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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Means for refrigeration speed control

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6737146

This patent describes an energy efficient refrigeration control means additive to existing refrigeration systems that utilize a centrifugcal compressor and electrical motor to drive same, adjustable inlet vanes, a system controller and a vane position actuator. The control means comprises: a vane position transducer which upon sensing movement of the vanes, produces an electrical signal proportional to the changed vane position; a variable frequency drive which varies the electrical frequency to the motor to proportionally vary the speed of the motor; and a control means comparer which receives the transducer signal, compares the changed vane position to a predetermined vane opening range and the motor speed to a predetermined operable range, and issues a proportional command to the driver to vary motor speed upon the ranges being satisfied. A closing of the vanes will cause a proportional decrease in motor speed to reduce refrigeration cooling capacity below that required, thereby forcing the system controller to subsequently opening the vanes and increase cooling capacity to meet system load requirements such that the refrigeration system operates at full open vanes at reduced motor speed.

Assignee:
NOV; EDB-87-064164; NOV-87-050614
Patent Number(s):
US 4646534
OSTI ID:
6737146
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English