U.S. patent application number 11/548137 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for compartment for air conditioner condenser.
Invention is credited to Steve Jay Meyer.
Application Number | 20080083239 11/548137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39295828 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyer; Steve Jay |
April 10, 2008 |
Compartment for Air Conditioner Condenser
Abstract
An air conditioner condenser compartment includes a base. A
three-sided frame is mounted to the base, each side of the frame
incorporating a top, bottom, and side rail portion. A receiving
bracket is formed along a surface of the side rail portion. A panel
has top, bottom and side rail portions. The side rail portion of
the panel is adapted to slide through the bracket formed along the
three-sided frame. A fabric material is alternatively disposed over
or integrated into the top, bottom, and side rail portions of the
panel to render a screen structure. A top portion has two congruent
side surfaces and a front surface. The side surfaces and front
surface extend from a top opening outward to conform to a surface
of the three-side frame. The top opening remains unobstructed to
accommodate air movement.
Inventors: |
Meyer; Steve Jay;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
RENAISSANCE ONE, TWO NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
PHOENIX
AZ
85004-2391
US
|
Family ID: |
39295828 |
Appl. No.: |
11/548137 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/259.1 ;
62/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 2339/041 20130101;
F24F 13/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/259.1 ;
62/305 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12; F28D 5/00 20060101 F28D005/00 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner condenser compartment, comprising: a base; a
three-sided frame mounted to the base, each side of the frame
incorporating a top, bottom, and side rail portion, wherein a
receiving bracket is formed along a surface of the side rail
portion; a panel having top, bottom and side rail portions, the
side rail portion of the panel adapted to slide through the bracket
formed along the three-sided frame, wherein a sunscreen fabric
material is alternatively disposed over or integrated into the top,
bottom, and side rail portions of the panel to render a screen
structure; and a top portion having two congruent side surfaces and
a front surface, wherein the side surfaces and front surface extend
from a top opening outward to conform to a surface of the
three-side frame, and the top opening remains unobstructed to
accommodate air movement.
2. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, further
including a plurality of louver openings formed in the front and
side surfaces of the top portion to accommodate air movement
through the plurality of openings.
3. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, wherein
the fabric material is further comprised of polyester yarn fibers
having a vinyl coating disposed thereon to provide shade and
protection to the condenser.
4. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 3, wherein
the fabric is removeably attached to the top, bottom, and side rail
portions using a pin mechanism.
5. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, wherein
the fabric material is further comprised of woven wire mesh fibers
to provide shade and protection to the condenser.
6. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, wherein
the base is formed from a rubberized material to isolate vibration
from the condenser.
7. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, wherein
the three-sided frame and top portion are formed from a
naturally-occurring or synthesized polymer material to resist
corrosion.
8. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 1, further
including: piping disposed along an exterior surface of the
compartment having a plurality of nozzle outlets, and a pump
connected to the piping to pressurize water from a water source and
disburse a mist from the plurality of nozzle outlets.
9. An air conditioner condenser compartment, comprising: a
substantially flat, rubberized base; a three-sided frame adapted to
attach to the rubberized base, the frame having top, bottom, and
side portions of unitary construction; a panel having top, bottom,
and side rail portions of unitary construction, the panel adapted
to couple to the top, bottom, or side portions of the three-sided
frame, wherein the panel incorporates a screen structure composed
of polyester yarn fibers having a vinyl coating disposed thereon,
the screen structure connected to each of the top, bottom, and side
rail portions of the panel; and a top portion adapted to mount to a
top surface of the three-sided frame, the top portion having a
front and two side surfaces extending outward to a first end which
conforms to the top surface of the three-sided frame, wherein the
top and side surfaces form a rectangular opening at a second end
located opposite from the first end to allow for exposure of the
condenser to outside air.
10. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 9, further
including a plurality of louver openings formed in the front and
side surfaces of the top portion to accommodate air movement
through the plurality of openings.
11. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 9, wherein
the screen structure is removeably attached to the top, bottom, and
side rail portions using a pin mechanism.
12. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 9, wherein
the three-sided frame and top portion are formed from a
naturally-occurring or synthesized polymer material to resist
corrosion.
13. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 9, further
including: piping disposed along an interior surface of the
compartment having a plurality of nozzle outlets, and a pump
connected to the piping to pressurize water from a water source and
disburse a mist from the plurality of nozzle outlets.
14. An air conditioner condenser compartment, comprising: a
four-sided frame having rail, upper stile, and lower stile
portions, wherein the lower stile portion is formed to correspond
to a pitch of a roof; a panel having upper stile, lower stile, and
side rail portions, the panel adapted to couple to the rail or
upper or lower stile portions of the four-sided frame, wherein the
panel incorporates a screen structure composed of woven fibers, the
screen structure adapted to connect to a rail, upper, or lower
stile portion of the panel; and a top portion adapted to mount to a
top surface of the four-sided frame, wherein a rectangular opening
is formed in the top portion to allow for exposure of the condenser
to outside air.
15. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 14, wherein
the screen structure is further comprised of polyester yarn fibers
having a vinyl coating disposed thereon to provide shade and
protection to the condenser.
16. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 14, wherein
the screen structure is further comprised of wire mesh fibers to
provide shade and protection to the condenser.
17. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 14, wherein
the four-sided frame and top portion are formed from a
naturally-occurring or synthesized polymer material to resist
corrosion.
18. An air conditioner condenser compartment, comprising: a base; a
three-sided frame mounted to the base, the three-sided frame
incorporating screen panels removably attached to the three-sided
frame; a top portion secured to the three-sided frame; piping
removably disposed along an interior surface of the compartment,
the piping having a plurality of nozzle outlets for disbursing a
water mist; and a high-pressure pump connected to the piping for
generating the water mist.
19. The air conditioner condenser compartment of claim 18, wherein
the screen panel is further comprised of polyester yarn fibers
having a vinyl coating disposed thereon to provide shade and
protection to the condenser.
20. The air conditioner condenser of claim 19, wherein the
three-sided frame and top portion are formed from a naturally or
synthesized polymer material to resist corrosion.
21. A method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment, comprising: providing a base; providing a three-sided
frame mounted to the base, each side of the frame incorporating a
top, bottom, and side rail portion, wherein a receiving bracket is
formed along a surface of the side rail portion; providing a panel
having top, bottom and side rail portions, the side rail portion of
the panel adapted to slide through the bracket formed along the
three-sided frame, wherein a fabric material is alternatively
disposed over or integrated into the top, bottom, and side rail
portions of the panel to render a screen structure; and providing a
top portion having two congruent side surfaces and a front surface,
wherein the side surfaces and front surface extend from a top
opening outward to conform to a surface of the three-side frame,
wherein the top opening remains unobstructed to accommodate air
movement.
22. The method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment of claim 21, wherein the fabric material is further
comprised of polyester yarn fibers having a vinyl coating disposed
thereon to provide shade and protection to the condenser.
23. The method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment of claim 21, wherein the fabric is removeably attached
to the top, bottom, and side rail portions using a pin
mechanism.
24. The method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment of claim 1, wherein the fabric material is further
comprised of woven wire mesh fibers to provide shade and protection
to the condenser.
25. The method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment of claim 1, wherein the base is formed from a
rubberized material to isolate vibration from the condenser.
26. The method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser
compartment of claim 1, further including: providing piping
disposed along an interior surface of the compartment having a
plurality of nozzle outlets, and providing a pump connected to the
piping to pressurize water from a water source and disburse a mist
from the plurality of nozzle outlets.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to air conditioning
equipment and, more particularly, to a compartment for an air
conditioning condenser unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air conditioners, and correspondingly, the outdoor condenser
units which are associated are found virtually everywhere in
today's society. Essentially, every new house that is constructed,
in any climate, makes use of air conditioning equipment for at
least a portion of each year. In many areas of the country, heat
pump units, due to high-efficiency, serve to electrically cool
homes in the summer and heat the homes in the winter months.
