US20170003040A1 - Packaged terminal air conditioner unit - Google Patents
Packaged terminal air conditioner unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170003040A1 US20170003040A1 US14/790,204 US201514790204A US2017003040A1 US 20170003040 A1 US20170003040 A1 US 20170003040A1 US 201514790204 A US201514790204 A US 201514790204A US 2017003040 A1 US2017003040 A1 US 2017003040A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- stage
- refrigerant
- air conditioner
- casing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0059—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers
- F24F1/0063—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by heat exchangers by the mounting or arrangement of the heat exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
- F24F1/022—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing comprising a compressor cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/02—Self-contained room units for air-conditioning, i.e. with all apparatus for treatment installed in a common casing
- F24F1/04—Arrangements for portability
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B30/00—Heat pumps
- F25B30/02—Heat pumps of the compression type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
- F25B41/37—Capillary tubes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B43/00—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
- F25B43/006—Accumulators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/04—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in series
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B6/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several condenser circuits
- F25B6/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several condenser circuits arranged in parallel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2341/00—Details of ejectors not being used as compression device; Details of flow restrictors or expansion valves
- F25B2341/001—Ejectors not being used as compression device
- F25B2341/0012—Ejectors with the cooled primary flow at high pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2341/00—Details of ejectors not being used as compression device; Details of flow restrictors or expansion valves
- F25B2341/001—Ejectors not being used as compression device
- F25B2341/0015—Ejectors not being used as compression device using two or more ejectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/23—Separators
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to heat pump systems, such as packaged terminal air conditioner units, and sealed systems for the same.
- Certain packaged terminal air conditioner units include a sealed system for chilling and/or heating air.
- the sealed systems include various components for treating a refrigerant in order to cool or heat air.
- the sealed system components are generally positioned within a casing that can be mounted within a wall or window of an associated building. Due to space constraints within the casing, selection of sealed system components for packaged terminal air conditioner units can be limited to relatively small components.
- Packaged terminal air conditioner units are frequently classified and sold by efficiency. Customers generally prefer efficient packaged terminal air conditioner units because small improvements in heating and cooling efficiency can provide a significant reduction in utility bills. Energy efficiency in packaged terminal air conditioner units is generally a function of compressor size and efficiency, heat exchanger size, design and airflow and fan design among other factors. However, high efficiency compressors are typically very expensive, and large heat exchangers may not fit within the limited space available in the casing of a packaged terminal air conditioner unit.
- a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with features for assisting with increasing an efficiency of the packaged terminal air conditioner would be useful.
- a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with features for assisting with increasing an efficiency of the packaged terminal air conditioner without requiring a high efficiency compressor and/or a large heat exchanger would be useful.
- the present subject matter provides a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with a casing.
- a compressor, a reversing valve and an ejector of the packaged terminal air conditioner unit are positioned within the casing.
- the ejector is configured for drawing vapor refrigerant into a flow of liquid refrigerant.
- An exterior heat exchanger and an interior heat exchanger are also positioned within the casing.
- the interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- a packaged terminal air conditioner unit in a first exemplary embodiment, includes a casing.
- a compressor is positioned within the casing. The compressor is operable to increase a pressure of a refrigerant.
- An interior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing. The interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage that are separate from each other.
- An exterior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing opposite the interior heat exchanger.
- a phase separator is positioned within the casing. The phase separator is configured for separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant.
- a reversing valve is positioned within the casing. The reversing valve is in fluid communication with the compressor in order to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor.
- the reversing valve is configured for selectively directing the compressed refrigerant from the compressor to the exterior heat exchanger or the second stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- a supply conduit extends between the exterior heat exchanger and the phase separator.
- An ejector is coupled to the supply conduit.
- a first distribution conduit extends between the first stage of the interior heat exchanger and the ejector.
- a second distribution conduit extends between the exterior heat exchanger and the first stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- a connection conduit extends between the phase separator and the second stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- a bypass conduit extends from the phase separator around the second stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- a packaged terminal air conditioner unit in a second exemplary embodiment, includes a casing that extends between an exterior side portion and an interior side portion.
- a compressor is positioned within the casing. The compressor is operable to compress a refrigerant.
- An interior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing at the interior side portion of the casing. The interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage that are separate from each other.
- An exterior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing at the exterior side portion of the casing.
- a reversing valve is in fluid communication with the compressor in order to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor.
- a phase separator is positioned within the casing.
- the phase separator is configured for separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant.
- An ejector is positioned within the casing.
- the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is configured such that, in a cooling mode, a flow of liquid refrigerant from the exterior heat exchanger flows through the ejector and the ejector draws vapor refrigerant from the first stage of the interior heat exchanger into the flow of liquid refrigerant and a combined flow of liquid and vapor refrigerant flows from the ejector to the phase separator. Vapor refrigerant from the phase separator flows around the second stage of the interior heat exchanger to the compressor and liquid refrigerant from the phase separator flows to the second stage of the interior heat exchanger in the cooling mode.
- the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is also configured such that, in a heating mode, refrigerant from the second stage of the interior heat exchanger flows through the phase separator and the ejector to the first stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 is operable to generate chilled and/or heated air in order to regulate the temperature of an associated room or building.
- packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 may be utilized in installations where split heat pump systems are inconvenient or impractical.
- a sealed system 120 of packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 is disposed within a casing 110 .
- packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 may be a self-contained or autonomous system for heating and/or cooling air.
- casing 110 extends between an interior side portion 112 and an exterior side portion 114 .
- Interior side portion 112 of casing 110 and exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 are spaced apart from each other.
- interior side portion 112 of casing 110 may be positioned at or contiguous with an interior atmosphere
- exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 may be positioned at or contiguous with an exterior atmosphere.
- Sealed system 120 includes components for transferring heat between the exterior atmosphere and the interior atmosphere.
- sealed system 120 includes a compressor 122 , an interior heat exchanger or coil 124 and an exterior heat exchanger or coil 126 .
- Casing 110 defines a mechanical compartment 116 .
- Sealed system 120 is disposed or positioned within mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- a front panel 118 and a rear grill or screen 119 are mounted to casing 110 and hinder or limit access to mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- Front panel 118 is mounted to casing 110 at interior side portion 112 of casing 110
- rear screen 119 is mounted to casing 110 at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 .
- Front panel 118 and rear screen 119 each define a plurality of holes that permit air to flow through front panel 118 and rear screen 119 , with the holes sized for preventing foreign objects from passing through front panel 118 and rear screen 119 into mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- Packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 also includes a drain pan or bottom tray 138 and an inner wall 140 positioned within mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- Sealed system 120 is positioned on bottom tray 138 .
- liquid runoff from sealed system 120 may flow into and collect within bottom tray 138 .
- Inner wall 140 may be mounted to bottom tray 138 and extend upwardly from bottom tray 138 to a top wall of casing 110 .
- Inner wall 140 limits or prevents air flow between interior side portion 112 of casing 110 and exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 within mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- inner wall 140 may divide mechanical compartment 116 of casing 110 .
- Packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 further includes a controller 146 with user inputs, such as buttons, switches and/or dials. Controller 146 regulates operation of packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 .
- controller 146 is in operative communication with various components of packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 , such as components of sealed system 120 and/or a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor or thermocouple, for measuring the temperature of the interior atmosphere.
