Performance enhancement product for an air conditioner

Abstract

A performance enhancement device is disclosed comprising a chimney that is secured to an upward-facing air exhaust of the condenser unit of an air conditioning system for directing the hot air discharged from the condenser away from the air conditioning system. A sun screened enclosure may also be utilized for at least partially surrounding the condenser unit and protecting it from solar radiation. When used in conjunction with the chimney, the chimney extends above the uppermost extent of the sun screened enclosure. One or more misting nozzles may be disposed within the sun screened enclosure for dispersing a water mist within the enclosure. The misting nozzles may be controlled individually, or in groups. The performance enhancement device may comprise a sensor for sensing the operating state of the air conditioning system and the ambient temperature proximate to the condensing unit and a controller for receiving the operating state and temperature information and, based on the information, activating one or more misting nozzles. An activation sequence may be employed in which the number of activated misting nozzles is based on the ambient temperature information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/913,003 filed Apr. 20, 2007, entitled Performance Enhancement Product for an Air Conditioner, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to air conditioning. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for enhancing the performance of a condenser unit for an air conditioner.

While moving heat via machinery to provide air conditioning is a relatively modern invention, the cooling of buildings is not. The ancient Egyptians were known to circulate aqueduct water through the walls of certain houses to cool them. As this sort of water usage was expensive, generally only the wealthy could afford such a luxury. Fortunately, most modern homes in the United States have some type of air conditioner system.

The modern air conditioner is a system designed to extract heat from an area or provide heat to an area using a refrigeration cycle. These systems operate on a refrigeration cycle, wherein a heat pump transfers heat from a lower temperature area source into a higher temperature area, in opposition to the natural flow of heat. An air conditioning system typically comprises four main components: a high pressure condenser unit for circulating a refrigerant and exhausting heat from the refrigerant into the higher temperature area; a low pressure evaporator unit for circulating the refrigerant and absorbing heat from the lower temperature area into the refrigerant; a compressor unit coupled between the low pressure evaporator unit and the high pressure condenser unit for pressurizing the refrigerant; and a thermostatic expansion valve, or the like, coupled between the high pressure condenser unit and the low pressure evaporator unit for metering pressurized refrigerant into the evaporator at a low pressure, thereby evaporating and enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the lower temperature area. The most common uses of modern air conditioners are for comfort cooling. Comfort cooling aims to provide an indoor environment that remains in a relatively constant temperature range despite changes in external weather conditions or in internal heat loads.

Although there are many types of air conditioning systems known in the prior art, one particular type is known as a split system air conditioner in which the high pressure condenser unit, and usually the compressor unit, is in one location (often in the lower temperature area, indoors), and the low pressure evaporator unit, and usually the thermostatic expansion valve, is in a second location (often in the higher temperature area, outdoors). A typical split system air conditioning unit is designed to maintain the lower temperature area at a comfortable temperature, for instance 75° F. In operation, the air conditioning unit cycles ON and OFF whenever the temperature of the indoor area is outside a preset operating window, for instance between 74° F. and 78° F. An automatic control senses the temperature in the indoor area. If it is above 78° F. for instance, the compressor unit cycles ON and the compressor unit is activated to circulate refrigerant between the low pressure evaporator unit and the high pressure condenser unit. During the ON cycle, a blower fan will circulate warmer air from the indoor area across cooling coils in the evaporator unit and back into the indoor area at a substantially lower temperature. Simultaneously during the ON cycle, a fan will circulate outdoor air across coils in the condenser unit and exhaust it at a much higher temperature. When the automatic control system senses that the temperature in the indoor area has fallen sufficiently, below 74° F. for instance, the compressor unit cycles OFF and the refrigerant ceases circulating.