Condenser units are found in use in most commercial and residential
settings.
[0003] The outdoor condenser unit that services air conditioning
and heat pump equipment characteristically has a square or
rectangular shape, with a flat base, four sides, which are
generally ventilated to allow air into the condenser, and a top
portion with an integrated fan to blow heated air into the outdoor
environment. Typically, air conditioning and heat pump condenser
units are set on a small concrete slab at the exterior of a
building, or on the roof. Copper piping draws Freon into the
interior of the building where the piping junctions with a coil
portion of an air handler. The Freon is drawn back to the condenser
with separate copper piping to complete the circuit.
[0004] Condenser units are generally clad with a sheet metal
housing. Because the condenser units are located at the exterior of
a building, either on the roof or ground, the condenser units are
constantly exposed to the environment. As a result, in hotter
climates, the units are exposed to sunshine which tends to have a
corrosive effect on the unit, as well as a heating effect.
Temperatures inside a condenser unit in extreme environments such
as the desert southwest can be many degrees hotter than the ambient
surrounding air. Hotter internal temperatures have a tendency to
make the condenser unit less efficient, as the unit has to work
harder to dissipate heat.
[0005] Exposed condenser units in cooler climates are subject to
snowfall and other harsh conditions which also serve to plague the
units by exposing electronic equipment located in the units to
extreme temperatures and other environmental conditions. Condenser
units also pose a safety hazard, since while in operation the
condenser fan which is generally located on top of a condenser unit
can activate at any time, potentially harming children or pets
which may place themselves in close proximity. Finally, the look of
many condenser units is aesthetically unappealing to many
individuals.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for a compartment which houses an air
conditioning or heat pump condenser unit which provides additional
protection from the elements to boost the operating efficiency of
the units. In addition, a need exists for a compartment which is
easy to manufacture, easy to install, and easy to maintain.
Finally, a need exists for a compartment which is aesthetically
appealing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention is an air
conditioner condenser compartment, comprising a base, a three-sided
frame mounted to the base, each side of the frame incorporating a
top, bottom, and side rail portion, wherein a receiving bracket is
formed along a surface of the side rail portion, a panel having
top, bottom and side rail portions, the side rail portion of the
panel adapted to slide through the bracket formed along the
three-sided frame, wherein a fabric material is alternatively
disposed over or integrated into the top, bottom, and side rail
portions of the panel to render a screen structure, and a top
portion having two congruent side surfaces and a front surface,
wherein the side surfaces and front surface extend from a top
opening outward to conform to a surface of the three-side frame,
and the top opening remains unobstructed to accommodate air
movement.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention is an air
conditioner condenser compartment, comprising a substantially flat,
rubberized base, a three-sided frame adapted to attach to the
rubberized base, the frame having top, bottom, and side portions of
unitary construction, a panel having top, bottom, and side rail
portions of unitary construction, the panel adapted to couple to
the top, bottom, or side portions of the three-sided frame, wherein
the panel incorporates a screen structure composed of polyester
yarn fibers having a vinyl coating disposed thereon, the screen
structure connected to each of the top, bottom, and side rail
portions of the panel, and a top portion adapted to mount to a top
surface of the three-sided frame, the top portion having a front
and two side surfaces extending outward to a first end which
conforms to the top surface of the three-sided frame, wherein the
top and side surfaces form a rectangular opening at a second end
located opposite from the first end to allow for exposure of the
condenser to outside air.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention is an air
conditioner condenser compartment, comprising a four-sided frame
having rail, upper stile, and lower stile portions, wherein the
lower stile portion is formed to correspond to a pitch of a roof, a
panel having upper stile, lower stile, and side rail portions, the
panel adapted to couple to the rail or upper or lower stile
portions of the four-sided frame, wherein the panel incorporates a
screen structure composed of woven fibers, the screen structure
adapted to connect to a rail, upper, or lower stile portion of the
panel, and a top portion adapted to mount to a top surface of the
four-sided frame, wherein a rectangular opening is formed in the
top portion to allow for exposure of the condenser to outside
air.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is an air
conditioner condenser compartment, comprising a base, a three-sided
frame mounted to the base, the three-sided frame incorporating
screen panels removably attached to the three-sided frame, a top
portion secured to the three-sided frame, piping removably disposed
along an exterior surface of the compartment, the piping having a
plurality of nozzle outlets for disbursing a water mist, and a
high-pressure pump connected to the piping for generating the water
mist.
