AU2019286195B2 - Device for eliminating condensate for air conditioners, air conditioner and method for eliminating condensate - Google Patents
Device for eliminating condensate for air conditioners, air conditioner and method for eliminating condensate Download PDFInfo
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- AU2019286195B2 AU2019286195B2 AU2019286195A AU2019286195A AU2019286195B2 AU 2019286195 B2 AU2019286195 B2 AU 2019286195B2 AU 2019286195 A AU2019286195 A AU 2019286195A AU 2019286195 A AU2019286195 A AU 2019286195A AU 2019286195 B2 AU2019286195 B2 AU 2019286195B2
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- heat exchanger
- valve
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- outlet
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 84
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 84
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 239000006199 nebulizer Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 239000006200 vaporizer Substances 0.000 claims 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
- F24F13/222—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate
-
- 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
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/40—Fluid line 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
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
- F25B49/027—Condenser control arrangements
-
- 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
- F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
- F24F1/42—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger characterised by the use of the condensate, e.g. for enhanced cooling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
- F24F13/222—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate
- F24F2013/225—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate by evaporating the condensate in the cooling medium, e.g. in air flow from the condenser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/22—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
- F24F13/222—Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate for evacuating condensate
- F24F2013/227—Condensate pipe for drainage of condensate from the evaporator
-
- 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
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/02—Humidity
-
- 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
- F25B47/00—Arrangements for preventing or removing deposits or corrosion, not provided for in another subclass
- F25B47/02—Defrosting cycles
- F25B47/022—Defrosting cycles hot gas defrosting
- F25B47/025—Defrosting cycles hot gas defrosting by reversing the 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
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
- Devices For Blowing Cold Air, Devices For Blowing Warm Air, And Means For Preventing Water Condensation In Air Conditioning Units (AREA)
- Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
- Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A device (1) for eliminating condensation for air conditioners comprises a control unit (8) and a valve (9) connected to the control unit (8), the valve (9) having an inlet (10) suitable for being connected to at least one First heat exchanger (5; 6) and at least one first outlet (11; 12) suitable for being connected to at least one second heat exchanger (6; 5), wherein the control unit (8) is suitable for setting the opening and the closing of the first outlet (1 1; 12) of the valve (9) for conveying the condensation towards the second heat exchanger (6; 5).
Description
DEVICE FOR ELIMINATING CONDENSATION IN AIR CONDITIONERS, AIR CONDITIONER AND METHOD FOR
ELIMINATING CONDENSATION
Description
The present invention relates to device for eliminating condensation in air conditioners. The present invention also relates to an air conditioner and a method for eliminating condensation in an air conditioner.
Background Art
Air conditioners are devices that are normally used to cool air by means of a refrigeration cycle.
Air conditioners comprise a refrigerant flow circuit housing a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a throttling unit inserted between the condenser and the evaporator.
In "cooling" mode, the compressor compresses the refrigerant vapour at low temperature and low pressure and brings it, still as a vapour, to a high temperature and high pressure. The vapour is sent to the condenser through copper pipes. The condenser cools the vapour and then turns it into a liquid by discharging heat to the outside air, which is heated. After passing through the condenser, the refrigerant - now in liquid form but still at high pressure - passes through the throttling unit, usually a capillary tube, thus changing from high to low pressure, while retaining its liquid form. The low-pressure, low-temperature liquid is carried to the evaporator, where it is turned into a vapour by heat absorption. It then cools the air in the room where it is placed. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor in vapour form and the cycle resumes.
The latest air conditioners can also work in heating mode by reversing the direction of the refrigerant flow. In this mode, also known as the "heat pump” method, the refrigerant flow is reversed by a four-way valve, which, in the winter, enables a certain amount of heat to be absorbed from the low-temperature outside air and discharged to the inside air at a high temperature.
There are air conditioners comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit houses the condenser and the motor of the air conditioner; the indoor unit, or "split” unit, houses the evaporator, and air is fed into the room through a purpose-designed slot.
Recently“monoblock” devices have also come onto the market, which do not have an outdoor unit, can use air or water condensation, are formed by a single element and perform the functions of both the indoor and outdoor unit.
