Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for calibrating operation of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A measuring device measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system at a position where the measuring device is mounted on a refrigerant line of the HVAC system. The measuring device switches states when the value of the measured operating parameter reaches a switching value. A controller estimates a value of the first operating parameter at the position where the first measuring device is mounted on the refrigerant line, and the controller determines whether the estimated first operating parameter is within a threshold percentage of the switching value.

Abstract: In various implementations, an air conditioner may include one or more compressors, more than one expansion device, and/or a microchannel condenser. High pressure events may occur during operation of the air conditioner and may be identified. When a high pressure event is identified a bypass operation may be allowed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide an accumulator for helping to relieve pressure during pressure spikes in an HVAC system. The accumulator can also be heated by various means, such as components of the condenser or evaporator, helping to achieve proper performance of the system. The accumulator can also serve as a receptacle for refrigerant when the system is powered down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for heating a compressor assembly of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system comprises a heat source for transferring thermal energy to a plurality of compressor units. A controller varies the thermal energy transferred to the compressor units, between at least two substantially non-zero rates of transfer of thermal energy, in a plurality of modes of operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: In various implementations, an air conditioner may include one or more compressors, more than one expansion device, and/or a microchannel condenser. High pressure events may occur during operation of the air conditioner and may be identified. When a high pressure event is identified a bypass operation may be allowed.

Abstract: In various implementations, compressor operation in an air conditioner may be managed by maintaining oil viscosity, a temperature differential, compressor sump temperature, and/or suction pressure. Properties of the air conditioner or portions thereof, such as the compressor, may be determined. To manage compressor operations, operation(s) of the air conditioner may be adjusted based on one or more of the determined properties.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a compressor of an HVAC system in response to the refrigerant super heat value for refrigerant within the compressor. First and second signals are received for indicating one or more temperature values of refrigerant substantially at the first compressor sump and within the first distributor tube, respectively. A saturated suction temperature is estimated using at least the second signal. A first super heat value is calculated for refrigerant substantially at the first compressor sump using at least the saturated suction temperature and the one or more temperature values indicated by the first signal. A first control signal is generated for at least de-energizing the first compressor if the calculated first super heat value is below a tolerance value defining the minimum super heat value at which the first compressor may be operated.

Abstract: In various implementations, compressor operation in an air conditioner may be managed by maintaining oil viscosity, a temperature differential, compressor sump temperature, and/or suction pressure. Properties of the air conditioner or portions thereof, such as the compressor, may be determined. To manage compressor operations, operation(s) of the air conditioner may be adjusted based on one or more of the determined properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for heating a compressor assembly of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system comprises a heat source for transferring thermal energy to a plurality of compressor units. A controller varies the thermal energy transferred to the compressor units, between at least two substantially non-zero rates of transfer of thermal energy, in a plurality of modes of operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for calibrating operation of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A measuring device measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system at a position where the measuring device is mounted on a refrigerant line of the HVAC system. The measuring device switches states when the value of the measured operating parameter reaches a switching value. A controller estimates a value of the first operating parameter at the position where the first measuring device is mounted on the refrigerant line, and the controller determines whether the estimated first operating parameter is within a threshold percentage of the switching value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for improving stabilization of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. More specifically, the systems and methods include a heat-flow modulator for regulating an exchange of thermal energy between a flow of refrigerant and a sensory bulb. The exchange of thermal energy allows an expansion valve to respond to a refrigerant temperature using an actuator, which is coupled to the sensory bulb. The heat-flow modulator is formed of a body that includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface is thermally-coupled to a suction line of the HVAC system, which conveys the flow of refrigerant. The second contact surface is thermally-coupled to the sensory bulb. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for calibrating operation of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A measuring device measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system at a position where the measuring device is mounted on a refrigerant line of the HVAC system. The measuring device switches states when the value of the measured operating parameter reaches a switching value. A controller estimates a value of the first operating parameter at the position where the first measuring device is mounted on the refrigerant line, and the controller determines whether the estimated first operating parameter is within a threshold percentage of the switching value.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented that include an expansion valve having a pin operable to regulate a primary flow of refrigerant through a flow orifice. A flange is coupled to the pin and is configured to regulate a bleed flow of refrigerant through a bleed orifice. The flange moves cooperatively with the pin, thereby enabling the bleed flow of refrigerant to vary in coordination with the primary flow of refrigerant. When the pin occludes the flow orifice, the flange forms a predetermined gap that allows a non-zero bleed flow when the primary flow of refrigerant is substantially zero. The bleed flow of refrigerant therefore flows persistently through the expansion valve during operation. Other systems, tools and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that involve detecting a flammable refrigerant associated with a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In one instance a damper covers an access port allowing a single sensor to monitor at least two separate spaces. In another instance, a multi-probe sensor allows a single sensor to monitor at least two separate spaces. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor comprising a first compressor and a second compressor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the tandem compressor. The controller is operable to operate threshold logic that turns off the tandem compressor if the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller is further operable to determine a temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system based on data received from at least one of the plurality of sensors and determine that the HVAC system requires a change of state to meet the temperature demand. The controller may disable the threshold logic for a pre-determined period of time in response to determining that the HVAC system requires the change of state and perform the change of state independently of the threshold logic.