- controller 146 may selectively activate sealed system 120 in order to chill or heat air within sealed system 120 , e.g., in response to temperature measurements from the temperature sensor.
- Controller 146 includes 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 packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 .
- the memory can represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
- the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory.
- the memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard within the processor.
- controller 146 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system 200 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Sealed system 200 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit.
- sealed system 200 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 ( FIG. 1 ) as sealed system 120 .
- Sealed system 200 is shown operating in a cooling mode in FIG. 2
- sealed system 200 is shown operating in a heating mode in FIG. 3 .
- the unlabeled arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealed system 200 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively.
- Sealed system 200 generally operates in a heat pump cycle. Sealed system 200 includes a compressor 210 , an interior heat exchanger or coil 212 and an exterior heat exchanger or coil 214 . As is generally understood, various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealed system 200 , as discussed in greater detail below. Thus, e.g., interior coil 212 and exterior coil 214 may be between and in fluid communication with each other and compressor 210 via suitable tubing or piping.
- interior coil 212 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil or stage 250 and a second coil or stage 252 .
- Interior coil 212 may be formed in any suitable manner to include first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 .
- first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 may each be formed from suitable tubing.
- the tubing may be wound around separate support structures, e.g., such that first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 are spaced apart from each other within casing 110 , or the tubing may be wound around a common support structure, e.g., such that first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 are positioned adjacent each other within casing 110 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
- sealed system 200 also includes a reversing valve 216 .
- Reversing valve 216 selectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 210 towards either interior coil 212 or exterior coil 214 .
- reversing valve 216 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 210 to or towards exterior coil 214 .
- reversing valve 216 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 210 to or towards second stage 252 of interior coil 212 .
- reversing valve 216 permits sealed system 200 to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
- compressor 210 operates to increase a pressure of refrigerant within the compressor 210 .
- refrigerant from second stage 252 of interior coil 212 and vapor refrigerant from a phase separator 222 are directed to compressor 210 in the cooling mode.
- Vapor refrigerant from phase separator 222 may be a fluid in the form of a saturated or superheated vapor.
- the refrigerant may enter compressor 210 , and compressor 210 may operate to compress the refrigerant. Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant may be increased in compressor 210 such that the refrigerant becomes a more superheated vapor.
- Exterior coil 214 is disposed downstream of compressor 210 in the cooling mode and acts as a condenser. Thus, exterior coil 214 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 , when sealed system 200 is operating in the cooling mode.
- the superheated vapor from compressor 210 may enter exterior coil 214 via suitable conduit or piping that extends between and fluidly connects reversing valve 216 and exterior coil 214 .
- the refrigerant from compressor 210 transfers energy to the exterior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid, liquid vapor mixture and/or subcooled liquid.
- An exterior air handler or fan 230 positioned adjacent exterior coil 214 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere across exterior coil 214 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- sealed system 200 also includes a phase separator 222 and an injector or ejector 232 .
- Phase separator 222 is configured for separating liquid refrigerant within phase separator 222 from vapor refrigerant within phase separator 222 , e.g., in the cooling mode. By separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant, phase separator 222 may improve a performance and/or efficiency of packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 , as discussed in greater detail below.
- phase separator 222 is fluidly coupled to exterior coil 214 via a supply conduit 234 .
- supply conduit 234 may extend between and fluidly connect exterior coil 214 and phase separator 222 such that refrigerant from exterior coil 214 may flow through supply conduit 234 to phase separator 222 .
- Ejector 232 is coupled to supply conduit 234 and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant from first stage 250 of interior coil 212 into supply conduit 234 .
- ejector 232 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.
- Ejector 232 is positioned on supply conduit 234 and receives vapor phase refrigerant from first stage 250 of interior coil 212 via a first distribution conduit 236 that extends between and fluidly connects first stage 250 of interior coil 212 and ejector 232 . Ejector 232 directs or urges the vapor phase refrigerant from first distribution conduit 236 into supply conduit 234 and refrigerant flowing through supply conduit 234 .
- phase separator 222 may be any suitable type of phase separator.
- phase separator 222 may be constructed in the same or similar manner to the phase separator described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/088,558 of Brent Alden Junge and/or the phase separator described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/258,397 of Brent Alden Junge et al., both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
- liquid phase refrigerant may collect or pool at a bottom portion of phase separator 222 and vapor phase refrigerant may collect or pool at a top portion of phase separator 222 , e.g., due to density differences between the liquid and vapor phase refrigerants.
- connection conduit 240 extends between phase separator 222 and second stage 252 of interior coil 212 .
- phase separator 222 receives refrigerant from supply conduit 234 and separates liquid refrigerant from supply conduit 234 and vapor refrigerant from supply conduit 234 .
- the liquid phase refrigerant within phase separator 222 is directed from phase separator 222 to second stage 252 of interior coil 212 via connection conduit 240 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- phase separator 222 Conversely, the vapor phase refrigerant within phase separator 222 is directed around second stage 252 of interior coil 212 back to compressor 210 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypasses second stage 252 of interior coil 212 in the cooling mode.
- a bypass conduit 244 extends from phase separator 222 around second stage 252 of interior coil 212 , and vapor phase refrigerant from phase separator 222 bypasses second stage 252 of interior coil 212 via bypass conduit 244 in the cooling mode.
- a throttling device 220 is disposed on a second distribution conduit 242 .
- Second distribution conduit 242 extends between exterior coil 214 and first stage 250 of interior coil 212 .
- Throttling device 220 is positioned between exterior coil 214 and first stage 250 of interior coil 212 on second distribution conduit 242 .
- refrigerant from exterior coil 214 travels through throttling device 220 before flowing through first stage 250 of interior coil 212 .
- Throttling device 220 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof.
- Throttling device 220 (e.g., and any other throttling device described herein) may include various components for throttling refrigerant flow through second distribution conduit 242 .
- throttling device 220 may include a capillary tube and check valve, a J-T valve, an electronic expansion valve, etc. to throttle the flow of refrigerant through second distribution conduit 242 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
- First stage 250 of interior coil 212 is disposed downstream of throttling device 220 in the cooling mode and acts as an evaporator.
- first stage 250 of interior coil 212 is operable to heat refrigerant within first stage 250 of interior coil 212 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 , when sealed system 200 is operating in the cooling mode.
- the refrigerant from throttling device 220 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- An interior air handler or fan 228 positioned adjacent first stage 250 of interior coil 212 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere across first stage 250 of interior coil 212 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- ejector 232 directs the vapor refrigerant from interior coil 212 into supply conduit 234 .
- second stage 252 of interior coil 212 acts as an evaporator in the cooling mode; however, second stage 252 of interior coil 212 is disposed downstream of phase separator 222 in the cooling mode.
- second stage 252 of interior coil 212 is operable to heat refrigerant within second stage 252 of interior coil 212 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 , when sealed system 200 is operating in the cooling mode.
- the liquid refrigerant from phase separator 222 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- Interior fan 228 positioned adjacent second stage 252 of interior coil 212 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere across second stage 252 of interior coil 212 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 are disposed downstream of compressor 210 and each act as a condenser, e.g., such that first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 are operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 .
- phase separator 222 and ejector 232 act as conduits to direct compressed refrigerant between first and second stages 250 , 252 of interior coil 212 in the heating mode.
