System control for air conditioning system

Abstract

A system control to monitor and control the operation of an air conditioning system including at least one evaporator/air handler unit operatively coupled to a compressor/condenser unit comprising a sensor to monitor the operation of the evaporator and to generate a control signal when a predetermined condition within the air conditioning system is sensed and a control unit including logic or circuitry to receive the condensate signal and to deactivate the evaporator/air handler unit and the compressor/condenser unit in response to the control signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part application of patent application Ser. No. 12/931,130 filed Jan. 25, 2011 that is a continuation-in-part application of patent application Ser. No. 12/806,977 filed Aug. 25, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A system control to monitor and selectively control the operation of an air conditioning system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Air handling systems such as air conditioning systems typically have a condensate collector or drain pan to collect condensate.

Often removal of the condensate requires pumping the condensate from the condensation drain pan. Commonly, a drain pan system includes a sensor placed in the drain pan to measure the level of the condensation therein. When the condensate level reaches a predetermined level, the sensor generates a signal sent to a sensor switching circuit to activate the pump or stop operation of the compressor.

HVAC systems known as mini-split systems present a particularly troublesome challenge. Such systems comprise of two basic units—a compressor and multiple air handlers. The air handler is typically mounted on the wall in the space to be cooled. These air handlers are designed to be compact resulting in limited space for an overflow switch and condensate sensor. Specifically, systems use refrigerant lines together power and control wiring to connect the outdoor compressor to the individual indoor air handlers. The technology, developed in the 1950s, is called split-ductless or mini-split and is the primary method for conditioning spaces within a home or commercial building in countries around the world. These systems allow each space with an indoor air-handler unit to be controlled independently from other rooms, thus providing individualized comfort control within a home.

In such systems, the compressor is connected to existing house voltage and supplies voltage to the air handlers.

In addition, a communications link is used to coordinate the operation of the two basic units. As a result, any electronics that would utilize the power supply has the potential of disrupting the communication link. Thus, any effort to provide a condensate removal system would require an electrically isolated battery powered system.

In order to shut down the highly integrated electro-mechanical system, a condensate control system can be tapped into a commonly found thermistor used to measure the evaporator temperature or the communication link or line forming part of mini-split control loop. As designed, if the thermistor or communication link or line is broken or indicates a bad reading the compressor is shut down. This thermistor can be used to open the circuit when excess condensate is sensed in the condensate collector or drain pan to shut down the compressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system control to monitor and control the operation of an air conditioning system comprising an evaporator/air handler unit coupled in closed-loop fluid communication with a compressor/condenser unit by refrigerant lines or conduits and a condensate collector or drain pan disposed to collect condensate from the evaporator.

The system control comprises a condensate sensor disposed to sense when condensate within the condensate collector or drain pan reaches a predetermined level and a control unit operatively coupled to the condensate sensor and the air conditioning system to deactivate the compressor/condenser unit and evaporator/air handler unit when condensate reaches the predetermined level within the condensate collector or drain pan for a predetermined period of time by creating a discontinuity or open circuit between the compressor/condenser unit and the evaporator/air handler unit.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the control system of the present invention in combination with an air conditioning system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the coupling harness of the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram or schematic of the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram or schematic of a control system of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of the coupling harness of the control system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system of another alternate embodiment of the present invention in combination with an air conditioning system.

FIG. 8 is a partial circuit diagram or schematic of the control system of the alternate embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial circuit diagram or schematic of the control switch assembly of the control system of the alternate embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a system control to monitor and selectively control the operation of an air conditioning system that includes a compressor 10 and an air handler 12 including an evaporator 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air handler 12 and evaporator 14 are coupled in closed-loop fluid communication with the compressor 10 by refrigerant lines or conduits 16 and 18. A condensate collector or drain pan 20 is disposed to collect condensate from the evaporator 14 and a condensate drain 22 can direct or carry condensate from the condensate collector or drain pan 14 to a collection or run-off site (not shown). The air handler 12 further includes an air handler electronic control system 24 coupled to multiple or independent redundant fault sensors or thermistors 26 and 28 disposed in heat exchange relationship relative to the evaporator 14. The compressor 10 and air handler electronic control system 24 are operatively coupled together by power supply line 30 and a data communication control link 31. The fault sensors or thermistors 26 or 28 monitor the temperature at the evaporator 14 and to generate a fault signal fed to the air handler electronic control system 24 including logic or circuitry to generate a fault control signal in response to the fault signal when an overheat condition is detected at the evaporator 14 to be fed over the air handler power or communication conductors or lines 30 or 31 to stop or turn-off the compressor 10 as described more fully hereinafter. The compressor 10 is coupled to an external power source (not shown) by a power supply line or conductor 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system control of the present invention comprises a condensate sensor 34 disposed to sense when condensate collected in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 reaches a predetermined level and to generate a condensate level signal and a control unit generally indicated as 36 including logic or circuitry coupled to the condensate sensor 34 by sensor signal conductors or lines 38 and 40 to receive the condensate level signal from the condensate sensor 34 and to generate a control signal in response thereto. The air handler electronic control system 24 is coupled directly to the fault sensor or thermistor 28 by a first control signal conductor 42. A second control signal conductor comprising a first segment 44A is coupled to the control unit 36 and a second segment 44B coupled between the control unit 36 and the air handler electronic control system 24 to cause the fault sensor or thermistor 28 to generate a pseudo fault signal fed to the air handler electronic control system 24 response to the condensate level signal when the condensate level collected in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 reaches the predetermined level to shut-down the compressor 10 and evaporator 14 as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the condensate sensor 34 comprises a first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and a second condensate sensing element or probe 48 coupled or connected to the system control device 36 that comprises a battery power source, low battery indicator or alarm and control relay or switch generally indicated as 50, 52 and 54 respectively enclosed within a housing and a back plate generally indicated as 56 and 58 respectively.

FIG. 3 depicts a coupling harness comprising a sensor interface connector 60 and an air handler electronic control system interface connector 62 connected to the fault sensor or thermistor 28 and the air handler electronic control system 24 by conductors 64 and 66 and connected to a control device interface connector 70 coupled between the fault sensor or thermistor 28 and the air handler electronic control system 24 by the conductors 42 and 44A/44B respectively to operatively integrate or couple the system control device 36 with the existing air conditioning system without compromising the integrity of the communication and control links 30 and 31 between the air handler 12 and evaporator 14, and the compressor 10.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the system control device 36 of the present invention comprising the isolated external battery power source 50, the low battery indicator or alarm 52 and the control relay or switch or circuit 54.

The relay or switch 54 is powered by the isolated external battery power source 50 connected between a positive voltage socket or connector 110 and a ground or negative voltage socket or connector 112.

The low battery indicator or alarm 52 comprises a buzzer or audible alarm 114 coupled to the output of a comparator 116 coupled to the isolated external battery power source 50 and a fixed reference voltage 118 to generate a low battery alarm indicator signal when the voltage from the isolated external battery power source 50 reaches a minimum predetermined voltage such as 2.7 VDC. The low battery indicator or alarm 52 further includes scaling resistors 120, 122 and 124, timing resistors 126 and 128 and timing diode 130, feedback resistors 132 and 134, capacitor 136, and resistor 137.

A positive voltage socket or connector 138 is coupled between the isolated external battery power source 50 through a current limiting resistor 140 and the first condensate sensing probe 46 through the first sensor signal conductor or line 38. A second socket or connector 142 is coupled between the solid state control circuit described hereinafter and the second condensate sensing probe 48 through the second sensor signal conductor or line 40.

The solid state control circuit or control device comprises an input stage generally indicated as 144 coupled to an output stage generally indicated as 146 by an intermediate stage generally indicated as 148.

The input stage 144 comprises a voltage limiting zeneer diode 150, resistor 152 and filter capacitor 154 combination and a resistor 156 to hold the voltage low and configured to receive current through socket or connector 142 when the level of condensate accumulated in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 is such that the tips of first condensate sensing probe 46 and the second condensate sensing probe 48 are submersed in the condensate creating an impedance completing the circuit causing current to flow through the input stage 144. The intermediate control stage 148 comprises a field effect transistor 158 coupled to the output of the input stage 144 such that when current flows through the input stage 144 the field effect transistor 158 is turned on.