In both types of air conditioner, condensation forms on both the condenser and the evaporator.
In "cooling" mode, condensation forms on the evaporator (generally housed in the indoor unit) due to the difference in temperature compared with the humid air present in the room ln heating mode, condensation forms on the heat exchanger which is generally positioned outdoors once defrosted during the inverted refrigeration cycle.
Condensation is usually collected in trays that must be periodically emptied, or removed by the force of gravity through purpose-designed outdoor drains. Where condensation cannot be removed through such drains, a pump must be used.
However, these systems require the presence of piping and exhaust ducts outside of the air conditioner itself and, therefore, cannot always be implemented in buildings where the air conditioner is installed (for example, they cannot be
installed in historic buildings). Furthermore, they cannot be implemented for monoblock air conditioners, in which the two units are integrated into a single element positioned inside a room.
Description of the Invention
The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the abovementioned drawbacks by enabling condensation to be definitively removed without increasing the overall size of the air conditioner, while avoiding the implementation of purpose- designed drains.
The invention fulfils this aim by means of a device for eliminating condensation that has the features defined in claim 1.
The device according to the present invention enables the condensation forming on an exchanger to be removed by moving it to the other exchanger to be vaporised. Furthermore, the device can be installed in an existing air conditioner simply by connecting it accordingly to the components of the air conditioner itself.
Advantageously, the valve has at least one second outlet that is suitable for being connected to the second heat exchanger, and the control unit is suitable for setting the opening and closing of the second outlet of the valve for conveying the condensation towards the second heat exchanger. This allows the device to be used when operating the air conditioner in both cooling mode and heating mode, and offers the guarantee that condensation will be removed and disposed of in any operating mode.
Preferably, the device comprises a pump with an inlet suitable for being connected to the first heat exchanger and/or the second exchanger, where the pump is suitable for conveying the condensation from the first heat exchanger
and/or the second heat exchanger towards the valve. This allows condensation to be transferred to the valve efficiently.
Advantageously, the device comprises at least one collecting tank interposed between the first heat exchanger and the pump and/or between the second exchanger and the pump, where the tank is suitable for collecting the condensation from the first heat exchanger and/or from the second heat exchanger. The device preferably comprises at least one level sensor positioned in the collection tank and connected to the control unit in this way, the valve opens towards an exchanger when a certain level of condensation is exceeded.
A preferred embodiment of the device comprises at least one nebuliser or vaporiser positioned downstream of the valve. In particular, the valve has a third outlet connected to the nebuliser/vaporiser.
An advantageous embodiment of the device comprises at least one humidity sensor suitable to be positioned in a room, wherein the humidity sensor is connected to the control unit.
Preferably, the control unit commands the opening and closing of the valve outlet towards the nebuliser/vaporiser by means of a signal from the level sensor and/or from the humidity sensor.
The control unit can then control the opening of the valve towards the nebuliser/vaporiser - thus vaporising condensation to the outdoor air - if the condensation has not been eliminated effectively by the heat exchangers or if the humidity in the room where the air conditioner is placed exceeds a certain level. Advantageously, the control unit is suitable to be connected to a cycle inversion valve of the air conditioner and commands the opening and closing of the valve outlet towards the first heat exchanger or towards the second heat exchanger )
depending on the cycle inversion. This allows the device for eliminating condensation to operate automatically both in cooling mode and in heating mode. According to another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner comprises the features of claim 1 1.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for eliminating condensation in an air conditioner condensation comprises the features of claim 15.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Further advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show a non-limiting embodiment, in which:
-Figure 1 shows an operating arrangement for an air conditioner in "cooling" mode, in which a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is inserted;
-Figure 2 shows the operating arrangement for the air conditioner referred to in Figure 1, in "heating" mode.
Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
Figure 1 shows, with reference number 1, a device for eliminating condensation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 is inserted inside an air conditioner 2.
The air conditioner 2 is preferably operable both in "cooling” mode and in "heating" (“heat pump”) mode. Flowever, the device 1 according to the invention can also be used within a“cold only” air-conditioning unit.
