Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
July 11, 2023
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Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN
Partner: Emerson Climate Technologies
DOE Total Funding: $500,000
Cost Share: $500,000
Project Term: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023
Funding Type: CRADA
Project Objective
Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. and Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) will develop an innovative charge identification mechanism centered at the compressor, known as the Emerson CoreSenseTM electric module. This project focuses on developing a fault diagnosis solution to detect refrigerant charge loss in compressors and prevent prolonged inefficiencies. By using compressor-specific data during refrigerant pumping down cycles, the module predicts the system charge based on real-time suction/discharge pressures and temperatures, and compares it against the nameplate to signal a charge fault. Additionally, the project entails creating a smart thermostat capable of recognizing faults in residential air conditioning/heat pump units and notifying homeowners for maintenance. The thermostat, equipped with knowledge of building load and ambient temperature, calculates delivered capacity through monitoring AC/HP runtime and speed, enabling the detection of capacity-related faults. The project involves both equipment and building energy modeling for algorithm development and will culminate in field demonstrations to validate its effectiveness. This research will lead to an out-of-the-box solution for identifying charge-related issues across various vapor compression systems.
Project Impact
The team will develop an accurate charge fault detection and diagnosis technology embedded in the existing compressor sensor board. The new technology automatically identifies refrigerant charge fault during regular heat pump commissioning operation and makes refrigerant charge value available at the technician’s fingertips. This will be a universally applicable technology for various vapor compression systems.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Payam Delgoshaei
Lead Performer: Zhenning Li