Many factors influence the systems ability to efficiently maintain a comfortable temperature in the indoor area. For instance, the ambient temperature in the indoor area; the volume of the indoor area being cooled; the amount of heat entering the indoor area; and the ambient outdoor temperature. Some of these factors can be ameliorated by the operator; such as by thermally sealing doors and windows in the indoor area and constructing the area with walls, attics and windows having radiant barriers, and by selecting the properly sized air conditioning system for the size of the indoor area to be cooled and for the geographic location. All too often, however, a prior art air conditioning unit will cycle ON and the compressor unit will run continuously without cycling OFF so long as the ambient outside air remains above 90° F. Furthermore, as the ambient outdoor temperature increases above 90° F., the unit will no longer be capable of maintaining the indoor temperature at a comfortable level, even with the unit continuously running.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a performance enhancement device for use with an air conditioning system, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a condenser unit with an air intake for drawing air into the air conditioning system and an upward-facing air exhaust for exhausting hot air from the air conditioning system. The performance enhancement device comprises a chimney that is secured to the upward-facing air exhaust of the condenser unit for directing the hot air discharged from the condenser away from the air conditioning system. The performance enhancement device further comprises a sun screened enclosure for at least partially surrounding the condenser unit and protecting it from solar radiation. When used in conjunction with the chimney, the chimney extends above the uppermost extent of the sun screened enclosure. One or more misting nozzles may be disposed within the sun screened enclosure for dispersing a water mist within the enclosure. The misting, nozzles may be controlled individually, or in groups. Finally, the performance enhancement device may comprise a sensor for sensing the operating state of the air conditioning system and the ambient temperature proximate to the condensing unit and a controller for receiving the operating state and temperature information and, based on the information, activating one or more misting nozzles. An activation sequence may be employed in which the number of activated misting nozzles is based on the ambient temperature information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical condenser unit as may be used in conjunction with a conventional split system air conditioner as is known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a chimney for directing hot air from the exhaust of a condenser unit and away from the unit in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sun screened enclosure for protecting a condenser unit from solar radiation, and the like, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cut-away section of a sun screened enclosure with a mister zone for distributing a fine mist of water into the volume between the sun screened enclosure and the condenser in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the present efficiency enhancement system invention as a mister control system for controlling a plurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a mister control system for controlling a plurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method employed by the control circuitry for regulating the flow of water to the individual misting zones and nozzles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Element Reference Number Designations
100:  Condenser unit
102:  Air intake
104:  Air exhaust
110:  Condenser housing
112:  Condenser coils
200:  Chimney
300:  Sun screened enclosure
302:  Vents
304:  Sun screen material
306:  Frame structure
400:  Mister zone
402:  Mister nozzle
404:  Fluid line
406:  Mister control system
602:  Manifold
602A: Port A to mister zone A
602B: Port B to mister zone B
602n: Port n to mister zone n
602O: Optional Port O to mister O
610:  Control circuitry
612:  Temperature sensor
614:  Flap position sensor
622:  Main solenoid valve
624A: Solenoid valve A to mister zone A
624B: Solenoid valve B to mister zone B
624n: Solenoid valve n to mister zone n

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to be understood that structural, procedural and system changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. For clarity of exposition, like features shown in the accompanying drawings are indicated with like reference numerals and similar features as shown in alternate embodiments in the drawings are indicated with similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical condenser unit as may be used in conjunction with a conventional split system air conditioner as is known in the prior art. As discussed above, in a typical split system air conditioner the low pressure evaporator unit and the thermostatic expansion valve (commonly referred to as the low side components) are located in the interior space of a building (although not always in a cooled area), while the high pressure condenser unit and the compressor unit (commonly referred to as the high side components) are remotely located from the evaporator on the exterior of the building. Hereinafter, the term building is used for any structure, i.e., residential, commercial, permanent or temporary. It should be mentioned that some types of air conditioning systems integrate the high side and low side components in the same housing, located on the building's exterior, with only air ducts connected between the building and air conditioning system. The present invention is equally effective in increasing the efficiency of either type of air conditioner. As depicted in FIG. 1, an air conditioner is illustrated with at least condenser unit 100 comprises housing 110 for protecting and partially enclosing condenser (refrigerant) coils 112 or the like, for circulating between air intake 102 and exhaust 104. As used hereinafter, it will be appreciated that condenser unit 100 may comprise other air conditioning system components than just the high side air conditioning system components. Typically, condenser coils 112 are exposed directly to air intake 102, but other designs are known. In addition to enclosing the compressor unit, an air moving mechanism, such as a circulation fan (not shown), may also be contained within condenser housing 110 for drawing air in through air intake 102 and exhausting heated air through exhaust 104.