[0011] In still another embodiment, the present invention is a
method of manufacturing an air conditioner condenser compartment,
comprising providing a base, providing a three-sided frame mounted
to the base, each side of the frame incorporating a top, bottom,
and side rail portion, wherein a receiving bracket is formed along
a surface of the side rail portion, providing a panel having top,
bottom and side rail portions, the side rail portion of the panel
adapted to slide through the bracket formed along the three-sided
frame, wherein a fabric material is alternatively disposed over or
integrated into the top, bottom, and side rail portions of the
panel to render a screen structure, and providing a top portion
having two congruent side surfaces and a front surface, wherein the
side surfaces and front surface extend from a top opening outward
to conform to a surface of the three-side frame, and the top
opening remains unobstructed to accommodate air movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example air conditioner condenser
compartment in a first embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates assembly features of an air conditioner
condenser compartment;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a detail illustration of a screen
sub-structure interfacing with a frame sub-structure of one
embodiment of an air conditioner condenser compartment;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a detail illustration of a screen
sub-structure interfacing with a frame sub-structure of an
additional embodiment of an air conditioner condenser
compartment;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a detail illustration of a screen and rail
interface in one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a detail illustration of a screen and rail
interface in another embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts a first detail illustration of an example
connection between top and side panels of an air conditioner
condenser compartment;
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a second detail illustration of an example
connection between top and side panels of an air conditioner
condenser compartment;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a louver structure integrated into a top
portion of an example air conditioning condenser compartment;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an air conditioner package unit
compartment for existing roof-mounted applications;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an air conditioner package unit
compartment for new constructed roof-mounted applications; and
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a misting and cooling system integrated
into an example air conditioning condenser compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention is described in one or more
embodiments in the following description with reference to the
Figures, in which like numerals represent the same or similar
elements. While the invention is described in terms of the best
mode for achieving the invention's objectives, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is intended to
cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims and their equivalents as supported by the
following disclosure and drawings.
[0025] Turning to FIG. 1, an example air conditioner condenser
compartment 10 is depicted in one embodiment. Compartment 10 in the
depicted embodiment is intended to enclose an air conditioner
condenser which is mounted to a concrete slab or other solid
surface in close proximity to a side of a home or building.
Compartment 10 includes a front surface 12 and two side surfaces
12, which can form a frame to provide structural support. Surfaces
12 can be constructed of steel, aluminum, an alloy metal, a rigid
polymer-based material, or other materials. In the depicted
embodiment, surfaces 12 are comprised of a solid, rubberized
material, forming a rubberized, solid base 12. The rubberized
material 12 can act to absorb and cushion vibration emanating from
the condenser unit. Furthermore, the rubberized base acts to
isolate the vibration to the condenser unit and not transfer the
vibration to adjoining surfaces.
[0026] Three screens 14, a front screen 14 and two side screens 14
are integrated into each front and side surface 12. Again, an
opening 16 is found in the rear portion of the compartment 10 where
a compartment 10 faces the surface of a home or building 26.
Screens 14 are held in place by a series or rails 18 and/or stiles
18, also capable of being manufactured with steel, aluminum,
alloys, naturally or synthetically-based polymer material, and the
like. Screens 14 allow air to enter into compartment 10 and
circulate within compartment 10. In one embodiment, a screen
structure can incorporate polyester yarn fibers with a vinyl
coating disposed over a surface of the fibers. Such an embodiment
can render a screen material which becomes highly resistant to
outdoor elements, particularly harsh sunlight. Screens 14 can also
be constructed with wire fibers which are woven into a mesh.
Screens 14 can be constructed with a fabric-like material. Screens
14 can be fabricated using a variety of materials which allow for
unobstructed air movement, while at the same time obscuring direct
sunlight. In one embodiment, rails/stiles 18 are manufactured with
unitary construction to render a frame structure 18 which is
seamless in construction to provide for increased strength and
rigidity. In a separate embodiment, a frame 18 can be a steel or
alloy frame which is overmolded with an epoxy coating.
[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, a top structure 22 is disposed over the
three-sided frame structure. Structure 22 includes two congruent
side surfaces 20 and a front surface 20 which forms a pyramid-type
shape to direct air movement inwards and upwards towards opening 24
in structure 22. Opening 24 is purposefully maintained without any
obstruction to allow for the greatest possible air movement and
circulation throughout compartment 10. Finally, compartment 10 is
seen secured to an outside surface 26 of a home or other
building.
[0028] Compartment 10 is a cost-effective, efficient solution to
providing protection to an air conditioner condenser from harsh
outdoor elements. Compartment 10 is intended to fasten over an
existing condenser. The existing skin of an existing condenser
becomes shaded from harmful sunlight elements. At most times of the
day, no direct sunlight reaches the air conditioner condenser. As a
result, the ambient air temperature of the interior of the
condenser is reduced, as the compartment 10 absorbs and/or reflects
radiant energy. The design of compartment 10 is intended to not
interfere in any way with the normal circulation of air which
occurs through a condenser. Screens 14 are large and allow
unimpeded air movement so as not to encumber the operational
characteristics of a particular condenser. Likewise, opening 24 is
large to accommodate air movement from the interior of a condenser,
without impeding the air movement. The result is an air conditioner
condenser which operates in a cooler environment, resulting in
greater efficiency. In addition, compartment 10 provides an
additional degree of security to various subcomponents located in a
typical air conditioner condenser, such as the fan mechanism which
can randomly activate and potentially injure children or
animals.
[0029] FIG. 1 also depicts a portion of a cooling mechanism for
compartment 10, which includes pipe 114, mounting brackets 116 or
clamps 116, elbow fittings 122, nozzles 118 and mist 120. The
cooling mechanism is removably attached to the structure 22 as
shown, and will be discussed in greater detail following.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts an example assembly mechanism for a
compartment 10. Here again, screens 14, opening 16, rails and
stiles 18, and surfaces 20 are depicted. Top portion 22 with
opening 24 is shown having pin mechanisms 28 integrated into the
bottom surface of portion 22. Pins 28 extend downward from portion
22. Pins 28 are received by a recess or opening 30 in a top portion
of rails 18 as shown, to removeably attach portion 22 to the
rail/stile structure 18 holding screens 14. Pins 28 describe one
embodiment which can be used to mechanically attach portion 22 to
rails 18, however, one skilled in the art will realize that several
known mechanisms can be employed to attach portion 22 in a similar
manner, while providing ease of removal in a particular
situation.
[0031] In addition, screen structures 14 are configured to be
removable from rail/stiles 18 as shown. FIGS. 3 and 4 describe two
example mechanisms which allow rails/stiles 18 to be removably
attached to compartment 10. FIG. 3 shows a mechanism whereby
compartment 10 is configured to insert rails/stiles 18 into
recesses created by a frame 34 having angled surfaces 36, 38 to
receive a rail or stile 18. Rails 18 have an exterior surface which
is made flush with an exterior surface of frame 34 as shown. Angle
surface 38 forms a back surface on which rail or stile 18
ultimately contacts. To secure rails/stiles 18 into the recess, a
winged nut 20 is turned to securely hold rails/stiles in position.
Optionally, nut 20 can include a locking mechanism 42 such as a
tubular pin tumbler lock 42 or radial lock 42. Here again, several
attachment mechanisms such as a wing nut mechanism, lever
mechanism, tongue and groove mechanism, or latch mechanism can be
used secure the screen structure 14 into position.
[0032] FIG. 3a illustrates the attachment mechanism depicted in
FIG. 3 along with an example hinge mechanism 35 which allows a
screen 14 to open and pivot outwards in one embodiment for ease of
servicing the condenser. Hinge 35 can be disposed along an entire
length of stile 18. In the depicted embodiment, a hinge 35 is
disposed at the top portion of stile 18 and frame 34, and also can
be disposed at the bottom portion of stile 18 and frame 34. A
technician can easily access a condenser unit by unlocking tumbler
lock 42, turning nut 40, and opening screen 14 along hinges 35.
[0033] FIG. 4 depicts an additional attachment mechanism for
securing screens 14 to frame 34. Frame 34 includes surfaces 36, 38
as shown in FIG. 3, adding front surface 44 to form a "U-shape"
bracket 46 or recess 46 through which a particular rail 18 slides
from the top down, until a top surface of stile 18 is flush with a
top surface of frame 34 as shown. Recess 46 is configured to be
slightly larger than the dimensions of rail 18 to allow for
movement through the recess, but to provide sufficient friction
force to retain rail 18 in a particular position.
[0034] FIG. 5 refers to an example screen 14 retention mechanism 48
to securely hold screen 14 material in place by providing
sufficient tension, shown in a cross-sectional view. In the
depicted embodiment, screen 14 is wrapped around a post structure
50 and locked in place using spacer 52. Rail 18 is integrated
around the holding post structure 50 as shown. Post 50 with
attached screen 14 material can, in one embodiment, be slid across
a cavity created in rail 18 to receive post 50.
[0035] A similar holding structure 54 for screen 14 material is
shown in FIG. 6, also in cross-section format. Screen 14 material
is again pulled around a support post, here the rail 18 itself. A
pin mechanism 56 securely holds screen 14 material in position.
[0036] FIG. 7 depicts an example attachment mechanism 58 for top
portion 22 in a cross-sectional view. A bottom surface of surface
20 is shown having pin structure 60, which is received by an
opening in a top surface of rail or stile 18 to removably secure
top portion 22 in place.
[0037] Similarly, the attachment 62 as shown in FIG. 8 makes use of
another U-shape bracket 64 or mechanism 64 to secure top portion 22
to rail or stile 18.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 9, an additional embodiment of a top
portion 22 is depicted. Portion 22 includes several louvers 66
which are intended to enhance airflow throughout the compartment
10.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 10, a compartment 68 is depicted which is
intended for preexisting roof-mounted applications. An air duct 70
is attached to air conditioner condenser 72 as shown, the condenser
mounted to a pitched roof surface 74 using a roof-mount brace
structure 76. In the depicted embodiment, compartment 68 includes
rails and stiles 18 as previously depicted. However, stile 78 is
angled to conform to the pitch of the roof surface 74 using angle
brackets 80. As shown, stiles 18 are longer than rails 18 to render
a rectangular, four-sided shape which fully encloses the condenser
72. A bottom panel 82 has an angled side to correspond to a certain
pitch of a roof. In one embodiment, panel 82 includes louvers 66 as
shown. The dimensions of bottom panel 82, angle brackets 80 or
stile 78 can be varied to suit a particular roof application, such
as varying pitches or varying dimensions of condenser units.
[0040] Compartment 68 includes similar features as found in
compartments 10 for ground-mount applications, such as screens 14
which allow for air circulation, a top portion 22 (in this case
depicted as a substantially flat structure) with an opening 24 for
air circulation as shown. In additional embodiments, a top portion
22 can be utilized which is similar in shape and design to that
described previously and associated with compartment 10 (see FIG.
1, for example) which utilizes similar pins or other attachment
mechanisms to secure to rails/stiles 18.
[0041] FIG. 11 depicts a condenser compartment 86 which is intended
for new construction applications. Here again, a duct 88 and
condenser unit 90 is shown. In the depicted example, rails and
stiles 18 provide support for the base of condenser unit 90, in
effect, replacing the pre-existing support brace 76. In a typical
new installation, compartment 86 would first be placed on a roof
deck 74. A condenser unit 90 and air duct 88 would then be mounted
to the interior of the compartment 86. Again, much of the same
features are seen, including top portion 22 with opening 24 screens
14, rails and stiles 18, louvers 66 and panels 82. FIGS. 11 and 12
also illustrate a portion of a cooling mechanism 92 which will be
further described following.
[0042] FIG. 12 depicts an optional additional cooling mechanism 92
which can be associated with compartments 10, 68, or 86 in a
particular embodiment. Mechanism 92 provides misted water to lower
ambient air temperature surrounding the compartment 10 and increase
the operating efficiency of a condenser 72, 90. Mechanism 92
depicts an air handler unit 94 which drains condensate water
through pipe 96 into a fresh water supply tank 98 holding a volume
of water 100. As the air handler 94 operates, condensate moisture
is formed on an interior coil as it is removed from surrounding
air. The moisture is then drained into tank 98 and stored. The
condensate moisture is cold, due to the source of the moisture,
further lowering ambient air temperature and increasing the overall
operating efficiency of a condenser unit 72, 90.
[0043] Tank 98 is fluidly connected through a pipe 102 or similar
means to the outside compartment 92 as shown. A controller 104
serves to coordinate the activity of the air handler, condenser,
and misting mechanism 92. The controller can include a
microprocessor which detects an interior temperature of ambient air
surrounding the condenser unit 72. The controller can be programmed
to activate the mechanism 104 when the temperature reaches and/or
exceeds a predetermined threshold. Controller 104 can operate in
conjunction with compressor pump 106 which may include a valve to
allow pressurized water to enter pipe 114. Pump 106 can also
include a relay which communicates to controller 104 that a switch
112 has turned the condenser unit 72 on. Controller 104 can then
power on pump 106 to provide pressurized water to pipe 114.
Controller 104 working in conjunction with pump/relay 106 and
switch 112 can serve to turn mechanism 92 on or off depending on a
variety of conditions. The conditions may simply be tied to
temperature, as described, or other factors, such as time-of-day,
can be utilized in the programming of controller 104 to suit a
particular application.
[0044] Pipe 114 is attached to an exterior surface of compartment
10 as shown, and is mounted to the surface using "c-clamp" fittings
116 or similar. A series of spray nozzles 118 are disposed at
regular intervals along the pipe 114 to provide outlets for the
pressurized water 120 to be misted throughout the interior of
compartment 92. Pipes 114 include elbow fittings 122 and end cap
124 as shown to terminate the system.
[0045] Ultimately, mechanism 92 serves to additionally reduce
temperature, and thereby, strain on a condenser 72 which translates
into greater operating efficiency and lower overall operating cost.
Use of cooling mechanism 92 can increase efficiency in a condenser
72 beyond the use of a compartment 10 itself, particularly in harsh
or extreme environments where temperatures routinely climb into the
one hundred teens degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.
[0046] Use of compartment 10, 68, 86 and/or mechanism 92 provide a
simple, cost-effective solution to improving operating efficiency,
providing longer operating life, and enhancing security of air
conditioner condenser units. Again, subcomponents of compartments
10, 68, 86 and/04 mechanism can be manufactured using commonly
known methods and materials in the art. Specialized materials, such
as certain polymer or composite materials can be chosen for a
particular resistance to heat, sunlight, or for absorption of
vibration, for example.
[0047] While one or more embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate
that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention as set
forth in the following claims.
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