The air conditioner 2 comprises, in the known way, a refrigerant flow circuit 3 comprising a compressor 4, a first heat exchanger 5, a second heat exchanger 6
and a throttling unit 7, such as a capillary tube or a control valve, inserted between the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6.
In cooling mode, shown in Figure 1, the vapour contained in the circuit 3 of the air conditioner 2 is brought to a high pressure and high temperature in the compressor 4 before moving to the first heat exchanger 5. In this mode, the first heat exchanger 5 serves as a condenser. In the first heat exchanger-condenser 5, the vapour is turned into a liquid by discharging heat to the outside air. Then, the throttling unit 7 reduces the pressure of the liquid from the first heat exchanger- condenser 5 and regulates the quantity of the liquid to be sent to the second heat exchanger 6.
In cooling mode, the second heat exchanger 6 serves as an evaporator. In the second heat exchanger-evaporator 6, the liquid absorbs heat from the room to cool the room and is turned into a vapour. It is then redirected to the compressor 4 to resume the cycle.
In cooling mode, condensation forms on the second heat exchanger-evaporator 6 due to the difference in temperature compared to the humid air in the room, which comes into contact with the second heat exchanger-evaporator 6.
In the heating mode shown in Figure 2, the vapour contained in the circuit 3 of the air conditioner 2 is brought to a high pressure and high temperature in the compressor 4, before moving to the second heat exchanger 6. In cooling mode, the second heat exchanger 6 serves as a condenser. In the second heat exchanger- condenser 6, the vapour discharges heat into the room to heat the room and turns into a liquid. The throttling unit 7 then decreases the pressure of the liquid from the second heat exchanger-condenser 6 and regulates the quantity of the liquid to
be sent to the first heat exchanger 5. ln cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 5 serves as an evaporator.
in the first heat exchanger-evaporator 5, the liquid absorbs heat from the outside air and is turned into a vapour. It is then redirected to the compressor 4 to resume the cycle.
Also in heating mode, condensation forms on the first heat exchanger-evaporator 5 after defrosting as part of the inverted refrigeration cycle.
To eliminate the condensation that forms on the heat exchanger, according to the present invention a device 1 is provided which comprises a control unit 8 and a valve 9 connected to the control unit 8, where the valve 9 has an inlet 10 connectable to at least one first heat exchanger, which will be the first heat exchanger 5 of the refrigeration circuit if the air conditioner is operating in heating mode or the second heat exchanger 6 if the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, at least one first outlet connectable to at least one second heat exchanger, which will be the second exchanger 6 in the refrigeration circuit if the air conditioner is operating in heating mode or the first heat exchanger 5 if the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, wherein the control unit 8 is suitable for setting the opening and closing of the first outlet of the valve 9 for conveying the condensation towards the second heat exchanger.
The valve 9 is preferably a solenoid valve.
The method for eliminating the condensation according to the present invention therefore comprises the steps of conveying the condensation from the first heat exchanger 5 to the valve 1 1 and opening the first outlet 1 1 of the valve 9 by means of the control unit 8 to convey the condensation to the second heat exchanger 6. i
Advantageously, the valve 9 has at least one second outlet 12 connectable to the first heat exchanger 5 so as to remove condensation both in cooling mode and in heating mode. Advantageously, the inlet of the valve 9 is also connected to the second heat exchanger 6.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve 9 has a third outlet 13 to convey condensation out of the air conditioner 2. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a nebuliser or vaporiser 14 connected to the third outlet 13 of the valve 9 so as to eliminate condensation by vaporising it to the outside air.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the device 1 comprises a pump 15 positioned upstream from the valve 9. In cooling mode, the inlet 16 of the pump 15 is connected to at least the second heat exchanger 6. Where the air conditioner 2 is operable in both modes, the inlet 16 of the pump 15 is connected both to the first heat exchanger 5 and to the second heat exchanger 6.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, a collecting tank 17 is provided to collect the condensation from at least the second heat exchanger 6 when in cooling mode. The collecting tank 17 is positioned upstream from the pump 15. Where the air conditioner 2 is operable in both modes, the collecting tank 17 is connected to both the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6.
