U.S. patent application number 14/847384 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for air conditioner units having improved apparatus for providing make-up air.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Thomas Allen Bailey, Timothy Scott Shaffer.
Application Number | 20170067655 14/847384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58191126 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170067655 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaffer; Timothy Scott ; et
al. |
March 9, 2017 |
AIR CONDITIONER UNITS HAVING IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING
MAKE-UP AIR
Abstract
Air conditioner units and methods for providing make-up air are
provided. An air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat
exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger and a bulkhead. The air
conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in a rear
wall of the bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a
dehumidification system, the dehumidification system including an
evaporator assembly configured for removing heat from outdoor air
flowing therethrough and a condenser assembly configured for adding
heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. The air conditioner unit
further includes a movable panel disposed proximate the vent
aperture. The movable panel is movable between an open position
wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted and a
closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is
restricted.
Inventors: |
Shaffer; Timothy Scott; (La
Grange, KY) ; Bailey; Thomas Allen; (Louisville,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58191126 |
Appl. No.: |
14/847384 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/22 20180101;
F24F 11/79 20180101; F24F 2110/12 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101;
F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 2003/1446
20130101; F24F 13/15 20130101; F24F 1/027 20130101; F24F 3/1405
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/02 20060101
F24F001/02; F24F 13/15 20060101 F24F013/15; F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner unit, comprising: an outdoor heat exchanger
disposed in an outdoor portion; an indoor heat exchanger disposed
in an indoor portion; a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat
exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse
direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor
portion, the bulkhead comprising a first sidewall, a second
sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall along a lateral
direction, and a rear wall extending laterally between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall, the rear wall comprising an
indoor facing surface and an opposing outdoor facing surface; a
vent aperture defined in the rear wall; a dehumidification system
disposed at least partially within the outdoor portion, the
dehumidification system comprising an evaporator assembly
configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough
and a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to outdoor air
flowing therethrough; and a movable panel disposed proximate the
vent aperture, the movable panel movable between an open position
wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted and a
closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is
restricted.
2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is a plurality of movable panels.
3. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is connected to the dehumidification system.
4. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is connected to the bulkhead.
5. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is rotatable between the open position and the closed position.
6. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is passively movable.
7. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, further comprising a
controller and a drive assembly, the drive assembly connected to
the movable panel, the controller in communication with the drive
assembly and configured to actuate the drive assembly to move the
movable panel between the open position and the closed
position.
8. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the movable panel
is movable to the open position when the dehumidification system is
active.
9. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the evaporator
assembly is in fluid communication with the vent aperture for
flowing outdoor air from the evaporator assembly through the vent
aperture, and the condenser assembly is spaced from the vent
aperture for flowing outdoor air from the condenser assembly into
the outdoor portion.
10. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the evaporator
assembly comprises an evaporator, an evaporator duct, and an
evaporator fan.
11. The air conditioner unit of claim 10, wherein the evaporator
fan is operable within and independently of the dehumidification
system.
12. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein a flow path for
outdoor air through the evaporator assembly is directed towards the
vent aperture.
13. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the condenser
assembly comprises a condenser, a condenser duct, and a condenser
fan.
14. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein a flow path for
outdoor air through the condenser assembly is directed away from
the vent aperture.
15. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, further comprising a
controller in communication with the dehumidification system, the
controller configured to activate the dehumidification system when
a humidity level in the outdoor portion is above a predetermined
humidity threshold and a temperature level in the outdoor portion
is above a predetermined temperature threshold.
16. An air conditioner unit, comprising: an outdoor heat exchanger
disposed in an outdoor portion; an indoor heat exchanger disposed
in an indoor portion; a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat
exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse
direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor
portion, the bulkhead comprising a first sidewall, a second
sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall along a lateral
direction, and a rear wall extending laterally between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall, the rear wall comprising an
indoor facing surface and an opposing outdoor facing surface; a
vent aperture defined in the rear wall; a dehumidification system
disposed at least partially within the outdoor portion, the
dehumidification system comprising an evaporator assembly
configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough,
a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to outdoor air
flowing therethrough, a compressor, and an expansion device; and a
plurality of rotatable panels disposed proximate the vent aperture,
each of the plurality of rotatable panels rotatable between an open
position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted
and a closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is
restricted.
