Compressor having oil-level sensing system

A compressor comprising:

• a shell including a motor, a compression mechanism, a lubricant sump, and a suction chamber;
• a suction inlet extending through said shell and configured to deliver suction gas to the suction chamber;
• a fluid path for delivering suction gas, the fluid path having a first end proximate said lubricant sump and a second end proximate said suction inlet;
• a first temperature sensor disposed within said fluid path adjacent said first end;
• a second temperature sensor disposed within said shell at a position vertically higher than said first sensor;
• and
• a control module in communication with said first and second temperature sensors, said control module determining a temperature difference between said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor, said control module determining a liquid level in said lubricant sump based on said temperature difference,
• wherein working fluid is drawn into said compression mechanism for compression therein during operation of the compressor, and wherein said second temperature sensor is disposed within said suction chamber and measures a temperature of said working fluid disposed within said suction chamber.

A compressor comprising:

• a shell including a motor, a compression mechanism, a lubricant sump, and a suction chamber;
• a suction inlet extending through said shell and configured to deliver suction gas to the suction chamber;
• a fluid path for delivering suction gas, the fluid path having a first end proximate said lubricant sump and a second end proximate said suction inlet;
• a first temperature sensor disposed within said fluid path adjacent said first end;
• a second temperature sensor disposed within said shell at a position vertically higher than said first sensor;
• and
• a control module in communication with said first and second temperature sensors, said control module determining a temperature difference between said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor, said control module determining a liquid level in said lubricant sump based on said temperature difference,
• wherein said first temperature sensor is exposed to a flow of said suction gas in a first mode of operation, and said first temperature sensor is exposed to a lubricant in a second mode of operation.