Compressor configuration system and method

1. A system comprising:

a compressor operable in a refrigeration circuit and including a motor;

a current sensor detecting current drawn by said motor and providing a high-side condition signal;

a discharge line temperature sensor detecting a discharge line temperature of said compressor and providing a low-side condition signal; and

processing circuitry processing said high-side condition signal and said low-side condition signal to determine a condenser temperature based on said high-side condition signal.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said processing circuitry determines an evaporator temperature based on said low-side condition signal and said condenser temperature.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said processing circuitry is in communication with a system controller, said system controller receiving said high-side condition signal and said low-side condition signal and operable to verify said condenser temperature and said evaporator temperature determined by said processing circuitry.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein said processing circuitry determines at least one of a suction superheat and a discharge superheat based on said condenser temperature and said evaporator temperature.

5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a system controller in communication with said processing circuitry.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein said system controller receives said high-side condition signal and said low-side condition signal and is operable to verify said condenser temperature determined by said processing circuitry.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein said system controller includes at least one hand-held computer.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein said hand-held computer is at least one of a personal data assistant and a cellular telephone.

9. A method comprising:

generating a high-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of a refrigeration circuit;

generating a low-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of said refrigeration circuit;

determining a condenser temperature based on said high-side signal; and

configuring a compressor based on said condenser temperature.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said generating a high-side signal includes detecting current.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein said generating a low-side signal includes detecting a discharge line temperature.

12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising determining an evaporator temperature based on said low-side signal and said condenser temperature.

13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising determining at least one of a suction superheat and a discharge superheat based on said condenser temperature and said evaporator temperature.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein said configuring includes checking for an overcharge condition or a condenser fan blockage if said condenser temperature difference is higher than a predetermined value.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein said configuring includes checking said discharge superheat if said condenser temperature is within a predetermined range.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein said configuring includes checking for an undercharge condition or for an evaporator fan blockage if said discharge superheat is higher than a predetermined value.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein said configuring includes checking for an overcharge condition or for a condenser fan blockage if said discharge superheat is lower than a predetermined value.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein said configuring includes declaring a successful compressor installation if said discharge superheat is within a predetermined range.

19. The method of claim 9 , further comprising communicating said condenser temperature to a system controller.

20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising verifying said condenser temperature determination received from said processing device.

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein said verifying includes calculating said condenser temperature based on said high-side signal and said low-side signal, as reported to said system controller by said processing circuitry.

22. The method of claim 20 , wherein said verifying includes calculating said condenser temperature based on said high-side signal and said low-side signal, as detected by said system controller.

23. The method of claim 12 , further comprising communicating said condenser temperature and said evaporator temperature to a system controller.

24. The method of claim 23 , further comprising verifying said condenser temperature and said evaporator temperature at said system controller.

25. A method comprising:

generating a high-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of a refrigeration circuit;

generating a low-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of said refrigeration circuit;

processing said high-side signal and said low-side signal to indirectly determine a non-measured operating parameter of said refrigeration circuit;

configuring a compressor based on said non-measured operating parameter;

communicating said non-measured operating parameter to a system controller; and

verifying said non-measured operating parameter determination received from said processing device.

26. The method of claim 25 , wherein said verifying includes calculating said non-measured operating parameter based on said high-side fault condition and said low-side fault condition, as reported to said system controller by said processing circuitry.

27. The method of claim 25 , wherein said verifying includes calculating said non-measured operating parameter based on said high-side fault condition and said low-side fault condition, as detected by said system controller.

28. The method of claim 25 , wherein said determining said non-measured operating parameter includes determining at least one of condenser temperature, evaporator temperature, suction superheat, and discharge superheat.