- a second check valve 226 on supply conduit 234 may block refrigerant flow from ejector 232 to exterior coil 214 via supply conduit 234 in the heating mode.
- a first check valve 224 on bypass conduit 244 may block refrigerant flow from reversing valve to phase separator 222 via bypass conduit 244 , e.g., in the heating mode as shown in FIG. 3 .
- Exterior coil 214 is disposed downstream of throttling device 220 in the heating mode and acts as an evaporator. Thus, exterior coil 214 is operable to heat refrigerant within exterior coil 214 with energy from the exterior atmosphere, e.g., at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 , when sealed system 200 is operating in the heating mode. For example, within exterior coil 214 , the refrigerant from throttling device 220 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. From exterior coil 214 , refrigerant is directed back to compressor 210 .
- Sealed system 200 may assist with operating packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 efficiently.
- ejector 232 of sealed system 200 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exiting first stage 250 of interior coil 212 in the cooling mode. In such a manner, ejector 232 may assist with reducing energy consumption of compressor 210 in the cooling mode.
- Phase separator 222 also reduces a pressure drop in second stage 252 of interior coil 212 by bypassing vapor refrigerant directly to compressor 210 in the cooling mode.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system 300 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Sealed system 300 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit.
- sealed system 300 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 ( FIG. 1 ) as sealed system 120 .
- Sealed system 300 is shown operating in a cooling mode in FIG. 4
- sealed system 300 is shown operating in a heating mode in FIG. 5 .
- the unlabeled arrows in FIGS. 4 and 5 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealed system 300 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively.
- sealed system 300 Like sealed system 200 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), sealed system 300 generally operates in a heat pump cycle. Sealed system 300 includes similar components to sealed system 200 and operates in a similar manner. For example, sealed system 300 includes a compressor 310 , an interior heat exchanger or coil 312 and an exterior heat exchanger or coil 314 . Sealed system 300 also includes a reversing valve 316 that selectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 310 towards either interior coil 312 or exterior coil 314 .
- Interior coil 312 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil or stage 350 and a second coil or stage 352
- exterior coil 314 is also a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil or stage 354 and a second coil or stage 356 .
- various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealed system 300 .
- compressor 310 operates to increase a pressure of refrigerant within the compressor 310 .
- vapor refrigerant from second stage 352 of interior coil 312 is directed to compressor 310 in the cooling mode.
- the vapor refrigerant may be a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor.
- Compressor 310 is operable to compress the refrigerant, e.g., such that the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant increase and the refrigerant becomes a more superheated vapor.
- First stage 354 of exterior coil 314 is disposed downstream of compressor 310 in the cooling mode and acts as a condenser.
- first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the cooling mode.
- the refrigerant from compressor 310 transfers energy to the exterior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture.
- An exterior air handler or fan 330 positioned adjacent first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere across first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- Sealed system 300 also includes a first injector or ejector 332 and a second injector or ejector 334 .
- first injector or ejector 332 refrigerant from first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 flows through second ejector 334 to second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 in the cooling mode.
- second ejector 334 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant from first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 to second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 , in the cooling mode.
- Second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the cooling mode.
- Exterior fan 330 is positioned adjacent second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 and may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere across second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- First ejector 332 is disposed downstream of second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 , in the cooling mode, and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant from first stage 350 of interior coil 312 into the flow of refrigerant from second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 .
- first ejector 332 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.
- Second stage 352 of interior coil 312 is positioned downstream of first ejector 332 and receives the combined flow of refrigerant from first ejector 332 in the cooling mode.
- Sealed system 300 also includes various throttling devices and/or check valves.
- sealed system 300 includes a throttling device 338 , a first check valve 346 and a second check valve 348 .
- Throttling device 338 is disposed between second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 and first stage 350 of interior coil 312 in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, refrigerant from second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 travels through throttling device 338 before flowing to first stage 350 of interior coil 312 .
- Throttling device 338 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. The refrigerant may then be flowed to first stage 350 of interior coil 312 .
- second check valve 348 may hinder or prevent refrigerant from first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 from bypassing second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 and/or throttling device 338 .
- First stage 350 of interior coil 312 is disposed downstream of throttling device 338 in the cooling mode and acts as an evaporator.
- second stage 352 of interior coil 312 is disposed downstream of first ejector 332 in the cooling mode and also acts as an evaporator.
- first and second stages 350 , 352 of interior coil 312 are operable to heat refrigerant within interior coil 312 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the cooling mode.
- first stage 350 of interior coil 312 the refrigerant from throttling device 338 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- second stage 352 of interior coil 312 the refrigerant from first ejector 332 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- An interior air handler or fan 328 positioned adjacent first and second stages 350 , 352 of interior coil 312 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere across first and second stages 350 , 352 of interior coil 312 in order to facilitate heat transfer.
- second stage 352 of interior coil 312 is disposed downstream of compressor 310 and acts as a condenser.
- Second stage 352 of interior coil 312 is operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere, e.g., at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the heating mode.
- the refrigerant from compressor 310 transfers energy to the interior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture.
- refrigerant from second stage 352 of interior coil 312 flows through first ejector 332 to first stage 350 of interior coil 312 in the cooling mode.
- first ejector 332 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant from second stage 352 of interior coil 312 to first stage 350 of interior coil 312 , in the heating mode.
- First stage 350 of interior coil 312 is operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere, e.g., at interior side portion 112 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the heating mode.
- the refrigerant from second stage 352 of interior coil 312 transfers energy to the interior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture.
- Second ejector 334 is disposed downstream of first stage 350 of interior coil 312 , in the heating mode, and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant from second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 into the flow of refrigerant from first stage 350 of interior coil 312 .
- second ejector 334 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.
- First stage 354 of exterior coil 314 is positioned downstream of second ejector 334 and receives the combined flow of refrigerant from second ejector 334 in the heating mode.
- Throttling device 338 is disposed between first stage 350 of interior coil 312 and second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 in the heating mode.
- refrigerant from first stage 350 of interior coil 312 travels through throttling device 338 before flowing to second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 .
- Throttling device 338 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. The refrigerant may then be flowed to second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 .
- first check valve 346 may hinder or prevent refrigerant from second stage 352 of interior coil 312 from bypassing first stage 350 of interior coil 312 and/or throttling device 338 .
- Second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 is disposed downstream of throttling device 338 in the heating mode and acts as an evaporator.
- first stage 354 of exterior coil 314 is disposed downstream of second ejector 334 in the heating mode and also acts as an evaporator.
- first and second stages 354 , 356 of exterior coil 314 are operable to heat refrigerant within exterior coil 314 with energy from the exterior atmosphere, e.g., at exterior side portion 114 of casing 110 , when sealed system 300 is operating in the heating mode.
- the refrigerant from throttling device 338 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- the refrigerant from second ejector 334 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.
- Sealed system 300 may assist with operating packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 efficiently.
- first and second ejectors 332 , 334 of sealed system 300 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exiting first stage 350 of interior coil 312 in the cooling mode and second stage 356 of exterior coil 314 in the heating mode.
- first and second ejectors 332 , 334 may assist with reducing energy consumption of compressor 310 in the cooling and heating modes.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system 400 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- Sealed system 400 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit.
- sealed system 400 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 ( FIG. 1 ) as sealed system 120 .
