Air conditioner units having improved apparatus for providing make-up air

Abstract

Air conditioner units and methods for providing make-up air are provided. An air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger and a bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in a rear wall of the bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a dehumidification system, the dehumidification system including an evaporator assembly configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough and a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. The air conditioner unit further includes a movable panel disposed proximate the vent aperture. The movable panel is movable between an open position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted and a closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is restricted.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner units, and more particularly to air conditioner units which utilize dehumidification systems and which provide make-up air therethrough.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]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.[0003]In the outdoor portion of a conventional air conditioner unit, a compressor that operates a refrigerating cycle is provided. At the back of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an air conditioner unit that includes a bulkhead between the indoor and outdoor portions of the unit, with a vent aperture in the rear wall of the unit. The air conditioner also includes a dehumidification system and a rotating panel that can be opened or closed to control air flow through the vent aperture. The technical effects of this patent include improved air conditioning, better dehumidification, and improved air flow control.

Problems solved by technology

However, issues may occur when the outdoor air being flowed through the vent aperture is, for example, at a relatively high humidity level and / or relatively high temperature level.

Such air may, for example, cause discomfort to a user of the air conditioner appliance.

For example, in some cases it is undesirable for outdoor air to flow through the vent aperture when the dehumidification apparatus is not active.

Additionally, currently known dehumidification apparatus typically raise the temperature of the air from which the humidity is removed, resulting in hot air being flowed through the vent apertures.

These air conditioner units accordingly do not solve the comfort issues for users of the air conditioner appliances.

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