RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR HEAT EXCHANGER UNIT
An outdoor coil unit of a residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes a frame and a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame. The heat exchanger assembly includes at least one heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header. The heat exchanger assembly is formed into a shape including at least one apex. A fan assembly is mounted to the frame and includes at least one fan operable to draw air into the outdoor coil unit through the at least one heat exchanger coil and discharge the a qr outside of the outdoor coil unit.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/253,034, filed Nov. 9, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUNDThis disclosure relates generally to outdoor units for air conditioners and heat pumps and, more particularly, to a heat exchanger configured for use in a residential outdoor unit.
Air cooled condensers, commonly used in residential air conditioning systems, employ a fin tube construction to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. As hot, high pressure refrigerant passes through the coil, heat from the compressed refrigerant is transferred through the tubes to the attached fins. An electrically powered fan is used to draw outside air across the fin heat transfer surfaces to remove heat from the refrigerant so that it will condense and partially sub-cool prior to reaching an expansion valve.
The heat exchanger coil of an outdoor unit is usually round, rectangular, or square in form, and the compressor is normally disposed within the coil. A fan and its drive motor is commonly mounted above the heat exchanger such that the fan draws outdoor air inwardly through the coil and then upwardly to be discharged into the atmosphere.
SUMMARYAccording to a first embodiment, an outdoor coil unit of a residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes a frame, and a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame. The heat exchanger assembly includes at least one heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header. The heat exchanger assembly is formed into a shape including at least one apex. A fan assembly is mounted to the frame and includes at least one fan operable to draw air into the outdoor coil unit through the at least one heat exchanger coil and discharge the air outside of the outdoor coil unit.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly is generally V-shaped.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly is generally W-shaped.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first header and the second header are oriented generally horizontally, and the plurality of heat exchange tube segments is oriented generally vertically.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the first header and the second header are oriented generally vertically, and the plurality of heat exchange tube segments is oriented generally horizontally.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly formed into a shape including at least one apex includes a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil fluidly coupled via an intermediate header.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly formed into a shape including at least one apex includes a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil. The first heat exchanger coil and the second heat exchanger coil are fluidly separate from one another.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly is oriented vertically within the frame.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the heat exchanger assembly is oriented horizontally within the frame.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one heat exchanger coil is a microchannel heat exchanger coil such that each heat exchange tube segment includes a plurality of discrete flow channels.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a base pan is positioned within the frame. An interface between the heat exchanger assembly and the base plan stabilizes a position of the heat exchanger assembly within the frame.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the base pan includes a raceway having a contour generally complementary to a portion of the heat exchanger assembly such that when the portion of the heat exchanger is mounted therein, the heat exchanger is offset from a floor of the base pan.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments one or more openings are formed in a portion of the base pan.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the one or more openings are positioned adjacent an area of the heat exchanger assembly where condensate accumulates.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of a size and location of the drainage holes is optimized to provide maximum drainage during a defrost cycle of the outdoor coil unit.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the one or more openings are positioned adjacent an area of the heat exchanger assembly to provide an optimized airflow path.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan and the second fan are operable independently.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a plurality of heat exchanger fins are mounted to the plurality of heat exchange tube segments. The plurality of heat exchanger fins does not extend beyond a leading edge or a trailing edge of the plurality of heat exchange tube segments.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments a plurality of heat exchanger fins are mounted to the plurality of heat exchange tube segments and the plurality of heat exchanger fins extend beyond at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of the plurality of heat exchange tube segments.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system has a capacity of less than or equal to 65,000 Btuh.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the apex of the heat exchanger assembly includes an opening to define a flow path there between.
In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least a portion of the heat exchanger assembly is sealed with a cover such the fan assembly draws air through only an intended portion of the heat exchanger assembly.
According to another, an outdoor coil unit is provided including a frame and a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame. The heat exchanger assembly includes a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil. Each heat exchanger coil has a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header. The first heat exchanger coil and the second heat exchanger coil are angled relative to one another such that a first end of the first heat exchanger coil and a first end of the second heat exchanger coil form an apex. The first end of the first heat exchanger coil and the first end of the second heat exchanger coil are separated from one another by a distance to allow a flow path for at least one of debris, airflow, and condensate there between. A fan assembly including at least one fan is mounted to the frame. The fan assembly is located adjacent a second end of the first heat exchanger coil and a second end of the second heat exchanger coil.
According to another, an outdoor coil unit is provided including a frame and a heat exchanger heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame. The heat exchanger assembly includes at least one heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header. The heat exchanger assembly is formed into a shape including at least one apex. A fan assembly is mounted to the frame and includes at least one fan operable to draw air into the outdoor coil unit through the at least one heat exchanger coil and discharge the air outside of the outdoor coil unit. At least one cover is positioned adjacent a portion of the heat exchanger assembly to seal the portion of the heat exchanger assembly against air flow there through.
The subject matter, which is regarded as the present disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description explains embodiments of the present disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReferring now to
Referring now to
The outdoor coil unit 20 additionally includes a fan assembly 28 having at least one fan 30 configured to draw ambient air inward through the heat exchanger coils 25, and then discharge the air outward through an opening. A solid cover 32, such as formed from sheet metal for example, may be positioned about one or more portions of the frame 22 to seal between the heat exchanger assembly 24 and the fan assembly 28 to prevent air flow there through bypassing the heat exchanger assembly 24. For example, the opposing ends of the heat exchanger assembly 24 are sealed with side plates 33 in
As previously described, the fan assembly 28 may include one or multiple fans. Although the coil units illustrated have either one or two fans 30, embodiments including any number of fans are within the scope of the disclosure. In embodiments including a plurality of fans 30, such as shown in
As best shown in
With reference now to
In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the FIGS., the manifolds or headers 40, 42 comprise hollow, closed end cylinders having a circular cross-section. However, manifolds or headers 40, 42 having other configurations, such as a semi-elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other cross-sectional shapes for example, are within the scope of the disclosure. The heat exchanger assembly 24 may be used as either a condenser 14 or an evaporator 18 in a vapor compression cycle 10, such as a heat pump system or air conditioning system for example.
In embodiments including a plurality of heat exchanger coils 25, the plurality of heat exchanger coils 25 may be fluidly coupled to or fluidly separate from one another. In embodiments where at least a portion of the plurality of heat exchanger coils 25 are fluidly coupled, the coils 25 may be coupled via an intermediate manifold or header 46, as shown in
Each coil 25 of the heat exchanger assembly 24 may be configured with a single (
In one embodiment, at least one coil 25 of the heat exchanger assembly 24 is a microchannel heat exchanger. In such embodiments, each heat exchange tube 44 comprises a flattened heat exchange tube having a leading edge 50, a trailing edge 52, a first surface 54, and a second surface 56. The leading edge 50 of each heat exchanger tube 44 is upstream of its respective trailing edge 52 with respect to an airflow A through the heat exchanger assembly 24. The interior flow passage of each heat exchange tube 44 may be divided by interior walls into a plurality of discrete flow channels 58 that extend over the length of the tubes 44 from an inlet end to an outlet end and establish fluid communication between the respective first and second manifolds 40, 42. The flow channels 58 may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a trapezoidal cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or another non-circular cross-section. The heat exchange tubes 44 including the discrete flow channels 58 may be formed using known techniques and materials, including, but not limited to, extrusion or folding.
As known, a plurality of heat transfer fins 60 (
The outdoor coil unit 20 illustrated and described herein has a new configuration that is both easier to manufacture and typically lower in cost. In addition, a larger fan 30 may be used in the fan assembly 28 resulting in decreased noise and increased fan efficiency. In some embodiments, unlike conventional outdoor coil units where a heat exchanger is positioned at an exterior surface of the unit, the heat exchanger assembly 24 is located at a recessed position, wholly contained within the frame 22 of the unit 20. As a result, the additional paneling commonly used to protect one or more surfaces of the heat exchanger is no longer necessary or may be greatly reduced.