- Sealed system 400 is shown operating in a cooling mode in FIG. 6
- sealed system 400 is shown operating in a heating mode in FIG. 7 .
- the unlabeled arrows in FIGS. 6 and 7 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealed system 400 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively.
- sealed system 400 Like sealed system 300 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ), sealed system 400 generally operates in a heat pump cycle. Sealed system 400 includes similar components to sealed system 300 and operates in a similar manner. For example, sealed system 400 includes a compressor 410 , an interior heat exchanger or coil 412 and an exterior heat exchanger or coil 414 . Sealed system 400 also includes a reversing valve 416 that selectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 410 towards either interior coil 412 or exterior coil 414 . As is generally understood, various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealed system 400 .
- interior coil 412 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil or stage 450 and a second coil or stage 452
- exterior coil 414 is also a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil or stage 454 and a second coil or stage 456
- Sealed system 400 further includes a first injector or ejector 432 , a second injector or ejector 434 , an expansion device 438 , a first check valve 446 and a second check valve 448 .
- Sealed system 400 also includes a first phase separator 422 , a second phase separator 424 , a third check valve 447 and a fourth check valve 449 .
- First and second phase separators 422 , 424 are configured for separating liquid refrigerant within first and second phase separators 422 , 424 from vapor refrigerant within first and second phase separators 422 , 424 .
- second phase separator 424 receives refrigerant from second ejector 434 and separates liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant.
- the liquid phase refrigerant within second phase separator 424 is directed from second phase separator 424 to second stage 452 of interior coil 412 .
- the vapor phase refrigerant within second phase separator 424 is directed around second stage 452 of interior coil 412 back to compressor 410 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypasses second stage 452 of interior coil 412 in the cooling mode.
- refrigerant from first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 flows through first phase separator 422 and first ejector 432 to second stage 456 of exterior coil 414 in the cooling mode.
- first phase separator 422 and first ejector 432 act as a conduit to direct refrigerant from first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 to second stage 456 of exterior coil 414 , in the cooling mode.
- Third check valve 447 may block compressed refrigerant from bypassing exterior coil 414 in the cooling mode.
- first phase separator 422 receives refrigerant from first ejector 432 and separates liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant.
- the liquid phase refrigerant within first phase separator 422 is directed from first phase separator 422 to first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 .
- the vapor phase refrigerant within first phase separator 422 is directed around first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 back to compressor 410 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypasses first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 in the heating mode.
- refrigerant from second stage 452 of interior coil 412 flows through second phase separator 424 to first stage 454 of interior coil 412 in the heating mode.
- second phase separator 424 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant from second stage 452 of interior coil 412 to first stage 454 of interior coil 412 , in the heating mode.
- Fourth check valve 449 may block compressed refrigerant from bypassing interior coil 412 in the heating mode.
- Sealed system 400 may assist with operating packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 efficiently.
- first and second ejectors 432 , 434 of sealed system 400 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exiting first stage 450 of interior coil 412 in the cooling mode and second stage 456 of exterior coil 414 in the heating mode.
- first and second ejectors 432 , 434 may assist with reducing energy consumption of compressor 410 in the heating and cooling modes.
- First and second phase separators 422 , 424 also reduce a pressure drop in second stage 452 of interior coil 412 and first stage 454 of exterior coil 414 by bypassing vapor refrigerant directly to compressor 410 in the heating and cooling modes.
Abstract
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to heat pump systems, such as packaged terminal air conditioner units, and sealed systems for the same.
- Certain packaged terminal air conditioner units include a sealed system for chilling and/or heating air. The sealed systems include various components for treating a refrigerant in order to cool or heat air. The sealed system components are generally positioned within a casing that can be mounted within a wall or window of an associated building. Due to space constraints within the casing, selection of sealed system components for packaged terminal air conditioner units can be limited to relatively small components.
- Packaged terminal air conditioner units are frequently classified and sold by efficiency. Customers generally prefer efficient packaged terminal air conditioner units because small improvements in heating and cooling efficiency can provide a significant reduction in utility bills. Energy efficiency in packaged terminal air conditioner units is generally a function of compressor size and efficiency, heat exchanger size, design and airflow and fan design among other factors. However, high efficiency compressors are typically very expensive, and large heat exchangers may not fit within the limited space available in the casing of a packaged terminal air conditioner unit.
- Accordingly, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with features for assisting with increasing an efficiency of the packaged terminal air conditioner would be useful. In particular, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with features for assisting with increasing an efficiency of the packaged terminal air conditioner without requiring a high efficiency compressor and/or a large heat exchanger would be useful.
- The present subject matter provides a packaged terminal air conditioner unit with a casing. A compressor, a reversing valve and an ejector of the packaged terminal air conditioner unit are positioned within the casing. The ejector is configured for drawing vapor refrigerant into a flow of liquid refrigerant. An exterior heat exchanger and an interior heat exchanger are also positioned within the casing. The interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In a first exemplary embodiment, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit includes a casing. A compressor is positioned within the casing. The compressor is operable to increase a pressure of a refrigerant. An interior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing. The interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage that are separate from each other. An exterior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing opposite the interior heat exchanger. A phase separator is positioned within the casing. The phase separator is configured for separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. A reversing valve is positioned within the casing. The reversing valve is in fluid communication with the compressor in order to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor. The reversing valve is configured for selectively directing the compressed refrigerant from the compressor to the exterior heat exchanger or the second stage of the interior heat exchanger. A supply conduit extends between the exterior heat exchanger and the phase separator. An ejector is coupled to the supply conduit. A first distribution conduit extends between the first stage of the interior heat exchanger and the ejector. A second distribution conduit extends between the exterior heat exchanger and the first stage of the interior heat exchanger. A connection conduit extends between the phase separator and the second stage of the interior heat exchanger. A bypass conduit extends from the phase separator around the second stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- In a second exemplary embodiment, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit includes a casing that extends between an exterior side portion and an interior side portion. A compressor is positioned within the casing. The compressor is operable to compress a refrigerant. An interior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing at the interior side portion of the casing. The interior heat exchanger has a first stage and a second stage that are separate from each other. An exterior heat exchanger is positioned within the casing at the exterior side portion of the casing. A reversing valve is in fluid communication with the compressor in order to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor. A phase separator is positioned within the casing. The phase separator is configured for separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. An ejector is positioned within the casing. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit is configured such that, in a cooling mode, a flow of liquid refrigerant from the exterior heat exchanger flows through the ejector and the ejector draws vapor refrigerant from the first stage of the interior heat exchanger into the flow of liquid refrigerant and a combined flow of liquid and vapor refrigerant flows from the ejector to the phase separator. Vapor refrigerant from the phase separator flows around the second stage of the interior heat exchanger to the compressor and liquid refrigerant from the phase separator flows to the second stage of the interior heat exchanger in the cooling mode. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit is also configured such that, in a heating mode, refrigerant from the second stage of the interior heat exchanger flows through the phase separator and the ejector to the first stage of the interior heat exchanger.
- 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.
- 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.
-
FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 provide schematic views of components of a sealed system for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. - 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.