The inventor has recognized that prior art condensing units such as the one depicted in FIG. 1 suffer from a myriad of shortcomings due to design, installation and environmental factors. One problem that tends to drastically reduce the operating efficiency of prior art condenser units is its tendency to raise the temperature of the ambient air in the proximity of the condenser. As the condenser unit draws in warmer air, the temperature of the evaporator coils increases and/or the capacity for lowering the temperature of the indoor air by the air conditioner is reduced. This tendency results from condenser unit 100 recirculating air that has been exhausted from exhaust 104 back through air intake 102. Prior art condenser units are typically designed with exhaust 104 located at the top of housing 110, which directs the heated air away from the condenser via the internal condenser fan. Additionally, because the air exiting the condenser at exhaust 104 has been heated by the hot refrigerant in the condenser coils, that air is lighter than the ambient outside air and will rise. The thermal affect of the heated air works in concert with the condenser fan to move the heated air above and away from the condenser. However, in practice, all the air exiting exhaust 104 does not move upward as a homogeneous column of air, but instead exits exhaust 104 in the general shape of a plume resulting from the forced air pressure created by the fan. The plume moves in any direction that is open, i.e., upward and to the sides. At a minimum, as the plume expands it tends to heat the ambient air. Also, as the plume expands across housing 110, it tends to heat the condenser, thus making it less efficient. Furthermore, air intake 102 creates low pressure zones at the sides of the condenser as it draws in air. As may be appreciated, the combined affect of the high pressure plume of hot exhaust air and the low pressure areas adjacent to the condenser results in a heated air being drawn into intake 102 and recirculated, thereby lowering the efficiency of the condenser. Therefore, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the problems associated with the condenser exhaust and of recirculating hot air are overcome through the use of a chimney structure over the condenser exhaust.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a chimney for directing hot air from the exhaust of a condenser unit and away from the unit in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in the figure, chimney 200 has general cross sectional shape of exhaust 104, wherein chimney 200 is secured on top of air condenser 100 and around over exhaust 104. The purpose of chimney 200 is to vent the warm air away from exhaust 104, and air intake 102. Hence, the diameter of chimney 200 should be larger than the opening for exhaust 104. Although both chimney 200 and exhaust 104 are depicted as having circular cross-sectional shapes, each may be any shape and the shapes need not be alike. Chimney 200 may be fabricated from any material capable of withstanding the out-of-doors environment adjacent to the condenser, i.e., moisture, wind and the rays from the sun, and should have the capacity to withstand the vented warm air from exhaust 104. For example, chimney 200 may comprise sheet metal, metal, plastic, wood or other suitable material, and preferably maintenance free. An air flow sensing device, such as a movable flap, may be disposed within chimney 200 in accordance with some embodiments discussed below. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, chimney 200 accelerates or increases the velocity of air from exhaust 104 and may use, for example, vanes, aerodynamic shaping or other means to increase the vortex rotation of air passing through chimney 200.

