FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT,
1970 (39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES,
2003
COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION (See section
10, rule 13)
Title: “AN OIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATION OR A
HEAT PUMP OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH”
Name & Address of Applicant: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE of C V
Raman Road, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
Nationality: IN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the
manner in which it is to be performed.
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2
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to an oil management system. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the oil management system for a temperature control
unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Temperature control units such as an air conditioning (AC) or heat pumps or combination of
both includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator which are
connected in a sequence, through fluid lines through which a refrigerant flows. Generally,
when the refrigerant passes through the compressor, compressor oil mixes with the refrigerant.
The mixture of refrigerant and the compressor oil flows through the fluid lines and through the
components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus to cater cooling or heating effect. During
circulation of the mixture of refrigerant and the oil, some portion of the oil gets traps within
the fluid lines, inside the condenser, the evaporator and the expansion valve. This leads to
reduction in the amount of oil circulated back to the compressor, which causes deficiency of
oil in the compressor. Deficiency of oil inside the compressor leads to mechanical failure of
the compressor such as damage to the moving parts such as piston, causes wear of cylinder
walls, damage to bearings, damage to compressor sealing and the like.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other
limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
It is one of the objectives to provide an oil management system for a temperature control unit.
The oil management system aids in maintaining optimum amount of oil in an oil reservoir and a
compressor of the temperature control unit. Compressor oil is miscible with the refrigerant and
therefore the oil separator may not filter 100% oil from the refrigerant. Instead, there will always
be oil carryover through the oil separator. The separated oil is stored in the oil reservoir, which
resupplies the oil to the compressor sump whenever the oil level in the compressor comes below
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the threshold value. Eventually, the oil level in the oil reservoir will also come below the
threshold value due to continuous oil carryover through the oil separator. Hence there is a need
to maintain the oil level in the oil reservoir. The oil management system of the present disclosure
aids in maintaining the oil level in oil reservoir without need of shutting down the temperature
control unit. Further the oil management system aids in supplying the oil directly to the
compressor in case of decrease in the oil level in the compressor or a fluid loop extending
between the oil reservoir and the compressor. This aids in uninterrupted oil supply to the
compressor, thereby maintaining optimum oil quantity in the compressor, which in turn improves
service life of the compressor. Further, the oil management system mitigates operational
stoppage of the temperature control unit, due to low oil level in the oil reservoir or the fluid loop
between the oil reservoir and the compressor.
To better address one or more of the above concerns, in the first aspect of the disclosure an oil
management system for a temperature control unit with an oil reservoir and a compressor is
disclosed. The oil management system includes an accumulator fluidly connected to the oil
reservoir and the compressor. The accumulator is configured to store reserve oil at a
predetermined pressure. Further the oil management system includes a first fluid loop extending
between the accumulator and the oil reservoir. The first fluid loop is configured to allow flow of
oil from the accumulator to the oil reservoir based on a first signal to maintain oil level in the oil
reservoir. Further the oil management system includes a second fluid loop extending between the
accumulator and the compressor. The second fluid loop is configured to allow flow of oil from
the accumulator to the compressor based on a second signal to maintain oil level in the
compressor.
In an embodiment, the oil management system includes a third fluid loop extending from a
portion of the first fluid loop and adjoining to a portion of the second fluid loop. The third fluid
loop allows flow of oil from the oil reservoir to the compressor.
In an embodiment, the first signal corresponding to oil level in the oil reservoir being less than a
threshold oil level, and the second signal corresponds to oil level in the compressor being less
than the threshold oil level.
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In an embodiment, the first fluid loop comprises a first solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve
is operable based on the first signal corresponding to the oil level in the oil reservoir being less
than threshold oil level, to allow flow of oil from the accumulator to the oil reservoir.
In an embodiment, the second fluid loop extends from a portion of the first fluid loop and
comprises a second solenoid valve. The second solenoid valve is operable based on the second
signal corresponding to oil level in the compressor being less than threshold oil level, to allow
flow of the oil from the accumulator to the compressor.