In this embodiment, the method includes the step of collecting the condensation from the exchanger in the collecting tank 17 and setting the level of condensation in the collecting tank 17 before conveying the condensation to the valve 9, preferably by means of a pump 15.
Advantageously, the collecting tank 17 houses a level sensor 18 connected to the control unit 8. In a preferred embodiment, the level sensor 18 comprises a two- stage float switch or an infrared level indicator.
In an advantageous embodiment, the method includes the steps of ascertaining the humidity of the room in which the second heat exchanger 6 is placed and opening the third outlet 13 of the valve by means of the control unit 8 to convey condensation to a nebuliser/vaporiser 14 if the humidity is greater than a predetermined value.
In particular, the device 1 comprises a humidity sensor 19 connected to the control unit 8. The sensor 19 detects the humidity of the room in which the air conditioner 2 is placed if monoblock, or in which the internal unit is placed for an air conditioner 2 comprising a second heat exchanger 6.
The figures show an air conditioner 2 operable in both cooling mode and heating mode. In this case, the air conditioner 2 comprises a refrigeration cycle inversion valve 20, which is usually a four-way valve attached to the compressor 4 to reverse the direction of flow of the refrigerant in the circuit 3.
The valve 20 is connected to the circuit board of the air conditioner 2. Preferably, the refrigeration cycle inversion valve 20 is connected to the control unit 8 of the device 1 for eliminating condensation.
Where the throttling unit 7 comprises a control valve, the control valve is preferably connected to the control unit 8 of the device 1 for eliminating condensation.
The valve 9 of the device 1 for eliminating condensation is therefore controlled according to whether the cooling/heating mode is in operation and receives a signal from the cycle inversion valve 20.
The air conditioner 2 housing the device 1 for eliminating condensation operates as shown below.
In the cooling mode shown in figure l , condensation forms on the second heat exchanger 6. The condensation is conveyed to the collecting tank 17.
In the advantageous embodiment shown, when the level sensor 18 positioned in the collecting tank 17 indicates that a first predetermined value has been exceeded, the control unit 8 commands the opening of the second outlet 12 of the valve 10 towards the first heat exchanger-condenser 5. In cooling mode, the first heat exchanger-condenser 5 reaches temperatures of around 90°C and the condensation is vaporised and discharged through a fan commonly attached to the first heat exchanger-condenser 5.
In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the quantity of condensation upstream from the valve 9 is measured and, if the level of condensation is greater than a predetermined value, the valve 9 is opened by the control unit 8 to convey the condensation to the nebuliser/vaporiser 14. ln particular, if the condensation is not removed through the first heat exchanger- condenser 5, the level in the collecting tank 17 increases. When the level sensor 18 indicates that a second predetermined value has been exceeded, the control unit 8 commands the closing of the second outlet 12 of the valve 9 towards the first heat exchanger-condenser 5 and commands the opening of the third outlet 13 of the valve 9 towards the nebuliser/vaporiser 14.
Preferably, if the level sensor 18 indicates that the second predetermined value has been exceeded for a certain time, such as one minute, the control unit 8 sends an alarm signal and/or commands the air conditioner 2 to be switched off.
In the embodiment shown in which the air conditioner 2 comprises the refrigeration cycle inversion valve 20, the method includes the following steps: setting the direction of flow of the refrigerant and setting the operating mode to
cooling or heating; if the cooling operating mode applies, conveying the condensation from the second exchanger 6 to the valve 9 and opening the second outlet 12 of the valve 1 1 towards the first heat exchanger 5; if the heating operating mode applies, conveying the condensation from the first heat exchanger 5 to the valve 9 and opening the first outlet 1 1 of the valve towards the second heat exchanger 6.
in particular, when changing from cooling mode to heating mode, the cycle inversion valve 20 changes the direction of flow of the refrigerant, which, upon exiting the compressor 4, moves first to the second heat exchanger 6 and then to the first heat exchanger 5, on which condensation forms. In this case, the control unit 8 receives a signal from the cycle inversion valve 20 to close the second outlet 12 of the valve 9 towards the first heat exchanger 5.
ln the heating mode shown in Figure 2, the condensation forming on the first heat exchanger 5 is moved to the collecting tank 17.
According to the advantageous embodiment shown, when the level sensor 18 positioned in the collecting tank 17 indicates that a first predetermined value has been exceeded, the control unit 8 commands the opening of the first outlet 1 1 of the valve 9 towards the second heat exchanger 6. The condensation is fed into the room in which the air conditioner 2, if monoblock, is placed or in which the internal unit, if an air conditioner 2 comprising a second heat exchanger 6, is placed, to regulate the humidity levels.
[f the humidity sensor 19 in the room indicates that a predetermined value has been exceeded, the control unit 8 commands the closing of the first outlet 1 1 of the valve 9 and the opening of the third outlet 13 of the valve 9 towards the nebuliser/vaporiser 14.
In heating mode, as in the cooling mode, when the level sensor 18 positioned in the collecting tank 17 indicates that a second predetermined value has been exceeded, the control unit 8 commands the closing of the first outlet 1 1 of the valve 9 towards the second heat exchanger 6 and the opening of the third outlet 13 of the valve 9 towards the nebuliser/vaporiser 14.
Preferably, if the level sensor 18 indicates that the second predetermined value has been exceeded for a certain time, such as one minute, the control unit 8 sends an alarm signal and/or commands the air conditioner 2 to be switched off.
The device according to the present invention therefore enables condensation to be effectively removed without requiring purpose-designed drains to be fitted when installing the air conditioner. Condensation is removed by the heat exchangers already present in the air conditioner.
The device can be built into any type of air conditioner, whether it comprises two units or a single unit. Furthermore, the device does not increase the size of the air conditioner, as the control unit, the valve and the pump and collection tank, where provided, are placed inside the air conditioner.
Claims (19)
1. A device for eliminating condensation for air conditioners, the device (1) comprising a control unit (8) and a valve (9) connected to the control unit (8), the valve (9) having an inlet (10) suitable for being connected to at least one first heat exchanger (5; 6) and at least one first outlet (1 1 ; 12) suitable for being connected to at least one second heat exchanger (6; 5), wherein the control unit (8) is suitable for setting the opening and the closing of the first outlet (1 1 ; 12) of the valve (9) for conveying the condensation towards the second heat exchanger (6; 5).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that the valve (9) has at least one second outlet (12; 1 1) suitable for being connected to the first heat exchanger (5; 6), and the control unit (8) is suitable for setting the opening and the closing of the second outlet (12; 11) of the valve (9) for conveying the condensation towards the first heat exchanger (5; 6).
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a pump (15) having an inlet (16) suitable for being connected to the first heat exchanger (5; 6) and/or to the second heat exchanger (6; 5), the pump (15) being suitable for conveying the condensation arriving from the first heat exchanger (5; 6) and/or from the second heat exchanger (6; 5) towards the valve (9).
4. The device according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises at least one collecting tank (17) for the condensation interposed between the first heat exchanger (5; 6) and the pump (15) and/or between the second heat exchanger (6; 5) and the pump (15), the tank (17) being suitable for collecting
the condensation arriving from the first heat exchanger (5; 6) and/or from the second heat exchanger (6; 5).
5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises at least one level sensor (18) positioned in the collecting tank (17) and connected to the control unit (8).
6. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one nebulizer or vaporizer (14) positioned downstream of the valve (9).
7. The device according to claim 6, characterised in that the valve (9) has a third outlet (13) connected to the nebulizer or vaporizer (14).
8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one humidity sensor (19) suitable for being positioned in a room, wherein the humidity sensor (19) is connected to the control unit (8).
9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the control unit (8) commands the opening and the closing of the third outlet (13) of the valve (9) towards the nebulizer or vaporizer (14) depending on a signal arriving from the level sensor (18) and/or from the humidity sensor (19).
10. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (8) is suitable for being connected to a cycle inversion valve (20) of the air conditioner and commands the opening and the closing of the outlet (1 1 , 12) of the valve of the device towards the first heat exchanger (5; 6) or towards the second heat exchanger (6; 5) depending on the cycle inversion.
