WO2020096527A1

WO2020096527A1 - Air conditioner unit

Info

Publication number: WO2020096527A1
Application number: PCT/SG2019/050546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wee Teck HO
Original assignee: Trends Home Electrical Pte. Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-11-08
Filing date: 2019-11-07
Publication date: 2020-05-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner unit comprising a compressor unit for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser unit comprising one or more condenser coils arranged to receive the refrigerant from the compressor unit, a heat release unit enclosing at least part of the condenser unit, the heat release unit comprises an atomization mechanism for cooling the refrigerant flowing through the condenser unit, and a flow control device arranged to receive the refrigerant from the condenser unit, and to release the refrigerant into an evaporator unit for evaporation. The present invention can be arranged into a portable air conditioner unit with improved portability or freedom of placement.

Description

AIR CONDITIONER UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an air conditioner unit. The air conditioner unit may include, but is not limited to, a portable air conditioner unit.

BACKGROUND

The following discussion of the background is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or a part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

The use of air conditioners (“AC”) to regulate or adjust temperature in a desired space (usually confined) is known in the art. Existing AC units are typically refrigerant-based, whereby a refrigerant undergoes repeated vapor compression-refrigeration cycles circulated in the system via condenser/evaporator coils to absorb and transfer heat out of the space (e.g. a room) into an exterior environment.

In a typical vapour compression-refrigeration cycle, condensation of the refrigerant causes temperature around the condenser coils to rise due to latent heat generated. Existing refrigerant-based ACs are configured in different ways to separate or remove the latent heat from refrigerant condensation from the interior of the cooled space for effective cooling: (1 ) A window unit or a packaged terminal air conditioner (“PTAC") is installed on the wall/window separating the two terminal units, i.e. with the evaporative coils on the interior and the condensing coils on the exterior. Heat drawn from the interior of the space by the evaporator coils is dissipated to the exterior environment, while latent heat generated from the condenser coils due to the condensation of the refrigerant is separated from the cooled room environment. (2) In split AC systems (e.g. a mini-split system, a central air conditioning system, and a multi- split system), the evaporator coils and the compressor coils are placed at a distance from the condenser coils. In these split AC systems, flexible hoses leading from the outside unit (the condenser unit) to the interior one(s) are used for transferring the heat from the interior room environment to the outside environment.

Instead of the fixed installed AC systems, it is in some cases desirable to have an air conditioner which is portable and can be transported freely for example, for use at home or in the office. Typically, portable refrigerant-based AC system comes in two forms: (1 ) a portable split system, which is similar with the above- described split-system but with the indoor unit placed on wheels to facilitate easier movement; and (2) a portable hose system, which integrates the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator and other electrical components in one single indoor unit, and utilizes a hose/pipe/conduit to transfer the heat generated from the refrigerant condensation out of the cooled room environment. These portable hose systems are usually placed near an outlet such as a window or a wall (with a hole) that allows the hose/pipe/conduct to be extended outside the room. In some designs, a second hose is added into the system to draw air to further cool down the condenser coils and other electrical components of the air conditioner. As such, the placement or the portability of the existing portable air conditioners are restricted by the requirement of the hose/pipe/conduit and also by the length of the hose/pipe/conduit.

When a portable air conditioning solution is desired, the extensive requirements to operate the prior art air conditioner configurations make the prospect of a portable unit a difficult one, if not, a limited one. The complexity of the prior art air conditioning systems requires the air conditioner to be either installed at fixed locations or to be placed at limited locations, therefore non-conducive to an efficient portable solution. There exists a need to develop a simple and efficient portable air conditioning system that ameliorates the afore-mentioned drawbacks of existing air conditioning systems at least in part. SUMMARY

The technical solution provides for an air-conditioner unit with one or more supplemental cooling module(s). Such supplemental cooling module(s) may include one or more atomizer unit(s) and/or one or more thermoelectric cooler units.

In some embodiments the supplemental cooling modules may be used to cool one or more heat exchangers (including evaporator and/or condenser coils) in the air-conditioner unit.

In some embodiments the air-conditioner may not require a compressor unit, in which case coolant from the supplemental cooling modules may function as the main refrigerant. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an air conditioner unit comprising a compressor unit for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser unit comprising one or more condenser coils arranged to receive the refrigerant from the compressor unit, a heat release unit enclosing at least part of the one or more condenser coils, the heat release unit comprises an atomization mechanism for cooling the refrigerant flowing through the condenser unit, a flow control device arranged to receive the refrigerant from the condenser unit, and to regulate the refrigerant flowing into an evaporator unit.

In some embodiments, the atomization mechanism is arranged to generate a water mist from a water source. In some embodiments, the atomization mechanism comprises one or more ultrasonic atomizers.

In some embodiments, the heat release unit comprises an exhaust arranged to purge at least part of the water mist from the heat release unit. In some embodiments, the exhaust comprises a ventilator operable to transfer at least part of the water mist out of the heat release unit at a pre-determ ined exhaustion rate.

In some embodiments, one or more filter units are arranged to purify the water mist prior to being transferred out of the heat release unit.

In some embodiments, water condensed on the one or more condenser coils is collected and directed back to the water source.

In some embodiments, a minimum water volume of the water source in the heat release unit is based on one or more of the following:- a heat load of the condenser unit, and a compressor speed of the compressor unit, and a threshold operation duration of the air conditioner unit.

In some embodiments, the flow control device is any one of the following:- a capillary tube and a thermal expansion valve.

In some embodiments, the compressor unit comprises a thermal protection circuit set to be activated at a threshold compressor temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air conditioner unit comprising: a compressor unit for compressing a refrigerant, a heat exchanger arranged to receive the refrigerant from the compressor unit and a coolant for cooling, a temperature control device arranged to control the coolant at a pre-determ ined temperature, a flow control device arranged to receive the refrigerant from the condenser unit, and to regulate the refrigerant flowing into an evaporator unit for evaporation.

In some embodiments, the temperature control device comprises a thermal electric cooler operable to regulate a temperature of the coolant flowing into the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the temperature control device is arranged to control a temperature difference of the coolant flowing into and out of the heat exchanger to be at a constant value.

In some embodiments, the coolant is a water based liquid. In some embodiments, the air conditioner unit comprises a water tank for storing a water source and a pump for pumping water from the water tank into the heat exchanger.

In some embodiments, the flow control device is any one of the following:- a capillary tube and a thermal expansion valve. In some embodiments, the compressor unit comprises a thermal protection circuit set at to be activated at a threshold compressor temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cooling a refrigerant of an air conditioner unit, comprising the steps of: providing one or more condenser coils in an enclosed area for receiving a compressed refrigerant from a compressor unit of the air conditioner unit, producing a water mist from a water source using an atomizer unit and directing the water mist to the enclosed area containing the one or more condenser coils, removing heat from the one or more condenser coils, thereby allowing the compressed refrigerant to be cooled and transformed into a liquid state, and transferring at least part of the water mist out of the enclosed area containing the one or more condenser coils from an exhaust.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of purifying the water mist prior to being transferred out of the enclosed area with one or more filter units. In some embodiments, the atomizer unit comprises one or more ultrasonic atomizers floating in the water source.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cooling a refrigerant of an air conditioner unit, comprising the steps of: providing a heat exchanger arranged to receive a compressed refrigerant from a compressor unit of the air conditioner unit, directing a coolant to flow into the heat exchanger, removing heat from the compressed refrigerant inside the heat exchanger to be cooled and to be transformed into a liquid state, and controlling a temperature difference of the coolant flowing in and out of the heat exchanger to be at a constant value.

