Air Conditioner Units with Improved Efficiency

Abstract

The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion and an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger including a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies including one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable. The air conditioner unit further includes an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port. The air conditioner unit further includes a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The air conditioner unit further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner units, and more particularly to air conditioner units which include features that provide improved efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air conditioner units are conventionally utilized to adjust the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. In particular, one-unit type room air conditioner units may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. A typical such air conditioner unit includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion is generally located indoors, and the outdoor portion is generally located outdoors. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends through a wall, window, etc. of the structure.

In the outdoor portion of a conventional air conditioner unit, a compressor that operates a refrigerating cycle is provided. At the back of the outdoor portion, an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the compressor is disposed, and facing the outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan for cooling the outdoor heat exchanger is provided. At the front of the indoor portion of a conventional air conditioner unit, an air inlet is provided, and above the air inlet, an air outlet is provided. A blower fan and a heating unit may additionally be provided in the indoor portion. Between the blower fan and heating unit and the air inlet, an indoor heat exchanger connected to the compressor is provided.

When cooling operation starts, the compressor is driven to operate the refrigerating cycle, with the indoor heat exchanger serving as a cold-side evaporator of the refrigerating cycle, and the outdoor heat exchanger as a hot-side condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger is cooled by the outdoor fan to dissipate heat. As the blower fan is driven, the air inside the room flows through the air inlet into the air passage, and the air has its temperature lowered by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger, and is then blown into the room through the air outlet. In this way, the room is cooled.

When heating operation starts, the compressor may be driven to operate a heat pump cycle, with the indoor heat exchanger serving as a hot-side condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger as a cold-side evaporator. The heating unit may additionally be operated to raise the temperature of air in the air passage. As the blower fan is driven, the air inside the room flows through the air inlet into the air passage, and the air has its temperature raised by heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger, and is then blown into the room through the air outlet. In this way, the room is heated.

Further, conventional air conditioner units include a bulkhead which is positioned between the indoor portion and outdoor portion, and thus generally separates the components within the indoor portion from the components in the outdoor portion. Various components may additionally be connected to the bulkhead, such as the blower fan and heating unit.

One concern with conventional air conditioner units is the efficiency of the units during operation, particularly when in cooling mode. Further, in many cases, modest improvements in efficiency come at substantial increases in cost. Still further, a particular difficulty when attempting to modify conventional air conditioner units or add components thereto to improve efficiency is the space constraints for the air conditioner units. For example, packaged terminal air conditioner units as disclosed herein must fit within defined, predetermined spaces in the structures in which they are to be utilized.

Accordingly, improved air conditioner units are desired. In particular, air conditioner units which can provide improved efficiency at minimal or no cost increases and while taking into account space constraints would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, an air conditioner unit is provided. The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion and an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger including a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies including one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable. The air conditioner unit further includes an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port. The air conditioner unit further includes a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The air conditioner unit further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion. Refrigerant is flowable from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port, from the first coil assembly to the suction port, from the discharge port into the phase separator, from the gas outlet to the compressor, and from the liquid outlet to the second coil assembly.

In accordance with another embodiment, an air conditioner unit is provided. The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion and an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger including a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies including one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable. The air conditioner unit further includes an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port. The air conditioner unit further includes a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The discharge port of the ejector is disposed within the phase separator. The air conditioner unit further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion.

In accordance with another embodiment, an air conditioner unit is provided. The air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion and an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger including a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies including one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable. The air conditioner unit further includes an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port. The air conditioner unit further includes a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The discharge port of the ejector is disposed within the phase separator. The air conditioner unit further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion. Refrigerant is flowable from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port and the first coil assembly, from the first coil assembly to the suction port, from the discharge port into the phase separator, from the gas outlet to the compressor, from the liquid outlet to the second coil assembly, and from the second coil assembly to the compressor.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner unit, with a room front exploded from a remainder of the air conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an indoor portion of an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a bulkhead assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective section view of components of an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermodynamic assembly for an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an indoor heat exchanger, ejector and phase separator of a thermodynamic assembly for an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an ejector and phase separator of a thermodynamic assembly for an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an ejector and phase separator of a thermodynamic assembly for an air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an air conditioner unit 10 is provided. The air conditioner unit 10 is a one-unit type air conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air conditioner. The unit 10 includes an indoor portion 12 and an outdoor portion 14, and generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