In an embodiment, the oil management system includes a control unit communicatively coupled
to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. The control unit is configured to
operate the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve based on the first signal and the
second signal.
In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive both the first signal and the second
signal, and operate both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve to allow flow of
oil to oil reservoir and the compressor, simultaneously.
In an embodiment, the first fluid loop comprises a first pressure relief valve and a throttle valve,
the first pressure relief valve and the throttle valve are configured to regulate pressure of oil
flowing out of the accumulator.
In an embodiment, the second fluid loop comprises a second pressure relief valve, wherein the
second pressure relief valve is configured to regulate pressure of oil flowing from the
accumulator.
In an embodiment, temperature control system is one of a refrigeration system and a heat pump.
In a second aspect, a method for oil management in a temperature control unit having an oil
reservoir and a compressor is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a control unit a first
signal corresponding to oil level in the oil reservoir being less than a threshold oil level from one
or more level sensors of the oil reservoir. Further, the method includes operating by the control
unit a first solenoid valve corresponding to the first signal to allow flow of oil from the
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accumulator to the oil reservoir though the first fluid loop. Furthermore, the method includes
receiving, by the control unit, a second signal corresponding to oil level in the compressor being
less than the threshold oil level from one or more level sensors of the compressor. Additionally,
the method includes operating, by the control unit, a second solenoid valve corresponding to the
second signal to allow flow of oil from the accumulator to the compressor though the second
fluid loop.
In an embodiment, the method includes operating the first solenoid valve to stop flow of oil from
the accumulator to the oil reservoir through the first fluid loop corresponding oil level in the oil
reservoir being equal to or exceeding the threshold oil level.
In an embodiment, the method includes operating the second solenoid valve to stop flow of oil
from the accumulator to the compressor through the second fluid loop corresponding oil level in
the compressor being equal to or exceeding the threshold oil level.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be
used in combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined
to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,
embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The
disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objective and advantages thereof,
will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now
described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
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Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an oil management system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic internal view of the oil management system, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic internal view of the oil management system of Figure. 2,
depicting flow of fluid through a first fluid loop.
Figure. 4 illustrates a schematic internal view of the oil management system of Figure. 2,
depicting flow of fluid through a second fluid loop.
Figure. 5 illustrates a schematic internal view of the oil management system of Figure. 2,
depicting flow of fluid through a third fluid loop.
Figure. 6 illustrates a schematic internal view of the oil management system of Figure. 2,
depicting flow of fluid through both the first loop and the second loop.
Figure. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method for oil management in a temperature control unit, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in
the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the
structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will
be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the
disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
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It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present
disclosure and modify various features of a support structure for supporting a cookware on a
cooking stove. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the
embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure,
are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of
components does not include only those components but may include other components not
expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words,
one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without
more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system
or device.
In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference
to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is
to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense.
Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an oil management system (100). The oil management
system (100) of the present disclosure may be adapted in temperature control units which include
components such as an oil reservoir (101), a compressor (102) and the like. As an example, the
temperature control unit may be but not limiting to an air conditioning unit, a refrigeration
system, a heat pump, a power plant and the like. The oil management system (100) may be
configured to maintain optimum oil level in the oil reservoir (101) and the compressor (102) for
improving service life of the compressor (102), thereby improving the service life of the
temperature control unit. As apparent from Figure. 1, the oil management system (100) may
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include a housing (115) and an accumulator (103) coupled to the housing (115). The accumulator
(103) may be disposed on a top surface of the housing (115) and may be fluidly connected to the
oil reservoir (101) and the compressor (102) through a plurality of fluid loops. In an embodiment
the accumulator (103) may be configured to store reserve oil at a predetermined pressure. In an
embodiment, the predetermined pressure may range between 250 bar to 300 bar. The
accumulator (103) size depends on the number of compressors, size of compressors, size of oil
reservoir or the total oil requirement of the system.
