Abstract: A system and method for determining a fault condition in a compressor is provided. The current of a motor drive powering the compressor and the outdoor ambient temperature are measured and used to determine if a fault condition or a potential fault condition is present in the compressor. If a fault condition is determined to be present, the compressor can be shutdown to avoid damage to the compressor. If a potential fault condition is determined, remedial action can be taken to attempt to prevent the fault condition from occurring and shutting down the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the speed of the compressor to ensure adequate lubrication oil is provided to the components of the compressor. During operation of a capacity control program for the compressor, a preselected operating parameter of the compressor or motor drive is measured. The measured preselected operating parameter is compared to a preselected range for the operating parameter. If the measured preselected operating parameter is not within the preselected range, the output frequency of the capacity control program can be increased to provide proper lubrication for the components of the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method for starting a compressor is provided. An amount of liquid refrigerant that is located in an oil sump of the compressor is determined. Using the determined amount of liquid refrigerant, a starting algorithm for the compressor is selected. The selected starting algorithm is configured to remove the determined amount of liquid refrigerant from the oil sump before the compressor reaches a preselected operating speed. The selected starting algorithm is then executed to start the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the speed of the compressor to ensure adequate lubrication oil is provided to the components of the compressor. During operation of a capacity control program for the compressor, a preselected operating parameter of the compressor or motor drive is measured. The measured preselected operating parameter is compared to a preselected range for the operating parameter. If the measured preselected operating parameter is not within the preselected range, the output frequency of the capacity control program can be increased to provide proper lubrication for the components of the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a fault condition in a compressor is provided. The current of a motor drive powering the compressor and the outdoor ambient temperature are measured and used to determine if a fault condition or a potential fault condition is present in the compressor. If a fault condition is determined to be present, the compressor can be shutdown to avoid damage to the compressor. If a potential fault condition is determined, remedial action can be taken to attempt to prevent the fault condition from occurring and shutting down the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method for starting a compressor is provided. An amount of liquid refrigerant that is located in an oil sump of the compressor is determined. Using the determined amount of liquid refrigerant, a starting algorithm for the compressor is selected. The selected starting algorithm is configured to remove the determined amount of liquid refrigerant from the oil sump before the compressor reaches a preselected operating speed. The selected starting algorithm is then executed to start the compressor.