In some embodiments, a thermal electric cooler is arranged to regulate a temperature of the coolant flowing into the heat exchanger.

Other aspects will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a system diagram of an air conditioner unit according to one embodiment; Figure 2A-2B illustrates the system performance of the air conditioner unit of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates a system diagram of an air conditioner unit according to another embodiment; Figure 4 illustrates the system performance of the air conditioner unit of Figure

3;

Figure 5 to 8 illustrate system diagrams of air conditioner units which form further embodiments; Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of an air-conditioner with an atomizer unit as a supplemental cooling module of the air-conditioner refrigerant;

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of an air-conditioner with a thermoelectric unit and a coolant tank to supplement cooling of the air- conditioner refrigerant; Figure 11 illustrate yet another embodiment of the air-conditioner with a thermoelectric unit and a coolant tank to supplement cooling of the air- conditioner refrigerant; and

Figure 12 illustrate another embodiment of the air-conditioner with a thermoelectric unit and a coolant tank providing coolant which directly functions as the air-conditioner refrigerant.

Other arrangements are possible and it is appreciable that the accompanying drawings are not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout the description. Additionally, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for clarity and consistency.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as“includes” or“including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “have” or variations such as“has” or“having”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Further, throughout the specification, the term 'water' will be understood to include any liquids comprising water as its major constituent.

Further, throughout the specification, the term‘refrigerant’ will be understood to include a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a refrigeration cycle or in the reverse process of a heat pump cycle. Examples of substances suitable for use as refrigerant may include, fluorocarbons (especially chlorofluorocarbons), ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and non-halogenated hydrocarbons such as propane. Further, throughout the specification, the term 'condensate' will be understood to include water which is condensed on a part of the air conditioner unit, such as on one or more evaporator coils during operation of the air conditioner unit.

Further, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “enclose” or variations such as“encloses” or“enclosing”, will include partial enclosure.

Further, throughout the specification, the term“latent heat” refers to the thermal energy in hidden form which can be released or absorbed to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature. Non-limiting examples include latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporization involved in phase changes, i.e. a substance (e.g. a refrigerant) condensing or vaporizing at a specified temperature and pressure.

Further, throughout the specification, the term“heat exchanger” refers to a device used to transfer heat between two or more substances such as fluids. Non-limiting examples of heat exchangers that may be used include Shell and tube heat exchanger, Plate heat exchanger, Plate and shell heat exchanger, Adiabatic wheel heat exchanger, Plate fin heat exchanger, Pillow plate heat exchanger, Fluid heat exchangers, Waste heat recovery units, Dynamic scraped surface heat exchanger, Phase-change heat exchangers, Direct contact heat exchangers or MicroChannel heat exchangers. The two of more fluids may be separated by a solid wall to prevent mixing or they may be in direct contact. Non-limiting examples of the flow arrangements in the heat exchangers may be counter-flow or parallel flow.

Further, throughout the specification, the term "filter" refers to a general class of at least one, but typically one or more condensate filters or a specific class of one or more water filters. Filters may remove impurities from water using a fine physical barrier (e.g. a membrane), a chemical process, or a biological process, or any combination of the foregoing. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention and with reference to Figure 1 , there is an air conditioner unit 10 comprising a compressor unit 12, a condenser unit 13 with a heat release unit 22, an evaporator unit 16 and a flow control device 19. The compressor unit 12 is in fluid connection with the evaporator units 16 at an inlet side and with the condenser unit 13 at an outlet side. The condenser unit 13 is also arranged to be fluidly connected to the evaporator unit 16 via the flow control device 19. The air conditioner unit 10 may be, but is not limited to, a portable air conditioner unit. The air conditioner unit 10 is also referred to as an air conditioning system 10.

As shown in Figure 1 , the heat release unit 22 is placed at one side of the air conditioner unit 10 and is arranged to enclose or contain part of the condenser unit 13, while the evaporator unit 16 and the compressor unit 12 are arranged at the other side of the air conditioner unit 10 with the evaporator unit 16 positioned above the compressor unit 12. It should be appreciated that various ways of organizing the components of the air conditioner unit 10 are contemplated. The placement of the components of the air conditioner unit 10 is adapted according to the form factor requirements (e.g. shape and size) of different air conditioning systems.

The heat release unit 22 includes a cavity where the condenser unit 13 or at least part of the condenser unit 13 is placed at. In various embodiments, a water tank 24 containing a source of water is placed inside the cavity of the heat release unit 22 underneath the condenser unit 13. An atomizer unit 25 is arranged to float in the water at a position that is below but close to the water surface. In various embodiments, the heat release unit 22 can also include an exhaust 33 placed or installed at an upper part of the heat release unit 22 above the condenser unit 13.

In various embodiments according to Figure 1 to 4, the condenser unit 13 can comprises a plurality of condenser coils 14 arranged into one or more stacks and connected in sequence. The evaporator unit 16 comprises a plurality of evaporator coils 17 and one or more blowers 18. The flow control device 19 is connected to an outlet side of the condenser coils 14 and to an inlet side of the evaporator coils 17. In various embodiments, the air conditioner unit 10 may comprise a plurality of sensors, for example, sensors CH1 , CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7, CH8, CFI9 as shown in Figure 1 , which are installed on or coupled to various components of the air conditioner unit 10.

The air conditioner unit 10 can operate on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle (also known as a refrigeration cycle), similar to other types of refrigerant based ACs. The vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is performed by the various components of the air conditioner unit 10. A refrigerant is pumped up to a high pressure high temperature gaseous state at the compressor unit 12, condenses into a liquid phase inside the condenser coils 14 and subsequently evaporates back to a complete or near gaseous state when being released into the evaporator coils 17. The phase change, i.e. the evaporation of the refrigerant, absorbs energy or heat from the ambient air thereby cooling down the room environment to a desired temperature. The gaseous state or near gaseous state refrigerant after evaporation is then routed back from the evaporator coils 17 to the compressor unit 12 to repeat the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.

The operation of the air conditioner unit 10 will now be described in further details, by referring to the embodiment of Figure 1 as an example. The arrows labelled in Figure 1 is indicative of the flow of the refrigerant in the air conditioner unit 10.

