Compressors and methods for determining optimal parking positions for compressor pistons

A method for determining an optimal parking position for a compressor piston, the method comprising performing a current value evaluation for an initial time during operation of a motor of the compressor, wherein performing the current value evaluation comprises:

• measuring a plurality of motor current value at the time, each of the motor current values corresponding to a motor current phase;
• measuring a phase angle for the each of the motor current values at the time;
• selecting a peak motor current value from the plurality of motor current values;
• comparing the peak motor current value to an existing optimal parking current value;
• modifying the existing optimal parking current value to the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value;
• modifying an existing optimal parking phase angle to the phase angle of the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value;
• and
• modifying an existing optimal parking phase to the motor current phase of the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value.

A compressor, comprising:

• a housing defining a chamber;
• a piston disposed and movable within the chamber;
• a motor driving the piston;
• and
• a controller in communication with the motor, the controller configured for performing a current value evaluation for an initial time during operation of the motor, wherein performing the current value evaluation comprises:
• measuring a plurality of motor current value at the time, each of the motor current values corresponding to a motor current phase;
• measuring a phase angle for the each of the motor current values at the time;
• selecting a peak motor current value from the plurality of motor current values;
• comparing the peak motor current value to an existing optimal parking current value;
• modifying the existing optimal parking current value to the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value;
• modifying an existing optimal parking phase angle to the phase angle of the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value;
• and
• modifying an existing optimal parking phase to the motor current phase of the peak motor current value when the peak motor current value exceeds or is equal to the existing optimal parking current value.