While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to the exemplary embodiments as illustrated in the drawings, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An outdoor coil unit of a residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, comprising:
- a frame;
- a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame, the heat exchanger assembly including at least one heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header, the heat exchanger assembly being formed into a shape including at least one apex; and
- a fan assembly mounted to the frame and including at least one fan operable to draw air into the outdoor coil unit through the at least one heat exchanger coil and discharge the air outside of the outdoor coil unit.
2. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is generally V-shaped.
3. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is generally W-shaped.
4. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the first header and the second header are oriented generally horizontally, and the plurality of heat exchange tube segments is oriented generally vertically.
5. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the first header and the second header are oriented generally vertically, and the plurality of heat exchange tube segments is oriented generally horizontally.
6. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly formed into a shape including at least one apex includes a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil fluidly coupled via an intermediate header.
7. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly formed into a shape including at least one apex includes a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil, the first heat exchanger coil and second heat exchanger coil being fluidly separate from one another.
8. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is oriented vertically within the frame.
9. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is oriented horizontally within the frame.
10. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat exchanger coil is a microchannel heat exchanger coil such that each heat exchange tube segment includes a plurality of discrete flow channels.
11. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, further comprising a base pan positioned within the frame, wherein an interface between the heat exchanger assembly and the base plan stabilizes a position of the heat exchanger assembly within the frame.
12. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 11, wherein the base pan includes a raceway having a contour generally complementary to a portion of the heat exchanger assembly such that when the portion of the heat exchanger is mounted therein, the heat exchanger is offset from a floor of the base pan.
13. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 11, wherein one or more openings are formed in a portion of the base pan.
14. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 13, wherein the one or more openings are positioned adjacent an area of the heat exchanger assembly where condensate accumulates.
15. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 13, wherein at least one of a size and location of the one or more openings is optimized to provide maximum drainage during a defrost cycle of the outdoor coil unit.
16. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 13, wherein the one or more openings are positioned adjacent an area of the heat exchanger assembly to provide an optimized airflow path.
17. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan, the first fan and the second fan being operably independent.
18. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchanger fins are mounted to the plurality of heat exchange tube segments and the plurality of heat exchanger fins do not extend beyond a leading edge or a trailing edge of the plurality of heat exchange tube segments.
19. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchanger fins are mounted to the plurality of heat exchange tube segments and the plurality of heat exchanger fins extend beyond at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of the plurality of heat exchange tube segments.
20. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system has a capacity of less than or equal to 65,000 Btuh.
21. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein the apex of the heat exchanger assembly includes an opening to define a flow path there between.
22. The outdoor coil unit according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchanger assembly is sealed with a cover such the fan assembly draws air through only an intended portion of the heat exchanger assembly.
23. An outdoor coil unit, comprising:
- a frame; and
- a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame, the heat exchanger assembly including a first heat exchanger coil and a second heat exchanger coil, each heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header, the first heat exchanger coil and the second heat exchanger coil are angled relative to one another to such that a first end of the first heat exchanger coil and a first end of the second heat exchanger coil form an apex, the first end of the first heat exchanger coil and the first end of the second heat exchanger coil being separated from one another by a distance to allow a flow path for at least one of debris, airflow, and condensate there between; and
- a fan assembly including at least one fan being mounted to the frame, the fan assembly being located adjacent a second end of the first heat exchanger coil and a second end of the second heat exchanger coil.
24. An outdoor coil unit comprising:
- a frame;
- a heat exchanger assembly mounted within the frame, the heat exchanger assembly including at least one heat exchanger coil having a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first header and the second header, the heat exchanger assembly being formed into a shape including at least one apex;
- a fan assembly mounted to the frame and including at least one fan operable to draw air into the outdoor coil unit through the at least one heat exchanger coil and discharge the air outside of the outdoor coil unit; and
- at least one cover positioned adjacent a portion of the heat exchanger assembly to seal the portion of the heat exchanger assembly against air flow there through.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2016
Publication Date: May 11, 2017
Inventors: Kevin Mercer (Danville, IN), James Amick (Coatesville, IN)
Application Number: 15/347,207