In use, the compressor unit 12 is activated to compress the liquid state refrigerant into a high temperature high pressure gaseous state. An outlet side of the compressor unit 12 is arranged to be connected to an inlet side of the condenser coils 14 of the condenser unit 13, allowing the compressed refrigerant to flow into the condenser coils 14. In various embodiments, the air conditioner unit 10 comprises a thermal protection circuit (not shown in the figures). The thermal protection circuit may be electrically coupled to the compressor unit and is activated when a temperature of the compressed refrigerant measured at an outlet of the compressor unit 12 reaches or exceeds a pre-determ ined threshold temperature (for example, at 70°C to 92°C). The thermal protection circuit may include temperature sensors arranged in a manner to detect the threshold temperature and activate the same. Upon activation, the system can be powered off under such conditions to prevent overheating at the compressor unit 12.

Within the heat release unit 22, the water tank 24 is pre-filled with water up to a minimum level or up to a minimum volume. The minimum water level or the minimum water volume required in the water tank 24 is determined according to requirements of different air conditioner units, such as a desirable threshold operation duration or a maximum cooling power of the air conditioner unit 10. The atomizer unit 25 operates to atomize or break or blast the water in the water tank 24 into a water mist containing fine water droplets, which are dispersed into the cavity of the heat release unit 13 over an area containing the stacks of condenser coils 14. The water mist containing fine water droplets which are at a lower temperature than the condenser coils 14 absorbs heat from the condenser coils 14 allowing the compressed refrigerant to be cooled as it flows through the condenser coils 14. The compressed refrigerant in high temperature high pressure state condenses inside the condenser coils 14 into a substantially liquid form, which is then directed to flow to the thermal flow control 19 and then into the evaporator coils 17 for evaporation and temperature regulation.

More specifically, the water mist is directed to pass through the condenser coils 14, and when the water mist comes in contact with the condenser coils 14, heat is taken away or released from the condenser coils 14. Therefore, the compressed refrigerant is also cooled down to a lower temperature by the water mist surrounding the condenser coils 14. In this process, part of the water droplets may undergo a phase change due to absorption of heat and may evaporate into a water vapor form. When such a phase change, i.e. the evaporation of the water droplets occurs, latent heat/energy removed from the vaporized water droplets will further reduce the temperature of the water mist filled inside the heat released unit, resulting in an even better cooling effect on the condenser coils 14. Advantageously, the heat release unit 22 filled with the fine water droplets acts as a heat sink for the condenser coils 14 and the refrigerant therein, for cooling down the condenser coils 14 at an enhanced heat release rate.

In some embodiments (not shown), the condenser unit 13 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal. The angle may be between 25 degrees to 60 degrees, and preferably at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Such an arrangement is advantageous for saving space and to maximize the surface area contacting the atomized water particles. Furthermore, the “titled” arrangement allows water condensate formed on the condenser unit 13 to fall back to the water tank for reuse.

In various embodiments of Figure 1 to 3, the atomizer unit 25 comprises a set of ultrasonic atomizers 28 arranged to float in the water at a pre-determ ined depth below the water surface. The floating of the ultrasonic atomizers 28 of the atomizer unit 25 may be achieved using a customized ultrasonic atomizer unit which includes a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of ultrasonic atomizer modules 28 and floaters 29 arranged to counter the total weight of the ultrasonic atomizer unit 25 when fully loaded.

The ultrasonic atomizers 28 use high-frequency oscillation produced by piezoelectric transducers acting upon the atomizer nozzle tip to generate fine mist of water droplets. Depending on the device specifications and the operating conditions, for example, the vibration frequency of the transducers, the type of liquid (i.e. water or other liquid substances), and weight and size of the ultrasonic atomizer 28, the ultrasonic atomizer 28 may provide a different mist production rate (e.g.180 to 600ml/hr) and a different droplet size (e.g. 1 to 10 microns/um in diameter). The droplet size of the water droplets produced by the ultrasonic atomizer 28 may be in the scale of a few microns. Advantageously, the contact area between the condenser coils 14 and the water droplets produced by the floating ultrasonic atomizers 28 can be maximized. As such, the heat exchange rate between the water mist and the condenser coils 14 can be further improved. In addition, during the operation of the air conditioner unit 10, controlling the water source below a threshold temperature is desirable, because the cooling/heat release effect of the water mist would otherwise be compromised if the temperature of water mists produced from the water source rises over time. As compared with other types of atomizer, the ultrasonic atomizer 28 generates insignificant amount of heat in operation. For example, as compared a steam atomizer which operates with a heat source for vaporizing the water and an impeller/centrifugal atomizer which operates with a rotating disc to blast flying water at a diffuser, the ultrasonic atomizer 28 requires lower energy consumption to operate and at the same time reduces or minimizes heat-up of the water source/water mist.

In various embodiments as shown in Figure 1 to 3, an exhaust 33 is provided in the heat release unit 22 and is arranged to diffuse the water mist from the water source of the water tank 24 towards the condenser coils 14, and thereafter exit or purge the water mist filed with latent heat out of the heat release unit 22. In Figure 1 to 3, the diffusion path of the water mist from the water tank to the exhaust is illustrated with the dashed lines. In various embodiments, the exhaust 33 may be a fan or a ventilator which creates a pressure drop across the condenser coils 14, drawing the water mist to pass through the condenser coils 14 and expelling at least part of the water mist out of the heat release unit 22 at a desired exhaustion rate. The exhaust 33 allows part of the water mist to exist from the cavity of the heat release unit 22. This prevents heat and humidity to accumulate in the enclosed environment, which may affect the heat absorption/heat release capacity of the heat release unit 22. While part of the water droplets which have absorbed the latent heat from condenser coils 14 are removed out of the heat release unit 14 from the exhaust 33, the atomizer unit 25 continues to produce and spray water mist to keep the condenser coils 14 cooled.

In other words, "fresh" water mist, i.e. the water droplets produced from the water tank which are not already saturated with heat dissipated from the condenser coils 14, is supplied and moved over the condenser coils 14 all the time, thus encouraging faster and more efficient heat exchange between the condenser coils 14 and the water mist. Accordingly, the heat release unit 14 is capable of providing an enhanced heat release effect to control the temperature of the condenser coils 14 and the refrigerant therein. Further, the exhaust 33 prevents heat and humidity accumulation in the cavity containing the condenser coils 14, thus ensuring the enhanced heat release effect to last during the operation of the air conditioner unit 10.

In various embodiments, the heat release unit 22 may comprise a filter unit 45. The filtering element in the filter unit 45 can be, but is not limited to, a membrane filter. As shown in Figure 1 , the filter unit 45 is installed or placed at a position between the condenser coils 14 and the exhaust 33 along the water mist diffusion path. In other words, the filter unit 45 is arranged to receive the water mist passing through the condenser coils 14, such that the water mist is filtered before leaving the heat release unit 22 from the exhaust 33. It should be understood that a filter unit 45 may comprise one or more filtering elements, and that one or more filter unit 45 may be included in the heat release unit 22 at various locations along the water mist diffusion path according to system requirements.

