Air conditioning unit with leakage ventilation inducer

Abstract

Methods and systems for an air conditioning unit are provided. An air conditioning unit includes a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. The refrigerant line includes a compressor disposed in the first compartment. An air flow path extends through the second compartment. The air flow path is arranged to direct a flow of air from the air inlet to the air outlet, and the blower is arranged in the air flow path. A refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the housing. The inducer is disposed in the housing. The inducer is configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning units for use in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ("HVACR") systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to such air conditioning units including an inducer for ventilation of leaking refrigerant. Background Art

[0002] HVACR systems are typically used to heat, cool, and / or ventilate climate-controlled spaces (e.g., the interior of a commercial or residential building, the interior of a refrigerated transport unit, etc.). An HVACR system may include an air conditioning unit for conditioning indoor air to provide climate control in a climate-controlled space. The air conditioning unit may include several compartments for housing the components of the air conditioning unit. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning units for use in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ("HVACR") systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to such air conditioning units including an inducer for ventilation of leaking refrigerant.

[0004] The air conditioning unit can be a heat pump that operates in heating mode or cooling mode. During cooling mode, the conditioned air in the blower compartment is cooled by a heat exchanger that operates as an evaporator. The air in the compressor compartment adjacent to the blower compartment may be relatively hot due to the compressor generating heat by its operation and / or the first heat exchanger releasing heat by operating as a condenser. In heating mode, the second heat exchanger that operates as a condenser heats the air in the blower compartment, and the air in the blower compartment may have a temperature that is generally higher than the air in the compressor compartment. Therefore, in both operating modes, the blower compartment and the compressor compartment generally maintain a temperature difference. By limiting and controlling the air flow between the compressor compartment and the blower compartment, convective heat transfer is reduced or eliminated, and the efficiency, capacity and performance of the air conditioning unit can be improved.

[0005] To restrict and control the air flow between the blower compartment and the compressor compartment, the compartments are respectively enclosed by tightly fitting panels surrounding and enclosing the compartments, thereby minimizing or reducing air leakage between the two compartments. The compressor compartment herein having an enclosed volume can further reduce noise transfer from the operation of the compressor.

[0006] Refrigerant may leak from a refrigerant line (e.g., at a compressor) into an enclosed volume (e.g., a compressor compartment). The accumulation of leaked refrigerant may be toxic and / or flammable. The leaked refrigerant may be vented to prevent the accumulation of toxic or flammable levels of the leaked refrigerant. For example, a refrigerant with relatively low toxicity and / or flammability (e.g., A2L refrigerant) may be ventilated by mixing air containing the leaked refrigerant with the incoming air and / or supply air of the air conditioning. When mixed with the return and / or supply air, the leaked refrigerant is in a low concentration that is harmless to humans and undetectable. When a leak is detected, controlled ventilation of the air entering the blower compartment can remove the leaked refrigerant while still isolating the two compartments when no leak is detected in order to maintain high efficiency of the air conditioning unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, an air conditioning unit includes a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet. A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor disposed in the first compartment. An air flow path extends through the second compartment. The air flow path is configured to direct air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet. A blower is disposed in the air flow path. A refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the housing; and an inducer is disposed in the housing. The inducer is configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

[0008] In one embodiment, the inductor is disposed on the dividing wall and above an opening extending through the dividing wall.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inducer is an inducer fan.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inducer is configured to move air across the divider in the activation mode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inducer is configured to obstruct air flow through the inducer in the deactivated mode.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inducer is configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path at a location in the air flow path where the air flow path is conditioned.

[0013] In one embodiment, the air conditioner includes an air duct extending from the inductor toward the compressor for drawing air from around the compressor into the air duct through the inductor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the leak detection system is configured to determine a refrigerant concentration within the housing. The inducer is configured to activate in response to the refrigerant concentration exceeding a predetermined value.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first compartment and the second compartment are enclosed by a housing and a partition.

[0016] In one embodiment, a method involves ventilating an air conditioning unit, the air conditioning unit comprising: a housing having a first compartment, a second compartment separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, an air inlet, and an air outlet; and a refrigerant leak source disposed in the first compartment. The method includes: directing air flow from the air inlet through the second compartment to the air outlet; obstructing air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment; and, upon detecting a refrigerant leak, moving air in the first compartment into an air flow path to disperse the leaked refrigerant in the first compartment into the air flow path.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method includes determining that a refrigerant concentration in the first compartment exceeds a predetermined level; and activating an inducer to move air in the first compartment into the air flow path.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method includes obstructing air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment upon determining that the refrigerant concentration does not exceed a predetermined level.

[0019] In one embodiment, an HVACR system is configured to provide conditioned air to a climate-controlled space. The HVACR system includes a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a first exchanger, a second exchanger, and an expander in fluid communication with each other; a housing having a first compartment housing the compressor and a second compartment housing a blower, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet; a partition disposed in the housing, the partition separating the first compartment from the second compartment; an air flow path extending through the second compartment, the air flow path being disposed to direct air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the housing; and an inducer disposed in the housing, the inducer being configured to move air in the first compartment into the air flow path when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger is configured to condition air to provide conditioned air; and the first heat exchanger is disposed in the second compartment.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inducer is an inducer fan.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second heat exchanger is arranged in the second compartment.

