US 6,017,192 A · System and method for controlling screw compressors

Abstract

A compressor controller provides integrated monitoring, control, and alarm capabilities. The compressor controller receives a run signal from a rack controller. Upon receipt of the run signal, the compressor controller monitors startup conditions to determine whether it is safe to start the compressor. If so, the compressor controller applies power to the compressor and determines whether the compressor is running properly. Once the compressor is running properly, the compressor controller continues to monitor the operation of the compressor. If the compressor controller detects a fault conditions during the startup or operation of the compressor, the compressor controller provides an alarm signal and shuts down the compressor if necessary. The compressor controller provides maximum protection for the compressor by monitoring a plurality of relevant conditions and by shutting the compressor down when necessary. The compressor controller also maximizes the compressor's availability by evaluating the monitored conditions to determine whether the compressor can continue to run or be restarted despite a fault condition.

Claims25

Dependent claims

In a refrigeration system including a compressor and a rack controller, a method for controlling the compressor, comprising the steps of:

receiving a run signal;
in response to the run signal, determining whether a first set of parameters indicate the compressor may be started;
in response to a determination that the compressor may be started, starting the compressor;
determining whether a second set of parameters indicate the compressor has started properly;
in response to a determination that the compressor has not started properly, shutting down the compressor;
in response to a determination that the compressor has started properly, determining whether a third set of parameters indicate the compressor is operating properly;
and
in response to a determination that the compressor is not operating properly, executing an alarm or shutdown routine.

5 more elements

A compressor controller, comprising:

an input for receiving a run signal from a rack controller;
a plurality of inputs for receiving input signals indicative of operating parameters associated with a compressor;
an output for applying power to the compressor;
and
a microprocessor operative to:
detect the run signal from the rack controller;
determine, in response to the run signal, whether a first set of operating parameters indicate the compressor may be started;
in response to a determination that the compressor may be started, start the compressor;
determine whether a second set of operating parameters indicate the compressor has started properly;
in response to a determination that the compressor has not started properly, shut down the compressor;
in response to a determination that the compressor has started properly, determine whether a third set of parameters indicate the presence of a fault condition;
determine whether the fault condition requires an alarm;
in response to the fault condition requiring an alarm, provide an alarm;
determine whether the fault condition requires the compressor to be shutdown;
in response to the fault condition requiring the compressor to be shut down, shut down the compressor;
determine whether the compressor may be restarted;
and
restart the compressor in response to a determination that the compressor may be restarted.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for controlling screw compressors

Life of this patent

System and method for controlling screw compressors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25