Compressor Having Oil-Level Sensing System

Abstract

A compressor may include a shell containing a motor, a compression mechanism and a lubricant sump. The compressor may also include first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the lubricant sump and may measure a first temperature of a lubricant at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the lubricant sump and may measure a second temperature of the lubricant at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module is in communication with the first and second temperature sensors. The control module may determine a first difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The control module may determine whether a liquid level of the lubricant in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on the first difference.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.