The filter unit 45 operates to remove any impurities contained in the water mist, including minerals from hard water, any pathogens growing in the water tank or on surface of the condenser coils 14. Advantageously, the water mist released from the exhaust 33 into the exterior space (e.g. the room environment where the air conditioner is placed at) is purified by the filter unit 45, preventing impurities or contaminants from being spread throughout the air.

Further, the filter unit 45 divides the cavity of the heat release unit 22 into a first compartment containing the water source and the condenser coils 14, and a second compartment containing the exhaust 33. As the exhaust 33 is separated from the condenser coils 14 and the water tank 24, the water mist is retained in the first compartment for a relatively longer period, allowing the heat exchange between the water mist and condenser coils 14 to be maximized. Accordingly, the heat release capacity of the heat release unit 22 is further improved. Moreover, in operation, humidity in the vicinity of heat release unit 22 (particularly, at the area immediately outside the exhaust 33) may increase over time as water mist being continuously released from the exhaust 33. The filter unit 45 may reduce the volume of water mist being released from the exhaust, thereby reducing or minimizing change in humidity caused by the operation of the heat release unit (i.e. water mist released from the heat release unit).

In various embodiments, a condensate collection tray 37 is positioned beneath the condenser coils 14 and arranged to collect any condensate or condensed water from the condenser coils 14. The collected condensate will then be directed back to the water tank 24. In various embodiments, a water recirculation pump 40 may be provided to transfer the condensate from the condensate collection tray 37 back to the water tank 24. The water recirculation pump 40 may be activated when the water level in the condensate collection tray 37 exceeds a pre-determ ined threshold level. The recirculated condensate may compensate at least part of the water loss in the water tank. This allows the water source in the water tank to be consumed at a lower rate and provides for the heat release unit 14 to operate for a longer duration before a depletion or insufficient amount of water causes the system to stop working.

The compressed refrigerant, as it passes through the condenser coils 14 of the condenser unit 13, is transformed from a high temperature high pressure gaseous state into a substantially or nearly or fully liquid state at medium temperatures and medium pressures. Simultaneously, heat dissipated from the condenser coils 14 is effectively absorbed by the heat release unit 14 through the water atomizing mechanism. The heat release rate of the water atomizing mechanism matches that of the condenser load through vaporization of water, thus preventing heat accumulation and retaining the cooling capacity of the refrigerant circulating in the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The condition, including temperature and pressure, of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser coils 14 of the air conditioner unit 10 is at least comparable with that of conventional air conditioner systems, for example an air conditioner deploying hoses/pipes/conduits for transporting the absorbed heat out.

The compressed refrigerant at a medium temperature and medium pressure is then received at the flow control device 19. The refrigerant flow control device 19 provides a controlled or regulated refrigerant flow to the evaporator coils 17 of the evaporator unit 16. In order for the compressed refrigerant to evaporate inside the evaporator coils 17, the flow of the refrigerant needs to be limited to keep the pressure within the evaporator coils 17 low and allow the compressed refrigerant to expand back into a complete or near gaseous state. In some embodiments, the flow control device 19 is a thermal expansion valve. The thermal expansion valve may comprise temperature sensing bulbs connected to a suction line of the refrigerant piping, wherein the gas pressure builds up in the temperature sensing bulbs as the suction line temperature increases and provides a force to open the valve. Conversely, as the suction line temperature decreases, so does the pressure in the bulb and therefore causing the valve to close. The thermal expansion valve is capable of handling variable loads according to system requirements. As such, the compressed refrigerant coming out from condenser coils 14 can be released into the evaporator coils 17 at a well-controlled rate.

In other embodiments, a capillary tube may be utilized as a less expensive alternative option as a refrigerant flow control device. The capillary tube may be a copper tubing or a tubing made of other rigid materials. The expansion function of the capillary tube is caused simply by the pressure drop induced by the long, narrow tubing. The refrigerant flow rate depends on the pressure difference between the condensing and evaporating sides across the capillary tube. Capillary tubes with different diameter (for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm) and different lengths (for example, 1 .5 to 6 m) may be used to cater for the system requirements of different air conditioner units 10.

After entering the evaporator coils 17, the cooling capacity of the compressed refrigerant is released through the expansion and evaporation process. The liquid refrigerant is then transformed into a gaseous state or a mixed liquid- gaseous state at low temperatures and low pressures. In various embodiments, a wind generator 18 is arranged to generate an air flow passing through the evaporator coils 17, bringing in ambient air to be cooled by the evaporator coils 17 and transferring out the cooled air into the room environment. The wind generator 18 may comprise one or more blower fans 18 and may adjust the wind speed if need be. Thereafter, the gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor unit 12 and the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle can be repeated.

The heat release unit 22 (or the atomizing mechanism) of the present invention not only provides for the latent heat due to refrigerant condensation to be timely (almost simultaneously) absorbed, it also provides for an improved heat release/cooling effect which can match to the requisite condenser coil load. With the heat release unit 22, the refrigerant flowing passing through the condenser coils 14 is cooled to a sufficiently low temperature. This is desirable because the cooler is the refrigerant, the higher the capacity it has for absorbing heat from the surrounding environment. Conversely, if the refrigerant routed back to the compressor unit 12 in an air conditioning system is not sufficiently cooled, heat will be accumulated in the compressor unit 12 over time, which may trip the compressor unit 12 and cause the system to stop working. In the present invention, heat accumulation in the vapor-compression refrigeration circuit cycle is minimized and, in doing so, the operation duration of the air conditioner unit 10 is extended.

Further, the present invention also provides for an air conditioning solution with reduced complexity and reduced energy consumption. In the conventional air conditioning systems, one or more heat exchangers may be provided at the inlet side or the outlet side of the condenser unit. The additional heat exchangers coupled to the condenser coils can be utilized for the purposes of pre-cooling the compressed refrigerant before it enters the condenser coils for better refrigerant condensation (i.e. when an additional heat exchanger is arranged at the inlet side of the condenser unit), or for further reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser coils (i.e. when an additional heat exchanger is arranged at the outlet side of the condenser). The use of additional heat exchangers adds to the complexity of the system, and may also result in more energy consumption of the system. In the present invention, the heat release unit 22 filled with atomized water mist provides for an effective heat release/cooling effect on the condenser coils that allows the high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant to condense into a liquid state more efficiently. In other words, the gaseous component in the compressed refrigerant after passing through the condenser coils is minimized in the air conditioner unit 10 according to this invention. The functions of the heat exchangers in the conventional air conditioning systems may be effectively taken care of by the heat release unit 22 of the present invention which operates with the water atomizing mechanism at a much lower energy-consumption rate.