Referring now to Figure. 2, the oil management system (100) may include a first fluid loop
(104), which may extend between the accumulator (103) and the oil reservoir (101). In an
embodiment, the first fluid loop (104) may extend between an outlet (113) of the accumulator
(103) and an outlet (114) of the oil reservoir (101). The first fluid loop (104) may be configured
to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101). In an embodiment, the
first fluid loop (104) may include a first solenoid valve (107), a first pressure relief valve (109), a
throttle valve (111) and a plurality of check valves (112). The first solenoid valve (107) may be
operable (i.e., opened) to allow flow of fluid from the accumulator (103) and the oil reservoir
(101). Further, the first pressure relief valve (109) and the throttle valve (111) may be configured
to regulate pressure of oil flowing from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101). In an
embodiment, the first pressure relief valve (109) may be configured to reduce the pressure of the
oil flowing out of the accumulator (103) to a first predetermined pressure and the throttle valve
(111) may be configured to further reduce the pressure to a second predetermined pressure,
where the second predetermined pressure is less than the first predetermined pressure. In an
embodiment, the second predetermined pressure may be greater than pressure in the oil reservoir
(101) and the pressure of the oil reservoir (101) depends on operating pressure of the temperature
control unit. The plurality of check valves (112) may be configured to allow of oil from the
accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) and not vice-versa.
Referring further to Figure. 2, the oil management system (100) may include a second fluid loop
(105), which may extend between the accumulator (103) and the compressor (102). The second
loop may be configured to allow flow of fluid from the accumulator (103) to the compressor
(102). In an embodiment, the second fluid loop (105) may extend from a portion of the first fluid
loop (104) and may be connected to the compressor (102). In other words, the second fluid loop
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(105) may extend from the portion of the first fluid loop (104) adjacent to the throttle valve (111)
and may then couple to the compressor (102). As apparent from Figure. 2, the second fluid loop
(105) may include a second solenoid valve (108), a second pressure relief valve (110) and a
plurality of check valves (112). The second solenoid valve (108) may be operable (i.e., opened)
to allow flow of fluid from the accumulator (103) and the compressor (102). Further, the second
pressure relief valve (110) may be configured to regulate pressure of oil flowing from the
accumulator (103) to the compressor (102). In an embodiment, the second pressure relief valve
(110) may be configured to reduce the pressure of the oil flowing out of the accumulator (103) to
a third predetermined pressure, where the third predetermined pressure is equal to the second
predetermined pressure. The third pressure may be higher than suction pressure of the
compressor (102) and the suction pressure depends based on operating pressure of the
temperature control unit. The plurality of check valves (112) may be configured to allow of fluid
in only one direction, i.e., allow flow of fluid from the accumulator (103) to the compressor
(102) and not vice-versa.
Referring again to Figure. 2, the oil management system (100) may further include a third fluid
loop (106) which may extend from a portion of the first fluid loop (104) and adjoins to a portion
of the second fluid loop (105). The third fluid loop (106) may include a third solenoid valve
(118) and may be configured to allow flow of oil from the oil reservoir (101) to the compressor
(102). In an illustrated embodiment, the third fluid loop (106) may extend from a portion of the
first fluid loop (104) which is proximal to the first solenoid valve (107) and may adjoin to a
portion of the second fluid loop (105) proximal to the second pressure relief valve (110).
Furthermore, the oil management system (100) may include a control unit, which may be
communicatively coupled to the first solenoid valve (107) and the second solenoid valve (108).
The control unit may be configured to operate the first solenoid valve (107) and the second
solenoid valve (108) based on a first signal and a second signal or both. In an embodiment, the
first signal may correspond to oil level in the oil reservoir (101) being less than a threshold oil
level. As an example, the first signal may be generated by one or more sensors associated with
the oil reservoir (101) which are configured to measure oil level in the oil reservoir (101). When
the control unit receives the first signal from the one or more sensors of the oil reservoir (101),
which is an indication about deficiency of oil in the oil reservoir (101), the control unit may
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operate the first solenoid valve (107). Upon operating (thus, opening) of the first solenoid valve
(107), the oil may flow from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) till the oil level in
the oil reservoir (101) is above the threshold oil level. Once the oil level in the oil reservoir (101)
reaches above the threshold oil level, the control unit may operate (thus, close) the first solenoid
valve (107) to stop flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101). Thus, the oil
management system (100) aids in maintaining optimum level of oil in the oil reservoir (101),
thereby aids in uninterrupted oil supply to the compressor (102), thereby improving the service
life of the compressor (102).