The output stage 146 comprises an output control signal circuit 162 coupled to the condensate sensor 34 through the input stage 144 and the intermediate stage 148 and an output control signal generator circuit 166/168 coupled between the air handler control 24 through the fault sensor or thermistor 28. More specifically, the output stage 146 comprises a opto isolator or opto coupler 160 including a light emitting diode (LED) 162 coupled between positive voltage VCC through a resistor 164 and the field effect transistor 158 of the intermediate stage 148, and a pair of field effect transistors 166 and 168 coupled to the fault sensor or thermistor 28 and the air handler control system 24 through sockets or connectors 170 and 172, control signal conductor or line 42 and control signal conductor or line 44 such that when field effect transistor 158 of intermediate stage 148 is conducting LED 162 of opto isolator or opto coupler 160 is energized driving the field effect transistors 166 and 168 to generate the condensate level signal fed to the fault sensor or thermistor 28 causing the air handler electronic system 24 to generate the fault control signal fed to the compressor 10 through the air handler power/communications conductors or lines 30 and 31 shutting down the compressor 10 when the condensate level reaches a predetermined level in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 as sensed by the first condensate element or sensing probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 thus completing a circuit to actuate the fault sensor or thermistor 28.

The condensate can be drained or pumped from the condensate collector or drain pan 20 through the condensate drain conduit 22.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the system control device 36 comprising a battery power source 210, a low battery indicator or alarm 212, a control unit generally indicated as 214 including a microprocessor 216.

The control unit 214 including a microprocessor 216 are powered by the battery power source 210 connected between a positive voltage socket or connector 218 and a ground or negative voltage socket or connector 220.

The low battery indicator or alarm 212 also powered by the battery power source 210 comprises resistors 222 and 224 forming a voltage divider coupled to an analog to digital convertor (ND converter) within the microprocessor 216 by a conductor or line 226 to monitor the battery status or life in combination with an audible or visual alarm indicator 228 coupled to the microprocessor 216 by a conductor or line 230.

The control unit 214 comprises an input stage generally indicated as 232 coupled to an output stage generally indicated as 234 by the microprocessor 216 or an intermediate stage generally indicated as 235.

The input stage or control signal circuit 232 comprises resistors 236 and 238 coupled to the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 respectively by connectors or lines 240 and 242 and coupled to the ND converter within the microprocessor 216 by a conductor or line 244. A voltage limiting zeneer diode 246 and a resistor 248 are coupled to ground to provide protection to the input stage or signal control circuit 232. When the condensate within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 is below the predetermined level the circuit is open. However when the condensate reaches the predetermined level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 the condensate creates an impedance between the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 presenting a voltage or condensate signal to the ND converter within the microprocessor 216.

The output stage or control signal generator circuit or control switch assembly 234 comprises a resettable latching relay 250, including a double pole switch 250 and a dual zeneer diode combination 254 coupled to the microprocessor 216 by conductors or lines 256 and 258 operable in one of either of two states depending on the polarity of the last energizing pulse from the input stage or control signal circuit 232. Sockets 260 and 262 are coupled to the fault sensor 28 and the air handler control system 24 by the conductors or lines 42 and 44A/44B respectively.

The audible or visual alarm 228 such as a piezo sounder driven by the microcontroller 216 will generate a low battery indicator or signal when the battery power source 210 reaches a minimum predetermined voltage.

A capacitor 261 is a timing component used in conjunction with the microcontroller 216.

The microprocessor 216 operates on a predetermined sampling cycle such as 1000 ms sampling cycle. Specifically, during each predetermined sampling cycle of 1000 ms the microcontroller 216 performs two (2) separate functions or conversion samplings (factors or parameters) during a predetermined sampling period such as 10 ms to determine if the condensate level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 has reached the predetermined level and whether or not the charge or voltage of the battery power source 210 has reached the predetermined minimum voltage or charge.

An impedance between the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 is sensed when the condensate level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 reaches the predetermined condensate level. Both the impedance and the battery voltage level of the battery power source 210 are sampled multiple times during each 10 ms sampling period. For example, each of the two (2) factors or parameters is sampled five (5) times during each 10 ms sampling period. If the respective multiple samples detect that the condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 has reached the predetermined condensate level the impedance completes the circuit to generate the condensate sensor signal fed to the microprocessor 216 that includes logic or circuitry to generate the condensate level control signal fed through the output control signal circuit or control switch assembly 234 to the air handler control system 24.

Similarly, if a low battery is detected or sensed during any of the respective multiple samples during a duty cycle, a low battery signal is created to activate the audible or visual alarm indicator 228.

During the remaining 990 ms of each sampling cycle, the control device 214 including the microprocessor 216 is in a deep sleep mode. That is, if condensate is detected the latching relay is pulsed to effect shutdown of the compressor 10. When the condensate is removed the latching relay is pulsed to effect normal operation of the compressor 10.

Furthermore, due the pulsed nature of the latching relay power consumption is extremely low, preserving the charge and extending the life of the battery power source 210.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the coupling harness comprising a control sensor interface connector 60 and an air handler control system interface connector 62 connected to the control sensors or thermistors 26 and the air handler control system 24 by conductors 64 and 66 and connected to the control device 36 by the conductors 42 and 44 to operatively integrate or couple the control system 36 with an existing air conditioning system without compromising the integrity of the communication and control links 30 and 31 between the remote air handler 12 and the compressor 10.

FIGS. 7 through 9 show another alternate embodiment of the system control device 36 of the present invention.

Overall, the basic components of the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 except that the compressor/condenser unit 10 is connected to the air handler electronic control system 24 through the control unit 36 by a data communication link or line comprising segments 31A and 31 B. Otherwise corresponding components are similarly designated.

FIG. 8 is a partial schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the control unit 36 of FIG. 7 comprising a battery power source 310, a low battery indicator or alarm 312 and a control unit including a microprocessor 316.

The control unit and microprocessor 316 are powered by the battery power source 310 connected between a positive voltage and a ground or negative voltage.

The low battery indicator or alarm 312 also powered by the battery power source 310 is coupled to an analog to digital convertor (ND converter) within the microprocessor 316 to monitor the battery status or life.

The control unit is coupled between the condensate sensor 34 and an analog to digital converter (ND converter) within the microprocessor 316 by sensor signal conductors or lines 38 and 40. When condensate within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 is below the predetermined level the circuit between the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second sensing element or probe 48 is open. However when the condensate reaches the predetermined level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 the condensate creates an impedance across the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 presenting a voltage or condensate signal through the condensate control input 318 to the ND converter within the microprocessor 316.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit further comprises a control switch assembly 320 comprises a resettable latching relay 322 including a double throw/double pole switch generally indicated as 324 and coil 326 combination, a dual zeneer diode 328 and a pair of FET circuits 334 and 336 arranged in a push/pull configuration operable in one of either of two states depending on the polarity of the last energizing pulse from the microprocessor 316 when the condensate sensor 34 detects the presence or absence of condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20. The control switch assembly 320 is coupled between the compressor/condenser unit 10 and the air handler/evaporator unit 12 by the data communication link or lines 31A and 31B respectively (FIG. 7).

The resettable latching relay 322 comprises a data communication link control switch including a first switch member 338 movable or positionable between a first or open position and a second or closed position and a first contact 340. The first switch member is connected to the microprocessor 316 through the data communication link or segment 31A while the first contact 340 is connected to the microprocessor 316 through the conductor or line 31B such that when the first switch member is in the first position the data communication link control switch is in an open circuit configuration and when the first switch member 338 is in the second or closed position the first switch member 338 contacts the first contact 340 such that the data communication link control switch is in a closed circuit configuration connecting data communication links or segments 31A and 31B.

The resettable latching relay 322 further comprises a power supply control switch including a second switch member 342 connected to the microprocessor 316 through the conductor or line 44B movable or positionable between a first or open position and a second or closed position and a second contact 344 connected to the microprocessor 316 through the conductor or line 44A such that when the second switch member 342 is in the first or open position the power supply control switch is in an open circuit configuration and when the second switch member 342 is in the second or closed position the second switch member 342 contacts the second contact 344 such that the data communication link control switch is in a closed circuit configuration connecting power supply lines 44A and 44B.

The audible or visual alarm 312 such as a piezo sounder driven by the microcontroller 316 will generate a low battery indicator or signal when the battery power source 310 reaches a predetermined voltage. The use of a battery powered system eliminates the need to incorporate high voltage electronics components in the circuitry to step-down the AC voltage and convert the AC voltage to Low-DC voltage. The system control operates independent of the air condition system.

A capacitor 346 is a timing component used in conjunction with the microcontroller 316.

The microprocessor 316 operates on a predetermined sampling cycle such as 1000 ms sampling cycle. The microprocessor 316 further includes a state of the art clock or timing component for the sampling. Specifically, during each predetermined sampling cycle of 1000 ms the microcontroller 316 performs two (2) separate functions or conversion samplings (factors or parameters) during a predetermined sampling period such as 10 ms to determine if the condensate level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 has reached the predetermined level and whether or not the charge or voltage of the battery power source 310 has reached either of two predetermined voltage or charge levels.

An impedance between or across the first condensate sensing element or probe 46 and the second condensate sensing element or probe 48 is detected when the condensate level within the condensate collector or drain pan 20 reaches the predetermined condensate level. Both the impedance and the battery voltage level of the battery power source 310 are sampled multiple times during each 10 ms sampling period. For example, each of the two (2) factors or parameters is sampled five (5) times during each 10 ms sampling period. If the respective multiple samples detect that the condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 has reached the predetermined condensate level the impedance completes the circuit to generate the condensate sensor signal fed to the microprocessor 316 that includes logic or circuitry to generate the condensate level control signal fed through the output control signal circuit or control switch assembly 320 to the air handler control system 24.

Similarly, if a low battery such as 2.7 VDC is detected or sensed during any of the respective multiple samples during a duty cycle, a low battery signal is generated to activate the audible or visual alarm indicator 312. In addition, when the voltage or charge reaches a second predetermined level such as 2.4 VDC to 2.5 VDC, the microprocessor 316 will generate a shut-down signal to completely shut down the compressor/condenser unit 10 and the evaporator/air handler control unit 12/14.

During the remaining 990 ms of each sampling cycle, the control device 314 including the microprocessor 316 is in a deep sleep mode. That is, if condensate is detected the latching relay is pulsed to effect shutdown of the compressor 10. When the condensate is removed the latching relay is pulsed to effect or return normal operation of the compressor 10.

More particularly, when condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 reaches a predetermined level the condensate microsensor 34 generates a condensate signal sent to the microprocessor 316 to initiate a clock or count-down of a predetermined period of time such as 15-20 seconds.

If the condensate signal is continuous for the predetermined period of time, the microprocessor 316 generates a control signal fed to the control switch assembly 320 of the control unit 334 causing the control device 334 to transition from the first state to the second state repositioning the first switch means 338 from the closed or contact position to the position by the action of the coil 326 creating a discontinuity or open circuit between the evaporator/air handler unit 12/14 and the compressor/condenser unit 10 to shut down the air conditioning system.

Specifically, the data communication link control switch will “Open” breaking the connection data communication line or link between data communication links or lines segments 31A and 31B. The coil 326 moves the double throw/double pole switch 324 of the resettable latching relay from the closed/contact position to the second/noncontact position between the evaporator/air handling unit 12/14 and causing both units to shut down.

After the air conditioning system has shut down, the condensate sensor 34 will continue to monitor condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20. When condensate in the condensate collector or drain pan 20 is no longer detected by the condensate sensor 34, a second or no-condensate signal is sent to the microprocessor 316 to initiate a clock or count-down of a second predetermined period of time such as 6-10 seconds.

If the no-condensate signal is continuous for the second period of time, the microprocessor 316 generates a second control signal fed to the control device causes the control device to transition from the second state to the first state completing the circuitry or electrical path, that is, communication link 31A and 31B between the evaporator/air handler unit 12/14 and the compressor/condenser unit 10 restoring operation of the air handling system.

In other words, the microprocessor 316 will generate a de-energize or reset latching signal closing the data communication link control switch reconnecting the data communication line segments 31A and 31B restoring normal operation of the air conditioning system.

Due to the pulsed nature of the latching relay power consumption is extremely low, preserving the charge and extending the life of the battery power source 310.

Alternately, both the data communication link control switch and the power supply control switch of the control switch assembly 320 of the control unit 36 may be coupled data communication line or link segments 31A and 31B and power line segments 44A and 44B. In this configuration, both the power supply line and data communication line or link act in parallel to control operation of the system control and thus the air condition system.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A system control to monitor and control the operation of an air conditioning system comprising an evaporator/air handler unit coupled in closed-loop fluid communication with a compressor/condenser unit by refrigerant lines or conduits and a condensate collector disposed to collect condensate from the evaporator and operatively coupled by a power supply line and a data communication link, said system control comprises a condensate sensor disposed to sense when condensate within the condensate collector reaches a predetermined level and a control unit operatively coupled to said condensate sensor and the air conditioning system to deactivate the compressor/condenser unit and evaporator/air handler unit when condensate reaches the predetermined level within the condensate collector for a predetermined period of time by creating a discontinuity or open circuit between the compressor/condenser unit and the evaporator/air handler unit.

2. The system control of claim 1 wherein said control unit comprises a battery power source and a microprocessor powered by said battery power source.

3. The system control of claim 2 further includes a low battery indicator powered by said battery power coupled to said microprocessor to monitor the battery status or life.

4. The system control of claim 3 wherein a predetermined battery voltage is detected when a low battery signal is generated to activate an alarm indicator.

5. The system control of claim 4 wherein when a second predetermined battery voltage is detected said microprocessor will generate a shut-down signal to completely shut down the compressor/condenser unit and the evaporator/air handler control unit.

6. The system control of claim 2 wherein said control unit is coupled between said condensate sensor comprising a first condensate sensing element and a second condensate sensing element and said microprocessor by a pair of sensor signal conductors such that when condensate within condensate collector is below the predetermined level the circuit between said first condensate sensing element and said second condensate sensing element is open and when the condensate reaches the predetermined level within the condensate collector the condensate creates an impedance across said first condensate sensing element and said second condensate sensing element generating a condensate signal through said condensate control to said microprocessor.

7. The system control of claim 2 wherein said control unit comprises a control switch assembly is coupled between the compressor/condenser unit and the air handler/evaporator unit by the data communication link.

8. The system control of claim 7 wherein said control switch assembly comprises a data communication link control switch including a first switch member movable or positionable between a first position or state and a second position or state and a first contact, said first switch member connected to said microprocessor through a data communication link segment while said first contact is connected to said microprocessor through a second data communication link segment such that when said first switch member is in said first position the data communication link control switch is in an open circuit configuration to deactivate the air conditioning system and when the said switch member is in said second position said switch member contacts said first contact such that the data communication link control switch is in a closed circuit configuration connecting data communication link segments to operate the air conditioning system.

9. The control unit of claim 8 wherein said control switch assembly further comprises a power supply control switch including a second switch member connected to said microprocessor movable or positionable between a first position and a second position and a second contact connected to said microprocessor through such that when said second switch member is in said first position said power supply control switch is in an open circuit configuration and when said second switch member is in the second position said second switch member contacts said second contact such that the power supply line is in a closed circuit configuration connecting power supply lines to operate the air conditioning system.

10. The system control of claim 8 wherein said condensate sensor generates a condensate signal sent to said microprocessor to initiate a clock or count-down of a predetermined period of time and said microprocessors generate a control signal fed to said control switch assembly causing said control device to transition from the first state to the second state repositioning said first switch member from said contact position creating a discontinuity or open circuit in the data communication link between the evaporator/air handler unit and the compressor/condenser unit to shut down the air conditioning system when the condensate signal is present for said predetermined period.

11. The system control of claim 10 wherein after the air conditioning system has shut down said condensate sensor continues to monitor condensate in the condensate collector and condensate in the condensate collector is no longer detected by said condensate sensor a second or no-condensate signal is generated and sent to said microprocessor to initiate a clock or clock-down of a second predetermined period of time and if said no-condensate signal is continuous for the second period of time, said microprocessor generates a second control signal fed to the control switch assembly causes said control assembly to transition from said second state to the first state completing the circuitry or electrical path between said data communication segments the evaporator/air handler unit and the compressor/condenser until restoring operation of the air handling system.

12. The system control of claim 9 wherein said condensate sensor generates a condensate signal sent to said microprocessor to initiate a clock or count-down of a predetermined period of time and said microprocessors generate a control signal fed to said control switch assembly causing said control device to transition from the first state to the second state repositioning said first switch member from said contact position creating a discontinuity or open circuit in the data communication link between the evaporator/air handler unit and the compressor/condenser unit to shut down the air conditioning system when the condensate signal is present for said predetermined period.

13. The system control of claim 12 wherein after the air conditioning system has shut down said condensate sensor continues to monitor condensate in the condensate collector and condensate in the condensate collector is no longer detected by said condensate sensor a second or no-condensate signal is generated and sent to said microprocessor to initiate a clock or clock-down of a second predetermined period of time and if said no-condensate signal is continuous for the second period of time, said microprocessor generates a second control signal fed to the control switch assembly causes said control assembly to transition from said second state to the first state completing the circuitry or electrical path between said data communication segments the evaporator/air handler unit and the compressor/condenser until restoring operation of the air handling system.