In addition to the shortcomings discussed above, the inventor has also recognized that prior art condensing units, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1, suffer from excessive solar heating from directed and reflected rays of the sun, e.g., infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Typically, air conditioner manufacturers treat exposed surfaces with non-absorbent coatings to reduce the amount of solar radiation that is absorbed by the condenser, thereby keeping its temperature to a minimum. These coatings are not completely effective. Furthermore, because air conditioner condenser units are exposed to sun, rain and irrigation water and other environmental contaminants, these coatings often fade, peel or oxidize, and lose their efficiency. Therefore, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the condenser unit is protected from exposure to solar radiation, either direct or indirect, through the use of a sun screened enclosure around the condenser unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sun screened enclosure for protecting a condenser unit from solar radiation, and the like, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in the figure, sun screened enclosure 300 generally comprises frame structure 306 for rigidity and for supporting sun screen material 304. Vents 302 are disposed about sun screened enclosure 300 within sun screen material 304. Optionally, and as depicted in the figure, vents 302 are disposed along a lower extremity of sun screened enclosure 300 for receiving air for the condenser, and away from the exhaust from the condenser unit. Vents 302 may be positioned somewhat higher on sun screened enclosure 300 without sacrificing its effectiveness.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the chimney of the present invention can be used in combination with the sun screened enclosure. As such, the purpose of chimney 200 is to prevent the warm air from exhaust 104 from being trapped in sun screened enclosure 300 and being recirculated into intake 102.

In accordance with this embodiment, the diameter of chimney 200 is small enough to fit on condenser housing 110, but large enough to completely cover exhaust 104. Chimney 200 should be durable and at least semi-rigid, but light enough to be supported on condenser unit 100. Additionally, chimney 200 should extend above sun screened enclosure 300 (see FIG. 5) in order to reduce or eliminate recirculation of the heated exhaust air to intake 102. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, once positioned on condenser unit 100, chimney 200 extends approximately 4 inches above the top of sun screened enclosure 300. In accordance with still other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, chimney 200 extends between 6 inches and 12 inches above sun screened enclosure 300. Moreover, chimney 200 may be several feet taller than sun screened enclosure 300, however as a practical matter, resistance to the flow of air from exhaust 104 increases with the length of the chimney. Moreover, because the upper portion of chimney 200 is directly exposed to the wind, an excessively long chimney might become unstable in high winds.

It should be mentioned that the use of a chimney as described herein, may also improve the performance of a heat pump type system in cold weather because a heat pump scavenges heat from the ambient air and exhausts the chilled air from the system. In that case, chimney 200 would direct the chilled air away from the intake of the heat pump, thereby allowing the heat pump to more efficiently scavenge heat from the ambient air.

As mentioned above, the purpose of sun screened enclosure 300 is to reduce the amount of solar heating condenser 100 is subjected to, however in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, sun screened enclosure 300 provides attachment points for water mister nozzles (see FIG. 4, discussed below). In any case, sun screened enclosure 300 may be understood as a self-supporting structure having a circular profile. As suggested by FIG. 3, sun screened enclosure 300 may be understood as a self-supporting structure having an exemplary circular profile, but may be instead configured with any profile. Additionally, sun screened enclosure 300 may be adapted to cooperate with an adjacent permanent structure, such as a wall and the like. Sun screen material 304 may be any suitable material or combination of materials that allows sun screened enclosure 300 to reduce the amount of solar radiation on condenser 100. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, sun screen material 304 has one or more of the following properties: blocks solar radiation, is reflective, breathable, and/or collects water droplets on its surface. Furthermore, sun screen material 304 may have an aesthetically pleasing design and/or shape such that sun screened enclosure 300 blends into the surrounding environment or is aesthetically pleasing to view. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, sun screened enclosure 300 comprises frame structure 306, of metal, plastic, woven plant material, wood or other material able to provide a more rigid support member for the material to block solar radiation. In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment, sun screened enclosure 300 may further comprise light weight wire frame (similar to a chicken wire), wherein frame structure 306 is covered in solar screening material.

The diameter of sun screened enclosure 300 is sufficient to surround condenser unit 100 with a buffer of at least 6 inches from intake 102 of condenser unit 100 and may have an optional top. Sun screened enclosure 300 should be high enough to prevent the direct rays from the sun from reaching condenser unit 100, for most of the day (it is expected that sun screened enclosure 300 will not protect condenser unit 100 during periods where the sun is directly overhead). The amount of protection depends on the distance between sun screened enclosure 300 and condenser 100. For example, if sun screened enclosure 300 is relatively close to condenser 100, then sun screened enclosure 300 may have a relatively low height. Alternatively, if sun screened enclosure 300 is relatively far from condenser 100, then sun screened enclosure 300 should be correspondingly taller to sufficiently reduce the amount of solar radiation on air condenser 100. For a typical condenser unit, the height of sun screened enclosure 300 is between about 5 feet and 8 feet. Additionally, top of sun screened enclosure 300 may be straight for maximum air flow or canted over at an angle to provide additional shade.