17. The air conditioner unit of claim 16, wherein each of the
plurality of movable panels is passively movable.
18. The air conditioner unit of claim 16, further comprising a
controller and a drive assembly, the drive assembly connected to
the plurality of movable panels, the controller in communication
with the drive assembly and configured to actuate the drive
assembly to move each of the plurality of movable panels between
the open position and the closed position.
19. The air conditioner unit of claim 16, wherein each of the
plurality of movable panels is movable to the open position when
the dehumidification system is active.
20. The air conditioner unit of claim 16, wherein the evaporator
assembly is in fluid communication with the vent aperture for
flowing outdoor air from the evaporator assembly through the vent
aperture, and the condenser assembly is spaced from the vent
aperture for flowing outdoor air from the condenser assembly into
the outdoor portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner
units, and more particularly to air conditioner units which utilize
dehumidification systems and which provide make-up air
therethrough.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Air conditioner units are conventionally utilized to adjust
the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office
buildings. In particular, one-unit type room air conditioner units
may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single
room or group of rooms of a structure. A typical such air
conditioner unit includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion.
The indoor portion is generally located indoors, and the outdoor
portion is generally located outdoors. Accordingly, the air
conditioner unit generally extends through a wall, window, etc. of
the structure.
[0003] In the outdoor portion of a conventional air conditioner
unit, a compressor that operates a refrigerating cycle is provided.
At the back of the outdoor portion, an outdoor heat exchanger
connected to the compressor is disposed, and facing the outdoor
heat exchanger, an outdoor fan for cooling the outdoor heat
exchanger is provided. At the front of the indoor portion of a
conventional air conditioner unit, an air inlet is provided, and
above the air inlet, an air outlet is provided. A blower fan and a
heating unit are additionally provided in the indoor portion.
Between the blower fan and heating unit and the air inlet, an
indoor heat exchanger connected to the compressor is provided.
[0004] When cooling operation starts, the compressor is driven to
operate the refrigerating cycle, with the indoor heat exchanger
serving as a cold-side evaporator of the refrigerating cycle, and
the outdoor heat exchanger as a hot-side condenser. The outdoor
heat exchanger is cooled by the outdoor fan to dissipate heat. As
the blower fan is driven, the air inside the room flows through the
air inlet into the air passage, and the air has its temperature
lowered by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger, and is
then blown into the room through the air outlet. In this way, the
room is cooled.
[0005] When heating operation starts, the heating unit is operated
to raise the temperature of air in the air passage. The air, having
had its temperature raised, is blown out through the air outlet
into the room to heat the room.
[0006] Further, conventional air conditioner units include a
bulkhead which is positioned between the indoor portion and outdoor
portion, and thus generally separates the components within the
indoor portion from the components in the outdoor portion. Various
components may additionally be connected to the bulkhead, such as
the blower fan and heating unit.
[0007] In some cases, it may be desirable to allow outdoor air
through the bulkhead into a room into which the air conditioner
unit extends. Accordingly, many bulkheads include vent apertures
for allowing such airflow. However, issues may occur when the
outdoor air being flowed through the vent aperture is, for example,
at a relatively high humidity level and/or relatively high
temperature level. Such air may, for example, cause discomfort to a
user of the air conditioner appliance. To resolve this issue, some
air conditioner units include apparatus for dehumidifying air that
is flowed through such vent apertures.
[0008] However, further improvements may be desirable when
utilizing vent apertures and dehumidification apparatus. For
example, in some cases it is undesirable for outdoor air to flow
through the vent aperture when the dehumidification apparatus is
not active. Further, in some cases, use of a vent aperture may
allow indoor air to escape through the vent aperture to the outdoor
portion.