In another embodiment, the the second signal may correspond to oil level in the compressor
(102) being less than the threshold oil level. As an example, the second signal may be generated
by one or more sensors associated with the compressor (102) which are configured to measure
oil level in the compressor (102). When the control unit receives the second signal from the one
or more sensors of the compressor (102), which is an indication about deficiency of oil in the
compressor (102), the control unit may operate the third solenoid valve (118). Upon operating
(thus, opening) of the third solenoid valve (118), the oil may flow from the oil reservoir (101) to
the compressor (102) till the oil level in the compressor (102) is above the threshold oil level.
Once the oil level in the compressor (102) reaches above the threshold oil level, the control unit
may operate (thus, close) the third solenoid valve (118)to stop flow of oil from the oil reservoir
(101) to the compressor (102). Thus, the oil management system (100) aids in maintaining
optimum level of oil in the compressor (102), thereby improving the service life of the
compressor (102). In an embodiment, when the control unit receives both the first signal and the
second signal simultaneously, the control unit may operate the second solenoid valve (108).
Upon operating (thus, opening) of the second solenoid valve (108), the oil may flow from the
accumulator (103) to the compressor (102) till the oil level in the compressor (102) is above the
threshold oil level. Once the oil level in the compressor (102) reaches above the threshold oil
level, the control unit may operate (thus, close) the second solenoid valve (108) to stop flow of
oil from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102). Further, once the compressor (103) is
filled with desired oil level, the control unit may operate (thus, close) the third solenoid valve
(118) and operate (thus, open) the first solenoid valve (107) to allow flow of oil from the
accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101).
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Referring further to Figure. 2, the oil management system (100) may include an oil tank (116)
for storing the oil and a pump (117) fluidly coupled to the oil tank (116). The pump (117) may be
configured to circulate oil from the oil tank (116) to the accumulator (103) for filling the
accumulator (103) for storing reserve oil in the accumulator (103). This configuration aids in
filling the accumulator (103) with the reserve oil without need of shutting off the temperature
control unit, thus the reserve oil is available for flowing into the oil reservoir (101) and the
compressor (102) corresponding to the first signal and the second signal.
In an operational embodiment, during normal operation of the temperature control unit, i.e., oil
level in the oil reservoir (101) being above the threshold oil level, as seen in Figure. 5, oil may
normally flow through the third fluid loop (106) from the oil reservoir (101) to the compressor
(102) to maintain oil levels in the compressor (102). In case of decrease in oil level in the oil
reservoir (101) below the threshold oil level, the one or more sensors associated with the oil
reservoir (101) may generate the first signal, which may be received by the control unit. Upon
receiving the first signal, the control unit may operate the first solenoid valve (107) to allow flow
of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) through the first fluid loop (104), as
seen in Figure. 3. During flow of the oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101),
the first pressure relief valve (109) and the throttle valve (111) may reduce pressure of the oil to
the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure, respectively. Reducing
the pressure of the oil to the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure
prevents damage to subcomponents such as O-rings, washers of the temperature control unit. In
an embodiment, the flow of oil through the first fluid loop (104) is stopped when the oil level in
the oil reservoir (101) exceeds beyond the threshold oil level, by operating (thus, closing) of the
first solenoid valve (107) by the control unit. Further, in case of decreases in the oil level in the
compressor (102), one or more sensors associated with the compressor (102) may generate the
second signal, which may be received by the control unit.. Upon receiving the second signal, the
control unit may operate the second solenoid value to allow flow of oil from the accumulator
(103) to the compressor (102) through the second fluid loop (105), as seen in Figure. 4. During
flow of the oil from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102), the second pressure relief
valve (110) may reduce pressure of the oil to the third predetermined pressure which is equal to
the second predetermined pressure. In an embodiment, the flow of oil through the second fluid
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loop (105) may be stopped when the oil level in the compressor (102) exceeds beyond the
threshold oil level. Thus, the oil management system (100) aids in maintaining optimum oil level
in the compressor (102) irrespective of failure to the oil reservoir (101) or the second fluid loop
(105), without the need of halting the operation of the temperature control unit. Hence service
life of the compressor (102) is increased, thereby increasing the service life of the temperature
control unit.
Turning now to Figure. 7, which is a flow chart depicting working of the oil management system
(100) in the temperature control unit. At block 201, the control unit may receive the first signal
from the one or more sensors associated with the oil reservoir (101). The first signal may
correspond to oil level in the oil reservoir (101) being less than the threshold oil level. Upon
receiving the first signal, the control unit may operate (thus, open) the first solenoid valve (107)
to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) [as seen in block 202].
Once the oil level in the oil reservoir (101) reaches above the threshold oil level, the control unit
may operate (thus, close) the first solenoid valve (107) to stop flow of oil from the accumulator
(103) to the oil reservoir (101). Further, the control unit may receive a second signal (as seen in
block 203) from the one or more sensors associated with the compressor (102). The second
signal may correspond to oil level in the compressor (102) being less than the threshold oil level.
When the control unit receives the second signal from the one or more sensors of the compressor
(102), which is an indication about deficiency of oil in the compressor (102), the control unit
may operate the third solenoid valve (118) [as seen in block 204]. Upon operating (thus,
opening) of the third solenoid valve (118), the oil may flow from the oil reservoir (101) to the
compressor (102) till the oil level in the compressor (102) is above the threshold oil level. Once
the oil level in the compressor (102) reaches above the threshold oil level, the control unit may
operate (thus, close) the third solenoid valve (118) to stop flow of oil from the oil reservoir (101)
to the compressor (102). Thus, the oil management system (100) aids in maintaining optimum
level of oil in the compressor (102), thereby improving the service life of the compressor (102).
In an embodiment, when the control unit receives both the first signal and the second signal
simultaneously [as seen in block 205], the control unit may initially operate the second solenoid
valve (108) [as seen in block 206]. Upon operating (thus, opening) of the second solenoid valve
(108), the oil may flow from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102) till the oil level in
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the compressor (102) is above the threshold oil level. Once the oil level in the compressor (102)
reaches above the threshold oil level, the control unit may operate (thus, close) the second
solenoid valve (108) to stop flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102).
Further, once the compressor (103) is filled with desired oil level, the control unit may operate
(thus, close) the third solenoid valve (118) and operate (thus, open) the first solenoid valve (107)
to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101). In another
embodiment, as seen in Figure. 6, upon receiving both the first signal and the second signal, the
control unit may operate both the first solenoid valve (107) and the second solenoid valve (108)
to allow flow of oil to oil reservoir (101) and the compressor (102), simultaneously.
The configuration of the oil management system (100) aids in maintaining optimum oil level in
the compressor (102), thereby improving service life of the compressor (102). Further the oil
management system (100) aids in supplying of oil to the oil reservoir (101) or the compressor
(102) without need of shutting down of the temperature control unit.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill
in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be
expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in
the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms
(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term
“having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as
“includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if
a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory
phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such
phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the
14
indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim
recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes
the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or
“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or
more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In
addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those
skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at
least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers,
typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those
instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general
such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited
to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to
“at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of
A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A
and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should
be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms,
or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of
“A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects
and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting.
15
Referral Numerals:
Description Referral numeral
Oil management system 100
Oil reservoir 101
Compressor 102
Accumulator 103
First fluid loop 104
Second fluid loop 105
Third fluid loop 106
First solenoid valve 107
Second solenoid valve 108
First pressure relief valve 109
Second pressure relief valve 110
Throttle valve 111
Check valves 112
Outlet of accumulator 113
Outlet of oil reservoir 114
Housing 115
Tank 116
Pump 117
Third solenoid valve 118
16

We Claim:
1. An oil management system (100) for a temperature control unit with an oil reservoir
(101) and a compressor (102), the system comprising:
an accumulator (103) fluidly connected to the oil reservoir (101) and the
compressor (102), wherein the accumulator (103) is configured to store a reserve oil at a
predetermined pressure;
a first fluid loop (104) extending between the accumulator (103) and the oil
reservoir (101), the first fluid loop (104) is configured to allow flow of oil from the
accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) based on a first signal to maintain oil level in
the oil reservoir (101); and
a second fluid loop (105) extending between the accumulator (103) and the
compressor (102), the second fluid loop (105) is configured to allow flow of oil from the
accumulator (103) to the compressor (102) based on at least one of a second signal or
both of the first signal and the second signal to maintain oil level in the compressor (102).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a third fluid loop (106) extending
from a portion of the first fluid loop (104) and adjoining to a portion of the second fluid
loop (105), the third fluid loop (106) allows flow of oil from the oil reservoir (101) to the
compressor (102).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal corresponding to oil level
in the oil reservoir (101) being less than a threshold oil level.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second signal corresponds to oil
level in the compressor (102) being less than the threshold oil level.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first fluid loop (104) comprises a
first solenoid valve (107), wherein the first solenoid valve (107) is operable based on the
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first signal corresponding to oil level in the oil reservoir (101) being less than threshold
oil level, to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fluid loop (105) extends
from a portion of the first fluid loop (104) and comprises a second solenoid valve (108),
wherein second solenoid valve (108) is operable based on one of the second signal
corresponding to oil level in the compressor (102) being less than threshold oil level or
both of the first signal and the second signal, to allow flow of the oil from the
accumulator (103) to the compressor (102).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claims 5 and 6, comprising a control unit
communicatively coupled to the first solenoid valve (107) and the second solenoid valve
(108), the control unit is configured to operate the first solenoid valve (107) and the
second solenoid valve (108) based on the first signal and the second signal.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, the control unit is configured to receive both the
first signal and the second signal, and operate both the first solenoid valve (107) and the
second solenoid valve (108) to allow flow of oil to oil reservoir (101) and the compressor
(102), simultaneously.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first fluid loop (104) comprises a
first pressure relief valve (109) and a throttle valve (111), wherein the first pressure relief
valve (109) and the throttle valve (111) are configured to regulate pressure of oil flowing
out of the accumulator (103).
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second fluid loop (105) comprises a
second pressure relief valve (110), wherein the second pressure relief valve (110) is
configured to regulate pressure of oil flowing from the accumulator (103).
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature control system is one of a
refrigeration system or a heat pump or combination of both.
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12. A method for oil management in a temperature control unit having an oil reservoir (101)
and a compressor (102), the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit, a first signal corresponding to oil level in the oil
reservoir (101) being less than a threshold oil level from one or more level sensors of the
oil reservoir (101);
operating, by the control unit, a first solenoid valve (107) corresponding to the
first signal to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101)
though the first fluid loop (104);
receiving, by the control unit, a second signal corresponding to oil level in the
compressor (102) being less than the threshold oil level from one or more level sensors of
the compressor (102); and
operating, by the control unit, a second solenoid valve (108) corresponding to the
second signal to allow flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102)
though the second fluid loop (105).
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising operating the first solenoid valve (107) to
stop flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the oil reservoir (101) through the first
fluid loop (104) corresponding oil level in the oil reservoir (101) being equal to or
exceeding the threshold oil level.
14. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising operating the second solenoid valve
(108) to stop flow of oil from the accumulator (103) to the compressor (102) through the
second fluid loop (105) corresponding oil level in the compressor (102) being equal to or
exceeding the threshold oil level.

Dated This 28th August 2024

GOPINATH ARENUR SHANKARARAJ
IN/PA – 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT