Oil level detecting apparatus and control method thereof, oil flow detecting apparatus and control method thereof, method for control oil return using oil level and oil flow

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting an oil level and a method for controlling the same, an apparatus for detecting oil flow and a method for controlling the same, and a method for controlling oil return using the detected oil level and the detected oil flow are disclosed. The level of oil stored in a compressor is measured at two or more positions. The frequency comparison scheme using two electrodes can correctly detect the level of oil stored in the compressor, a refrigerant state, and the level of mixed oils, and can determine an internal state of the compressor and a normal or abnormal state of the oil return system, such that the oil return control can be actively controlled. The flow of oil in the oil return pipe is detected so as to determine whether the oil is normally supplied in real time, such that a malfunction of the compressor is prevented and a valve state can be checked. The level of oil stored in the compressor is adjusted not only using the oil level detection result but also the oil flow detection result, and the oil return operation can be controlled.