OIL RETURN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE CHARGE CONTROL IN AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

摘要

An active charge control (ACC) in an air conditioner has a first portion of refrigerant passing into a compressor and a second portion held within the ACC. The first portion is substantially vapor and the second portion substantially liquid. Lubricant is included in both portions for lubricating the compressor. A lubricant mechanism includes a heat exchanger having a primary pathway thermally connected with the compressor and a secondary pathway operable between the ACC and the compressor. The secondary pathway transfers the refrigerant second portion to the compressor. The fluid inlet of the compressor retains liquid refrigerant. The secondary pathway delivers the refrigerant and the lubricant from the ACC to the compressor such that heat energy from the primary pathway is transmitted to the liquid refrigerant and lubricant in the secondary pathway evaporating the refrigerant in the secondary pathway such that refrigerant vapor and lubricant are sent to the compressor.