As mentioned above, near the lowermost extent of sun screened enclosure 300 are disposed a plurality of vents 302 such that the ambient air outside of sun screened enclosure 300 can flow unrestricted to air intake 102. The number and size of vents 302 should be sufficient for supplying air intake 102 with air. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, vents 302 are at least about 4 inches high and extend from ground level, alternatively, vents 302 may be between 4 inches and 18 inches in height and extend from ground level.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cut-away section of a sun screened enclosure with a mister zone for distributing a fine mist of water into the volume between the sun screened enclosure and the condenser in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition to blocking solar radiation, sun screened enclosure 300 provides mechanical support for at least one mister zone 400, comprising at least one mister nozzle 402 and fluid lines 404. Fluid lines 404 supply fluid, such as water, to mister nozzles 402. Mister nozzles 402 receive the fluid from fluid lines 404 and mist, or produce small droplets of the fluid suspended in air, in the general direction of intake 102. The mist from mister nozzles 402 provides an evaporative pre-cooling effect to the air contained in sun screened enclosure 300 as well as providing direct evaporative cooling of condenser unit 100. Each section of sun screened enclosure 300 may support one or more misting zones 400, which may be individually activated.

The number of mister nozzles 402 and position of each nozzle 402 on sun screened enclosure 300 depends on the size of sun screened enclosure 300 and the amount of mist desired. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, five mister nozzles are disposed along the interior of the upper portion of sun screened enclosure 300 to disperse as much water mist directly in the air flow as possible and another five mister nozzles are placed near the center of sun screened enclosure 300 and proximate to intake 102 to disperse mist onto or near condenser coils 112 of condenser unit 100.