[0009] Additionally, currently known dehumidification apparatus
typically raise the temperature of the air from which the humidity
is removed, resulting in hot air being flowed through the vent
apertures. These air conditioner units accordingly do not solve the
comfort issues for users of the air conditioner appliances.
[0010] Accordingly, improved air conditioner units are desired. In
particular, air conditioner units which can provide make-up air as
desired while reducing undesired air flow therethrough would be
advantageous.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment, an air conditioner unit
is provided. The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat
exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion, an indoor heat exchanger
disposed in an indoor portion, and a bulkhead disposed between the
outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a
transverse direction. The bulkhead defines the indoor portion and
the outdoor portion, and includes a first sidewall, a second
sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall along a lateral
direction, and a rear wall extending laterally between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall. The rear wall includes an indoor
facing surface and an opposing outdoor facing surface. The air
conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the
rear wall. The air conditioner unit further includes a
dehumidification system disposed at least partially within the
outdoor portion. The dehumidification system includes an evaporator
assembly configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing
therethrough and a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to
outdoor air flowing therethrough. The air conditioner unit further
includes a movable panel disposed proximate the vent aperture. The
movable panel is movable between an open position wherein air flow
through the vent aperture is permitted and a closed position
wherein air flow through the vent aperture is restricted.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment, an air conditioner
unit is provided. The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat
exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion, an indoor heat exchanger
disposed in an indoor portion, and a bulkhead disposed between the
outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a
transverse direction. The bulkhead defines the indoor portion and
the outdoor portion, and includes a first sidewall, a second
sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall along a lateral
direction, and a rear wall extending laterally between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall. The rear wall includes an indoor
facing surface and an opposing outdoor facing surface. The air
conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the
rear wall. The air conditioner unit further includes a
dehumidification system disposed at least partially within the
outdoor portion. The dehumidification system includes an evaporator
assembly configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing
therethrough, a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to
outdoor air flowing therethrough, a compressor, and an expansion
device. The air conditioner unit further includes a plurality of
rotatable panels disposed proximate the vent aperture. Each of the
plurality of rotatable panels is rotatable between an open position
wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted and a
closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is
restricted.
[0014] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner
unit, with a room front exploded from a remainder of the air
conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an indoor
portion of an air conditioner unit in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a bulkhead assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of a bulkhead, outdoor portion and
dehumidification system of an air conditioner unit in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a bulkhead, outdoor
portion and dehumidification system of an air conditioner unit in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a dehumidification
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a dehumidification
system and an associated plurality of movable panels in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top perspective cut-away view of a portion of a
dehumidification system and an associated plurality of movable
panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cut-away perspective view of a portion of an air
conditioner unit, including a dehumidification system, a bulkhead,
and a plurality of movable panels in closed positions, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates the air conditioner unit of FIG. 9 with
the plurality of movable panels in open positions;
[0026] FIG. 11 is perspective view of a portion of an air
conditioner unit, including a bulkhead and a plurality of movable
panels in closed positions, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure; and
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates the air conditioner unit of FIG. 11 with
the plurality of movable panels in open positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, an air conditioner unit 10 is
provided. The air conditioner unit 10 is a one-unit type air
conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air
conditioner. The unit 10 includes an indoor portion 12 and an
outdoor portion 14, and generally defines a vertical direction V, a
lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction
V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal
coordinate system is generally defined.
[0030] A housing 20 of the unit 10 may contain various other
components of the unit 10. Housing 20 may include, for example, a
rear grill 22 and a room front 24 which may be spaced apart along
the transverse direction by a wall sleeve 26. The rear grill 22 may
be part of the outdoor portion 14, which the room front 24 is part
of the indoor portion 12. Components of the outdoor portion 14,
such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, outdoor fan (not shown), and
compressor (not shown) may be housed within the wall sleeve 26. A
casing 34 may additionally enclose the outdoor fan, as shown.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, indoor portion 12 may
include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40, a blower fan 42,
and a heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed
behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally
support and/or house various other components or portions thereof
of the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating
unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor
portion 12 and outdoor portion 14.