-
FIG. 1 provides an exploded perspective view of a packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 is operable to generate chilled and/or heated air in order to regulate the temperature of an associated room or building. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 may be utilized in installations where split heat pump systems are inconvenient or impractical. As discussed in greater detail below, a sealedsystem 120 of packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 is disposed within acasing 110. Thus, packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 may be a self-contained or autonomous system for heating and/or cooling air. - As may be seen in
FIG. 1 , casing 110 extends between aninterior side portion 112 and anexterior side portion 114.Interior side portion 112 ofcasing 110 andexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110 are spaced apart from each other. Thus,interior side portion 112 ofcasing 110 may be positioned at or contiguous with an interior atmosphere, andexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110 may be positioned at or contiguous with an exterior atmosphere.Sealed system 120 includes components for transferring heat between the exterior atmosphere and the interior atmosphere. For example, sealedsystem 120 includes acompressor 122, an interior heat exchanger orcoil 124 and an exterior heat exchanger orcoil 126. - Casing 110 defines a
mechanical compartment 116.Sealed system 120 is disposed or positioned withinmechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110. Afront panel 118 and a rear grill orscreen 119 are mounted tocasing 110 and hinder or limit access tomechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110.Front panel 118 is mounted tocasing 110 atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, andrear screen 119 is mounted tocasing 110 atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110.Front panel 118 andrear screen 119 each define a plurality of holes that permit air to flow throughfront panel 118 andrear screen 119, with the holes sized for preventing foreign objects from passing throughfront panel 118 andrear screen 119 intomechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110. - Packaged terminal
air conditioner unit 100 also includes a drain pan orbottom tray 138 and aninner wall 140 positioned withinmechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110.Sealed system 120 is positioned onbottom tray 138. Thus, liquid runoff from sealedsystem 120 may flow into and collect withinbottom tray 138.Inner wall 140 may be mounted tobottom tray 138 and extend upwardly frombottom tray 138 to a top wall ofcasing 110.Inner wall 140 limits or prevents air flow betweeninterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110 andexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110 withinmechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110. Thus,inner wall 140 may dividemechanical compartment 116 ofcasing 110. - Packaged terminal
air conditioner unit 100 further includes acontroller 146 with user inputs, such as buttons, switches and/or dials.Controller 146 regulates operation of packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100. Thus,controller 146 is in operative communication with various components of packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100, such as components of sealedsystem 120 and/or a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor or thermocouple, for measuring the temperature of the interior atmosphere. In particular,controller 146 may selectively activate sealedsystem 120 in order to chill or heat air within sealedsystem 120, e.g., in response to temperature measurements from the temperature sensor. -
Controller 146 includes 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 packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100. The memory can represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively,controller 146 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 provide schematic views of components of a sealedsystem 200 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Sealed system 200 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit. For example, sealedsystem 200 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 (FIG. 1 ) as sealedsystem 120.Sealed system 200 is shown operating in a cooling mode inFIG. 2 , and sealedsystem 200 is shown operating in a heating mode inFIG. 3 . The unlabeled arrows inFIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealedsystem 200 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively. -
Sealed system 200 generally operates in a heat pump cycle.Sealed system 200 includes acompressor 210, an interior heat exchanger orcoil 212 and an exterior heat exchanger orcoil 214. As is generally understood, various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealedsystem 200, as discussed in greater detail below. Thus, e.g.,interior coil 212 andexterior coil 214 may be between and in fluid communication with each other andcompressor 210 via suitable tubing or piping. - As may be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,interior coil 212 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil orstage 250 and a second coil orstage 252.Interior coil 212 may be formed in any suitable manner to include first andsecond stages interior coil 212. For example, first andsecond stages interior coil 212 may each be formed from suitable tubing. The tubing may be wound around separate support structures, e.g., such that first andsecond stages interior coil 212 are spaced apart from each other withincasing 110, or the tubing may be wound around a common support structure, e.g., such that first andsecond stages interior coil 212 are positioned adjacent each other withincasing 110, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. - As may be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , sealedsystem 200 also includes a reversingvalve 216. Reversingvalve 216 selectively directs compressed refrigerant fromcompressor 210 towards eitherinterior coil 212 orexterior coil 214. For example, in the cooling mode (shown inFIG. 2 ), reversingvalve 216 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant fromcompressor 210 to or towardsexterior coil 214. Conversely, in the heating mode (shown inFIG. 3 ), reversingvalve 216 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant fromcompressor 210 to or towardssecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212. Thus, reversingvalve 216 permits sealedsystem 200 to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , during operation of sealedsystem 200,compressor 210 operates to increase a pressure of refrigerant within thecompressor 210. In particular, refrigerant fromsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 and vapor refrigerant from aphase separator 222 are directed tocompressor 210 in the cooling mode. Vapor refrigerant fromphase separator 222 may be a fluid in the form of a saturated or superheated vapor. Upon exitingfirst state 252 ofinterior coil 212 andphase separator 222, the refrigerant may entercompressor 210, andcompressor 210 may operate to compress the refrigerant. Accordingly, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant may be increased incompressor 210 such that the refrigerant becomes a more superheated vapor. -
Exterior coil 214 is disposed downstream ofcompressor 210 in the cooling mode and acts as a condenser. Thus,exterior coil 214 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 200 is operating in the cooling mode. For example, the superheated vapor fromcompressor 210 may enterexterior coil 214 via suitable conduit or piping that extends between and fluidly connects reversingvalve 216 andexterior coil 214. Withinexterior coil 214, the refrigerant fromcompressor 210 transfers energy to the exterior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid, liquid vapor mixture and/or subcooled liquid. An exterior air handler orfan 230 positioned adjacentexterior coil 214 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere acrossexterior coil 214 in order to facilitate heat transfer. - As may be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , sealedsystem 200 also includes aphase separator 222 and an injector orejector 232.Phase separator 222 is configured for separating liquid refrigerant withinphase separator 222 from vapor refrigerant withinphase separator 222, e.g., in the cooling mode. By separating liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant,phase separator 222 may improve a performance and/or efficiency of packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100, as discussed in greater detail below. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , in the cooling mode,phase separator 222 is fluidly coupled toexterior coil 214 via asupply conduit 234. Thus,supply conduit 234 may extend between and fluidly connectexterior coil 214 andphase separator 222 such that refrigerant fromexterior coil 214 may flow throughsupply conduit 234 to phaseseparator 222.Ejector 232 is coupled to supplyconduit 234 and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant fromfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 intosupply conduit 234. In particular,ejector 232 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.Ejector 232 is positioned onsupply conduit 234 and receives vapor phase refrigerant fromfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 via afirst distribution conduit 236 that extends between and fluidly connectsfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 andejector 232.Ejector 232 directs or urges the vapor phase refrigerant fromfirst distribution conduit 236 intosupply conduit 234 and refrigerant flowing throughsupply conduit 234. - It should be understood that
phase separator 222 may be any suitable type of phase separator. For example,phase separator 222 may be constructed in the same or similar manner to the phase separator described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/088,558 of Brent Alden Junge and/or the phase separator described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/258,397 of Brent Alden Junge et al., both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Within a casing ofphase separator 222, liquid phase refrigerant may collect or pool at a bottom portion ofphase separator 222 and vapor phase refrigerant may collect or pool at a top portion ofphase separator 222, e.g., due to density differences between the liquid and vapor phase refrigerants. -
