Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
  • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
  • F04B39/02—Lubrication
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
  • F01M5/00—Heating, cooling, or controlling temperature of lubricant; Lubrication means facilitating engine starting
  • F01M5/005—Controlling temperature of lubricant
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
  • F04C29/00—Component parts, details or accessories of pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C18/00 - F04C28/00
  • F04C29/02—Lubrication; Lubricant separation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
  • F25B31/002—Lubrication
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
  • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
  • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
  • G05D23/1902—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
  • F01M2250/00—Measuring
  • F01M2250/60—Operating parameters
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2400/00—Component parts or details not otherwise provided for in this subclass
  • F25B2400/01—Heaters
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
  • F25B2500/16—Lubrication
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
  • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
  • F25B2700/2105—Oil temperatures
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
  • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
  • F25B2700/2115—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor
  • F25B2700/21155—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor of the oil

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a temperature management system for a lubricant present in a lubricant reservoir of a compressor system of a heat pump through which a working medium flows, comprising a temperature measuring unit which is set up to measure an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant, a control unit which is connected to the Temperature measuring unit is connected in terms of signals and is set up to check whether the measured actual lubricant temperature is within a target lubricant temperature range, and a temperature control element connected in terms of signals to the control unit, which is set up to heat the lubricant or to cool. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a heat pump, in particular a high-temperature heat pump, with such a
• the invention relates to a method for controlling a lubricant temperature of a lubricant present in a lubricant reservoir of a compressor system of a heat pump through which a working medium flows.
• thermodynamic heating systems such as heat pumps, particularly high temperature heat pumps.
• thermodynamic cooling system for example a refrigerating machine or air conditioning system, is not ruled out.
• Heat pump technology is well known. Heat pumps are used to absorb thermal energy from a first external medium (e.g. the ambient air or liquids) using technical or mechanical work and to transfer it to a second external medium in addition to the drive energy used as useful energy or useful heat.
• the second external medium represents a medium to be heated.
• the first external medium can be contained in the earth rock Liquids are provided, but waste heat can also serve as the first external medium in industrial processes.
• Heat pumps are currently used in particular for heating buildings. However, in the meantime applications have also become known in which heat pumps are used to generate the heat required for industrial processes. High-temperature heat pumps with media temperatures of > 100°C are often used for industrial processes.
• the heat pump there has a fluid circuit for absorbing thermal energy through the fluid (working medium) from at least one first reservoir using technical work and for delivering thermal energy through the fluid to at least one second reservoir for heating the at least one second reservoir.
• heat pumps In addition to an evaporation unit, a condensation unit and an expansion unit, heat pumps (including high-temperature heat pumps) have a compressor for compressing a working medium circulating in a fluid circuit as standard.
• the working medium that has been transported from the liquid to the gaseous state is sucked in by the compressor and compressed to a pressure level that is required to liquefy the working medium.
• the (e.g. electrically) driven compressor compresses the vaporous working medium from a low initial pressure level to a higher final pressure level, the temperature of the working medium increases.
• Different compressor variants are known from the prior art, for example
• Rotary piston compressors and rotary piston compressors are based on the principle that a moving piston draws in the gaseous working medium through an intake valve as the piston descends into a cylinder surrounding the piston. The working medium is compressed when the piston experiences an upward movement. On reciprocating compressors is the suction valve closed during the compression of the working medium. The working medium leaves the compressor via a pressure valve if the pressure in the cylinder exceeds a pressure level present on a high-pressure side of the compressor. Since they are not relevant to the invention, no further explanations of compressor types will be given at this point.
• the "compressor” can be synonymously referred to as "compressor”.
• the term “compressor system” is used throughout, since the actual compressor usually interacts directly with other components, such as a drive unit driving the compressor (eg an electric motor) and a lubricant reservoir.
• the invention can relate to different designs of compressor systems, including an open compressor system, a semi-hermetic compressor system or a hermetic compressor system.
• the drive unit (the motor) is structurally separate from the compressor.
• a drive shaft of the compressor is guided out of the housing and is operatively connected to the drive unit.
• the drive unit and the compressor are arranged in a common housing.