[0032] Bulkhead 46 may include various peripheral surfaces that
define an interior 50 thereof. For example, and additionally
referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, bulkhead 46 may include a first
sidewall 52 and a second sidewall 54 which are spaced apart from
each other along the lateral direction L. A rear wall 56 may extend
laterally between the first sidewall 52 and second sidewall 54. The
rear wall 56 may, for example, include an upper portion 60 and a
lower portion 62. Upper portion 60 may for example have a generally
curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of
the blower fan 42 when blower fan 42 is housed within the interior
50. Lower portion 62 may have a generally linear cross-sectional
shape, and may be positioned below upper portion 60 along the
vertical direction V. Rear wall 56 may further include an indoor
facing surface 64 and an opposing outdoor facing surface. The
indoor facing surface 64 may face the interior 50 and indoor
portion 12, and the outdoor facing surface 66 may face the outdoor
portion 14.
[0033] Bulkhead 46 may additionally extend between a top end 61 and
a bottom end 63 along vertical axis V. Upper portion 60 may, for
example, include top end 61, while lower portion 62 may, for
example, include bottom end 63.
[0034] Bulkhead 46 may additionally include, for example, an air
diverter 68, which may extend between the sidewalls 52, 54 along
the lateral direction L and which may flow air therethrough.
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, blower fan 42 may be a tangential
fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be utilized.
Blower fan 42 may include a blade assembly 70 and a motor 72. The
blade assembly 70, which may include one or more blades disposed
within a fan housing 74, may be disposed at least partially within
the interior 50 of the bulkhead 46, such as within the upper
portion 60. As shown, blade assembly 70 may for example extend
along the lateral direction L between the first sidewall 52 and the
second sidewall 54. The motor 72 may be connected to the blade
assembly 70, such as through the housing 74 to the blades via a
shaft. Operation of the motor 72 may rotate the blades, thus
generally operating the blower fan 42. Further, in exemplary
embodiments, motor 72 may be disposed exterior to the bulkhead 46.
Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the
sidewalls 52, 54 to connect the motor 72 and blade assembly 70.
[0036] Heating unit 44 in exemplary embodiments includes one or
more heater banks 80. Each heater bank 80 may be operated as
desired to produce heat. In some embodiments as shown, three heater
banks 80 may be utilized. Alternatively, however, any suitable
number of heater banks 80 may be utilized. Each heater bank 80 may
further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 82, such as
in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 82.
Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be utilized.
[0037] The operation of air conditioner unit 10 including blower
fan 42, heating unit 44, and other suitable components may be
controlled by a processing device such as a controller 85.
Controller 85 may be in communication (via for example a suitable
wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air
conditioner unit 10. By way of example, the controller 85 may
include a memory and one or more processing devices such as
microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special
purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming
instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of
unit 10. The memory may represent random access memory such as
DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment,
the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be
included onboard within the processor.
[0038] Unit 10 may additionally include a control panel 87 and one
or more user inputs 89, which may be included in control panel 87.
The user inputs 89 may be in communication with the controller 85.
A user of the unit 10 may interact with the user inputs 89 to
operate the unit 10, and user commands may be transmitted between
the user inputs 89 and controller 85 to facilitate operation of the
unit 10 based on such user commands. A display 88 may additionally
be provided in the control panel 87, and may be in communication
with the controller 85. Display 88 may, for example be a
touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively
may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as
required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or
setting for the unit.
[0039] Referring briefly to FIG. 3, a vent aperture 90 may be
defined in the rear wall 56 of bulkhead 46. Vent aperture 90 may
allow air flow therethrough between the indoor portion 12 and
outdoor portion 14, and may be utilized in an installed air
conditioner unit 10 to allow outdoor air to flow therethrough into
the indoor portion 12.