In contemplating the air conditioner unit 10, it is taken into consideration that choices and configurations of the various components of the air conditioner unit 10 may result in a different system performance. For example, different air conditioner units according to different system specifications may include compressor units 12 capable of running at different compressor speeds, condenser units comprising more or fewer condenser coils 14 for a higher or lower condenser heat load, water tanks of various sizes, and atomizer units comprising more or fewer ultrasonic atomizers. Further to the above described embodiments, it should be understood that other configurations that suit different system requirements are also contemplated. In various configurations, the components are selected and arranged in a way such that (1 ) no excess latent heat is left to accumulate in the refrigeration circuit cycle, providing for the system to operate for a longer duration without tripping the compressor unit 12; and (2) no excess heat and/or humidity is dissipated into the space (e.g. a room) where the air conditioner unit 10 is placed at, allowing the space to be cooled efficiently.

Two non-limiting examples of arranging the air conditioner unit 10 according to different system requirements are illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 3 respectively. Performance of the exemplary air conditioner units is illustrated in Figure 2A, 2B and Figure 4.

Exemplary Embodiment 1 :

According to the air conditioner 10 of Figure 1 , the condenser unit 13 comprises three stacks of condenser coils 14, each stack having a condenser load (i.e. the heat load at the condenser coils) of 3.75kW, and a compressor unit 12 running at a compressor speed of 50MFIz. The air conditioner unit 10 according to Figure 1 has a condenser load of 1 1 25kW, and at least 12 litres of water is required to be stored in the water tank 24 to keep the system in operation for 8 hours without compressor trip.

A plurality of sensors are installed to monitor the water temperature in the water tank (by sensor CH5), the exhaust temperature (by sensor CH7), the ambient air temperature (by sensor CH8), the air-conditioned/AC air temperature (by sensor CFI6) and the humidity (by sensor CFI9). The temperature and humidity values are monitored during the operation of the air conditioner unit 10. As shown in Figure 2A and 2B, no undesirable increases in the respective temperature and humidity values are observed during the test. The system of Figure 1 is capable of operating in a stable condition for at least 8 hours without no or minimal heat accumulation in the refrigeration circuit cycle. It can be seen from the results of Figure 2A that temperatures measured at various parts (including the compressor unit 12, the condenser coils 14 and evaporator coils 17) of the refrigeration circuit cycle remains relatively stable during the 8 hours test. Further, it is shown that the air conditioner unit 10 according to Figure 1 causes no or minimal humidity increase in the space where it is paced during the test duration.

Exemplary Embodiment 2:

According to the air conditioner 10 of Figure 3, the condenser unit 13 comprises two stacks of condenser coils 14, each stack having a condenser load (i.e. the heat load at the condenser coils 14) of 3.75kW, and a compressor unit 12 running at a compressor speed of 50MFIz. In this configuration, the total condenser load is 7.5kW, which is lower as compared to the configuration of Figure 1 . Correspondingly, less amount water (i.e. a minimum volume of 8 litres) is required to be prefilled in the water tank to keep the system in operation for the same time duration (i.e. 8 hours) without causing the compressor unit 12 to trip. This configuration could be more desirable for a more compact air conditioner or portable air conditioner design, because of the reduced size of the water tank and the reduced number of condenser coils 14 required in such configuration.

Similarly, the temperature and humidity values are monitored during the operation of the air conditioner unit 10 by the plurality of sensors. As shown in Figure 4, no undesirable increases in the respective temperature and humidity values are observed during the test, and the system of Figure 4 is capable of operating in a stable condition for at least 8 hours. Figure 5, 6 and 7 illustrate further embodiments of air conditioner units according to the present invention, which utilize a coolant controlled at a low temperature for cooling and condensing the compressed refrigerant. The coolant can be different types of heat transfer fluids in liquid or gaseous state, with different cooling capacities.

In accordance to the embodiments of Figure 5 to 7, the air conditioner unit 1 10 comprises a compressor unit 1 12, a heat exchanger 130 arranged to receive compressed refrigerant from the compressor unit 1 12, and a water source arranged to pass a water stream to the heat exchanger 130 to remove heat from the compressed refrigerant. The air conditioner unit 1 10 further comprises an evaporator unit 1 16 arranged to receive the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 130. Similarly, the evaporator unit 1 16 may comprise a plurality of evaporator coils 1 17 and a wind generator 1 18.

Similar parts of the air conditioner unit 1 10 according to Figure 5 to 7 and the air conditioner unit 1 10 according to Figure 1 to 4 are labelled with similar reference numbers. For example, the description of the compressor unit 12 and the evaporator unit 16 of Figure 1 and 3 also applies to the compressor unit 1 12 and the evaporator unit 1 16 of Figure 5 to 7. Similarly, the air conditioner unit 1 10 may comprise a plurality of sensors, for example, sensors RTD-1 , RTD-2, RTD-3, RTD-4, and RTD-5, which are installed on or coupled to various components of the air conditioner unit 1 10 for providing an indication of the system performance.

The heat exchanger 130 is operable to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the coolant, such that the refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the process. In some embodiments, water or a water-based liquid is used as the coolant, which has a relatively high heat capacity and low cost. The water-based coolant can be used with other additives, like corrosion inhibitors and antifreeze compounds. In various embodiments, a water stream is pumped from a water tank 124 by a pump 135 and pre-cooled by a temperature control device 138 connected to heat exchanger at an inlet side of the heat exchanger 130. A non- limiting example of the temperature control device 138 is a thermal electric cooler. In use, the water stream is pre-cooled to a sufficiently low target temperature when the air conditioner unit 1 10 is first powered on for cooling the space. Further, the water stream is controlled to be below a threshold temperature, so as to ensure that the cooling effect of the low temperature water stream is not compromised or diminished during the operation of the air conditioner unit 1 10, especially after long operation hours. In one embodiment, the target temperature of the water stream is set to be a temperature below 10°C and the threshold temperature of the water stream is 15°C.

The heat exchanger 130 is arranged to receive the high temperature high pressure refrigerant from the compressor unit 1 12. The water stream cooled by the thermal electrical cooler 138 passes through the heat exchanger 130 and takes away heat from the compressed refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to transform into a liquid state at a lower temperature which is then directed to the evaporator coils 1 17. The water stream may be directed back to the water tank 124 and stored in the water tank 124. In the foregoing, the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet side of the heat exchanger 130 may be in substantially or near or fully condensed liquid state, and the water stream flowing out from the heat exchanger rises to a higher temperature as it has absorbed heat from the refrigerant.

The thermal electric cooler 138 is operable to sense and regulate the temperature of the water stream flowing into the heat exchanger. In operation, the thermal electric cooler 138 controls the temperature difference between the water flowing out from the heat exchanger and the water stream flowing into the heat exchanger to be at a constant value. In such a manner, the heat exchanger 130 absorbs heat from the refrigerant at a constant heat exchange rate. This prevents excess latent heat to accumulate in the refrigeration circuit cycle, and thus preventing the compressor unit 1 12 from power trip due to overheating, especially when the air conditioner unit 1 10 operates for a long duration. Further, the water source in the water tank is also controlled at a relatively constant temperature, which does not rise over a long operation duration. The water loss in the water tank due to vaporization can therefore be slowed down or minimized.