Sealed system 200 also includes aconnection conduit 240. As may be seen inFIGS. 2 and 3 ,connection conduit 240 extends betweenphase separator 222 andsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212. In the cooling mode,phase separator 222 receives refrigerant fromsupply conduit 234 and separates liquid refrigerant fromsupply conduit 234 and vapor refrigerant fromsupply conduit 234. The liquid phase refrigerant withinphase separator 222 is directed fromphase separator 222 tosecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 viaconnection conduit 240, as shown inFIG. 2 . Conversely, the vapor phase refrigerant withinphase separator 222 is directed aroundsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 back tocompressor 210 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypassessecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 in the cooling mode. In particular, abypass conduit 244 extends fromphase separator 222 aroundsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212, and vapor phase refrigerant fromphase separator 222 bypassessecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 viabypass conduit 244 in the cooling mode. - A
throttling device 220 is disposed on asecond distribution conduit 242.Second distribution conduit 242 extends betweenexterior coil 214 andfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212.Throttling device 220 is positioned betweenexterior coil 214 andfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 onsecond distribution conduit 242. In the cooling mode, refrigerant fromexterior coil 214 travels through throttlingdevice 220 before flowing throughfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212.Throttling device 220 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. Throttling device 220 (e.g., and any other throttling device described herein) may include various components for throttling refrigerant flow throughsecond distribution conduit 242. For example, throttling device 220 (e.g., and any other throttling device described herein) may include a capillary tube and check valve, a J-T valve, an electronic expansion valve, etc. to throttle the flow of refrigerant throughsecond distribution conduit 242, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. -
First stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 is disposed downstream of throttlingdevice 220 in the cooling mode and acts as an evaporator. Thus,first stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 is operable to heat refrigerant withinfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 200 is operating in the cooling mode. For example, withinfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212, the refrigerant from throttlingdevice 220 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. An interior air handler orfan 228 positioned adjacentfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere acrossfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 in order to facilitate heat transfer. As discussed above,ejector 232 directs the vapor refrigerant frominterior coil 212 intosupply conduit 234. - Like
first stage 250 ofinterior coil 212,second stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 acts as an evaporator in the cooling mode; however,second stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 is disposed downstream ofphase separator 222 in the cooling mode. Thus,second stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 is operable to heat refrigerant withinsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 200 is operating in the cooling mode. For example, withinsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212, the liquid refrigerant fromphase separator 222 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture.Interior fan 228 positioned adjacentsecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere acrosssecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 in order to facilitate heat transfer. - During operation of sealed
system 200 in the heating mode, reversingvalve 216 reverses the direction of refrigerant flow through sealedsystem 200, as shown inFIG. 3 . Thus, in the heating mode, first andsecond stages interior coil 212 are disposed downstream ofcompressor 210 and each act as a condenser, e.g., such that first andsecond stages interior coil 212 are operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110. - As may be seen in
FIG. 3 ,phase separator 222 andejector 232 act as conduits to direct compressed refrigerant between first andsecond stages interior coil 212 in the heating mode. Asecond check valve 226 onsupply conduit 234 may block refrigerant flow fromejector 232 toexterior coil 214 viasupply conduit 234 in the heating mode. Afirst check valve 224 onbypass conduit 244 may block refrigerant flow from reversing valve tophase separator 222 viabypass conduit 244, e.g., in the heating mode as shown inFIG. 3 . -
Exterior coil 214 is disposed downstream of throttlingdevice 220 in the heating mode and acts as an evaporator. Thus,exterior coil 214 is operable to heat refrigerant withinexterior coil 214 with energy from the exterior atmosphere, e.g., atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 200 is operating in the heating mode. For example, withinexterior coil 214, the refrigerant from throttlingdevice 220 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. Fromexterior coil 214, refrigerant is directed back tocompressor 210. -
Sealed system 200 may assist with operating packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 efficiently. For example,ejector 232 of sealedsystem 200 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exitingfirst stage 250 ofinterior coil 212 in the cooling mode. In such a manner,ejector 232 may assist with reducing energy consumption ofcompressor 210 in the cooling mode.Phase separator 222 also reduces a pressure drop insecond stage 252 ofinterior coil 212 by bypassing vapor refrigerant directly tocompressor 210 in the cooling mode. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 provide schematic views of components of a sealedsystem 300 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Sealed system 300 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit. For example, sealedsystem 300 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 (FIG. 1 ) as sealedsystem 120.Sealed system 300 is shown operating in a cooling mode inFIG. 4 , and sealedsystem 300 is shown operating in a heating mode inFIG. 5 . The unlabeled arrows inFIGS. 4 and 5 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealedsystem 300 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively. - Like sealed system 200 (
FIGS. 2 and 3 ), sealedsystem 300 generally operates in a heat pump cycle.Sealed system 300 includes similar components to sealedsystem 200 and operates in a similar manner. For example, sealedsystem 300 includes acompressor 310, an interior heat exchanger orcoil 312 and an exterior heat exchanger orcoil 314.Sealed system 300 also includes a reversingvalve 316 that selectively directs compressed refrigerant fromcompressor 310 towards eitherinterior coil 312 orexterior coil 314.Interior coil 312 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil orstage 350 and a second coil orstage 352, andexterior coil 314 is also a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil orstage 354 and a second coil orstage 356. As is generally understood, various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealedsystem 300. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , during operation of sealedsystem 300,compressor 310 operates to increase a pressure of refrigerant within thecompressor 310. In particular, vapor refrigerant fromsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 is directed tocompressor 310 in the cooling mode. The vapor refrigerant may be a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor.Compressor 310 is operable to compress the refrigerant, e.g., such that the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant increase and the refrigerant becomes a more superheated vapor. -
First stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 is disposed downstream ofcompressor 310 in the cooling mode and acts as a condenser. Thus,first stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the cooling mode. Withinfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314, the refrigerant fromcompressor 310 transfers energy to the exterior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. An exterior air handler orfan 330 positioned adjacentfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere acrossfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 in order to facilitate heat transfer. -
Sealed system 300 also includes a first injector orejector 332 and a second injector orejector 334. As may be seen inFIG. 4 , refrigerant fromfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 flows throughsecond ejector 334 tosecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 in the cooling mode. Thus,second ejector 334 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant fromfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 tosecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314, in the cooling mode.Second stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 is operable to reject heat into the exterior atmosphere, e.g., atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the cooling mode. Withinsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314, the refrigerant fromfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 transfers energy to the exterior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture.Exterior fan 330 is positioned adjacentsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 and may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the exterior atmosphere acrosssecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 in order to facilitate heat transfer. -