[0040] As discussed, in some cases it may be desirable to treat air
being flowed through the vent aperture 90. For example, outdoor air
which has a relatively high humidity level and/or temperature level
may require treating before being flowed through vent aperture 90
from outdoor portion 14 to indoor portion 12. Accordingly, and
referring now to FIGS. 4 through 8, air conditioner unit 10 may
further include a dehumidification system 100. Dehumidification
system 100 may be utilized to treat outdoor air, also known as
make-up air, flowing therethrough and through vent aperture 90.
Further, in exemplary embodiments, dehumidification system 100 may
facilitate the flow of relatively cool, dehumidified air through
the vent aperture 90, and operate to flow hot air away from the
vent aperture 90, thus improving operation of the air conditioner
unit 10 and the comfort of users utilizing the air conditioner unit
10.
[0041] Dehumidification system 100 generally includes the
components required for operation of a refrigeration cycle. For
example, as illustrated, dehumidification system 100 may include an
evaporator assembly 102 and a condenser assembly 104. Evaporator
assembly 102 is generally configured for removing heat from outdoor
air flowing therethrough, while condenser assembly 104 is generally
configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. In
general, any suitable evaporator assembly 102 and any suitable
condenser assembly 104 having any suitable configurations may be
utilized. In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, the evaporator
assembly 102 and condenser assembly 104 may be positioned to
interact with different flows of outdoor air that are generally
independent of each other. Outdoor air flowed through evaporator
assembly 102 may further be flowed through vent aperture 90, such
that relatively cool, dry air is received in indoor portion 12
through vent aperture 90. Evaporator assembly 102 may thus be in
fluid communication with vent aperture 90 for flowing this outdoor
air from the evaporator assembly 102 through the vent aperture 90.
Outdoor air flowed through condenser assembly 104 may
advantageously be flowed back into the outdoor portion 14 and away
from the vent aperture 90. This outdoor air may further be
discharged from the outdoor portion 14 into the outdoor
environment. Condenser assembly 104 may thus be spaced from vent
aperture 90 for flowing this outdoor air from the condenser
assembly 104 into the outdoor portion 14.
[0042] Evaporator assembly 102 may, for example, include an
evaporator 110, an evaporator duct 112, and an evaporator fan 114.
Additionally, a drip pan 116 may be provided below the evaporator
duct 112 as well as the evaporator 110 and fan 114. Evaporator 110
may be any suitable heat exchanger configured to operate as an
evaporator, and in particular may be a suitable indirect heat
exchanger such as a microchannel evaporator. Outdoor air may
generally be flowed through the evaporator 110. During such flow
through the evaporator 110 the outdoor air may transmit heat to a
suitable refrigerant being flowed through the evaporator 110, thus
cooling the outdoor air. Additionally, such heat dump may cause
moisture condensation from the outdoor air. This condensation may
collect on the evaporator 110 and/or in the duct 112. Condensation
on the evaporator 110 may flow into the duct 112 and/or into the
drip pan 116, and condensation in the duct 112 may flow into the
drip pan 116. Such condensation removes moisture from the outdoor
air, such that the outdoor air exiting the evaporator 110 may be
relatively cooler and dryer than the outdoor air entering the
evaporator 110.
[0043] Evaporator duct 112 may generally be provided for outdoor
air to flow through, such as after being flowed through evaporator
110. Evaporator fan 114 may operate to encourage the flow of
outdoor air through the evaporator 110 and therethrough to the vent
aperture 90. In exemplary embodiments, evaporator duct 112 may be
positioned downstream of the evaporator 110 and evaporator fan 114
may be positioned downstream of the evaporator duct 112 along the
flow direction of outdoor air through the evaporator assembly 102.
Accordingly, fan 114 may operate to pull air through the evaporator
110 and duct 112. A flow path for outdoor air may thus be defined
through and by the evaporator assembly 102. This flow path of
outdoor air may be directed towards and into the vent aperture
90.
[0044] As illustrated, evaporator 110 and evaporator duct 112 may
be disposed in the outdoor portion 14. Fan 114 may, in some
embodiments as illustrated, be disposed at least partially within
vent aperture 90. Additionally or alternatively, fan 114 may be
partially or wholly disposed in outdoor portion 14 or partially or
wholly disposed in indoor portion 12. Accordingly, outdoor air flow
through evaporator assembly 102 may be flowed past fan 114 into and
through vent aperture 90.
