Methods and system for motor optimization using capacitance and/or voltage adjustments

A computer readable medium containing computer software, which, when run on a computer causes the computer to provide apparatus for controlling a variable capacity compressor including a start winding and a run winding, the apparatus comprising:

• means for operating the variable capacity compressor in one or more stages such that power is provided by the variable capacity compressor to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling;
• means for detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling;
• means for operating the variable capacity compressor at a reduced capacity based on the detected change;
• and
• means for varying one of a voltage applied to the variable capacity compressor or a capacitance connected in parallel with a run capacitor, such that the torque provided to the variable capacity compressor varies to increase the efficiency of the compressor.

A system for controlling a variable capacity compressor including a start winding and a run winding, the system comprising:

• at least one memory comprising
• code that operates to control the variable capacity compressor in one or more stages such that power is provided by the variable capacity compressor to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling,
• code that detects a change in the demand for heating or cooling,
• code that operates the variable capacity compressor at a reduced capacity based on the detected change, and
• code that varies a capacitance connected in parallel with a run capacitor, such that the torque provided to the variable capacity compressor varies to increase the efficiency of the compressor;
• and
• at least one processor that executes said code.

A system of controlling a two-stage reversible compressor including a start winding and a run winding, comprising:

• means for operating the variable capacity compressor in one or more stages such that power is provided by the variable capacity compressor to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling;
• means for detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling;
• means for operating the variable capacity compressor at a reduced capacity based on the detected change;
• and
• means for varying a capacitance connected in parallel with a run capacitor, such that the torque provided to the variable capacity compressor varies to increase the efficiency of the compressor.

A system of controlling a variable capacity compressor including a start winding and a run winding, comprising:

• means for operating the variable capacity compressor in one or more stages such that the power provided by the variable capacity compressor satisfies a demand for heating or cooling;
• means for detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling;
• means for operating the variable capacity compressor at a reduced capacity based on the detected change;
• and
• means for varying one of a voltage applied to the variable capacity compressor or a capacitance connected in parallel with a run capacitor, such that the torque provided to the variable capacity compressor varies to increase the efficiency of the compressor.

A method of controlling a variable capacity compressor driven by a motor comprising the steps of:

• operating the variable capacity compressor at a first capacity to satisfy a demand for heating or cooling;
• detecting a change in the demand for heating or cooling;
• operating the variable capacity compressor at a second, different capacity based on the detected change in demand;
• detecting an operating parameter that indicates an opportunity to increase compressor efficiency when the compressor is operating at a given capacity;
• and
• varying the torque applied by the motor when the detected operating parameter indicates an opportunity to increase efficiency of the compressor by varying the torque.