Abstract: In various implementations, compressor operation in an air conditioner may be managed by maintaining oil viscosity, a temperature differential, compressor sump temperature, and/or suction pressure. Properties of the air conditioner or portions thereof, such as the compressor, may be determined. To manage compressor operations, operation(s) of the air conditioner may be adjusted based on one or more of the determined properties.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for reducing a refrigerant pressure difference within an HVAC system having a controller, one or more compressors, and at least two paths of refrigerant piping comprising alternative paths for refrigerant flow through the HVAC system. A valve is coupled to each refrigerant piping path for permitting, or preventing, refrigerant flow through each of the alternate paths of refrigerant piping. The controller may open at least one valve for a defined period of time in response to a triggering input to allow a refrigerant pressure difference within the HVAC system to dissipate across the opened valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing refrigerant pressures within an HVAC system are provided. A first tube may couple to a receptacle and to a manifold, placing the receptacle in fluid communication with the manifold. The manifold may couple to a condenser and may receive refrigerant from an outlet of a first pass of tubing through the condenser. Refrigerant exiting the first pass of tubing of the condenser may migrate into the receptacle in response to high refrigerant pressures within the HVAC system. A controller may determine whether at least one condition indicating a likelihood high refrigerant pressure within the HVAC system is present. The controller may close a first valve in response to determining that at least one condition indicating a likelihood high refrigerant pressure is present and upon the expiration of a first period of time. The first valve may couple to the first tube and may permit refrigerant flow into or out of the receptacle when open.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor, and a controller. The tandem compressor comprises a first and second compressor, each comprising a crankcase heater. The controller determines that one of the sensors has failed, and in response, initiates the first and second crankcase heaters and transmits an alert indicating that one of the sensors has failed. Further, the controller may disable threshold logic such that the first and second compressors are controlled independently of a determination whether the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller operates the first and second compressors according to a safe mode, wherein first on or off settings of the compressors are determined based on a first required load operation of the tandem compressor. The first required load operation is determined from a first temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing discharge pressure in a Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning system. The apparatus has a compensator reservoir and a compensator line. The compensator line connects the compensator reservoir and a liquid line. The liquid line connects a condenser and an evaporator. The compensator line has a connection to the compensator reservoir and a connection to the liquid line. In the method, a controller checks for one or more conditions indicating a likelihood of high discharge pressure. The controller finds a condition indicating a likelihood of high discharge pressure. In response to finding the condition, the controller closes a compensator valve after a set amount of time. The controller reopens the compensator valve.