixing the base module by way of its mounting base and fixing the additional module by way of its mounting base, and is thereby also secured.
With regard to the different possibilities for connecting operating units and/or status acquisition units to the base module, no further details have so far been given.
Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the base module for the operating units and/or status acquisition units has at least one low voltage terminal, for example, for status acquisition units and at least one mains voltage terminal, for example, for operating units.
In addition, it is also preferably provided, with regard to the possibilities for connecting operating units and/or status acquisition units to the additional module, that for the operation of the operating units and/or status acquisition units, the additional module has at least one low voltage terminal, for example, for status acquisition units, and at least one mains voltage terminal, for example, for operating units.
In particular, it is advantageously provided for at least a portion of the mains voltage terminals that they are controllable by way of output stages communicating with the base module.
It is further preferably provided that at least one of the low voltage terminals is controllable by way of the base module.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base module has at least one BUS terminal unit for a BUS system and therein the BUS system is preferably a field BUS system for communication with at least one additional module or a further base module of a further refrigerant compressor unit and/or with configuration and/or readout devices and/or display units.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module has a communication unit for wireless communication, for example by means of Bluetooth or WiFi, with the system controller and/or configuration devices or readout devices and/or display units and/or for communication with additional modules and/or further base modules.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base module has a terminal for communication with a system controller of the refrigerant circuit in order to obtain control signals of the system controller for controlling the refrigerant circuit.
Suitably, it is provided herein that the terminal for communication with the system controller is the BUS terminal unit.
An advantageous solution further provides that the additional module has a BUS terminal unit.
In addition, alternatively or additionally, a further solution provides that the additional module has a communication unit for wireless communication.
A further advantageous solution provides that the drive unit is operable by means of a frequency converter and that the frequency converter is controlled by way of the additional module by means of the base module, wherein the control can take place by means of one of the terminals of the base module or by means of the BUS terminal unit or by way of wireless communication.
A further advantageous solution provides that the drive unit is operable by means of a frequency converter and that the frequency converter is controlled by way of the base module, wherein the control can take place by means of the additional module by means of the terminals of the additional module or by means of its BUS terminal unit or by way of wireless communication.
With regard to the different operating units and/or status acquisition units that are connectable to the base module and/or the additional module, no further details have yet been provided.
Thus, an advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a lubricant sensor as the status acquisition unit and that the base module detects the values of the lubricant sensor.
In particular, it is provided therein that the base module evaluates the values of the lubricant sensor.
An evaluation of this type takes place, in particular, by way of the at least one processor by means of the program code stored in the at least one memory store of the base module, wherein in the simplest case, reference values are stored and compared with the values of the lubricant sensor.
With regard to the configuration of the lubricant sensor, a great variety of different possibilities are conceivable.
One possibility provides that the lubricant sensor is an optical lubricant level sensor.
Another advantageous possibility provides that the lubricant sensor is a float sensor.
A further possibility provides that the lubricant sensor is a lubricant differential pressure sensor.
Furthermore, a further advantageous possibility lies in realizing an operating unit in that the base module controls, as the operating unit, a lubricant feed from a lubricant separator to the compressor unit by way of a lubricant feed unit connected to the base module and/or the additional module.
The lubricant feed unit can be configured, for example, as a pump.
A particularly simple solution provides that the lubricant feed unit is configured as a lubricant injection valve.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a compressed gas temperature sensor as the status acquisition unit and that the base module detects the values of the compressed gas temperature sensor.
In this case, also, it is preferably provided that the base module evaluates the values of the compressed gas temperature sensor, in particular while taking account of reference values stored in the at least one memory store.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a high pressure sensor as the status acquisition unit and in that the base module detects the values of the high pressure sensor.
Therein, the base module can also evaluate the values of the high pressure sensor by means of the at least one processor and the at least one memory store with the program code.
In many cases, however, it is sufficient if the base module passes on the values of the high pressure sensor.
Advantageously, in the case of an excessive pressure of the refrigerant compressor acquired by a high pressure sensor, switching off can take place.
A further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a lubricant heater as the operating unit and in that, in particular, the base module switches the lubricant heater on or off, in particular dependent upon acquired operating states of individual units, such as for example an operating state of the drive unit.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a power control unit of the compressor unit and that the base module controls the power control unit.
Therein, it is provided in the simplest case that the base module controls the power control unit according to a power demand by the system control unit.
Alternatively or additionally thereto, the possibility also exists that the base module controls the power control unit by means of the at least one processor dependent upon the compressed gas temperature acquired by means of the compressed gas temperature sensor while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store.
This can, for example, take place permanently if no controlling of the power control unit by the system control unit is to take place.
It can also take place, however, by way of a temporary disregarding of the power demand of the system controller, in order to avoid damage to the refrigerant compressor or to bring it into a non-critical operating state.
Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a suction gas temperature sensor as the status acquisition unit and in that the base module detects the values of the suction gas temperature sensor.
In particular, it is therein advantageous if the processor of the base module compares the values of the suction gas temperature sensor with reference values stored in the memory store or established by the processor according to an operating state of the refrigerant compressor.
In this case, it is possible, for example, that when a reference value for the suction gas temperature is undershot, the base module communicates with the system controller and at least the system controller reports that the suction gas temperature is too low.
Alternatively thereto, it is also conceivable that the base module controls the power control unit by means of the at least one processor, while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and the suction gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store.
This can take place, for example, in that the stored specifications are operating diagrams for the refrigerant compressor from which it can be seen which value pairings of compressed gas temperature and suction gas temperature represent admissible operating states for the refrigerant compressor or inadmissible operating states for the refrigerant compressor and whether a temporary further operation of the refrigerant compressor with such an operating state is still admissible or is no longer admissible.
A power control unit mentioned above is to be understood as, for example, a frequency converter of the electrical drive unit.
A power control unit mentioned above is however also to be understood as a mechanical power controller.
For example, a reciprocating piston compressor has one or more valves, for example switching valves, which permit individual cylinders or cylinder banks to be activated or deactivated and thereby to control the output or to achieve a start-up loading relief.
If the refrigerant compressor is a screw compressor, then the valves serve for positioning an existing output valve or as bypass valves.
If the refrigerant compressor is a spiral or scroll compressor, then an interruption of the refrigerant feed is achieved by way of a valve by opening a bypass or a restricted lifting of the spiral body.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit are connected to a fan as an operating unit for cooling the compressor unit and that the base module controls the fan.
A fan of this type is, for example, a fan for cooling one or more cylinder heads of a reciprocating piston compressor.
In this regard, the possibility also exists, in particular, that by means of the at least one processor, the base module controls the fan, while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and of specifications stored in the memory store, in particular, in order thereby not to exceed a maximum temperature of the compressor unit in the region of its cylinder heads.
A further advantageous embodiment of the refrigerant compressor provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to an injection unit for refrigerant as an operating unit and that the base module controls the injection unit.
An injection unit of this type is arranged, in particular, so that it injects liquid refrigerant into the refrigerant drawn in by the compressor unit before its compression, for cooling, in order to reduce the temperature of the compressor unit during the compression of the refrigerant.
If the refrigerant compressor is a screw compressor, an injection of refrigerant into a chamber closed by means of the at least one screw is alternatively possible.
It is therein provided, in particular, that the base module controls the injection unit by means of the at least one processor, while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and other specifications stored in the memory store or determined by the processor according to further status variables, so that a rise in the compression gas temperature can be prevented by such an injection of liquid refrigerant.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to an ambient temperature sensor as the status acquisition unit and in that the base module detects the values of the ambient temperature sensor.
Therein, for example, merely a signaling of the ambient temperature can be passed on to the system controller.
It is provided in a case of this type, in particular, that by means of the processor, the base module evaluates the values of the ambient temperature sensor according to reference values specified in the memory store.
Another advantageous solution provides that, by means of the processor, the base module controls a blower unit of the high pressure-side heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit according to the values of a condensation pressure sensor and/or the ambient temperature sensor, on the basis of specifications stored in the memory store or determined by the processor according to further operating state variables.
In this case, the base module takes over the function of the system controller for controlling the refrigerant circuit, for example, temporarily or permanently.
The possibility also exists that in one embodiment, the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a refrigeration location temperature sensor as the status acquisition unit and that the base module detects the values of the refrigeration location temperature sensor.
In this case, the possibility also exists that, by means of the processor, the base module compares the refrigeration location temperature with reference values specified in the memory store or determined by means of the processor on the basis of further operating state variables.
Different activities of the base module can result from this comparison.
One possibility provides that, by means of the processor, the base module controls a mass flow control unit in the refrigerant circuit while taking account of the refrigeration location temperature and a control program stored in the memory store.
In this case, the base module can take over the function of the system controller, at least temporarily or permanently, and control the refrigerant circuit accordingly.
A further advantageous solution provides that the base module is configured for carrying out a lubricant return operation, controlled by the processor according to a lubricant return program and that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a switchable output for activating the lubricant return operation as an operating unit, for example by means of the system controller and that the base module controls the output.
A further advantageous solution provides that on occurrence of fault-prone operating states, the base module detects these by means of the processor and stores an alarm signal and/or that the base module and/or the additional module of the control unit is connected to a display unit as an operating unit and that the base module controls the display unit such that it displays an alarm signal recognized by the base module.
For example, in order to carry out a basic function, at least one lubricant sensor and/or a compressed gas temperature sensor, and/or possibly a high pressure sensor and/or a lubricant heater are connected to the base module.
In particular, for carrying out the additional functions, all the other operating units mentioned above and/or status acquisition units are connected individually or in any desired combinations to an additional module.
The invention also relates to a refrigerant circuit comprising at least one refrigerant compressor, a high pressure line leading away from at least one refrigerant compressor, a high pressure-side heat exchanger arranged in the high pressure line, at least one expansion element following the high pressure-side heat exchanger in the high pressure line, a low pressure-side heat exchanger which is arranged in a low pressure line following the expansion element and from which the low pressure line leads to the at least one refrigerant compressor.
In order to achieve the object mentioned in the introduction, it is provided in a refrigerant circuit of this type that the at least one refrigerant compressor is configured according to one or more of the above features.
The advantage of the solution according to the invention is thus found in that a control of the at least one refrigerant compressor in the refrigerant circuit according to the invention can take place by simple means using a great variety of operating units and/or status acquisition units and therein can be adapted to them in a simple manner.
A particularly advantageous solution therein provides that the refrigerant circuit detects a high pressure sensor arranged in the high pressure line, the value of which can advantageously be acquired by the control unit of the refrigerant compressor.
A further advantageous solution provides that the refrigerant circuit comprises a lubricant separator arranged in the high pressure line, by means of which the possibility therefore exists of separating lubricant by simple means and possibly, in the event of a lubricant deficit in the at least one refrigerant compressor, to feed lubricant to it.
Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the refrigerant circuit comprises a mass flow control unit connected upstream of the expansion element, so that the possibility exists for the control unit provided on the refrigerant compressor also to control the mass flow in the refrigerant circuit.