A housing 20 of the unit 10 may contain various other components of the unit 10. Housing 20 may include, for example, a rear grill 22 and a room front 24 which may be spaced apart along the transverse direction by a wall sleeve 26. The rear grill 22 may be part of the outdoor portion 14, while the room front 24 is part of the indoor portion 12. Components of the outdoor portion 14, such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, outdoor fan 36 (see FIG. 5), and compressor 32 may be housed within the wall sleeve 26. A casing 34 may additionally enclose the outdoor fan, as shown.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, indoor portion 12 may include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40, a blower fan 42, and a heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally support and/or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may be components of a sealed thermodynamic assembly 100 which may alternately be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) or a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). The assembly may, for example, further include a compressor 32 which may be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers 30, 40 to flow refrigerant therethrough as is generally understood. A reversing valve (not shown) may additionally be provided for converting the assembly 100 between a cooling mode and a heating mode. When the assembly is operating in a cooling mode and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser. When the assembly is operating in a heating mode and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may each include coil assemblies, as discussed herein, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

Bulkhead 46 may include various peripheral surfaces that define an interior 50 thereof. For example, and additionally referring to FIG. 3, bulkhead 46 may include a first sidewall 52 and a second sidewall 54 which are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. A rear wall 56 may extend laterally between the first sidewall 52 and second sidewall 54. The rear wall 56 may, for example, include an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 62. Upper portion 60 may for example have a generally curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of the blower fan 42 when blower fan 42 is housed within the interior 50. Lower portion 62 may have a generally linear cross-sectional shape, and may be positioned below upper portion 60 along the vertical direction V. Rear wall 56 may further include an indoor facing surface 64 and an opposing outdoor facing surface 66. The indoor facing surface 64 may face the interior 50 and indoor portion 12, and the outdoor facing surface 66 may face the outdoor portion 14.

Bulkhead 46 may additionally extend between a top end 61 and a bottom end 63 along vertical axis V. Upper portion 60 may, for example, include top end 61, while lower portion 62 may, for example, include bottom end 63.

Bulkhead 46 may additionally include, for example, an air diverter 68, which may extend between the sidewalls 52, 54 along the lateral direction L and which may flow air therethrough.

In exemplary embodiments, blower fan 42 may be a tangential fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be utilized. Blower fan 42 may include a blade assembly 70 and a motor 72. The blade assembly 70, which may include one or more blades disposed within a fan housing 74, may be disposed at least partially within the interior 50 of the bulkhead 46, such as within the upper portion 60. As shown, blade assembly 70 may for example extend along the lateral direction L between the first sidewall 52 and the second sidewall 54. The motor 72 may be connected to the blade assembly 70, such as through the housing 74 to the blades via a shaft. Operation of the motor 72 may rotate the blades, thus generally operating the blower fan 42. Further, in exemplary embodiments, motor 72 may be disposed exterior to the bulkhead 46. Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the sidewalls 52, 54 to connect the motor 72 and blade assembly 70.

Heating unit 44 in exemplary embodiments includes one or more heater banks 80. Each heater bank 80 may be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments as shown, three heater banks 80 may be utilized. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banks 80 may be utilized. Each heater bank 80 may further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 82, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 82. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be utilized.

The operation of air conditioner unit 10 including compressor 32 (and thus the thermodynamic assembly 100 generally) blower fan 42, heating unit 44, and other suitable components may be controlled by a processing device such as a controller 85. Controller 85 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner unit 10. By way of example, the controller 85 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of unit 10. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

Unit 10 may additionally include a control panel 87 and one or more user inputs 89, which may be included in control panel 87. The user inputs 89 may be in communication with the controller 85. A user of the unit 10 may interact with the user inputs 89 to operate the unit 10, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs 89 and controller 85 to facilitate operation of the unit 10 based on such user commands. A display 88 may additionally be provided in the control panel 87, and may be in communication with the controller 85. Display 88 may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the unit.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a vent aperture 90 may be defined in the rear wall 56 of bulkhead 46. Vent aperture 90 may allow air flow therethrough between the indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14, and may be utilized in an installed air conditioner unit 10 to allow outdoor air to flow therethrough into the indoor portion 12.

