An integrated HVACR control and
protection system includes a modular and reprogrammable design providing a plurality of possible combinations of power detection,
voltage detection, run current detection,
transient current detection, temperature detection, universal
thermostat interface,
peripheral or
remote control, and local display and control. The control and
protection system is capable of evaluating the relationship between real power used by an HVACR
system compressor and other
system operating parameters to detect problems early in the failure cycle, i.e., before a failure has progressed to requiring a
system shutdown or causing damage to other components. Additionally, a
control system and method provide sensorless detection of various HVACR system faults, such as, for example, loss of
refrigerant or a
refrigerant flow restriction, that
impact the relationship between real power and current,
voltage, temperature, or other operating parameters.
Peripheral or
remote control includes wired or
wireless system monitoring and parameter
programming using a personal digital assistant (PDA), for example utilizing IR communication between the PDA and the control and
protection system.