Further, it is preferably provided that the refrigerant circuit comprises a refrigeration location temperature sensor, which is connected to the control unit arranged on the refrigerant compressor and offers the possibility of controlling the refrigerant circuit temporarily or permanently by means of the control unit arranged on the refrigerant compressor.
Another advantageous solution provides that the refrigerant circuit comprises a system controller which cooperates with the control unit on at least one refrigerant compressor.
It is preferably provided therein that the system controller cooperates with the base unit of the at least one refrigerant compressor and, in particular, with the base unit, transmits specifications regarding the mass flow to be conveyed by the at least one refrigerant compressor.
Suitably, this cooperation takes place between the system controller and the control unit in a solution with a BUS terminal of the base module.
Alternatively, it is also possible that the system controller cooperates wirelessly with the base module.
A further alternative provides that the system controller cooperates with the base module by way of analog target value specifications and/or switch signals.
Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the refrigerant compressor circuit according to the invention provides that a plurality of refrigerant compressors according to one or more of the aforementioned features are arranged in the refrigerant circuit.
Preferably, therein the refrigerant compressors are arranged so that they are connected in parallel in the refrigerant circuit and therefore operate in parallel.
For control of the respective refrigerant compressor, it is particularly advantageous if the control units of the refrigerant compressors communicate by means of the respective base modules.
One solution provides that the system controller cooperates with the respective control unit of the refrigerant compressor directly, in particular by means of its base module.
This can take place directly in analog manner by means of a BUS system or wireless communication.
An alternative solution provides that the system controller cooperates with the control unit of one of the refrigerant compressors and this control unit in turn cooperates with the other control units.
Thereby, the control units of the refrigerant compressors can communicate among one another, for example, by means of one of the base modules with the system controller, wherein advantageously, the system controller specifies the mass flow required and each of the refrigerant compressors is controlled by its control unit independently from each of the other refrigerant compressors.
The description above of solutions according to the invention thus comprises, in particular, the different feature combinations defined by the following sequentially numbered embodiments:
1. A refrigerant compressor (20) configured for use in a refrigerant circuit (10), having a compressor unit (26) which draws in refrigerant with a suction port (24), compresses it and delivers it by means of a pressure port (22), wherein the refrigerant compressor (20) has an electrical drive unit (28) driving the compressor unit (26) and wherein the refrigerant compressor (20) is provided with a control unit (40) which cooperates with operating units and/or status acquisition units associated with the refrigerant compressor (20) or the refrigerant circuit (10), wherein the control unit (40) comprises a base module (60) which has at least one processor (82) and at least one memory store (84) for the required program code for operating the processor (82) and terminals for operating units carrying out basic functions and/or status acquisition units and that the processor (82) and the program code stored in the memory store (84) are configured so that operating units carrying out (additional functions) by means of an additional module (70) connectable to the base module (60) and/or status acquisition units are also operable with these.
2. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 1, wherein for the execution of additional functions, the base module (60) is connectable to an additional module (70) which has terminals for operating units and/or status acquisition units carrying out the additional functions, and wherein the additional module (70) enables, by way of mediatory communication between the base module (60) and the operating units and/or status acquisition units connected to the additional module (70), the execution of the additional functions by way of the operation of the operating units and/or status acquisition units by means of the base module (60).
3. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein a communication between the base module (60) and the additional module (70) connected thereto takes place directly by means of electrical connecting elements (66, 72) between the base module (60) and the additional module (70).
4. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the mediatory communication of the respective additional module (70) comprises a signal conversion and/or a signal processing and/or an intelligent signal processing and/or an evaluating signal processing.
5. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein different additional modules (70) are connectable to the base module (60), of which each enables an operation of different combinations of operating units and/or status acquisition units by way of mediatory communication between the base module (60) and these different combinations of operating units and/or status acquisition units.
6. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control unit (40) has a controller housing (42) arranged on the refrigerant compressor (20), which is configured to accommodate the base module (60) and also to accommodate at least one additional module (70).
7. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 6, wherein, in addition to the base module (60), different additional modules (70) are insertable into the controller housing (42).
8. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the embodiments 6 or 7, wherein the controller housing (42) has mounting receptacles (56) for fixedly connecting the base module (60) thereto.
9. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the controller housing (42) has mounting receptacles (56) for fixedly connecting the one additional module (70) thereto.
10. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the mounting receptacles (56) are arranged on a housing base (44) of the controller housing (42), wherein, in particular, the mounting receptacles (56) are connected by means of reinforcements (52, 54) to the housing base (44) and wherein, in particular, the reinforcements (52, 54) dampen vibrations of the housing base (44).
11. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 10, wherein the housing base (44) is provided with vibration damping structures (46).
12. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the embodiments 10 to 11, wherein the respective mounting base (56) for the base module (60) and the additional module (70) are arranged on the reinforcements (52, 54) of the housing base (44).
13. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the respective mounting bases (56) for the base module (60) and the additional module (70) are arranged on the same reinforcements (52, 54) connected to the housing base (44).
14. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the embodiments 6 to 13, wherein the base module (60) mounted in the controller housing (42) and the additional module (70) connected thereto are connected to one another by way of a plug-in connector (66, 72).
15. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 14, wherein the plug-in connector (66, 72) is secured by fixing the base module (60) by way of its mounting base (56) and the fixing of the additional module (70) is secured by way of its mounting base (56).
16. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) for the operating units and/or the status acquisition units has at least one low voltage terminal (64) for DC voltage and at least one terminal (62) for AC voltage.
17. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the additional module (70) for the operation of the operating units and/or the status acquisition units has at least one low voltage terminal (76) for DC voltage and at least one mains voltage terminal (74) for AC voltage.
18. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) has at least one BUS terminal unit (140).
19. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) has a communication unit (88) for wireless communication.
20. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) has a terminal unit (140) for communication with a system controller (30) of the refrigerant circuit (10).
21. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 20, wherein the terminal unit (140) is configured as a BUS terminal (140) for communication with the system controller (30).
22. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the additional module (70) has a BUS terminal unit.
23. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive unit (28) is operable by means of a frequency converter (130) and wherein the frequency converter (130) is controlled by the base module (60).
24. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the drive unit (28) is operable by means of a frequency converter (130) and wherein the frequency converter (130) is controlled by way of the base module (60) by means of the additional module (70).
25. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein on occurrence of damage-prone operating states, the base module (60) detects them by means of the processor (82) and stores an alarm signal and that the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a display unit (90, 124) for the display of possible operating states and that the base module (60) controls, in particular, the display unit (90, 124) such that it displays an alarm signal recognized by the base module (60) and/or a stopping of the drive unit (28) and/or a start readiness of the control unit (40).
26. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) detects a temperature of the electrical drive unit (28) by means of a temperature sensor (88).
27. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a lubricant sensor (92) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the lubricant sensor (92).
28. The refrigerant compressor (20) according to embodiment 27, wherein the base module (60) evaluates the values of the lubricant sensor (91, 92, 93).
29. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) as the operating unit controls a lubricant feed from a lubricant separator (104) to the compressor unit (26) by way of a lubricant feed unit (102) connected to the base module (60) and/or to the additional module (70) of the control unit (40).
30. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 29, wherein the lubricant feed unit is configured as a lubricant injection valve (102).
31. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a compressed gas temperature sensor (94) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the compressed gas temperature sensor (94).
32. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 31, wherein the base module (60) evaluates the values of the compressed gas sensor (94), in particular while taking account of stored reference values.
33. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a high pressure sensor (96) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the high pressure sensor (96).
34. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 33, wherein the base module (60) passes on values detected, in particular by way of sensors, and/or determined values of the high pressure sensor (96).
35. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a lubricant heater (98) as an operating unit and wherein, in particular, the base module (60) switches the lubricant heater on or off.
36. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) are connected to a power control unit (106) of the compressor unit (26) and wherein the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106).
37. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 36, wherein the base module (60) controls the power control unit according to a power demand of the system control (30).
38. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 36 or 37, wherein the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106) by means of the at least one processor (82) dependent upon the compressed gas temperature acquired by means of the compressed gas temperature sensor (94), while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84).
39. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a suction gas temperature sensor (112) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the suction gas temperature sensor (112).
40. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor (82) of the base module (60) compares the values of the suction gas temperature sensor (112) with reference values stored in the memory store (84) or determined by the processor according to an operating state of the refrigerant compressor.
41. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 39, wherein if a reference value for the suction gas temperature is undershot, the base module (60) communicates with the system controller (30).
42. The refrigerant compressor according to one of embodiments 36 to 41, wherein the base module (60) controls the power control unit (106, 130) by means of the at least one processor (82), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and the suction gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84).
43. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) are connected to a fan (108) for cooling the compressor unit (26) as an operating unit and wherein the base module (60) controls the fan (108).
44. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 43, wherein by means of the at least one processor (82), the base module (60) controls the head fan (108), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84).
45. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) are connected to an injection unit (110) for liquid refrigerant as an operating unit and wherein the base module (60) controls the injection unit (110).
46. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 45, wherein by means of the at least one processor (82), the base module (60) controls the injection unit (110), while taking account of the compressed gas temperature and while taking account of specifications stored in the memory store (84) or determined by the processor according to further status variables.
47. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to an ambient temperature sensor (114) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114).
48. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 46, wherein by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) evaluates the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114), according to reference values specified in the memory store (84).
49. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 48, wherein by means of the processor (82), according to the values of the ambient temperature sensor (114), the base module (60) controls a blower unit (32) of the high pressure-side heat exchanger (14) on the basis of specifications stored in the memory store (84) or specifications determined by the processor (82) according to further operating state variables.
50. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a refrigeration location temperature sensor (116) as a status acquisition unit and wherein the base module (60) detects the values of the refrigeration location temperature sensor (116).
51. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 50, wherein by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) compares the refrigeration location temperature with reference values specified in the memory store (84) or determined by means of the processor (82) on the basis of further operating state variables.
52. The refrigerant compressor according to embodiment 51, wherein by means of the processor (82), the base module (60) controls a mass flow control unit (122) in the refrigerant circuit, while taking account of the refrigeration location temperature and a control program stored in the memory store (84).
53. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the base module (60) is configured to execute a lubricant return operation, controlled by means of the processor (82) in accordance with a lubricant return program, that in particular the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a switchable output (118) to activate the lubricant return operation as an operating unit and that the base module (60) controls the output (118).
54. The refrigerant compressor according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein on occurrence of damage-prone operating states, the base module (60) detects them by means of the processor (82) and stores an alarm signal and wherein the base module (60) and/or the additional module (70) of the control unit (40) is connected to a display unit (124) as an operating unit and wherein the base module (60) controls the display unit (124) such that it displays an alarm signal recognized by the base module (60).
55. A refrigerant circuit (10) comprising at least one refrigerant compressor (20), a high pressure line (12) extending away from the at least one refrigerant compressor (20), a high pressure-side heat exchanger arranged in the high pressure line (12), at least one expansion element (15) following the high pressure-side heat exchanger (14) in the high pressure line (12), a low pressure-side heat exchange (18) which is arranged in a low pressure line (16) following the expansion element (15) and from which the low pressure line (16) extends to the at least one refrigerant compressor (20), wherein the at least one refrigerant compressor is configured according to one of the preceding embodiments.
56. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 55, wherein it comprises a high pressure sensor (96) arranged in the high pressure line (12).
57. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 55 or 56, wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises a lubricant separator (104) arranged in the high pressure line (12).
58. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 55 to 57, wherein it comprises a mass flow control unit (122) connected upstream of the expansion element (15).
59. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 55 to 58, wherein it comprises a refrigeration location temperature sensor (116).
60. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 55 to 59, wherein it comprises a system controller (30) which cooperates with the control unit (40) of the at least one refrigerant compressor (20).
61. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 60, wherein the system controller (30) cooperates with the base unit (60) of the at least one refrigerant compressor (20).
62. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the system controller (30) cooperates with a BUS terminal (140) of the base module (60).
63. The refrigerant circuit according to one of embodiments 60 to 62, wherein the system controller (30) cooperates wirelessly with the base module (60).
64. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 55 to 63, wherein a plurality of refrigerant compressors (20) according to one of the embodiments 1 to 54 are arranged in the refrigerant circuit.
65. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 64, wherein the refrigerant compressors (20) are connected in parallel.
66. The refrigerant circuit according to embodiment 64 or 65, wherein the control units (40) of the refrigerant compressors (20) communicate by means of the respective base module (60).
67. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 64 to 66, wherein the system controller (30) cooperates directly with the respective control unit (40) of the refrigerant compressor (20).
68. The refrigerant circuit according to one of the embodiments 64 to 67, wherein the system controller (30) cooperates with the control unit (401) of one of the refrigerant compressors (201, 202, 203) and this control unit (401) in turn cooperates with the other control units (402, 403).
Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and of the illustration in the drawings of some exemplary embodiments.
A first exemplary embodiment shown in
The pressure port 22 and the suction port 24 are associated with a compressor unit of the refrigerant compressor 20 identified overall as 26, in which the refrigerant drawn in through the suction port 24 is compressed, wherein the compressor unit 26 is configured, for example, as a reciprocating piston compressor.
Additionally, the compressor unit 26 is driven by an electrical drive unit identified overall as 28, in particular an electric motor.
The control of the refrigerant circuit 10 takes place by means of a system controller 30 or system regulation which controls, firstly, for example, a blower unit 32 of the high pressure-side heat exchanger 14 and, secondly, the expansion element 15 and furthermore also controls the refrigerant compressor 20 in that the system controller 30 cooperates with the motor supply unit 34 arranged on the electrical drive unit 28.
The motor current supply unit 34 is directly associated with a control unit 40 with which operating units and status acquisition units for the refrigerant compressor 20 and also the refrigerant circuit 10 are operated, in order, firstly, to monitor the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 and, secondly, to optimize the operating conditions (
The motor current supply unit 34 itself comprises a housing 36 which is arranged directly on the electrical drive unit 28, in particular on a drive housing 29 thereof accommodating said drive unit.
Seated on the housing 36 is a controller housing 42 of the control unit 40 (
The controller housing 42 therein comprises a housing base 44 (shown in
The housing base 44 is further provided with reinforcements 52 and 54 which are configured, for example, as reinforcing webs 52, 54 elevated above the housing bottom and on which the control unit 40 lies in the mounted state.
Furthermore, the housing base 44 has mounting receptacles 56 for fixing the control unit 40.
In addition, an earthing terminal strip 58 is arranged on the housing base 44.
As
Provided on the base module 60 for carrying out basic functions are terminals 62 and 64, to which—as described in detail below—operating units and/or status acquisition units are connectable.
For example, the terminals 62 are mains voltage terminals, for example, for alternating current and the terminals 64 are low voltage terminals, for example, for direct current (
In particular, at least a portion of the mains voltage terminals 62 is switchable by means of output stages 63 provided with switching units, in order to switch operating units on or off.
Furthermore, in particular, at least a portion of the low voltage terminals 64 is configured for operating status acquisition units and is partially provided with switchable or controllable output stages 65 and a portion of the low voltage terminals 64 further serves for acquisition of measurement values of the status acquisition units (
Furthermore, the base module 60 also has an electrical connecting element 66 to which as shown in
By means of the reinforcements 52 and 54 carrying both the base module 60 and also the additional module 70, the connection between the electrical connecting element 66 of the base module 60 and a corresponding electrical connecting element 72 of the additional module 70 is therefore also protected against mechanical loadings, in particular vibrations, such that the electrical connection thereby created by way of the connecting element 66 to the additional module 70 remains securely and reliably intact.
Alternatively, the possibly also exists of the connection between the base module 60 and the additional module 70 by way of plug-in strips provided in the controller housing 40.
Furthermore, the additional module 70 is also provided with electrical terminals 74 and 76, by means of which a connection to operating units and/or status acquisition units carrying out additional functions takes place.
For example, the terminals 74 are mains voltage terminals, for example, for alternating current and the terminals 76 are low voltage terminals, for example, for direct current.
In particular, at least a portion of the mains voltage terminals 74 is provided with switching units and is switchable by means of output stages 75 controlled by the base module 60 in order to switch operating units on or off.
Therein, for example, these mains voltage terminals 74 are additionally secured in order to prevent further-reaching disruptions in the event of damage to an operating unit.
Furthermore, in particular, at least one of the low voltage terminals 76 is configured to operate a status acquisition unit and is provided, for example, with an output stage 77 that is switchable or controllable by means of the base module 60 and a portion of the low voltage terminals 76 further serves for acquisition and passing-on of measurement values from status acquisition units to the base module 60.
Furthermore, both the base module 60 and also the additional module 70 are connected to earth with the earth terminal strip 58.
In that operating units and/or status acquisition units are connectable to the base module 60 for executing basic functions, the control unit 40 can be configured in a first exemplary embodiment such that it has only the base module 60 and thus is capable only for executing the basic functions.
The communication of the base module 60 with the system controller 30 takes place, for example, either in analog manner or by means of a BUS system by means of a BUS terminal 140.
For wireless communication with the system controller 30 and/or with configuration and/or readout devices and/or further base modules 60, each base module 60 is advantageously provided with a wireless communication unit 86 which transmits and receives information and/or data, for example by means of Bluetooth or WiFi.
Depending upon the application, the basic functions can now be extended, by installing an additional module 70, to operating units and/or status acquisition units carrying out additional functions which, depending upon the configuration of the additional module 70 and thus, depending upon the requirement for the respective refrigerant compressor 20, can be configured and combined in the respective refrigerant circuit 10.
Herein, the base module 60 is in a position to recognize an additional module 70 of this type as such.
For optimal operation of the additional module 70, another configuration of the base module 60 preferably also takes place.
In principle, however, the operation of the basic functions and the additional functions takes place by way of at least one processor 82 already provided in the base module 60 and at least one memory store 82 associated therewith, using program code and data stored in the memory store 84, such as reference values, operating state variables, etc., so that the respective additional module 70 carries out only one mediatory communication, in each case, between the base module 60 and the operating units and status monitoring units connected to the additional module 70 for carrying out the additional functions.
The communication of the respective additional module 70 with the base module 60 takes place internally or externally either wire-based in analog manner or by means of a BUS connection.
In particular, an internal connection between the base module 60 and the respective additional module 70 takes place by means of the connecting elements 66 and 72.
Alternatively, an external connection can take place by means of lines, for example, between the terminal units 140 and 144.
A further alternative provides that the communication of the base unit 60 with the additional module 70 takes place wirelessly between the communication unit 86 of the base module and the communication unit 87 of the respective additional module 70.
A mediatory communication of this type of the additional module 70 can comprise not only a transmitting of a signal, but possibly a signal conversion and/or a signal processing and/or an intelligent signal processing and/or an evaluating signal processing or even a passing-on of a control signal for the operation of output stages 75 and 77 according to the control specifications of the base module 60.
The additional module 70 does not, however, in any event carry out evaluating and/or control functions. These are reserved for the at least one processor 82 in the base module 60.
Thus, the respective additional modules 70 serve only, by way of the mediatory communication, to make available an optimal adaptation of a great variety of operating and/or status acquisition units for carrying out the additional functions, while, on the basis of the stored program code and the data, the base module 60 makes available all the evaluating and/or control possibilities for a great variety of additional functions and thus for all the combinations with additional modules 70.
In a first exemplary embodiment shown in
The base module 60 controls with the processor 82 a configurable start sequence of the electrical drive unit 28 by controlling the motor current supply unit 34 which has switch elements needed for the start sequence. Thereby, an adaptation to a great variety of drive units 28 is possible.
In addition, a temperature sensor 88 for acquisition of the temperature of the electrical drive unit 28 is connected to the base module 60, so that, on overheating of the electrical drive unit 28, by comparing the measured temperature with a stored reference value, the base module 60 can switch the drive unit 28 off.
Therein, connected to the base module 60 is a lubricant sensor 92 which is arranged on the compressor unit 26, for example on the front side of an external housing 27 thereof and, as the lubricant level sensor, optically detects a lubricant level in a drive chamber of the compressor unit 26.
The signal indicating the lubricant level is therein evaluated by the at least one processor of the base module 60 and, if it falls below a threshold value, has the result that the processor 82 switches the drive unit 28 off in order to prevent damage to the compressor unit 26.
Furthermore, a sensor 94 is connected to the base module 60 for monitoring a temperature of the compressed gas at the pressure port 22, wherein the detected compressed gas temperature is also compared by the processor 82 of the base module 60 with a threshold value, on exceeding of which, for example on exceeding 150° Celsius, a switching off of the electrical drive unit 28 takes place.
However, the possibility also exists of providing, as a further threshold, a warning threshold, for example at 140º Celsius, so that if the warning threshold is undershot, the processor 82 of the base module generates a warning signal and transmits it, for example, to the system controller 30.
Furthermore, connected to the base module 60 is a high pressure sensor 96 which detects, for example, the pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10, in particular in the high pressure line 12, so that the processor 82 can compare this high pressure with a threshold value and, if this threshold is exceeded, either again switches the drive unit 28 off or at least communicates a warning signal to the system controller 30.
The base module 60 in turn controls one or more display units 90 which display, for example, a warning signal and/or a stopping of the drive units 28 due to an inadmissible operating state being recognized by the processor 82 and/or the start readiness of the control unit 40, and are visible through a window 91 in the controller housing 42 (
Furthermore, provided in the compressor unit is a lubricant heater 98 which is operated by the base module 60 such that, when the drive unit 28 is switched off, it heats the lubricant and then, when the drive unit 28 is in operation again, switches off the heating for the lubricant in order to keep the lubricant at a desired viscosity.