In some embodiments, a fan 92 may be provided for flowing outdoor air through the vent aperture 90. Fan 92 may, when active, be operable to actively flow outdoor air through the vent aperture 90. Fan 92 may, in some embodiments as illustrated, be disposed within outdoor portion 14. Additionally or alternatively, fan 92 may be partially or wholly disposed in vent aperture 90 or partially or wholly disposed in indoor portion 12. Accordingly, outdoor air flow may be flowed past fan 92 into and through vent aperture 90.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, unit 10 may further include one or more temperature sensors 96 and/or humidity sensors 98. Each temperature sensor 96 and/or the humidity sensor 98 may, for example, be disposed within the outdoor portion 14 as shown or the indoor portion 12, and may be configured to measure the temperature and relative humidity, respectively, of air such as outdoor air or indoor air. Any suitable temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. As discussed herein, temperature sensors 96 and humidity sensors 98 may be utilized to control operation of the thermodynamic assembly 100. Accordingly, temperature sensors 96 and humidity sensors 98 may be in communication with the main thermodynamic assembly 100, such as through controller 85.

As discussed, efficient, cost-effective and space-effective operation of units 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is desired. Accordingly, units 10 in accordance with the present disclosure include features and operate in a manner which facilitates such efficient, cost-effective and space-effective operation. For example, referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, outdoor heat exchanger 30 and indoor heat exchanger 40 may include coil assemblies which include coils (also known as flow conduits, passages, tubes, etc.) through which refrigerant flows for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood. Outdoor heat exchanger 30 may, for example, include a coil assembly 102 which includes a plurality of coils in a suitable arrangement for suitable heat exchange. Indoor heat exchanger 40 may include a first coil assembly 104 and a second coil assembly 106. First coil assembly 104 may include one or more coils 105 through which refrigerant is flowable, and second coil assembly 106 may include coils 107 through which refrigerant is flowable. The coils 105, 107 of each coil assembly 104, 106 may each have any suitable arrangement for suitable heat exchange. Notably, first coil assembly 104 and second coil assembly 106 in exemplary embodiments are each a portion of a single heat exchanger (in this case indoor heat exchanger 40) which may include a body through which the coils 105, 107 pass.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in exemplary embodiments, at least a portion (or in some embodiments all) of the first coil assembly 104 (such as at least a portion or all of the coils 105 thereof) may be proximate the bulkhead 46 relative to the second coil assembly 106 and coils 107 along the transverse direction T. Accordingly, at least a portion or all of the coils 105 may be disposed closer to the bulkhead 46 than the coils 107 along the transverse direction T. The refrigerant flowing through second coil assembly 106 may be relatively warmer than the refrigerant flowing through first coil assembly 104, so it is particularly advantageous for air flowing through unit 10 in a direction from indoor portion 12 to outdoor portion 14 along transverse direction T to first encounter and exchange heat with the second coil assembly 106. The air generally flows along the transverse direction T towards the bulkhead 46, and then is flowed from the indoor portion 12 by fan 42 after being cooled by second and first coil assemblies 106, 104. This approach facilitates progressive, efficient cooling of such air.

Thermodynamic assembly 100 may further include an ejector 110 (also referred to as an injector) through which refrigerant may be flowed. Ejector 110 may be disposed in the indoor portion 12, as illustrated. An ejector 110 is generally a pump with no moving parts, and which utilizes the Venturi effect to flow refrigerant therethrough. Ejector 110 may, for example, include two inlets and an outlet. Ejector 110 may, for example, be generally in the form of a converging-diverging nozzle, a nozzle which includes a converging portion, a diverging portion, and a straight (neither converging or diverging) portion therebetween, or another suitable nozzle form. As illustrated, ejector 110 includes a motive port 112 and a suction port 114 which serve as inlets to the ejector 110. Ejector 110 further includes a discharge port 116 which serves as an outlet to the ejector 110. In general, relatively higher pressure refrigerant is flowed into the ejector 110 through the motive port 112. The velocity of this refrigerant increases, and the pressure decreases, as it flows through a motive nozzle of the ejector 110. Relatively lower pressure refrigerant is drawn into the ejector 110 through the suction port 114. This refrigerant is drawn into the ejector 110 by the refrigerant from the motive port 112. The refrigerant streams from the motive port 112 and suction port 114 are mixed in the ejector 110, and flowed from the ejector 110 through discharge port 116. Refrigerant exiting the ejector 110 may have an outlet pressure that is higher than the inlet pressure at the suction port 114 and lower than the inlet pressure at the motive port 112.