Mister nozzles 402 may be installed such that they activated individually or activate in groups (see the discussion associated with FIGS. 6 and 7 below). In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a water filter is coupled to fluid lines 404 to remove particulate matter that may clog nozzles. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, mister zones 400 further comprise a high pressure pump (not shown) for increasing the amount of mist produced by mister nozzles 402. Mister nozzles 402 are controlled by control system 406.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the present efficiency enhancement system invention as a mister control system for controlling a plurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, exhaust 104 of condenser unit 100 is enclosed by chimney 200 and the entire condenser unit 100 is surrounded by sun screened enclosure 300. Chimney 200 extends above sun screened enclosure 300 by a predetermined height. Sun screened enclosure 300 protects condenser unit 100 from solar radiation and thermal heating. During a run cycle, condenser unit 100 draws outside air into intake 102, from vents 302 within the sun screen material 304 of sun screened enclosure 300, typically disposed near the bottom of the enclosure. Air may also be drawn from the open top of sun screened enclosure 300 or that opening may be enclosed. Once the outside air has circulated across condenser (refrigerant) coils 112 of condenser unit 100, it exits the condenser unit at exhaust 104 and into chimney 200 and directed away from sun screened enclosure 300 and condenser unit 100. Optionally, sun screened enclosure 300 may have disposed thereon a plurality of misting zones 400, each with fluid line 404 coupled to at least one misting nozzle 402 for evaporative cooling of the outside air and condenser coils 112 of condenser unit 100 (see the discussion of the control system directly below).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a mister control system for controlling a plurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Mister control 406 generally comprises water distribution manifold 602, which is hydraulically coupled between a water supply (and filter) and each of the plurality of misting zones, e.g., misting zones A, B, . . . n, and optional misting zone O), control circuitry 610, temperature sensor 612 and air conditioner cycle sensor, such as flap position sensor 614. Coupled to each of misting zone ports 602 A, 602B, . . . 602n and optional misting zone port 6020 is respective solenoid valve 624A, 624B, . . . 624n for regulating the supply of water to misting zone A through n, and also master solenoid valve 622, for regulating the water supply from the main water supply line and filter to manifold 602. The solenoid valves are normally-closed valves that open upon receiving a control signal from control circuitry 610. Control system 406 is provided with water and electrical power, and determines when and which of mister nozzles 402 are to activate. Mister nozzles 402 are activated either when condenser unit 100 is activated and/or when a specific ambient temperature is reached. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, control system 406 utilizes progressive temperature regulation of mister nozzles 402 and a flap type air switch for sensing the cycle of the air conditioning system (flap position switch 614) to control the flow of liquid in fluid lines 404. Demand is determined by flap position switch 614 wherein flap position switch 614 is either electrical, mechanical or electromechanical. Flap position switch 614 is placed in the air stream of the exhaust 104 of condenser unit 100 and when the condensers fan in condenser unit 100 is activated, the velocity of air at exhaust 104 activates the flap switch. Signals generated by flap position switch 614 activate master solenoid valve 622 that is coupled to the inlet port to manifold 602 of control system 406 thus allowing water to pass through fluid lines 404 to mister nozzles 402. It should be appreciated that each of the misting zones may have one misting nozzle 402 or a plurality of misting nozzles 402 coupled thereon. Therefore, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more of misting nozzles 402 may be combined with a separate electrical solenoid valve and receives control signals from control circuitry for activating the nozzle individually.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the availability of fluid to individual mister nozzles 402 is controlled through the use of a thermostatic device to control the activation of individual additional solenoid valves at each mister 402 or at a group of mister nozzles 402. For example, if ambient air temperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than threshold temperature value, A° F. (for instance 85° F.). In response, control circuitry 610 sends a control signal to solenoid valve 624A, which opens in response, and water is passed to misting zone A. If ambient air temperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than a second and higher temperature threshold, B° F. (where B>A, for instance 90° F.). Control circuitry 610 then sends a control signal to solenoid valve 624B, which then opens in response. Water is then passed to misting zone B. The sequence is identical for other temperature thresholds until air temperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than the highest threshold, n° F. When a temperature of n° F. is detected (where n>B>A), all n solenoid valves and misting zones are activated. This process embodied in control circuitry 610 is discussed further below with regard to the flowchart in FIG. 7. In another exemplary embodiment, each mister 402 or groups of mister nozzles 402 are activated on a progressive basis. In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, control system 406 is optional and not present, wherein fluid lines 404 are connected directly to a fluid source such as a water faucet and mister nozzles 402 are activated when the fluid source is turned on.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method employed by the control circuitry for regulating the flow of water to the individual misting zones and nozzles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method is an iterative process and therefore is continually iterating through the steps. The threshold condition is the position of the flap (step 702). If flap position sensor 614 detects that the flap is in the OFF position, that is condenser unit 100 has cycled OFF, control circuitry 610 deactivates any solenoids that may be open (step 704). If flap position sensor 614 detects that the flap is in the ON position, the main solenoid valve 622 is activated by control circuitry 610 (step 706) and water is allowed to enter manifold 602 and onto any misting zone through ports that are not regulated by a separate solenoid valve, such as optional port 6020 coupled to misting zone O. Next, control circuitry 610 receives ambient air temperature information from temperature sensor 612. That temperature is tested against one or more temperature thresholds for activating separate misting zones and/or misting nozzles, beginning with temperature threshold A (step 708). If the ambient temperature is not greater than A° F., the process deactivates any of solenoid valves A-n that may be active (step 710) and iterates back to step 702 for a flap check. However, the present method continually monitors the ambient temperature and activates and deactivates solenoids as necessary. If the ambient temperature is above A° F., solenoid valve A is activated (step 712) and the next temperature threshold is tested, temperature B° F. (step 714). If the ambient temperature is not above B° F., the process deactivates any of solenoid valves B-n that may be active (step 716) and iterates back to step 702 for a flap check and eventually may iterate back to step 714, assuming that the ambient temperature is greater than A° F. If the ambient temperature is above B° F., solenoid valve B is activated (step 718) and the next subsequent temperature threshold is tested until the final temperature threshold is tested, temperature n° F. (step 720). Here again, if the ambient temperature is not greater than n° F., the n solenoid valve is deactivated (step 722) and the process iterates back to step 702 and through the applicable process steps. If the ambient temperature is above n° F., then the n solenoid valve is activated (step 724) and again the process iterates back to step 702.

The above described system significantly improves an existing air conditioner without voiding the warranty for the air conditioner. It should be understood that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments described below were selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The particular embodiments described below are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention as it may be practiced in a variety of variations and environments without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A performance enhancement device for an air conditioning system, wherein the air conditioning system comprises a condenser unit with an air intake for drawing air into the air conditioning system and an upward-facing air exhaust for exhausting warm air from the air conditioning system, the performance enhancement device comprising:

a chimney coupled to the air exhaust of the condenser unit.

2. The performance enhancement device in claim 1, further comprising:

a sun screened enclosure to protect the condenser unit from solar radiation.

3. The performance enhancement device in claim 2, wherein the sun screened enclosure further comprising:

a sun screen material; and

a plurality of vents.

4. The performance enhancement device in claim 3, wherein the plurality of vents are one of within the sun screen material, below the sun screen material, defined by a lower edge of the sun screen material and ground, and above the suns screen material.

5. The performance enhancement device in claim 4, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screened enclosure.

6. The performance enhancement device in claim 4, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screened enclosure by at least four inches.

7. The performance enhancement device in claim 3, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screened enclosure.

8. The performance enhancement device in claim 3, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screened enclosure by at least four inches.

9. The performance enhancement device in claim 7, further comprising:

a fluid line for receiving water from a water source; and

a misting nozzle coupled to the fluid line and disposed within the sun screened enclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screened enclosure.

10. The performance enhancement device in claim 9, further comprising:

a solenoid valve for regulating water between the misting nozzle and the water source.

11. The performance enhancement device in claim 7, further comprising:

a first misting zone comprising: a first fluid line for receiving water from a water source; and a first misting nozzle coupled to the first fluid line and disposed within the sun screened enclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screened enclosure; and

a second misting zone comprising: a second fluid line for receiving water from the water source; and a second misting nozzle coupled to the second fluid line and disposed within the sun screened enclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screened enclosure.

12. The performance enhancement device in claim 11, wherein the first misting zone further comprises a first solenoid valve for regulating fluid between the first nozzle and the water source, and wherein the second misting zone further comprises a second solenoid valve for regulating fluid between the second nozzle and the water source.

13. The performance enhancement device in claim 10, further comprising:

a cycle sensor for sensing an indicator to a current state of the air conditioning system; and

a controller electrically coupled between the cycle sensor and the solenoid valve for receiving state indicators from the cycle sensor and transmitting an activation signal to the solenoid valve in response.

14. The performance enhancement device in claim 12, further comprising:

a cycle sensor for sensing an indicator to a current state of the air conditioning system;

a temperature sensor for monitoring ambient temperature of air proximate to the condenser unit;

a controller electrically coupled between the cycle sensor, the temperature sensor and the first and second solenoid valves for receiving state indicators from the cycle sensor and ambient temperature information from the temperature sensor and transmitting a first activation signal to the first solenoid valve based on a comparison of the temperature information to a first temperature threshold.

15. The performance enhancement device in claim 14, wherein the controller transmits a second activation signal to the second solenoid valve based on a comparison of the temperature information to a second temperature threshold, wherein the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold.

16. The performance enhancement device in claim 9, wherein one of the fluid line and misting nozzle is attached to the sun screened enclosure.

17. The performance enhancement device in claim 9, further comprising:

a filter coupled between the fluid line and the water source.

18. The performance enhancement device in claim 3, wherein the sun screened enclosure further comprising:

a frame structure.