• the drive unit and compressor are also arranged in a common housing, but in contrast to a semi-hermetic compressor system, this is completely welded to the outside.
• the compressors or compressor systems mentioned have a lubricant reservoir for holding a lubricant.
• a lubricant can also be understood to mean a lubricant mixture.
• the lubricant serves to lubricate components of the compressor or compressor system, in particular the moving components of the compressor (eg pistons, cylinders, bearings, valves, etc.).
• Known lubricant reservoirs are often referred to as "oil sump".
• the term "lubricant reservoir” is used throughout. The oil or lubricant is sucked in from the oil sump or lubricant reservoir and conveyed to the points to be lubricated.
• liquid working medium eg refrigerant
• oil sump lubricant reservoir
• lubricant reservoir oil sump
• dissolve gaseous working medium in it.
• the viscosity of the oil or lubricant can be reduced and the lubricating effect can be reduced.
• Other lubricating properties of the lubricant can also be adversely affected by working medium dissolved in the lubricant or working medium mixed with it. If a mixture of lubricant and working medium is transported to the points to be lubricated instead of the lubricant, this can lead to a reduced lubricating effect.
• the lubricant During operation of the heat pump, it must be ensured that the lubricant has an optimum viscosity in order to achieve the best possible lubricating effect.
• the viscosity of the lubricant depends--as mentioned--on the one hand on the proportion of the working medium (eg refrigerant) dissolved or distributed in the lubricant, but on the other hand also on the temperature of the lubricant.
• the solubility of the working medium in the lubricant is determined by the temperature of the lubricant and the pressure of the working medium present in gaseous form in the compressor system (in particular in the lubricant reservoir).
• Previously used working media e.g.
• fluorocarbons such as R134a have a relatively low solubility
• Lubricants modern working media (hydrofluoroolefins), on the other hand, often have a significantly higher solubility in lubricants. Consequently, in order to operate a compressor system of a heat pump, it is essential to keep the lubricant at a temperature level that is above a condensation temperature of the working medium (at a specific pressure of the working medium). At the same time, for the longest possible durability or service life of the lubricant, it is necessary to keep the lubricant temperature as low as possible. Accordingly, there is an increased need for a flexible, dynamic and situation-appropriate temperature adjustment of a lubricant used in a compressor system of a heat pump.
• the present invention is based on the object of providing a temperature management system for a lubricant present in a lubricant reservoir of a compressor system of a heat pump through which a working medium flows, which allows flexible, dynamic and needs-based temperature adjustment of the lubricant to increase the lubricant service life on the one hand and the operation -Performance of the heat pump on the other hand.
• the heat pump proposed with the invention and the method for controlling a lubricant temperature proposed with the invention are based on the same task.
• the present invention relates to a temperature management system for a lubricant present in a lubricant reservoir of a compressor system of a heat pump through which a working medium flows, comprising a temperature measuring unit which is set up to measure an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant, a control unit which is connected to the Temperature measuring unit is connected in terms of signals and is set up to check whether the measured actual lubricant temperature is within a target lubricant temperature range, and a temperature control element connected in terms of signals to the control unit, which is set up to heat the lubricant or to cool.
• the temperature management system is characterized in that the control unit is set up to: a.
• the temperature control element causing the temperature control element to cool the lubricant if the actual lubricant temperature is above the target lubricant temperature range, and b. to cause the temperature control element to heat up the lubricant if the actual lubricant temperature is below the target lubricant temperature range.
• the heat pump mentioned in which a temperature management system according to the invention is used, is preferably a high-temperature heat pump.
• the temperature management system proposed with the invention shows particular advantages
• Said compressor system can have one or more compressor(s) of the type described above, but the invention is particularly suitable for compressor systems that are based on one or more reciprocating compressor(s).
• the reciprocating compressors can be supplied with lubricant from a common lubricant reservoir or from separate lubricant reservoirs.
• a "lubricant reservoir” can therefore be understood to mean a single lubricant reservoir as well as a plurality of lubricant reservoirs.
• a lubricant reservoir can also include an oil sump or an oil pan, with the lubricant used not necessarily being an oil
• the compressor system or the compressor can include a crank housing (piston, connecting rod and crankshaft) (i.e. have one), as well as other components such as a cylinder head (gas guide and valve system) and the lubricant reservoir mentioned.
• the temperature management system includes a temperature measuring unit that is set up to measure an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant present in the lubricant reservoir. If a plurality of separate lubricant reservoirs is provided, each of the lubricant reservoirs can be assigned a separate temperature measuring unit in order to measure a respective actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant present in the individual reservoirs.
• a “temperature measuring unit” is a unit that is suitable for measuring a substance temperature of the lubricant at a specific point in time. If necessary, a temperature measuring unit used according to the invention can also measure the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the lubricant and derive or calculate the actual lubricant temperature from it.
• the temperature measuring unit can include a measuring probe, which is in direct contact with the lubricant and measures the actual lubricant temperature by means of a contact measurement.
• a measuring probe can be referred to as a contact thermometer, which requires thermal contact with the measurement object (the lubricant or an ambient medium to be measured).
• contact thermometer according to the invention Expansion thermometers, vapor pressure thermometers, thermocouples, resistance thermometers, temperature sensors (integrated circuits with temperature output), foil thermometers, temperature measuring strips, liquid crystal thermometers and gas thermometers can be used.
• the temperature measuring unit can include a measuring probe that measures the actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant without contact (i.e. without direct material contact with the measurement object).
• a measuring probe that measures the actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant without contact (i.e. without direct material contact with the measurement object).
• Such measuring probes can be referred to as non-contact thermometers. These can include the thermal radiation of the lubricant using infrared sensors.
• the temperature measuring unit is connected to a control unit in terms of signals.
• a "signal connection” means that a unidirectional or bidirectional data transfer can take place. Actual lubricant temperatures measured by the temperature measuring unit or corresponding data can thus be forwarded to the control unit.
• the temperature measuring unit can process data, for example in In the sense of a pre-processing, carry out and convert raw data into a desired data format. However, this can also be carried out or supplemented in the control unit without further ado.
• a “signal connection” can be wired or wireless (wireless). In particular, electromagnetic transmissions can be understood as wireless connections, for example radio connections, Bluetooth connections or W1_AN connections. At the same time, optical data transmission options can also be regarded as wireless signaling connections.
• the control unit can be part of a housing of the compressor system, in the vicinity of the compressor system (for example in a housing of a control unit of the heat pump) or externally.
• the control unit can also be an external computing unit, a server, a cloud server or the like.
• control unit is set up to check whether the measured actual lubricant temperature is within a target lubricant temperature range.
• the control unit can be set up to carry out a computational or algorithmic data comparison between the actual Make lubricant temperature and a target lubricant temperature range.
• the control unit can contain a database with stored target lubricant temperature range data that have been determined, for example, from empirical values, machine values, or in some other way. Such a database can also be arranged externally to the control unit, so that the control unit can access the data stored there via a suitable signal and data connection.
• the control unit can also have means by means of which the target lubricant temperature range can be dynamically adapted as a function of a certain parameter (eg a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir) and can be used as a basis for the comparison with the actual lubricant temperature.
• the control unit can have an arithmetic unit or a data processing unit in order to carry out the aforementioned processes.
• the control unit can have a plurality of signal connection interfaces, via which it can be connected in terms of signals, for example to the temperature measurement unit, temperature control unit and possibly other components.
• the temperature management system includes a temperature control element which is connected to the control unit in terms of signals and is set up to heat up or cool down the lubricant.
• the temperature control element can be formed, for example, in the form of a hollow chamber or a channel through which a heating or cooling medium (eg water) can flow, which is integrated into a covering element such as a housing wall or a housing base of the lubricant reservoir or is arranged on it.
• a temperature control element can also be understood to mean a plurality of channels (that is to say a channel system) or a plurality of hollow chambers (that is to say a hollow chamber system) which are flow-connected to one another. A separate flow through the plurality of channels or hollow chambers is also possible.
• control unit can be connected in terms of signals to a plurality of temperature control elements.
• the temperature control elements generally include a control and/or regulation unit, via which the supply of the heating or cooling medium is controlled or regulated at a suitable temperature.
• the control and/or regulation unit can interact with suitable supply and discharge units (eg pumps) which can bring about the inflow or outflow of the heating or cooling medium and a required heating or cooling temperature provided.
• suitable supply and discharge units eg pumps
• the heating or cooling medium can come from an external source of the heat pump, but it can also be a medium that releases thermal energy to the heat pump or absorbs heat from the heat pump and is fed to the temperature control unit or the plurality of temperature control units.
• a mixing unit that mixes the heating or cooling medium is provided, which mixes media at different temperatures to provide a desired temperature for the heating or cooling medium.
• the control unit can be connected in terms of signals to the control and/or regulation unit of the temperature control element.
• the control unit can first generate a detection signal (related to the actual lubricant temperature lying above the target lubricant temperature range), which is converted into a command signal which, after being passed on to the temperature control element or a control assigned to the temperature control element - and / or control unit causes a cooling of the lubricant by flowing through the temperature control element with a cooling medium at a suitable temperature.
• a detection signal related to the actual lubricant temperature lying above the target lubricant temperature range
• the temperature to be set in the tempering element (e.g. the cooling medium), which is required to cool the lubricant down so far that the actual lubricant temperature is again within the target lubricant temperature range, can vary from that of the tempering element associated control and / or regulation unit, the control unit or the interaction of both units are determined.
• the control unit If it is determined in the control unit by comparing the actual lubricant temperature with the target lubricant temperature range that the actual lubricant temperature is below the target lubricant temperature range (i.e. has a lower, ie colder, temperature), prompts the control unit the temperature control element for heating the lubricant.
• the control unit can first generate a detection signal (related to the actual lubricant temperature below the target lubricant temperature range), which is converted into a command signal which, after being passed on to the temperature control element or a control device assigned to the temperature control element and/or the control unit causes the lubricant to be heated by flowing a heating medium at a suitable temperature through the temperature control element.
• the temperature to be set in the temperature control element e.g.
• the lubricant temperature can be set flexibly and dynamically.
• the system enables the temperature of the lubricant to be checked at a given point in time and, if necessary, allows the lubricant temperature to be adjusted.
• the temperature management system is suitable for use in continuous, i.e. ongoing operation, which means that the lubricant temperature is continuously checked and adjusted. This can also be done at fixed time intervals, alternatively or additionally at a time specified (i.e. desired) by the user.
• this can comprise a pressure measurement unit which is connected to the control unit in terms of signals and is set up to measure a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir.
• a "pressure” can also be understood to mean the vapor pressure of the working medium, which can be at least partially dissolved in the lubricant.
• the pressure can be in a connected to the lubricant reservoir Housing part of the compressor system, for example in the crankcase, are measured. This pressure corresponds to the gas pressure (of the working medium) above the liquid lubricant in the lubricant reservoir.
• the crankcase and the lubricant reservoir can be connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump (evaporator, compressor gas inlet). The pressure therefore does not have to be measured directly in the area of a lubricant surface in the lubricant reservoir, but a pressure proportional thereto can also be tapped off or measured at another point in the compressor system without any problems.
• Pressure can be measured continuously, at fixed time intervals, or at desired times.
• the measured pressure values are forwarded to the control unit.
• a pre-processing of the measured pressure values can already take place in the pressure measuring unit, for example the provision of the pressure values in a data format suitable for further processing.
• the recorded or pre-processed pressure values can also be processed in the control unit.
• the signaling connection between the pressure measurement unit and the control unit can be wired or wireless.
• the pressure measuring unit can comprise a single pressure sensor, but also an arrangement of several pressure sensors. If several pressure sensors are provided, all of the pressure sensors can be connected to the control unit in terms of signals.
• an averaged pressure value can be calculated as the pressure of the lubricant reservoir (proportional or corresponding to the gas pressure of the working medium) from the pressure values of the individual pressure sensors.
• the setpoint lubricant temperature range has a lower temperature limit which corresponds to a condensation temperature of the working medium in relation to a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir.
• Condensation temperature is the temperature at which a substance (here the working medium) condenses at a given pressure, i.e. changes from the gaseous to the liquid state of aggregation.
• the pressure present in the lubricant reservoir is measured with the aforesaid pressure measuring unit and used to calculate the lower temperature limit. Further characteristic values can also be used for the calculation, for example lubricant-specific data or working medium-specific data that are stored in the control unit or in a database.
• the target lubricant temperature range is thus at least partly derived from the conditions prevailing in the lubricant reservoir or the compressor system (e.g. the crankcase), which is why the temperature control and, if necessary, adjustment by means of the temperature management system are always appropriate to the situation.
• the target lubricant temperature range has an upper temperature limit which is 2 K - 15 K, preferably 5 K - 10 K, above the condensation temperature of the working medium.
• the target lubricant temperature range defined by the lower temperature limit and upper temperature limit mentioned is based primarily on empirical values, so that reliable operation of the compressor system of the heat pump is guaranteed if the actual lubricant temperature is within this target lubricant temperature range. This applies both to the start-up, i.e. starting the system, and to operation as such, in which sufficient lubrication of the compressor components must be ensured.
• the control unit is set up to determine the lower temperature limit at a specified point in time, namely taking into account the pressure measured in the lubricant reservoir at the specified point in time a software running on the control unit, a calculation routine or an algorithm. Furthermore, it can be provided that the control unit is set up to Adjust lubricant temperature range dynamically, namely taking into account the determined lower temperature limit and an upper temperature limit, which is 2 K - 15 K, preferably 5 K - 10 K, above the condensation temperature of the working medium.
• a dynamic adaptation is to be understood as meaning that the setpoint lubricant temperature range is adapted to the conditions specifically prevailing in the lubricant reservoir or in the compressor system at a given point in time.
• the proportion of working medium dissolved in or mixed with the lubricant eg coolant
• the control unit is preferably set up to regulate the actual lubricant temperature in such a way that it is always within the target lubricant temperature range, so that adequate lubrication of the compressor components is always ensured during operation of the compressor system or the heat pump is.
• the object on which the invention is based is also achieved with a heat pump, in particular a high-temperature heat pump, which includes a temperature management system designed according to the invention.
• a heat pump in particular a high-temperature heat pump, which includes a temperature management system designed according to the invention.
• a temperature management system designed according to the invention.
• the object on which the invention is based is also achieved with a method for controlling a lubricant temperature of a lubricant present in a lubricant reservoir of a compressor system of a heat pump through which a working medium flows.
• the procedure includes the following steps: a. measuring a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir; b. Determination of a condensation temperature of the working medium on the basis of step a. measured pressure; c. Defining a target lubricant temperature range, the lower temperature limit of which is the temperature defined in step b. determined condensation temperature, and wherein its upper temperature limit is 2 K - 15 K, preferably 5 K - 10 K, above the condensation temperature of the working medium; i.e. measuring an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant; e. comparing the actual lubricant temperature to the desired lubricant temperature range, and then
• the measured pressure corresponds to the condensation pressure of the working medium (eg refrigerant) in the lubricant reservoir or the compressor system (eg a crankcase or other component connected to the lubricant reservoir).
• the condensation pressure can refer to the low-pressure side of the compressor system (evaporator, compressor gas inlet), because the lubricant reservoir and the crankcase can be directly connected to this side.
• the (measuring) detectable pressure present in the lubricant reservoir or in a crankcase connected to it (or in another component of the compressor system) corresponds to the condensation pressure of the working medium.
• the condensation temperature of the working medium can be calculated on the basis of the condensation pressure. However, other parameters, measured values, empirical data, etc. can also be included for this purpose.
• the condensation temperature can also be calculated directly from the condensation pressure (possibly taking into account characteristics specific to the working medium or the geometry or volume of the lubricant reservoir/crankcase or a gas-filled space present there).
• a method according to the invention can be carried out continuously or at a predetermined time interval. A semi-continuous or discontinuous procedure is therefore also possible. The method can be carried out as required; in particular, it can be provided that the method is carried out automatically, semi-automatically or manually.
• the actual lubricant temperature is regulated in such a way that it is always within the setpoint lubricant temperature range. This ensures a stable lubricant temperature during operation of a heat pump or the associated compressor system. Accordingly, sufficient lubrication of the compressor components is always ensured during the operation of the compressor system or the heat pump.
• FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a temperature management system according to the invention
• FIG. 1 shows schematically the basic structure of a temperature management system according to the invention for a lubricant 3 present in a lubricant reservoir 1 of a compressor system 2 of a heat pump measure up.
• the temperature measuring unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the lubricant 3 via a contact thermometer 5. However, the temperature measuring unit 4 can also be designed without contact.
• the temperature measuring unit 4 is integrated into the compressor system 2 or an associated housing (not shown).
• the temperature management system also includes a control unit 6, which is connected to the temperature measuring unit 4 in terms of signals, for example via a wired or wireless signal connection 7. Data is exchanged between the temperature measuring unit 4 and the control unit 6 via the signal connection 7. Signals are also exchanged to implement control and control commands via the signal connection 7.
• the control unit 6 is set up to check whether the measured actual lubricant temperature is within a setpoint lubricant temperature range.
• the temperature management system includes a temperature control element 9 which is connected to the control unit 6 via a signal (i.e. via a wired or wireless signal connection 8) and is set up to heat up or cool down the lubricant 3 .
• the temperature control element 9 is shown in a highly schematic manner on the underside of the lubricant reservoir 1 .
• the temperature control element 9 can be a cavity or channel through which a heating medium or cooling medium can flow, which is integrated in a casing surrounding the lubricant reservoir 1 or in a housing of the lubricant reservoir 1 .
• the control unit 6 is set up to cause the temperature control element 9 to cool the lubricant 3 if the actual lubricant temperature is above the setpoint lubricant temperature range. If the actual lubricant temperature is below the target lubricant temperature range, the control unit 6 causes the temperature control element 9 to heat up the lubricant 3.
• the associated control and regulation commands are transmitted via the signal connection 8 between the control unit 6 and the temperature control element 9 exchanged.
• a control and/or regulation unit 10 is interposed in relation to the control unit 6 and the temperature control element 9. The temperature control of the temperature control element is regulated and controlled via the control and/or regulation unit 10 (in cooperation with the control unit 6).
• control and/or regulation unit 10 can be used to control or regulate the supply of heating or cooling medium into the cavity or the channel of the temperature control element 9 at a suitable temperature.
• the control and/or regulation unit acts for this purpose 10 together with suitable feed and discharge units (e.g. pumps) that cause the inflow or outflow of the heating or cooling medium.
• control unit 6 is connected in terms of signals (via a wireless or wired signal connection 12) to a pressure measuring unit 11, which is set up to measure a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir 1.
• the pressure thus determined can be used to calculate a lower temperature limit of the target lubricant temperature range.
• the measured pressure represents a condensation pressure of the working medium of the heat pump present in gaseous form in the lubricant reservoir.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the course of the method according to the invention in a highly schematic manner.
• the proposed method is aimed at controlling a lubricant temperature of a lubricant 3 present in a lubricant reservoir 1 of a compressor system 2 of a heat pump through which a working medium flows.
• a pressure present in the lubricant reservoir 1 is measured (using the pressure measuring unit 11).
• a condensation temperature of the working medium is determined (calculated) in the control unit 6.
• a target lubricant temperature range is defined, with the lower temperature limit in step b. determined condensation temperature of the working medium, and its upper temperature limit is 2 K - 15 K, preferably 5 K - 10 K, above the condensation temperature of the working medium.
• Process step c. is executed in the control unit 6.
• an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant 3 is measured, namely using the temperature measuring unit 4.
• the actual lubricant temperature is compared to the target lubricant temperature range. If the actual lubricant temperature is above the target lubricant temperature range, the lubricant 3 is cooled. Is the actual lubricant temperature below the target lubricant temperature range, the lubricant 3 is heated. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2, the method can be carried out continuously, ie the actual lubricant temperature is continuously checked, as it were a continuous adjustment of the temperature of the lubricant 3 (if necessary).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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