Thermodynamic assembly 100 may further include a phase separator 120 through which refrigerant may be flowed. Phase separator 120 may be disposed in the indoor portion 12, as illustrated. In general, a phase separator 120 separates gaseous refrigerant flowed therein from liquid refrigerant flowed therein. For example, phase separator 120 may include an inlet 122, a gas outlet 124, and a liquid outlet 126. Refrigerant may be flowed into the phase separator 120, such as through inlet 122. The refrigerant flowed into the phase separator 120 may include a portion which is in gaseous form and a portion which is in liquid form. Due to the relative weights of the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant and the configuration of the phase separator 120, the gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant may separate from each other and flow into and through the respective outlets 124, 126. In exemplary embodiments, for example, the gas outlet 124 may be disposed above the liquid outlet 126 along the vertical direction V. The gas outlet 124 may, for example, be at or proximate a top of the phase separator 120 and liquid outlet 126 may, for example, be at or proximate a bottom of the phase separator 120.

In addition in providing improved efficiency, ejector 110 and phase separator 120 may in exemplary embodiments be particularly sized and configured for space and cost savings in unit 10. For example, phase separator 120 may in some embodiments have a maximum outer diameter (or width) 130 of less than or equal to 40 millimeters, such as less than or equal to 35 millimeters, such as less than or equal to 30 millimeters. Ejector 110 may have a maximum outer diameter (or width) 132 of less than or equal to 20 millimeters, such as less than or equal to 18 millimeters, such as less than or equal to 16 millimeters, such as less than or equal to 14 millimeters.

When the thermodynamic assembly 100 is operating in cooling mode, refrigerant in the thermodynamic assembly 100 may flow from the ejector 110, such as from the discharge port 116 thereof, into the phase separator 120. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the ejector 110 and phase separator 120 may be separated from each other, and refrigerant may be flowable from the discharge port 116 to the inlet 122 of the phase separator 120. Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, in some embodiments the ejector 110 is at least partially (or in some embodiments fully) disposed within the phase separator 120. For example, as illustrated, at least the discharge port 116 may be disposed within the phase separator 120.

In exemplary embodiments, discharge port 116 may be disposed between the gas outlet 124 and the liquid outlet 126 along the vertical direction, such as approximately halfway between the gas outlet 124 and the liquid outlet 126. Further, in some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 7 the discharge port 116 is oriented vertically, such that refrigerant exiting the discharge port 116 is exhausted along the vertical direction V. Alternatively, the discharge port 116 may be oriented at an angle to the vertical direction V, such that refrigerant exiting the discharge port 116 is exhausted along an angle to the vertical direction V. For example, FIG. 8 illustrated discharge port 116 oriented along the transverse or lateral direction T, L, such that refrigerant exiting the discharge port 116 is exhausted along the transverse or lateral direction T, L.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in exemplary embodiments, thermodynamic assembly 100 may further include one or more throttling devices, such as a first throttling device 140 and a second throttling device 142 as illustrated. Throttling devices 140 and 142 may each include various components for throttling refrigerant flow through therethrough. For example, a throttling device 140 and/or 142 may include a capillary tube and check valve, a J-T valve, an electronic expansion valve, etc. to throttle the flow of refrigerant therethrough, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Thermodynamic assemblies 100 in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously operate in a manner which provides improved efficiency relative to conventional air conditioner unit 10 thermodynamic assemblies 100, in particular when operating in cooling mode. The flow path of refrigerant between the various components of thermodynamic assembly 100 may generally be provided through suitable conduits, as is generally understood. The flow path for refrigerant in the cooling mode may include the following components. In general, refrigerant is flowable from the compressor 32 to the outdoor heat exchanger 30, which is positioned downstream along the refrigerant flow path from the compressor 32. After flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 30 (which operates in cooling mode as a condenser), refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 30 is flowable to the motive port 112. Additionally, after flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 30 (which operates in cooling mode as a condenser), refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 30 is flowable to the first coil assembly 104. Motive port 112 and first coil assembly 104 are thus positioned downstream along the refrigerant flow path from the outdoor heat exchanger 30, and the refrigerant flow is split after being flowed through the outdoor heat exchanger 30, as illustrated.

Notably, throttling devices 140, 142 may in exemplary embodiments be disposed in the flow paths of refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 30 to the first coil assembly 104 and motive port 112. Accordingly, refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 30 to the first coil assembly 104 is flowable through (and thus flows) through the first throttling device 140. Further, refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 30 to the motive port 112 is flowable through (and thus flows) through the second throttling device 142.

After flowing through the first coil assembly 104 (which operates in cooling mode as an evaporator), refrigerant from the first coil assembly 104 is flowable to the suction port 114. Suction port 114 is thus downstream along the refrigerant flow path from the first coil assembly 104.

As discussed, refrigerant flowed into the motive port 112 and suction port 114 may be combined in the ejector 110. This refrigerant is then flowed from the ejector through the discharge port 116. Refrigerant from the discharge port 116 may be flowable into the phase separator 120, as discussed above.

As further, discussed, refrigerant within the phase separator 120 may separate into a gaseous portion and a liquid portion. Gaseous refrigerant may exit the phase separator 120 through the gas outlet 124, and liquid refrigerant may exit the phase separator 120 through the liquid outlet 126. Refrigerant may be flowable from the gas outlet 124 to the compressor 32, which may be downstream of the gas outlet 124 along the refrigerant flow path. Further, refrigerant may be flowable from the liquid outlet 126 to the second coil assembly 106. After flowing through the second coil assembly 106 (which operates in cooling mode as an evaporator), refrigerant from the second coil assembly 106 is flowable to the compressor 32, which may be downstream of the second coil assembly 106 along the refrigerant flow path. As such, the refrigerant flow from the gas outlet 124 and the second coil assembly 106 may be combined, i.e. upstream of the compressor 32.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner unit, comprising:

an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion;

an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger comprising a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies comprising one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable;

an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port;

a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet;

a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and

a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion,

wherein refrigerant is flowable from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port, refrigerant is flowable from the first coil assembly to the suction port, refrigerant is flowable from the discharge port into the phase separator, refrigerant is flowable from the gas outlet to the compressor, and refrigerant is flowable from the liquid outlet to the second coil assembly.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein refrigerant is further flowable from the outdoor heat exchanger to the first coil assembly.

3. The air conditioner unit of claim 2, further comprising a throttling device, and wherein refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the first coil assembly flows through the throttling device.

4. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, further comprising a throttling device, and wherein refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port flows through the throttling device.

5. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein refrigerant is flowable from the second coil assembly to the compressor.

6. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first coil assembly is proximate the bulkhead relative to the second coil assembly along the transverse direction.

7. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the phase separator has a maximum outer diameter of less than or equal to 40 millimeters.

8. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the ejector has a maximum outer diameter of less than or equal to 20 millimeters.

9. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein refrigerant is flowable from the discharge port to the inlet of the phase separator.

10. The air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the ejector is at least partially disposed within the phase separator.

11. The air conditioner unit of claim 10, wherein the discharge port of the ejector is disposed within the phase separator.

12. The air conditioner unit of claim 11, wherein the discharge port is oriented at an angle to a vertical direction.

13. An air conditioner unit, comprising:

an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion;

an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger comprising a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies comprising one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable;

an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port;

a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, wherein the discharge port of the ejector is disposed within the phase separator;

a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and

a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion.

14. The air conditioner unit of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the first coil assembly is proximate the bulkhead relative to the second coil assembly along the transverse direction.

15. The air conditioner unit of claim 13, wherein the phase separator has a maximum outer diameter of less than or equal to 40 millimeters.

16. The air conditioner unit of claim 13, wherein the ejector has a maximum outer diameter of less than or equal to 20 millimeters.

17. The air conditioner unit of claim 13, wherein the discharge port is oriented at an angle to a vertical direction.

18. An air conditioner unit, comprising:

an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor portion;

an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor portion, the indoor heat exchanger comprising a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly, each of the first and second coil assemblies comprising one or more coils through which refrigerant is flowable;

an ejector disposed in the indoor portion, the ejector comprising a motive port, a suction port and a discharge port;

a phase separator disposed in the indoor portion, the phase separator comprising an inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, wherein the discharge port of the ejector is disposed within the phase separator;

a compressor in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and

a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger along a transverse direction, the bulkhead defining the indoor portion and the outdoor portion,

wherein refrigerant is flowable from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port and the first coil assembly, refrigerant is flowable from the first coil assembly to the suction port, refrigerant is flowable from the discharge port into the phase separator, refrigerant is flowable from the gas outlet to the compressor, refrigerant is flowable from the liquid outlet to the second coil assembly, and refrigerant is flowable from the second coil assembly to the compressor.

19. The air conditioner unit of claim 18, further comprising a first throttling device and a second throttling device, and wherein refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the first coil assembly flows through the first throttling device and wherein refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the motive port flows through the second throttling device.

20. The air conditioner unit of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the first coil assembly is proximate the bulkhead relative to the second coil assembly along the transverse direction.