In some embodiments, the thermal electric cooler includes one or more Peltier coolers. Each Peltier cooler creates a temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. In use, a voltage can be applied across joined conductors of the Peltier cooler to create an electric current. When the current flows through the two electrical junctions, heat is removed at one junction where cooling occurs, and heat is deposited at the other junction. Multiple Peltier coolers may be arranged in combinations with heat sinks to dissipate heat in a fast and efficient manner. In an embodiment, a heat sink may be sandwiched between two Peltier coolers so as to effectively dissipate heat from the two Peltier coolers.

The embodiment according to Figure 5 and 6, provides for a portable air conditioning solution, where no hose is required to transfer latent heat due to the refrigerant condensation out of the space to be cooled (e.g. a room) or for any other purposes. Therefore, the portability is improved in an air conditioner unit arranged according to the afore-described embodiments.

The present invention as described above is thus advantageous over conventional air conditioner unit in at least the following aspects:

In conventional refrigerant-based air conditioning systems, when a portable arrangement is contemplated having the condenser unit and evaporator unit integrated in one apparatus, a hose/pipe/conduit is typically used to transfer heat dissipated from the refrigerant condensation out of the space to be cooled. The requirement of the hose/pip/conduit limits the portability of the air conditioner unit: for example, such a conventional air conditioner unit often needs to be placed near a window or a wall (with a hole) that allows the hose/pipe/conduit to be extended outside the space (e.g. the room). The air conditioner unit 10 provides an improved portable air conditioning solution which is a“hoseless” design. Instead of using hose/pipe/conduit to transfer heat out, the present invention includes an embedded heat sink mechanism, in the form of a fine water mist or a low temperature water stream, to absorb the latent heat dissipated from refrigerant condensation in a timely and efficient manner. A portable air conditioner configuration according to the present invention is thus a much-improved apparatus that can be used in virtually limitless locations, i.e. with improved portability.

In a further embodiment according to Figure 7, the water tank 130 is arranged to receive a water flow (for example, from a tap water), and directed a water stream into the heat exchanger 130 for cooling the refrigerant. Similarly, the temperature difference between the water stream directed into the heat exchanger and flowing out from the heat exchanger is controlled at a constant value, for example, by a thermal electric cooler placed at the inlet side of the heat exchanger.

In another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of cooling a compressed refrigerant of an air conditioner unit for condensing the compressed refrigerant into a liquid state. In the process of cooling the compressed refrigerant, latent heat produced from the refrigerant condensation is simultaneously removed using a heat sink mechanism, for example, by a fine water mist or a coolant (e.g. a low temperature water stream). As no hose/pipe/conduit is required to transfer the latent heat out from the air conditioner unit, an air conditioner unit implementing the present invention is capable of being configured in a hoseless arrangement with improved portability.

According to one embodiment, the method involves using a water mist containing fine-sized water droplets for cooling and condensing the compressed refrigerant. In a first method step, a plurality of condenser coils 14 are provided in a relatively enclosed area. In various embodiments, the enclosed area may be provided by a cavity of a heat release unit 22 of the air conditioner unit 10.

In various embodiments, an inlet side of the condenser coils 14 is connected to a compressor unit 12 of the air conditioner unit 10 for receiving a compressed refrigerant from the compressor unit 12. An outlet side of the condenser coils 14 is connected to the evaporator unit 16 of the air conditioner unit 10 via a flow control device 19. In various embodiments, the flow control device 19 may include a thermal expansion valve or a capillary tube. In various embodiments, the condenser coils 14 may be arranged to form into one or more stacks.

In a further method step, a water mist containing fine water droplets is produced from a water source by an atomizer unit 25 and is directed to the condenser coils 14. In various embodiments, the heat release unit comprises a water tank 24 filled with water and an atomizer unit 25 for producing a water mist from the water. The atomizer unit 25 may comprise one or more ultrasonic atomizers 28 which are arranged to float in the water and to blast the liquid water into fine water droplets dispersed.

In a further method step, the condenser coils 14 or the one or more stacks of condenser coils 14 are positioned at a distance above the water tank with the atomizer unit 25, such that the water mist produced by the atomizer unit 25 is sprayed over or directed towards the condenser coils 14. In various embodiments, an exhaust 33 is installed on an upper part of the heat release unit 14 at a distance above the condenser coils 14. The exhaust fan may include an exhaust fan or ventilator operable to draw the water mist to pass through the condenser coils 14 and to expel part of the water mist from the heat release unit 22. In a further method step, a compressed refrigerant flowing through the condenser coils 14 is cooled and condensed into a substantially or near or fully liquid state inside the condenser coils 14.

The refrigerant enters the condenser coils 14 after it is pressurized and heated in the compressor unit 12. The compressed refrigerant flowing into the condenser coils 14 is therefore at a high temperature high pressure gaseous state. As such, heat exchange occurs between the high temperature refrigerant and the water mist which is at a lower temperature. The refrigerant cools and transforms into a liquid state inside the condenser coils 14. Simultaneously, the atomized water droplets, or at least part of the water droplets surrounding the condenser coils 14 turn into water vapor. Vaporization of the water droplets absorbs heat from the enclosed area containing the condenser coils 14 adding to its cooling efficiency. Also, the contact area between the fine-sized water droplets filled in the cavity and the condenser coils 14 contained therein is maximized. Advantageously, the water mist provides for an enhanced heat release or cooling effect on the condenser coils 14.

In a further method step, after passing through the condenser coils 14, part of the water mist is transferred out of the enclosed area from an exhaust 33. The water mist which has absorbed heat from the condenser coils 14 and may contain a mixture of water droplets and water vapor, and may be blown out of the enclosed area by the exhaust fan. The atomizer unit 25 continues to produce“fresh” water mist from the water source for cooling the condenser coils 14 and the compressed refrigerant therein.

The method may comprise a further method step wherein the water mist is filtered prior to being transferred out of the enclosed area. The filter unit 45 is placed along the diffusion path of the water mist for purifying the water mist which is subsequently blown out from the heat release unit 22 or the space enclosing the condenser coils 14. The filter unit 45 may comprise one or more filtering elements of different types, such as a membrane filter, which are suitable for removing impurities or contaminants from the water mist. Advantageously, the filter unit 45 prevents the impurities and contaminants to be spread out in the ambient environment together with the exhausted water mist.

In various embodiments, the filter unit 45 is placed at a position such that the exhaust 33 is separated from the area enclosing the condenser coils 14 and the water tank 24. This arrangement retains the water mist in the heat release unit 14 longer for more efficient heat exchange between the condenser coils 14 (and the refrigerant) and the water mist, while still allowing the water mist to pass through the filter unit 45 to be released or removed from the exhaust 33. The cooling effect of the water mist is therefore enhanced.

According to another embodiment, the method involves the use of a coolant pre-cooled to a low temperature for cooling and condensing the compressed refrigerant.