First ejector 332 is disposed downstream ofsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314, in the cooling mode, and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant fromfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 into the flow of refrigerant fromsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314. In particular,first ejector 332 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.Second stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 is positioned downstream offirst ejector 332 and receives the combined flow of refrigerant fromfirst ejector 332 in the cooling mode. -
Sealed system 300 also includes various throttling devices and/or check valves. In particular, sealedsystem 300 includes athrottling device 338, afirst check valve 346 and asecond check valve 348.Throttling device 338 is disposed betweensecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 andfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, refrigerant fromsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 travels through throttlingdevice 338 before flowing tofirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312.Throttling device 338 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. The refrigerant may then be flowed tofirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312. In the cooling mode,second check valve 348 may hinder or prevent refrigerant fromfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 from bypassingsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 and/or throttlingdevice 338. -
First stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 is disposed downstream of throttlingdevice 338 in the cooling mode and acts as an evaporator. Similarly,second stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 is disposed downstream offirst ejector 332 in the cooling mode and also acts as an evaporator. Thus, first andsecond stages interior coil 312 are operable to heat refrigerant withininterior coil 312 with energy from the interior atmosphere, e.g., atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the cooling mode. For example, withinfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312, the refrigerant from throttlingdevice 338 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. Similarly, withinsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312, the refrigerant fromfirst ejector 332 receives energy from the interior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. An interior air handler orfan 328 positioned adjacent first andsecond stages interior coil 312 may facilitate or urge a flow of air from the interior atmosphere across first andsecond stages interior coil 312 in order to facilitate heat transfer. - During operation of sealed
system 300 in the heating mode, reversingvalve 316 reverses the direction of refrigerant flow through sealedsystem 300, as shown inFIG. 5 . Thus, in the heating mode,second stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 is disposed downstream ofcompressor 310 and acts as a condenser.Second stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 is operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere, e.g., atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the heating mode. Withinsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312, the refrigerant fromcompressor 310 transfers energy to the interior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. - As may be seen in
FIG. 5 , refrigerant fromsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 flows throughfirst ejector 332 tofirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 in the cooling mode. Thus,first ejector 332 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant fromsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 tofirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312, in the heating mode.First stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 is operable to reject heat into the interior atmosphere, e.g., atinterior side portion 112 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the heating mode. Withinfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312, the refrigerant fromsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 transfers energy to the interior atmosphere and condenses into a saturated liquid and/or liquid vapor mixture. -
Second ejector 334 is disposed downstream offirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312, in the heating mode, and is configured for introducing or injecting vapor refrigerant fromsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 into the flow of refrigerant fromfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312. In particular,second ejector 334 may be configured for combining streams of refrigerant via the Venturi effect.First stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 is positioned downstream ofsecond ejector 334 and receives the combined flow of refrigerant fromsecond ejector 334 in the heating mode. -
Throttling device 338 is disposed betweenfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 andsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 in the heating mode. In the heating mode, refrigerant fromfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 travels through throttlingdevice 338 before flowing tosecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314.Throttling device 338 may generally expand the refrigerant, lowering the pressure and temperature thereof. The refrigerant may then be flowed tosecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314. In the heating mode,first check valve 346 may hinder or prevent refrigerant fromsecond stage 352 ofinterior coil 312 from bypassingfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 and/or throttlingdevice 338. -
Second stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 is disposed downstream of throttlingdevice 338 in the heating mode and acts as an evaporator. Similarly,first stage 354 ofexterior coil 314 is disposed downstream ofsecond ejector 334 in the heating mode and also acts as an evaporator. Thus, first andsecond stages exterior coil 314 are operable to heat refrigerant withinexterior coil 314 with energy from the exterior atmosphere, e.g., atexterior side portion 114 ofcasing 110, when sealedsystem 300 is operating in the heating mode. For example, withinsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314, the refrigerant from throttlingdevice 338 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. Similarly, withinfirst stage 354 ofexterior coil 314, the refrigerant fromsecond ejector 334 receives energy from the exterior atmosphere and vaporizes into superheated vapor and/or high quality vapor-liquid mixture. -
Sealed system 300 may assist with operating packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 efficiently. For example, first andsecond ejectors system 300 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exitingfirst stage 350 ofinterior coil 312 in the cooling mode andsecond stage 356 ofexterior coil 314 in the heating mode. In such a manner, first andsecond ejectors compressor 310 in the cooling and heating modes. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 provide schematic views of components of a sealedsystem 400 for a packaged terminal air conditioner unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.Sealed system 400 may be used with or in any suitable packaged terminal air conditioner unit. For example, sealedsystem 400 may be used in packaged terminal air conditioner unit 100 (FIG. 1 ) as sealedsystem 120.Sealed system 400 is shown operating in a cooling mode inFIG. 6 , and sealedsystem 400 is shown operating in a heating mode inFIG. 7 . The unlabeled arrows inFIGS. 6 and 7 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow within adjacent conduits or piping of sealedsystem 400 in the cooling mode and heating mode, respectively. - Like sealed system 300 (
FIGS. 5 and 6 ), sealedsystem 400 generally operates in a heat pump cycle.Sealed system 400 includes similar components to sealedsystem 300 and operates in a similar manner. For example, sealedsystem 400 includes acompressor 410, an interior heat exchanger orcoil 412 and an exterior heat exchanger orcoil 414.Sealed system 400 also includes a reversingvalve 416 that selectively directs compressed refrigerant fromcompressor 410 towards eitherinterior coil 412 orexterior coil 414. As is generally understood, various conduits may be utilized to flow refrigerant between the various components of sealedsystem 400. Also,interior coil 412 is a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil orstage 450 and a second coil orstage 452, andexterior coil 414 is also a split coil or heat exchanger and includes two separate or discrete stages, a first coil orstage 454 and a second coil orstage 456.Sealed system 400 further includes a first injector orejector 432, a second injector orejector 434, anexpansion device 438, afirst check valve 446 and asecond check valve 448. -
Sealed system 400 also includes afirst phase separator 422, asecond phase separator 424, athird check valve 447 and afourth check valve 449. First andsecond phase separators second phase separators second phase separators - In the cooling mode,
second phase separator 424 receives refrigerant fromsecond ejector 434 and separates liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. The liquid phase refrigerant withinsecond phase separator 424 is directed fromsecond phase separator 424 tosecond stage 452 ofinterior coil 412. Conversely, the vapor phase refrigerant withinsecond phase separator 424 is directed aroundsecond stage 452 ofinterior coil 412 back tocompressor 410 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypassessecond stage 452 ofinterior coil 412 in the cooling mode. As may be seen inFIG. 6 , refrigerant fromfirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414 flows throughfirst phase separator 422 andfirst ejector 432 tosecond stage 456 ofexterior coil 414 in the cooling mode. Thus,first phase separator 422 andfirst ejector 432 act as a conduit to direct refrigerant fromfirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414 tosecond stage 456 ofexterior coil 414, in the cooling mode.Third check valve 447 may block compressed refrigerant from bypassingexterior coil 414 in the cooling mode. - In the heating mode,
