Apparatus and process for amateur ductless HVAC installation

Abstract

A ductless HVAC system solution is described. The system is configured for easy installation by an amateur, and therefore does not require a license, expensive tools, or much time to install. The system is equipped with pre-charged refrigerant piping, which are designed to contain the recommended pressure of requisite refrigerant. A quick-release valve system ensures refrigerant does not leak from the pre-charged refrigerant piping during installation by an amateur. The system may be controlled manually or remotely via WiFi. Thus, the system features a double-sealing system with a unique automatic safety valve which releases the refrigerant only when the indoor and outdoor components are connected and sealed, thus avoiding any potential leakage.

Description

CONTINUITY[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of non-provisional application Ser. No. 15 / 718,009, filed on Sep. 28, 2017 of provisional patent application No. 62 / 400,889, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, and priority is claimed thereto.FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates in general to HVAC systems, and more specifically relates to a duct-free HVAC solution, configured to be safely installed and maintained by an amateur without professional assistance.BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0003]The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry designs and manufactures air conditioner and heat pump systems that modify air temperature in residential and commercial buildings. Such products are typically distributed through a chain of HVAC contractors who are also responsible for the installation and warranty support of the product. This system has resulted in a modern marketplace with very high costs for the end-user. Product techn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an HVAC system that does not require connection to ductwork, can be installed without special tools, and provides a leak-free seal between the refrigerant lines and the main components. The system can be mounted high on a wall to evenly distribute conditioned air throughout a zone, and can be manufactured in varying capacities to address variable air comfort needs. The system is safe to disconnect without refrigerant loss, will provide cooling and / or heating, and will function at an efficiency level in line with current consumer and industry expectations.

Problems solved by technology

This system has resulted in a modern marketplace with very high costs for the end-user.

Product technology and design is the main force driving these high costs.

While the exact chemical formula has changed over the years, chemical refrigerants are the best technology by which to modify interior air temperature, but their presence in the system vastly complicates the installation process.

Socioeconomic factors further stratified air conditioners and heat pumps into expensive products requiring specialist assistance to utilize.

Non-certified installation often voids the warranty agreement.

The near monopoly some local companies held on certain brands reinforced the tendency to inflate price.

The design is fundamentally sound, but has its own problems.

The requisite compact footprint of the design forced a compromise in terms of capability.

The miniaturized coils and compressor condition air, but at decreased efficiency compared to traditional ducted installations.

Higher energy costs in the intervening years have exacerbated the problem.

Air distribution is another problem with the room air conditioner.

The through-the-wall or window installation combined with a comparably simple fan limit the design's ability to move air effectively throughout an interior environment.

Unfortunately, the reliance on a standard wall outlet for power generation limited the product operating capacity.

The refrigerant line coupling point was also inferior compared to conventional connections at the time and modern techniques.

Unfortunately, this design alone is inadequate to deal with the innumerable variables found in non-manufactured housing.

These make it difficult or impossible to use a pre-charged line of specific length with a ducted split system.

The downside of the Lingrey et al. ductless mini-split is its reliance on a standard wall outlet for power, and its use of a locking lever-style dual-refrigerant connector.

The lock lever-style connection can operate effectively, but it is prone to leaking and can be difficult to detach without suffering refrigerant lost after the connection is made.

(a) Overall energy efficiency has been a problem with many of the room air conditioner designs. Efficiency optimization was not a major consideration for HVAC products when Brugler (1969) and Manganaro (1971) created their designs, but the market has changed considerably in the intervening four decades. Federal law holds manufacturers to higher standards than in the past. Eco-conscious and cost-concerned consumers also expect HVAC products to meet certain thresholds.

(b) The principle advantage a simpler HVAC product offers the end-user is the ability to utilize air conditioning technology without being forced to handle and / or manipulate chemical refrigerants. Virtually all previous designs strive towards this paradigm, but many fall short in one way or another. Some create connection points prone to leakage while others are difficult to disengage once the line is connected to the condenser. The former defeats the purpose of the product in the first place while the latter may merely prolong the period before a skilled technician is required to service the operating system.

(c) The trend to rely on a standard electrical wall outlet to power the unit eliminates the need for an electrician to wire the system, but can drastically reduce the potential capacity any such system might produce. This drastically limits the application of such products. As some of the designs require cutting through a wall for installation, the versatility offered by reliance on a wall outlet as opposed to conventional wiring is compromised.

(d) Inadequate airflow and uneven distribution is a perennial problem for room air conditioners. The ability to install in an existing window frame grants flexibility, but severely limits airflow movement in a target zone. The aforementioned reliance on a wall outlet electrical connection also limits the power available to operate the interior fan. Ineffective conditioned air control serves to limit the applications in which such a product can reasonably function.

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