Variable Capacity Compressor; Variable Capacity Compressor Control Overview; Built-In Electronic Protections (Within The Module / Inverter); Compressor Start-Up - Fisher & Paykel RF201A Service Manual

11

VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR

The compressor is turned on when cooling is required. It is switched by the power/control module sending a
low voltage frequency signal to the inverter.
The refrigerator is fitted with a variable capacity compressor (VCC). This improves energy efficiency and
maintains a more stable temperature in both the provision compartment and the freezer compartment. The
compressor windings are wired in a 3 phase star formation with the resistance between any two pins being the
same (6.4 ohms).
11.1

VARIABLE CAPACITY COMPRESSOR CONTROL OVERVIEW

The V4.2 power/control module on VCC product is identical to that on non-VCC product. The stage 4.2
power/control module senses if it is connected to a VCC compressor and uses the appropriate algorithm.
The compressor can operate at speeds between 1590 and 4500 rpm inclusive. On the Fisher & Paykel
product we operate the compressor at a select number of different speeds between 1590 and 4500 rpm to
reduce the variation in sound produced by the compressor. An electronic module/inverter connected between
the power/control module and the compressor controls the speed. This it does by supplying a modulated DC 3
phase supply to the compressor. Warning: Permanent damage will occur if the compressor is directly
connected to the AC supply line.
The power/control module monitors, amongst other things, the refrigerator compartment temperatures (via
thermistors) and the defrost cycle, and from this information sends signals to the electronic module/inverter to
determine compressor speeds.
Whenever the compressor starts, it is run at 2200 rpm for 2.5 seconds to establish lubrication, and is then run
at 1590 rpm for a further 27 seconds before changing to any other higher speed as requested by the
power/control module. This is to provide a softer start before the compressor potentially ramps up to some
higher speed.
Whenever the refrigerator is plugged in/turned on, and/or after a defrost, in the first cooling cycle the control
will run the compressor, after its initial start procedure, at its maximum speed, which is 4500 rpm. The
compressor will stay at its maximum speed until both compartments have reached their cut-out temperature, at
which point the compressor will switch off and the refrigerator goes into the warm-up cycle.
In the subsequent cooling cycles, the algorithm will vary the compressor speed according to the amount of
cooling required to achieve an average temperature in each compartment (as measured by the thermistors),
equal to the compartment set temperatures with a 1 hour run-time.
In low ambient, where the heat load and/or cabinet usage is low, the compressor will be likely to run at its
minimum speed (1590rpm), and switch off more frequently than once every hour, similar to most non-VCC
product.
When the compressor is running at slow speeds, the evaporator may not be fully flooded, but this is normal.
11.2 BUILT-IN ELECTRONIC PROTECTIONS (WITHIN THE MODULE /
INVERTER)

Compressor Start-Up

In case any anomaly occurs during compressor starting, the control will wait 6 seconds before repeating the
start-up. If the compressor doesn't start after 12 trials, the control will wait 8 minutes before repeating the
start-up procedure (this condition may be when pressures are not equalised between suction and discharge
sides in the refrigeration system, eg; after an interruption in the mains supply).

Overload Detection And Protection

The control can detect an overload condition by monitoring the current consumed by the compressor. If
overload is detected, the control reduces the current by reducing the speed of the compressor until the
overload disappears, when the speed will return to the required value.
If the overload increases, the control will continue to decrease the current until the minimum speed of 1590
rpm may be reached, at which point the compressor may "stall", and the control will return to the start-up
procedure.

Power Limitation (Temperature Protection)

The control limits the power supplied to the compressor to 200 watts to keep all electrical components below a
safe operating limit. The power is limited in the same way as the current in the overload protection.
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