In a first method step, a compressed refrigerant is directed to pass through a heat exchanger 130 connected to a compressor unit 1 12 at a refrigerant inlet side and to an evaporator unit 1 16 at a refrigerant outlet side. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger 130 is arranged to receive the compressed refrigerant at the inlet side from the compressor unit 1 12. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger 130 and then flows into the evaporator unit 1 16 of the air conditioner unit 1 10 for evaporation and expansion.

In a further method step, the coolant is directed to flow into the heat exchanger 130 for cooling the compressed refrigerant. In various embodiments, the coolant is in the form of a water stream pre-cooled to a sufficiently low target temperature, for example below 10°C. During the operation of the air conditioner unit 1 10, the temperature of the water stream is controlled below a threshold temperature, for example below 15°C, so as to retain the cooling efficiency of the water stream especially when the air conditioner unit 1 10 operates for long hours.

In various embodiments, the water stream is pumped from a water tank into the heat exchanger 130 by a water pump 135 at the water inlet side of the heat exchanger 130. In some embodiments, a water supply (e.g. a tap water) may be arranged to supply water to the water tank 124, or directly into the heat exchanger 130. The compressed refrigerant is cooled by the low temperature water stream in the heat exchanger 130, where it is transformed into a substantially or nearly or fully liquid state.

In a further method step, the temperature of the water stream is sensed and regulated based on the temperature of the water stream flowing into and out of the heat exchanger 130. In various embodiments, a temperature control device 138 is coupled to the water inlet side of the heat exchanger. A non-limiting example of the temperature control device 138 is a thermal electric cooler. The thermal electric cooler regulates the temperature of the water stream flowing into the heat exchanger, in order to maintain a constant temperature difference between the water stream flowing in and out of the heat exchanger during the operation of the air conditioner unit 1 10. Advantageously, no latent heat due to the refrigerant condensation is accumulated in the heat exchanger 130, or carried to other parts of the refrigeration circuit cycle by the refrigerant. As such, the compressor unit 1 12 does not get overheated even when the air conditioner unit 1 10 operates for a long duration, for example, for up to 8 hours.

In some embodiments, the thermal electric cooler includes one or more Peltier coolers. Multiple Peltier coolers may be arranged in combinations with heat sinks to dissipate heat in a fast an efficient manner. In an embodiment, a heat sink may be sandwiched between two Peltier coolers so as to effectively dissipate heat from the two Peltier coolers. Advantageously, the present invention provides an enhanced and controllable method of cooling the compressed refrigerant of an air conditioner unit 10, 1 10. According to the methods provided by the present invention, the cooling or heat exchange or heat release is effected by a water source, in the form of either a fine water mist or a low temperature water stream. The water source in such forms has an enhanced cooling or heat release or heat absorption capacity, ensuring the compressed refrigerant at a high temperature high pressure gaseous state to be efficiently condensed into a substantially or near or fully condensed liquid state as it passes through the condenser coils 14 or the heat exchanger 130.

In addition, latent heat from the refrigerant condensation is simultaneously taken out by the water mist or the coolant (e.g. in the form of a low temperature water stream) during the cooling of the refrigerant. Therefore, no hose/pipe/conduit is needed to transfer the latent heat out of the space (e.g. a room) where the air conditioner unit 10, 1 10 is placed at as required in the conventional air conditioner arrangements. When implementing the method in a portable air conditioner configuration, the freedom of placement of the portable air conditioner is improved. The improved portable air conditioner can be used in virtually limitless locations, without being restricted by the hose/pipe/conduit as in the existing portable air conditioning solutions.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of an air-conditioner unit, where like numeral reference like parts. Compared to other embodiments as described, part of the refrigerant from the outlet side of the condenser coils is directed to flow into a second evaporator coil 140. The second evaporator coil 140 may be positioned at the exhaust of the chamber housing the atomizer and the condenser coils. An exhaust fan 150 may be arranged in the vicinity of the second evaporator coils 140. In addition, at the inlet side of the second evaporator coil 140, there comprises three capillary tubes and a control valve 150 added for regulating the refrigerant flow. The second evaporator unit/coil is typically smaller than the main evaporator unit and provides the benefits of reducing the temperature and moisture content of the exhaust air.

Further, part of the refrigerant is also directed to flow through the water tank of the atomizer unit, whereby a set of capillary tubes and control valve 160 are used for regulating the refrigerant flow rate.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of an air-conditioner unit 1000 with assisted cooling using a thermoelectric cooler module. In use a compressor unit 1002 is arranged to receive heated refrigerant (in the form of vapour) from the evaporator unit (coils) 1004. The heated refrigerant is compressed and then cooled via a heat exchanger 1006 to absorb heat from the refrigerant. The flow of the cooled refrigerant may be controlled via a flow control device 1008 such capillary tube or other flow control device such as expansion valves as described, before being fed into the evaporator coils 1004 for absorbing heat from the ambient environment. A blower 1010 may be arranged in fluid communication with the evaporator coils 1004 to dissipate the cooled air (cooled by the evaporator coils) to the environment.

A coolant is used to assist in cooling the refrigerant as it flow pass or through the heat exchanger 1006. Water may be used as a suitable coolant, where it flows from a coolant source 1012, such as a water tank, pass the heat exchanger to receive heat from the heated refrigerant at the heat exchanger 1006.

A thermoelectric cooler 1014 is arranged to cool the coolant water as it flows pass the thermoelectric cooler 1014. As illustrated in Figure 10, the thermoelectric cooler 1014 is may be a high efficiency peltier module to convert heat from the coolant water to electrical power. A heat sink unit 1016 may contact the peltier module to dissipate heat. A water pump 1018 is arranged to pump the water to the heat exchanger 1006. The heat sink unit 1016 may include one or more heat sinks. The thermoelectric cooler 1014 may itself include a small coolant tank 1019 arranged between two high efficiency peltier modules to store cold water for rapid cooling to the heat exchanger 1006 via the water pump 1018. The Peltier module and the heat sink may be attached on the water sink of the coolant tank; and the Peltier module is placed on the hot side of the heat sink to convert heat to electricity, and a fan may be placed on the hot side for heat dissipation.

In some embodiments, the coolant tank 1012 may have a capacity of 10 litres. The compressor may be a 10,000 BTU compressor.

Figure 1 1 shows another embodiment of an air-conditioner unit 1000. In operation the coolant in the coolant tank 1012 is pumped to the peltier module 1014 via a second water pump 1020 to be cooled.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 there comprises two independent cooling loops/cycles (a first and a second cooling cycles). The first cooling cycle comprises the cooling of coolant in the coolant tank 1012 using the peltier module and cooling assembly (marked loop L1 ). The second cooling loop comprises the use of the coolant from the coolant tank 1012 to cool heated refrigerant (in the form of vapour) from the evaporator unit (coils) 1004 (marked L2). The coolant is passed through or into the heat exchanger 1006 to remove the heat from the heated refrigerant. It is appreciable that the heated refrigerant is cycled between the compressor 1002 and evaporator unit 1004. The coolant may be provided in the form of water, and pumped via water pump 1018 to the heat exchanger 1006.

Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the air-conditioner unit 1000 without a compressor. In this embodiment, the refrigerant used to cool the evaporator unit 1004 is coolant from the coolant tank 1012. Similar to the embodiments of Figure 10 and 1 1 , the coolant may be water. As illustrated, coolant water is directly sent to the evaporator unit 1004 via water pump 1018. The heated refrigerant is sent back to the water tank 1012, which is being cooled by the peltier module 1014 continuously. Compared to the embodiment of Figure 1 1 , it is appreciable that Figure 12 may achieve a lower form factor, although the cooling capabilities may be compromised due to a lack of compressor as the coolant tank functions as the primary source of refrigerant.

It is appreciable that the Peltier module assembly of the compressor or non- compressor embodiments in Figure 1 1 and 12 are arranged as independent heat exchange cycles and could be used to supplement or completely replace the function of a compressor. It is also appreciable that the arrangement of heat exchanger and Peltier modules in Figure 10 to 12 may replace/negate the need for condenser unit/coils.

The above is description of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention. It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.

Further, it is to be appreciated that features from various embodiment(s), may be combined to form one or more additional embodiments. For example, one or more features of the air conditioner unit 10 of Figure 1 and 3, and one or more technical features of the air conditioner unit 1 10 of Figure 5 to 7 may be combined to form into a“hybrid” air conditioner unit. Alternatively or additionally, one or more technical features of the air conditioner 10 and the air conditioner 1 10 may be implemented in conventional air conditioner systems according to needs. Such a“hybrid” air conditioner unit can be, but not limited to:

- An air conditioner unit comprising one or more condenser units 13 coupled with a water atomizing mechanism (as shown in Figure 1 and 3), and one or more heat exchangers 130 using a pre-cooled water stream (as shown in Figure 5 to 7) for cooling. One example of such hybrid air conditioner unit 210 is shown in Figure 8, which incorporates one condenser unit 13 and one heat exchanger 130 connected in series and arranged to share a common water source stored in a water tank 24, 124. The cooling and condensation of the refrigerant is achieved by the condenser unit 13 and the heat exchanger 130 collaboratively.

- An air conditioner unit comprising a condenser unit same as that in the conventional air conditioner systems (i.e. a condenser unit without the water atomizing mechanism), and one or more heat exchangers 130 (as shown in Figure 5 to 7) for an enhanced cooling effect and improved portability.

- An air conditioner unit comprising a condenser unit same as that in the conventional air conditioner systems (i.e. a condenser unit without the water atomizing mechanism), and one or more additional condenser units 130 operating on water atomizing mechanism (as shown in Figure 1 and 3) for an enhanced cooling effect and improved portability.

Reference

10 air conditioner unit

12 compressor unit

13 condenser unit

14 condenser coils

16 evaporator unit

17 evaporator coils

18 wind generator

19 flow control device 22 heat release unit

24 water tank

25 atomizer unit

28 ultrasonic atomizer 29 floater

33 exhaust

37 condensate collection tray 40 water recirculation pump 45 filter unit

CH1 sensor

CH2 sensor

CH3 sensor

CH4 sensor

CH5 sensor

CH6 sensor

CH7 sensor

CH8 sensor

CH9 sensor

1 10 air conditioner unit

1 12 compressor unit 116 evaporator unit

117 evaporator coils

118 wind generator

124 water tank

130 heat exchanger

135 pump

138 temperature control device 140 second evaporator unit/coil(s) 150 exhaust fan

RTD-1 sensor

RTD-2 sensor

RTD-3 sensor

RTD-4 sensor

RTD-5 sensor

210 air conditioner unit

1000 air-conditioner unit

1002 compressor unit

1004 evaporator unit/ (coils)

1006 heat exchanger

1008 flow control device

1010 blower or fan

1012 coolant source

1014 thermoelectric cooler

1016 heat sink unit

1018 coolant (water) pump

1019 small water tank

1020 second water pump

Claims

1. An air conditioner unit comprising: a compressor unit for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser unit comprising one or more condenser coils arranged to receive the refrigerant from the compressor unit; a heat release unit enclosing at least part of the condenser unit; a coolant tank for storing a coolant for cooling the refrigerant in the condenser unit; wherein the heat release unit comprises at least one of: - (i.) an atomization mechanism for directing the coolant to the condenser unit, and (ii.) a thermoelectric cooler for regulating the temperature of the coolant, arranged in fluid communication with the coolant tank.

2. The air conditioner unit according to claim 1 , wherein the coolant tank is a water tank.

3. The air conditioner unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermoelectric cooler includes one or more Peltier coolers.

4. The air conditioner unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the condenser coils is arranged at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis.

5. The air conditioner unit according to claim 4, wherein the angle is between 25 degrees to 60 degrees.

6. The air conditioner unit according to claim 2, wherein the coolant tank is arranged with the atomization mechanism to generate a water mist directed to the condenser unit, and the atomization mechanism comprises at least one ultrasonic atomizer.

7. The air conditioner unit according to claim 6, wherein the heat release unit comprises an exhaust arranged to purge at least part of the water mist from the heat release unit.

8. The air conditioner unit according to claim 7, further comprises at least one filter unit arranged between the exhaust and the condenser unit, the filter unit for purifying the water mist prior to being transferred out of the heat release unit.

9. The air conditioner unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a condensate tray positioned between the condenser unit and the coolant tank, the condensate tray shaped and dimensioned for collection of coolant and directing the coolant to the coolant tank.

10. The air conditioner unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a flow control device arranged to receive the refrigerant from the condenser unit, and to regulate the refrigerant flowing into an evaporator unit.

1 1. The air conditioner unit according to claim 10, wherein the flow control device is any one of the following: - a capillary tube and a thermal expansion valve.

12. The air conditioner unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor unit, the condenser unit, the heat release unit, the coolant tank are housed within a single unit.

13. A method of cooling a refrigerant of an air conditioner unit, comprising the

steps of:

(i.) partially enclosing or enclosing a condenser unit, the condenser unit for receiving a compressed refrigerant from a compressor unit of the air conditioner unit; the condenser unit comprises one or more condenser coils;

(ii.) providing a coolant tank for storage of a coolant; the coolant operable to cool the refrigerant in the condenser unit; and

(iii.) directing coolant from the coolant tank to the one or more condenser coils; wherein the coolant tank is arranged in fluid communication with at least one of: - (i.) an atomization mechanism for directing the coolant to the one or more condenser coils, and (ii.) a thermoelectric cooler disposed between the coolant tank and the condenser unit, the thermoelectric cooler operable to regulate the temperature of the coolant.

14. A compressor-less air conditioner unit comprising

a heat exchanger unit;

a coolant tank arranged in fluid connection with the heat exchanger unit;

a thermoelectric cooler operable to maintain temperature of coolant within the coolant tank within a temperature range; a pump configured to pump coolant from the coolant tank to the heat exchanger unit; and

a conduit configured to direct heated coolant from the heat exchanger to the coolant tank.