1 1. An air conditioner comprising a circuit (3) for the circulation of a coolant fluid; a compressor (4) for bringing the coolant fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure which is higher than the first; a first heat exchanger (5)
positioned downstream of the compressor; a second heat exchanger (6) positioned upstream of the compressor; a throttling unit (7), preferably a capillary tube or a control valve, interposed between the first heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (6); and a device (l ) for eliminating condensation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet (10) of the valve (9) is connected at least to the second heat exchanger (6); an outlet ( 12) of the valve (9) is connected to the first heat exchanger (5); and the control unit (8) is suitable for setting the opening and the closing of the outlet (12) of the valve (9) for conveying the condensation towards the first heat exchanger (5).
12. The air conditioner according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the inlet (10) of the valve (9) is connected to the first heat exchanger (5), an outlet (1 1 ) of the valve (9) is connected to the second heat exchanger (6), and the control unit (8) is suitable for setting the opening and the closing of the outlet (1 1 ) of the valve (8) for conveying the condensation towards the second heat exchanger (5).
13. The air conditioner according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterised in that the inlet (16) of the pump (15) is connected to the first heat exchanger (5) and/or to the second heat exchanger (6) for conveying the condensation arriving from the first heat exchanger (5) and/or from the second heat exchanger (6) towards the valve (9).
14. The air conditioner according to claim 1 1 or 12 or 13, characterised in that it comprises a coolant cycle inversion valve (20), wherein the control unit (8) commands the opening and the closing of the outlet (1 1 , 12) of the valve of
the device towards the first heat exchanger (5) or towards the second heat exchanger (6) depending on the cycle inversion.
15. A method for eliminating condensation in an air conditioner (2) comprising a circuit (3) for the circulation of a coolant fluid; a compressor (4) for bringing the coolant fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure which is higher than the first, a first heat exchanger (5) positioned downstream of the compressor; a second heat exchanger (6) positioned upstream of the compressor; a throttling unit (7), preferably a capillary tube or a control valve, interposed between the first heat exchanger (5) and the second heat exchanger (6); and a device (1 ) for eliminating condensation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet (10) of the valve (9) is connected to the second heat exchanger (6) and an outlet (12) of the valve (9) is connected to the first heat exchanger (5); the method comprising the steps of: conveying the condensation arriving from the second heat exchanger (6) towards the valve (9), and opening the outlet (12) of the valve (9) by means of the control unit (8) for conveying the condensation towards the first heat exchanger (5).
16. The method according to claim 15, characterised in that it comprises the step of ascertaining the quantity of condensation upstream of the valve (9) and if the quantity of condensation is greater than a predetermined value, opening the valve (9) by means of the control unit (8) for conveying the condensation towards a nebulizer or vaporizer (14).
17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the air conditioner (2) comprises a coolant fluid cycle inversion valve (20) for causing operation of the air conditioner (2) in cooling or heating mode, wherein the inlet (10) of the valve (9) of the device (1 ) for eliminating condensation is connected to the
first heat exchanger (5) and wherein an outlet (1 1 ) of the valve is connected to the second heat exchanger (6), the method being characterised in that it comprises the steps of: determining the cooling or heating operating mode of the air conditioner (2); if the mode is cooling, conveying the condensation arriving from the second heat exchanger (6) towards the valve (9) and opening the second outlet (12) of the valve (9) towards the first heat exchanger (5); if the operating mode is heating, conveying the condensation arriving from the first heat exchanger (5) towards the valve (9) and opening the first outlet (1 1) of the valve (9) towards the second heat exchanger (6).
18. The method according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterised in that it comprises the step of ascertaining the humidity of the room in which at least the second heat exchanger (6) is located and opening the valve (9) by means of the control unit (8) for conveying the condensation towards a nebulizer or vaporizer (14) if the humidity is greater than a predetermined value.