first phase separator 422 receives refrigerant fromfirst ejector 432 and separates liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. The liquid phase refrigerant withinfirst phase separator 422 is directed fromfirst phase separator 422 tofirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414. Conversely, the vapor phase refrigerant withinfirst phase separator 422 is directed aroundfirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414 back tocompressor 410 such that the vapor phase refrigerant bypassesfirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414 in the heating mode. As may be seen inFIG. 7 , refrigerant fromsecond stage 452 ofinterior coil 412 flows throughsecond phase separator 424 tofirst stage 454 ofinterior coil 412 in the heating mode. Thus,second phase separator 424 acts as a conduit to direct refrigerant fromsecond stage 452 ofinterior coil 412 tofirst stage 454 ofinterior coil 412, in the heating mode.Fourth check valve 449 may block compressed refrigerant from bypassinginterior coil 412 in the heating mode. -
Sealed system 400 may assist with operating packaged terminalair conditioner unit 100 efficiently. For example, first andsecond ejectors system 400 may utilize expansion work of high-pressure refrigerant to compress vapor refrigerant exitingfirst stage 450 ofinterior coil 412 in the cooling mode andsecond stage 456 ofexterior coil 414 in the heating mode. In such a manner, first andsecond ejectors compressor 410 in the heating and cooling modes. First andsecond phase separators second stage 452 ofinterior coil 412 andfirst stage 454 ofexterior coil 414 by bypassing vapor refrigerant directly tocompressor 410 in the heating and cooling modes. - 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.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/790,204 US20170003040A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 | 2015-07-02 | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/790,204 US20170003040A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 | 2015-07-02 | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170003040A1 true US20170003040A1 (en) | 2017-01-05 |
Family
ID=57682919
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/790,204 Abandoned US20170003040A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 | 2015-07-02 | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170003040A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180023850A1 (en) * | 2016-07-20 | 2018-01-25 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
US20180187929A1 (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2018-07-05 | Carrier Corporation | Ejector Heat Pump |
US10330361B2 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2019-06-25 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Passive liquid collecting device |
JP2019138577A (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | 株式会社デンソー | Refrigeration cycle device |
CN110260552A (en) * | 2019-06-04 | 2019-09-20 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air-conditioning system |
CN114556028A (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2022-05-27 | 埃里克·迪金森 | Improved method and system for configuring an HVAC system |
Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2797068A (en) * | 1953-12-21 | 1957-06-25 | Alden I Mcfarlan | Air conditioning system |
US3392541A (en) * | 1967-02-06 | 1968-07-16 | Larkin Coils Inc | Plural compressor reverse cycle refrigeration or heat pump system |
US3675441A (en) * | 1970-11-19 | 1972-07-11 | Clark Equipment Co | Two stage refrigeration plant having a plurality of first stage refrigeration systems |
US3960322A (en) * | 1974-12-17 | 1976-06-01 | Ruff John D | Solar heat pump |
USRE30433E (en) * | 1979-01-05 | 1980-11-11 | Carrier Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US4840042A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1989-06-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Heat pump system |
US6550265B2 (en) * | 2001-03-01 | 2003-04-22 | Denso Corporation | Ejector cycle system |
US20040003608A1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2004-01-08 | Hirotsugu Takeuchi | Ejector cycle |
US6729157B2 (en) * | 2002-01-15 | 2004-05-04 | Denso Corporation | Air conditioner with ejector cycle system |
US20060065011A1 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2006-03-30 | Denso Corporation | Vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system with ejector |
US20060266072A1 (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-11-30 | Denso Corporation | Ejector and ejector cycle device |
US20090090129A1 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-09 | Denso Corporation | Refrigerant cycle device with ejector |
US20100162751A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-07-01 | Denso Corporation | Ejector-type refrigerant cycle device |
US20110056668A1 (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2011-03-10 | Carrier Corporation | Modular heat exchanger |
US20110308261A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2011-12-22 | Invensor Gmbh | Pressure-reducing element for splitting the recooling volume flow in sorption machines |
-
2015
- 2015-07-02 US US14/790,204 patent/US20170003040A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2797068A (en) * | 1953-12-21 | 1957-06-25 | Alden I Mcfarlan | Air conditioning system |
US3392541A (en) * | 1967-02-06 | 1968-07-16 | Larkin Coils Inc | Plural compressor reverse cycle refrigeration or heat pump system |
US3675441A (en) * | 1970-11-19 | 1972-07-11 | Clark Equipment Co | Two stage refrigeration plant having a plurality of first stage refrigeration systems |
US3960322A (en) * | 1974-12-17 | 1976-06-01 | Ruff John D | Solar heat pump |
USRE30433E (en) * | 1979-01-05 | 1980-11-11 | Carrier Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US4840042A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1989-06-20 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Heat pump system |
US6550265B2 (en) * | 2001-03-01 | 2003-04-22 | Denso Corporation | Ejector cycle system |
US6729157B2 (en) * | 2002-01-15 | 2004-05-04 | Denso Corporation | Air conditioner with ejector cycle system |
US20040003608A1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2004-01-08 | Hirotsugu Takeuchi | Ejector cycle |
US6834514B2 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2004-12-28 | Denso Corporation | Ejector cycle |
US20060065011A1 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2006-03-30 | Denso Corporation | Vapor-compression refrigerant cycle system with ejector |
US20060266072A1 (en) * | 2005-05-24 | 2006-11-30 | Denso Corporation | Ejector and ejector cycle device |
US20090090129A1 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-09 | Denso Corporation | Refrigerant cycle device with ejector |
US20110056668A1 (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2011-03-10 | Carrier Corporation | Modular heat exchanger |
US20100162751A1 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2010-07-01 | Denso Corporation | Ejector-type refrigerant cycle device |
US20110308261A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2011-12-22 | Invensor Gmbh | Pressure-reducing element for splitting the recooling volume flow in sorption machines |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180187929A1 (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2018-07-05 | Carrier Corporation | Ejector Heat Pump |
US10823463B2 (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2020-11-03 | Carrier Corporation | Ejector heat pump |
US20180023850A1 (en) * | 2016-07-20 | 2018-01-25 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
US10113776B2 (en) * | 2016-07-20 | 2018-10-30 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit |
US10330361B2 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2019-06-25 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Passive liquid collecting device |
JP2019138577A (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | 株式会社デンソー | Refrigeration cycle device |
WO2019159638A1 (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | 株式会社デンソー | Refrigeration cycle apparatus |
CN110260552A (en) * | 2019-06-04 | 2019-09-20 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air-conditioning system |
CN114556028A (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2022-05-27 | 埃里克·迪金森 | Improved method and system for configuring an HVAC system |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10113776B2 (en) | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit | |
US20170003040A1 (en) | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit | |
US20160109160A1 (en) | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit | |
US9920938B2 (en) | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit | |
US10317112B2 (en) | Heat pump system with multiple operating modes | |
JP4604909B2 (en) | Ejector type cycle | |
US10345004B1 (en) | Integrated heat pump and water heating circuit | |
KR101620343B1 (en) | System for limiting pressure differences in dual compressor chillers | |
US20140123689A1 (en) | Integrated heat pump and water heating circuit | |
KR102194676B1 (en) | Dehumidifier | |
US7574869B2 (en) | Refrigeration system with flow control valve | |
US20180281562A1 (en) | Device for distributing the coolant in an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle | |
CN105556220A (en) | Refrigeration circuit with heat recovery module | |
US10935283B2 (en) | Air conditioner with a four-way reheat valve | |
EP2729742B1 (en) | Refrigeration circuit and heating and cooling system | |
CN105910351A (en) | Heat exchanger and air conditioner | |
CN106537062A (en) | Refrigerating and air conditioning device | |
US20140223937A1 (en) | Refrigeration System And Refrigeration Method Providing Heat Recovery | |
JP7059582B2 (en) | Cooling system | |
US20170314795A1 (en) | Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Tower with Energy Efficient Arrangement | |
US11754320B2 (en) | Refrigeration system with multiple heat absorbing heat exchangers | |
US10429111B2 (en) | Integrated suction header assembly | |
US10495324B2 (en) | Packaged terminal air conditioner unit | |
CN205784064U (en) | Heat exchanger and air-conditioner | |
US10352594B2 (en) | Sealed heat exchange system and air conditioner |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHAUDHRY, GUNARANJAN;JUNGE, BRENT ALDEN;KEMPIAK, MICHAEL JOHN;REEL/FRAME:035969/0973 Effective date: 20150505 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:038964/0862 Effective date: 20160606 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |