Trane International Inc.

Christopher Espelien

Scott Michael Branch

Robert S Bakkestuen

Joseph M Heger

Seth M McGill

Daniel A Strange

Russell T Abbott

Aaron Salesman

Josef L Schmidt

Variable volume ratio compressors may be controlled using a switching parameter based on compressor speed and suction density to improve the matching of compressor volume ratio to desired discharge conditions. Delay periods may be implemented in the determination of when to change volume ratio to control the frequency of changes to the volume ratio. The switching parameter may be a product of the compressor speed and suction density. The volume ratio of the compressor may be controlled by switching valves directing pressure to a piston of a variable volume ratio system of the compressor.

Method of improved control for variable volume ratio valve

This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling compressor motors, particularly varying the operation parameters of the motor to provide heat to a lubricant of the motor. The operation parameters include one or more of a pulse width modulation switching frequency, a pulse width modulation frequency switching pattern, or a torque/amp ratio of a drive of the compressor. The efficiency of the motor may be reduced to provide heat, with the heat improving lubricant quality and drive efficiency, to increase an overall efficiency of compressor operations. Methods may include determining a lubricant quality, and determining operational parameters that improve lubricant quality.

Systems and methods for controlling compressor motors

A variable orifice flow device controls the flow of refrigerant into a compressor motor housing in a compressor. The variable orifice flow device may include, for example, an electronic expansion valve, a thermal expansion valve, or a shuttling valve controlling the flow of refrigerant into a compressor motor housing. One or more flows of refrigerant may be through a fixed orifice, a valve seat of the variable orifice flow device, or leakage through a seal of the compressor motor housing, providing a baseline refrigerant flow to the inside of the compressor motor housing in addition to the flow through the variable orifice flow device.

Refrigerant gas cooling of motor and magnetic bearings

A variable orifice flow device controls the flow of a fluid between a volute casing and a compressor motor casing in a compressor. The variable orifice flow device may be a shuttling valve, with positions controlled by, for example, valves controlling the flow of the fluid into a space opposite a side within the shuttling valve assembly. The variable orifice flow device may have one or more orifices through which a fluid can enter the compressor motor casing, and the surface area of the orifices may be controlled by the position of the shuttling valve.

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Holmen, WI, United States of America

Christopher Espelien