[0045] Condenser assembly 104 may, for example, include a condenser
120, a condenser duct 122, and one or more condenser fans 124.
Additionally, a drip pan 126 may be provided below the condenser
duct 122 as well as the condenser 120 and fans 124. Drip pan 126
may be separate from or integral with drip pan 116. Condenser 120
may be any suitable heat exchanger configured to operate as a
condenser, and in particular may be a suitable indirect heat
exchanger such as a microchannel condenser. Outdoor air (which in
exemplary embodiments is independent from the outdoor air flowed
through condenser assembly 102, but alternatively may be outdoor
air from condenser assembly 102) may generally be flowed through
the condenser 120. During such flow through the condenser 120 the
refrigerant may transmit heat to the outdoor air being flowed
through the condenser 120, thus heating the outdoor air.
Accordingly, the outdoor air exiting the condenser 120 may be
relatively hotter than the outdoor air entering the condenser
120.
[0046] Condenser duct 122 may generally be provided for outdoor air
to flow through, such as after being flowed through condenser 120.
Condenser fan 124 may operate to encourage the flow of outdoor air
through the condenser 120 and condenser duct 122. In exemplary
embodiments, condenser duct 122 may be positioned downstream of the
condenser 120 and condenser fan 124 may be positioned downstream of
the condenser duct 122 along the flow direction of outdoor air
through the condenser assembly 104. Accordingly, fan 124 may
operate to pull air through the condenser 120 and duct 122. A flow
path for outdoor air may thus be defined through and by the
condenser assembly 104. In exemplary embodiments, this flow path of
outdoor air may be directed away from the vent aperture 90.
[0047] As illustrated, condenser assembly 104, including condenser
120, condenser duct 122, and fans 124, may be disposed in the
outdoor portion 14. Outdoor air flowed through the condenser
assembly 104 may in exemplary embodiments thus be exhausted
therefrom into the outdoor portion 14, and further exhausted from
the outdoor portion 14 into the outdoor environment.
[0048] As illustrated, dehumidification system 100 may further
include a compressor 106 and an expansion device 108. In exemplary
embodiments as illustrate, compressor 106 and expansion device 108
may be disposed in the outdoor portion 14. Expansion device 108
may, for example, be a capillary tube as illustrated or another
suitable expansion device configured for use in a refrigeration
cycle. Various lines may additionally be provided for flowing
refrigerant between the various components of the dehumidification
device 100, such as the evaporator 110, condenser 120, compressor
106 and expansion device 108. Refrigerant may thus flow through
such lines from evaporator 110 to compressor 106, from compressor
106 to condenser 120, from condenser 120 to expansion device 108,
and from expansion device 108 to evaporator 110. The refrigerant
may generally undergo phase changes associated with a refrigeration
cycle as it flows to and through these various components, as is
generally understood. One suitable refrigerant for use in
dehumidification system 100 is 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, also
known as R-134A, although it should be understood that the present
disclosure is not limited to such example and rather that any
suitable refrigerant may be utilized.
[0049] Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, a dryer 109 may be
included in dehumidification system 100. Dryer 109 may flow
refrigerant therethrough to remove moisture from the refrigerant,
and may be positioned for example between condenser 120 and
expansion device 108. Any suitable drying apparatus suitable for
use in a system utilizing a refrigeration cycle, such as for
example including a suitable desiccant, may be utilized.
[0050] As discussed, air conditioner unit 10 may include a
controller 85. Controller 85 may be in communication with
dehumidification system 100, and may be configured to operate
dehumidification system 100 and the various components thereof For
example, in exemplary embodiments, controller 85 may be configured
to activate the dehumidification system 100 (to operate in a
refrigeration cycle) when a humidity level in the outdoor portion
14 is above a predetermined humidity threshold and/or a temperature
threshold in the outdoor portion 14 is above a predetermined
temperature threshold. Controller 85 may further be configured to
deactivate the dehumidification system 100 when a humidity level in
the outdoor portion 14 is below the predetermined humidity
threshold and/or a temperature threshold in the outdoor portion 14
is below the predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined
humidity threshold may, for example, be between approximately 40%
and approximately 70% relative humidity, such as between
approximately 50% and approximately 60% relative humidity, such as
approximately 55% relative humidity. The predetermined temperature
threshold may, for example, be between approximately 40.degree. F.
and approximately 60.degree. F., such as approximately 50.degree.
F.
[0051] Unit 10 may, for example, include a suitable temperature
sensor 130 and suitable humidity sensor 132 for measuring
temperature and humidity levels, respectively. The sensors 130, 132
may be in communication with the controller 85 such that the
controller 85 receives the temperature and humidity levels from the
sensor 130, 132 and can activate and deactivate the
dehumidification system 100 as required. In exemplary embodiments
as illustrated, temperature sensor 130 and humidity sensor 132 may
be disposed in the outdoor portion 14.
[0052] Additionally, it should be noted that evaporator fan 114 may
be operable both within dehumidification system 100 and
independently of dehumidification system 100. For example,
controller 85 may be operable to activate and deactivate evaporator
fan 114 as part of dehumidification system 100. Further, controller
85 may be operable to activate and deactivate evaporator fan 114
independently of dehumidification system 100. For example, it may
be desirable to flow outdoor air through vent aperture 90 without
activating dehumidification system 100 to cool and dry the outdoor
air, such as when the humidity in the outdoor portion 14 is below
the predetermined humidity threshold and/or the temperature in the
outdoor portion 14 is below the predetermined temperature
threshold. In these cases, controller 85 may activate evaporator
fan 114 independently of the dehumidification system 100 to
encourage the flow of outdoor air through vent aperture 90.
[0053] Further, it should be noted that condenser fans 124 may be
operable both within dehumidification system 100 and independently
of dehumidification system 100. For example, controller 85 may be
operable to activate and deactivate condenser fans 124 as part of
dehumidification system 100. Further, controller 85 may be operable
to activate and deactivate condenser fans 124 independently of
dehumidification system 100. For example, condenser fans 124 may be
activated to supplement the outdoor fan (not shown) of the air
conditioner unit 100 during normal operation of the air conditioner
unit 100.
[0054] The present disclosure is further directed to methods for
providing make-up air through air conditioner units 10. In
exemplary embodiments, controller 85 may perform the various steps
of a method as discussed herein. A method may include, for example,
the step of activating a fan 114 positioned adjacent a vent
aperture 90, as discussed herein. Such activation may, for example,
be independent of a dehumidification system 100, as discussed
herein. Such activation may, for example, occur when a humidity
level in an outdoor portion 14 is below a predetermined humidity
threshold and/or a temperature threshold in the outdoor portion 14
is below a predetermined temperature threshold, as discussed
herein.
[0055] The method may further include, for example, the step of
activating a dehumidification system 100 (which may include the fan
114), as discussed herein. Such activation may, for example, occur
when a humidity level in an outdoor portion 14 is above a
predetermined humidity threshold and/or a temperature threshold in
the outdoor portion 14 is above a predetermined temperature
threshold, as discussed herein.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 12, an air conditioner unit
10 may further include one or more panels 200 which are positioned
proximate the vent aperture 90. For example, the panels 200 may be
disposed in the indoor portion 12, in the outdoor portion 14, or
within the vent aperture 90, or may be disposed partially in the
indoor portion 12, outdoor portion 14 and/or vent aperture 90. The
panels 200 may be movable between open positions (as illustrated in
FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11) and closed positions (as illustrated in FIGS.
10 and 12). The positioning of the panels 200 in the indoor portion
12, outdoor portion 14 and/or vent aperture 90 may, in some
embodiments, depend on whether the panels 200 are in the open or
closed positions. In the open positions, the panels 200 may permit
air flow through the vent aperture 90 and past the panels 200. In
the closed positions, the panels 200 may restrict, and thus
partially or fully prevent relative to when in the open position,
air flow through the vent aperture 90 and past the panels 200. For
example, in exemplary embodiments, the panels 200 may be louvers
which are movable between open and closed positions, as
illustrated.
[0057] In exemplary embodiments as illustrate, the panels 200 may
be rotatable, and may thus rotate between the open positions and
the closed positions as illustrated. Alternatively, the panels 200
may be slidable or otherwise movable between open and closed
positions.
[0058] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the
panels 200 may be connected to the dehumidification system 100,
such as to the evaporator assembly 102 as illustrated. For example,
the panels 200 may be connected to the fan 114, such as on the
downstream side thereof, and may be disposed downstream of the
evaporator 110, evaporator duct 112, and evaporator fan 114. In
alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
panels 200 may be connected to the bulkhead 46, such as to the rear
wall 56.
[0059] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 10,
the panels 200 may be passively movable, and thus may move between
the open and closed positions due only to the force of air flow on
the panels 200 and not due to active control mechanisms, such as
motors or other active drive mechanisms, that are connected to and
thus actively drive the panels 200. For example, the panels 200 may
be biased towards the closed positions, such as via a suitable
biasing mechanisms 202 such as springs. Air flowing in a direction
from outdoor portion 14 towards indoor portion 12 and having a
suitable force (to for example overcome the bias of the biasing
mechanisms) 202 may cause the panels 200 to move to the open
positions. Air flowing in a direction from indoor portion 12
towards outdoor portion 14 may cause the panels 200 to move to the
closed position. In exemplary embodiments, when the
dehumidification system 100 is active and make-up air is being
flowed through system 100 towards vent aperture 90, this air flow
may cause the panels 200 to move to the open positions, allowing
the air flow therepast and through the vent aperture 90. When the
dehumidification system 100 is not active, air flow through the
vent aperture 90 may be restricted due to the panels 200 being
moved to the closed positions.
[0060] In alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and
12, the panels 200 may be actively movable. For example, unit 10
may further include a controller 85, as discussed above, and a
drive assembly 210 connected to the movable panels 200. Drive
assembly 210 may for example include a motor 212 or other suitable
actuator, and may further include for example suitable linkages
connecting the actuator to the panels 200. The controller 85 may be
in communication with the drive assembly 210, and may be configured
to actuate the drive assembly 210 to move the panels 200 between
the open and closed positions. For example, the controller 85 may
actuate the drive assembly 210, and thus for example actuate the
motor 212, to move the panels 200 to the open positions when
desired or required, and may further actuate the drive assembly
210, and thus for example actuate the motor 212, to move the panels
200 to the closed positions when desired or required. In exemplary
embodiments, when the dehumidification system 100 is active and
make-up air is being flowed through system 100 towards vent
aperture 90, the controller 85 may actuate the drive assembly 210
to move the panels 200 to the open positions, allowing the air flow
therepast and through the vent aperture 90. When the
dehumidification system 100 is not active, the controller 85 may
actuate the drive assembly 210 to move the panels 200 to the closed
positions, such that air flow through the vent aperture 90 may be
restricted.
[0061] The present disclosure thus advantageously provides improved
apparatus for providing make-up air in air conditioner units 10. In
particular, panels 200 in accordance with the present disclosure
advantageously allow make-up air flow through vent apertures 90 of
the air conditioner units 10 when desired, such as when
dehumidification systems 100 are active and generating make-up air.
Panels 200 may further restrict air flow through vent apertures 90
when desired, such as when dehumidification systems 100 are
inactive and no make-up air is being generated. Accordingly, the
flow of undesired outdoor air through the vent apertures 90 to the
indoor portion 12, and the flow of indoor air through the vent
apertures 90 to the outdoor portion 14 may advantageously be
reduced or prevented. Use of such panels 200 may thus increase the
efficiency of units 10 and improve the comfort level of users of
units 10.
[0062] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *