Variable speed compressor protection system and method

A method comprising:

• receiving, with a control module, compressor power data of a compressor;
• determining, with the control module, a saturated condenser temperature of a condenser connected to the compressor as a function of the compressor power data and a speed of the compressor;
• receiving, with the control module, a discharge line temperature signal that corresponds to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor;
• calculating, with the control module, a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature;
• monitoring, with the control module, a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold;
• and
• increasing the speed of the compressor or decreasing an opening of an expansion valve, with the control module, when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.