Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A flash tank is provided and may include a shell having an inner volume. A first port may be in fluid communication with the inner volume and may be positioned relative to a surface of the inner volume such that fluid flows therebetween in a direction that is substantially tangent to the surface.

Abstract: A heat pump system of the type which re-circulates refrigerant through a fluid circuit between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger includes a compressor coupled to the fluid circuit and a vapor injection system including a vessel fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and to a vapor injection port of the compressor. The vessel is operable as a receiver in a cooling mode of the heat pump system and is operable as a flash tank in a heating mode of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A flash tank is provided and may include a shell having an inner volume. A first port may be in fluid communication with the inner volume and may be positioned relative to a surface of the inner volume such that fluid flows therebetween in a direction that is substantially tangent to the surface.

Abstract: A method includes operating a compressor with a vapor injection system and selectively supplying vapor to the compressor during compressor operation through actuation of a first control valve. The method further includes closing the first control valve to prevent vapor from entering the compressor for a first predetermined time period leading up to stopping operation of the compressor and stopping the compressor with the first control valve in the closed position. The compressor is started with the first control valve in the closed position and the first control valve is maintained in the closed position for a second predetermined time period following starting of the compressor. The first control valve is opened to supply vapor to the compressor after the second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method includes operating a compressor of a heat pump system and is selectively providing vapor to a vapor injection port of the compressor via a vapor injection line and vapor injection valve. The method further includes determining a frost condition of a first and second heat exchanger of the heat pump system and closing a vapor injection valve to prevent fluid flow into the compressor at the vapor injection port. A direction of refrigerant flow is reversed to direct vaporized refrigerant to the one of said first and second heat exchangers experiencing the frost condition. The vapor injection valve is opened after a first predetermined time period following reversal of the refrigerant flow. The method further includes closing the vapor injection valve and reversing a direction of refrigerant flow within the heat pump system once the vapor injection valve is closed for a second predetermined time period.