19. The method according to any of claims 15 to 18, characterised in that it comprises the step of collecting the condensation arriving from the first heat exchanger (6) and/or from the second heat exchanger (6) in a collecting tank (17) and ascertaining the level of condensation in the collecting tank (17) before conveying the condensation towards the valve (9), preferably by means of a pump (15).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT201800006354 | 2018-06-15 | ||
| IT102018000006354 | 2018-06-15 | ||
| PCT/SM2019/000018 WO2019240670A1 (en) | 2018-06-15 | 2019-06-14 | Device for eliminating condensate for air conditioners, air conditioner and method for eliminating condensate |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2019286195A1 AU2019286195A1 (en) | 2021-01-28 |
| AU2019286195B2 true AU2019286195B2 (en) | 2023-12-21 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2019286195A Active AU2019286195B2 (en) | 2018-06-15 | 2019-06-14 | Device for eliminating condensate for air conditioners, air conditioner and method for eliminating condensate |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20210254874A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3807579B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2021527193A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN112262288A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2019286195B2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2019240670A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20220125597A (en) * | 2021-03-05 | 2022-09-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Air conditioner |
| JP7517357B2 (en) | 2022-03-18 | 2024-07-17 | 積水ハウス株式会社 | Building humidity control system |
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| US20050166614A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Dobmeier Thomas J. | Refrigerant subcooling by condensate |
| US20090079098A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Avi Ezra | System and method of a heat pump combined with a humidifier |
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| US2296997A (en) * | 1940-08-03 | 1942-09-29 | Marion F Knoy | Condensate disposal means |
| JPS5384343A (en) * | 1976-12-29 | 1978-07-25 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | System for treating dew |
| JPS5647458Y2 (en) * | 1977-12-24 | 1981-11-06 | ||
| JPH01310240A (en) * | 1988-06-06 | 1989-12-14 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Air conditioner |
| JPH0650564A (en) * | 1992-07-29 | 1994-02-22 | Sharp Corp | Integral air conditioner for both room cooler and heater |
| US20070101745A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-10 | Hsu An T | Cooling device |
| WO2011010382A1 (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-27 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air conditioner |
| TWI375512B (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2012-11-01 | Univ Nat Pingtung Sci & Tech | Environment-controlled apparatus for cultivating plants |
| CN102913998A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2013-02-06 | 清华大学 | Condensed-water air humidification system and method for air conditioner |
| US20150198340A1 (en) * | 2014-01-13 | 2015-07-16 | Trane International Inc. | Evaporative Subcooling |
| CN104101137A (en) * | 2014-07-28 | 2014-10-15 | 上海伏波环保设备有限公司 | Air-cooled condenser and phase-change auxiliary cooling device for same |
| CN105465991A (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2016-04-06 | 陈斌 | Energy-saving air temperature regulator |
| US10386091B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2019-08-20 | Robert S. Carter | Water evaporative cooled refrigerant condensing radiator upgrade |
| WO2018023923A1 (en) * | 2016-07-30 | 2018-02-08 | 淄博环能海臣环保技术服务有限公司 | Air conditioner with enhanced condenser coolant gas evaporation, humidification, and cooling |
| CN206073415U (en) * | 2016-08-11 | 2017-04-05 | 胡克球 | A kind of air-conditioning environmental protection and energy saving humidifier |
| CN111295552A (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2020-06-16 | 夏普株式会社 | Air conditioner and air conditioning method |
-
2019
- 2019-06-14 US US17/252,132 patent/US20210254874A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-06-14 CN CN201980038928.XA patent/CN112262288A/en active Pending
- 2019-06-14 WO PCT/SM2019/000018 patent/WO2019240670A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-06-14 EP EP19739418.2A patent/EP3807579B1/en active Active
- 2019-06-14 JP JP2021518855A patent/JP2021527193A/en active Pending
- 2019-06-14 AU AU2019286195A patent/AU2019286195B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050166614A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Dobmeier Thomas J. | Refrigerant subcooling by condensate |
| US20090079098A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Avi Ezra | System and method of a heat pump combined with a humidifier |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2021527193A (en) | 2021-10-11 |
| EP3807579B1 (en) | 2024-06-05 |
| WO2019240670A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
| EP3807579C0 (en) | 2024-06-05 |
| US20210254874A1 (en) | 2021-08-19 |
| CN112262288A (en) | 2021-01-22 |
| AU2019286195A1 (en) | 2021-01-28 |
| WO2019240670A9 (en) | 2020-02-13 |
| EP3807579A1 (en) | 2021-04-21 |
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