Two-Speed Control Of Compressors In Residentlial Air-Conditioning Systems

Residential air-conditioning systems pre-dominantly have single phase compressors and the new technology in use is Ultratech scroll compressors capable of running at partial and full capacity levels using electro-mechanical controls allowing for staged and more efficient operation based on system load conditions. This project is to look at electronic methods to obtain two-speed control to duplicate the Ultratech compressor and evaluate the performance of the control options. A triac control scheme is designed for worst case assuming maximum load conditions of compressor in an air-conditioning system. The control schemes are prototype tested on single phase motor and compressor motor for power, harmonics and efficiency analysis. The best scheme is tested on various operating points on compressor and compared to a performance of the Ultratech compressor. Optional control schemes and new performance parameters are also identified for future enhancements