The base module 60 therein operates, in particular, the lubricant sensor 92, the compressed gas temperature sensor 94 and the high pressure sensor 96 with DC voltage, for example 12 Volt or 24 Volt.
Furthermore, the base module 60 operates the lubricant heater 98 with mains voltage, for example 110 Volt or 230 Volt, wherein an internal or a separate mains supply for the lubricant heater 98 is provided which the processor 82 switches on or off by means of one of the output stages 63.
In a second exemplary embodiment of the control unit 40′ (
The base module 60 can therein be configured in the same way and can be connected to the same sensors 92, 94, 96 as in the first exemplary embodiment according to
Alternatively thereto, however, the possibility also exists, in place of the lubricant sensor 92, of using a lubricant sensor 93 that is configured as a continuous level sensor and enables a precise acquisition of the lubricant level.
Additionally, a lubricant injection unit 102 connected to the additional module 70 is also provided which injects lubricant according to the lubricant level measured by the lubricant sensor 93, said lubricant originating from a lubricant separator 104 which is arranged in the high pressure line 12 of the refrigerant circuit 10, following the pressure port 22, so that the processor 82 feeds lubricant to the compressor unit 26 according to the lubricant level determined by the lubricant sensor 93, for example, in defined intervals from the lubricant separator 104, by way of the lubricant injection unit 102, wherein this takes place making use of the fact that the lubricant is under high pressure in the lubricant separator 104 and thus, due to the high pressure, can easily be injected into the drive chamber of the compressor unit 26.
Furthermore, a power control unit 106 associated with at least one cylinder bank 105 of the compressor unit 26 is also connected to the additional module 70, said power control unit comprising, in particular, at least one power controller valve which, for example, in the cylinder bank 105, interrupts a feed of refrigerant to a suction chamber or short-circuits an outlet chamber to the corresponding suction chamber so that this cylinder bank 105 contributes no mass flow to the mass generated by the refrigerant compressor 20.
It is, however, also provided in the context of the invention to control individual cylinders, each with an associated power control unit 106.
It is, however, also conceivable to switch a plurality of cylinder banks 105 on or off individually with the additional module 70 of the control unit 40′ to vary the mass flow and thus to control the power on a plurality of levels with regard to the mass flow of the refrigerant compressor 20.
The control of the at least one power controller unit 106 or a plurality of power controller units 106 therein takes place by means of the processor 82 of the base module 60, which transmits the control signals to the additional module 70, which then undertakes the respective control of the at least one power controller unit 106.
The processor 82 of the base module 60 therein reacts, for example, to demand signals from the system controller 30, which demands the required mass flow in the refrigerant circuit 10.
Furthermore, in this second exemplary embodiment, it is also provided that the additional module 70 controls a head fan 108 which represents a blower that serves for blower cooling of cylinder heads, for example of the cylinder banks 105 of the compressor unit 26 in order to prevent overheating of the compressor in the region of the cylinder heads and, in particular, the pressure port 22.
It is also optionally provided that an injection unit 110 for liquid refrigerant is arranged on the refrigerant compressor 20 such that it cools the refrigerant drawn in by the compressor unit 26 in the region of suction chambers thereof by expansion, in order to reduce the compressed gas temperature.
This injection unit 110 is connected to the additional module 70 and is controlled, for example, by the processor 82 of the base module 60, on evaluation of the compressed gas temperature at the compressed gas port 22, in the same way as the head fan 108.
In a further exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant circuit 10 according to the invention with a refrigerant compressor 20 according to the invention, in a third exemplary embodiment of the control unit 40″, shown in
The power controller units 106 or 106, 106′ and 106″ are preferably used such that a power regulation between 10% and 100% of the mass flow is possible.
This takes place, for example, by means of pulse width modulation, in particular with a high switching frequency at which the power controller units 106, 106′ and 106″ are controlled by the processor 82 according to a pre-programmed control logic stored in the memory store 84 in order to achieve the most stable possible control of the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 but also, furthermore, to be able to react rapidly to load changes.
In particular, however, the power regulation also comprises a monitoring of the refrigerant compressor 20 on the basis of the signal solely of the compressed gas temperature sensor 94 which, if a threshold value for the compressed gas temperature is exceeded, causes the processor 82 to increase the mass flow through the refrigerant compressor 20 according to a predetermined operating program stored in the memory store 84 by means of suitable control of the power controller unit 106 or the power controller units 106, 106′, 106″, and thereby to reduce the compressed gas temperature again.
In addition, the additional module 70′ is also connected to a suction gas temperature sensor 112 which detects the temperature of the drawn-in refrigerant, which temperature can then be communicated by way of the additional module 70′ to the base module 60.
The processor 82 is thus able to compare the suction gas temperature with a threshold value to check whether it is high enough so that no liquid refrigerant enters into the compressor unit 26 of the refrigerant compressor 20 and, given too low a suction gas temperature, to transmit a warning signal to the system controller 30.
Another possibility consists therein that the processor 82 compares both the suction gas temperature measured by the suction gas temperature sensor 112 as well as the compressed gas temperature measured by the compressed gas temperature sensor 94 with the operating limits E specified in the memory store 84 for the operation of the refrigerant compressor 20.
Alternatively, the possibility exists of drawing upon values of a high pressure sensor and a suction pressure sensor for monitoring the operating limits E.
Such operating limits E are, for example, as shown in
Furthermore, for example, an operating limit E2 is provided which has the result that if the refrigerant compressor 20 is not operated again within the operating limit E1 within a particular time period, a switch-off of the refrigerant compressor 20 takes place or an operating limit E3 is provided which has the result that the refrigerant compressor 20 is immediately switched off by way of the processor 82.
