System and method for air conditioner evaporator coil cleaning

Abstract

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for cleaning a component inside a machine, such as an evaporator coil inside an air conditioner. A pump is connected to a controlling device. The pump is also connected to a metering device. The metering device is connected to one or more reservoirs. The metering device is also connected to one or more wands. Each wand is positioned inside a housing containing the component to spray cleaning solution, drawn from the reservoirs by the metering device, onto a face of the component. To perform the cleaning of the component, the controlling device disables the machine. The controlling device then activates the pump. The pump causes cleaning solution to be drawn from the one or more reservoirs into the metering device, which then transfers the cleaning solution into the wands. The controlling device then allows the machine to resume operation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure is generally directed to an improvement in the operation of an air conditioner, and is more particularly directed to methods and systems of cleaning an evaporator coil in an air conditioner while the air conditioner is in service.BACKGROUND[0002]It is common for air conditioners to cool air through the use of an evaporator coil housed inside the plenum of the air conditioner. Evaporators coils draw moisture from the air being cooled, in the form of condensation. Because the evaporator coils are located inside the plenum, they are not exposed to light. The wet, dark environment inside the plenum is an ideal environment for the growth of mildew. Accordingly, it is common for mildew to grow on the surfaces of the evaporator coil. Because air is flowing over the evaporator coil while the air conditioner is operating, air is also flowing over the accumulated mildew. Sufficient mildew buildup can cause the air conditioner to operate at re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure is about a system and method for cleaning the evaporator coil in an air conditioner while it is in service. The system can be retrofitted into an already installed air conditioner or incorporated into a new air conditioner before it is installed. The system uses wands and nozzles to spray a cleaning solution onto the evaporator coil, which is then allowed to work for a period of time before the air conditioner is re-enabled. The system can be controlled by a controlling device and can also turn the air conditioner off for the duration of the cleaning cycle. The cleaning solution can be re-used as needed. The system helps to keep the air conditioner operating efficiently, prevents costly repairs, and improves air quality inside the building. It can also be used in other types of machines.

Problems solved by technology

Sufficient mildew buildup can cause the air conditioner to operate at reduced efficiency, because less air is able to flow over the coil in a given amount of time.

In some cases, the mildew buildup is sufficient to cause a strain on the air conditioner motor, causing other repairs to be necessary.

In extreme cases, mildew also grows in the path for condensation to leave the building, causing a backup of condensation to occur, which can lead to leaks and flooding inside the building.

Sufficient levels of mildew can also make the air unhealthy to breathe, because microscopic amounts of mildew are blown away from the evaporator coil by the airflow, allowing the mildew to flow freely in the circulated air.

These systems are time consuming and require human interaction.

Accordingly, evaporator coils are not cleaned often.

In some cases, the evaporator coils may not be cleaned, if at all, until there is a problem with air quality or a problem with the operation of the air conditioner.

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