In addition, for example, an operating limit E4 is provided, the undershooting of which has the result that all the preceding warnings regarding an exceeding of the operating limits E1 or E2 are deleted.
Furthermore, the additional module 70′ is also connected to an ambient temperature sensor 114 which communicates an ambient temperature to the processor 82 so that the processor is able to monitor further and, if necessary, adapt the operating conditions for the refrigerant compressor 20.
In addition, the possibility also exists that, by means of a comparison of the ambient temperature with stored reference values and by way of the connection of the additional module 70′ to the blower unit 32 of the high pressure-side heat exchanger 14, the processor 82 switches on this blower unit 32 independently of the system controller 30.
Furthermore, in the second exemplary embodiment of the additional module 70′ it is also provided that, by means of the lubricant sensor 92 as described in relation to the exclusive use of the base module according to
In a fourth exemplary embodiment of a control unit 40″ according to the invention shown in
However, the lubricant sensor 91 is a lubricant differential pressure sensor which detects a pressure difference in the lubricant supply to the compressor unit 26 and thus transmits to the base module 60 values regarding the quality of the lubricant supply to the compressor unit 20.
If the processor 82 recognizes by means of a comparison with reference values stored in the memory store 84, a deficit in the lubricant supply, then the processor 82 temporarily operates the refrigerant compressor 20 at full load, that is at maximum mass flow, in order thereby to achieve a sufficient lubricant return.
The additional module 70″ is also configured so that it is connected to the power controller unit 106 and to the suction gas temperature sensor 112 and thereby the processor 82 of the base module 60 is capable, on the one hand, of comparing the suction gas temperature with a threshold value and, on the other hand, of determining whether the refrigerant compressor 20 is being operated in the region of its operating limits E1 to E4.
Furthermore, the additional module 70″ is connected to the ambient temperature sensor 114 and thus the processor 82 of the base module 60 is capable of operating the blower unit 32 while taking account of the ambient temperature and possibly the high pressure.
Additionally, the possibility exists of connecting this additional module 70″ to a refrigeration location temperature sensor 116 which detects the temperature of the site to be cooled by means of the low pressure-side heat exchanger 18 and thus opens the possibility, when this temperature is communicated by the additional module 70″ to the processor 82 of the base module 60, that the processor 82 temporarily or permanently takes over the control functions of the refrigerant circuit, in particular of the system controller 30, and controls the power level of the refrigerant compressor 20, in particular its mass flow, according to the temperature measured by the refrigeration location temperature sensor 116 with the specification of a control program stored in the memory store 84.
Furthermore, the additional module 70″ is connected to a display of a lubricant return operation 118 which enables lubricant to be fed back to the refrigerant compressor 20 in that the refrigerant compressor 20 is operated during a predetermined time period by means of the processor 82 and of a lubricant return program stored in the memory store 84 at full load, that is at maximum mass flow. For example, the lubricant return operation is initiated by the processor 82 if a lubricant deficit is recognized by the processor 82 by way of one of the lubricant sensors.
Furthermore, the additional module 70″ is connected to a mass flow control unit 122 which is arranged on the high pressure side of the expansion element 15 and enables the mass flow passing through the expansion organ 15 to be controlled by the processor 82 according to a control program specified in the memory store 84.
Furthermore, the additional module 70″ is also connected to a display unit 124 which serves to display whether any fault-prone operating state has been recognized by the processor 82 or whether an alarm-free operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 is underway and possibly also for indication on the display 118 of whether a temporary operation of the refrigerant compressor 20 takes place at full load for lubricant return.
A fifth exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant compressor 20″ according to the invention, shown in
Alternatively, however, it can also be provided in a sixth exemplary embodiment of the control unit 40′″″, shown in
In the exemplary embodiments of the control unit 40 described above, the communication between them and the system controller 30 is either by way of a direct line or by way of the BUS terminal unit 140 or by way of the wireless communication unit 86 of the respective base module 60.
The BUS terminal units 140 and 144 and the communication units 86, 87 serve in particular however not only for communication with the system controller 30, but are also usable for communication with other base modules 60 or additional modules 70 or configuration or readout units in order to read in or read out program code and/or data.
In the exemplary embodiments of the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the invention described so far, it comprises only one refrigerant compressor 20.
It is, however, also conceivable in a further exemplary embodiment, as shown in
A first possibility for the communication between the system controller 30 and the control units 401, 402 and 403 provides that the system controller 30 of each of the control units 401, 402 and 403 transmits a start/stop signal in analog or digital manner and transmits a target value specification in analog manner so that the system controller 30 of each of the control units 401, 402 and 403 controls the respective refrigerant compressor according to these specifications.
Alternatively, however, the possibility exists for each base module 60 of the system controller 30 to control the BUS terminal unit 1401, 1402, 1403 at its BUS terminal 141, wherein specifications regarding the mass flow are then transmitted to each of the refrigerant compressors 201, 202, 203 by the system controller 30 by way of the BUS terminal 141, but otherwise each refrigerant compressor 201, 202, 203 is controlled independently of the other refrigerant compressors 201, 202, 203 by means of the respective base module 601, 602, 603.
Otherwise, the refrigerant compressor 20 and the refrigerant circuit 10 are configured in the same manner as in the previous exemplary embodiments.
In a further exemplary embodiment, shown in
Otherwise, this exemplary embodiment is configured in the same manner as the exemplary embodiment according to
In a further exemplary embodiment, shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 131 405.7 | Nov 2022 | DE | national |