[0023] In one embodiment, the leak detection system is configured to determine a refrigerant concentration within the shell and activate the inducer when the concentration exceeds a predetermined value.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inductor is disposed on the dividing wall and above an opening extending through the dividing wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant circuit for an HVACR system.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air conditioning unit.

[0027] Figure 3 According to the embodiment Figure 2 , wherein the top side is omitted and the left side and the front side are partially omitted.

[0028] Figure 4 According to the embodiment Figure 2 Schematic top view of an air conditioning unit in FIG, with the top side omitted.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of ventilating an air conditioning unit.

[0030] Figure 6 is a block flow diagram for operating an air conditioning unit according to an embodiment.

[0031] Similar numbers represent similar features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning units for use in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ("HVACR") systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to such air conditioning units including an inducer for ventilation of leaking refrigerant.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant circuit 5 in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system 1. In one embodiment, the HVACR system 1 may be an industrial or residential HVACR system 1 configured to condition the interior of a building (e.g., an office space, a residential house, etc.).

[0034] The refrigerant circuit 5 includes a compressor 10, a condenser 20, an expander 30, and an evaporator 40. In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 5 can be modified to include additional components. For example, in one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 5 can include an economizer heat exchanger, one or more flow control devices, a receiver tank, a dryer, a suction liquid heat exchanger, etc. The components of the refrigerant circuit 5 are fluidly connected. For clarity, Figure 1 Dotted lines are provided to indicate fluid flow through some components (eg, compressor 10, condenser 20, evaporator 40), and should be understood not to specify a specific route within each component.

[0035] The refrigerant circuit 5 may be configured as a cooling system operable in cooling mode (eg, a fluid chiller for HVACR, an air conditioning system, etc.), and / or the refrigerant circuit 5 may be configured to operate as a heat pump system operable in cooling mode and heating mode.

[0036] Refrigerant circuit 5 utilizes known principles of gas compression and heat transfer. The refrigerant circuit can be configured to heat or cool a process fluid (e.g., water, air, chiller fluid, etc.). In one embodiment, refrigerant circuit 5 can represent a chiller that cools a process fluid, such as water. In one embodiment, refrigerant circuit 5 can represent an air conditioner and / or heat pump that cools and / or heats a process fluid, such as air, water, etc. In one embodiment, refrigerant circuit 5 can be a heat pump configured to provide heated or cooled air to a climate-controlled space.

[0037] During operation of the refrigerant circuit 5, a working fluid (e.g., comprising a refrigerant, a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows from the evaporator 40 into the compressor 10 in a gaseous state at a relatively low pressure. The compressor 10 compresses the gas to a high-pressure state, which also heats the gas. After being compressed, the relatively high-pressure and high-temperature gas flows from the compressor 10 to the condenser 20. In addition to the working fluid flowing through the condenser 20, a first process fluid PF1 (e.g., external air, external water, cooling water, heater water, etc.) also flows separately through the condenser 20. As the first process fluid PF1 flows through the condenser 20, it absorbs heat from the working fluid, which cools the working fluid as it flows through the condenser. The working fluid condenses into a liquid and then flows into the expander 30. The expander 30 allows the working fluid to expand, which converts the working fluid into a mixed vapor and liquid state.

[0038] As described herein, an "expander" may also be referred to as an expansion device. In one embodiment, the expander may be an expansion valve, an expansion plate, an expansion vessel, an orifice, or the like, or other such type of expansion mechanism. It should be understood that the expander may be any type of expander used in the art to expand a working fluid to reduce the pressure and temperature of a gaseous working fluid. The relatively low temperature vapor / liquid working fluid then flows into the evaporator 40. A second process fluid PF2 (e.g., air, cooler liquid, water, etc.) also flows through the evaporator 40. The working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF2 as it flows through the evaporator 40, which cools the second process fluid PF2 as it flows through the evaporator 40. As the working fluid absorbs heat, the working fluid evaporates into vapor. The working fluid then returns from the evaporator 40 to the compressor 10. The above process continues when the refrigerant circuit 5 is operated, for example, in cooling mode.

[0039] Figure 2FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioning unit 100 according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 is used for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system 101 .

[0040] The air conditioning unit 100 includes a housing 110 for providing structural support and / or housing components therein. The housing 110 includes a plurality of sides 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122 (sides 116, 120, 122 are Figure 2 The side surfaces may also be referred to as top side 112, left side 114, right side 116, front side 118, back side 120, and bottom side 122. The components of air conditioning unit 100 are arranged within housing 110. In one embodiment, housing 110 is the outer shell of air conditioning unit 100. In one embodiment, air conditioning unit 100 may also be referred to as an air handling unit, a packaged unit, a heat pump unit, etc.

[0041] The air conditioning unit 100 includes an inlet 102 and an outlet 104 formed in a housing 110. For example, the inlet 102 is formed in a first side 120 (e.g., a rear side) of the housing 110, and the outlet 104 is formed in a second side 118 (e.g., a front side) of the housing 110. Air is drawn into the air conditioning unit 100 through the inlet 102, conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.) within the air conditioning unit 100, and exhausted (as conditioned air) from the outlet 104. It should be understood that the inlet 102 and the outlet 104 may be formed on a side of the housing 110 that is not substantially the same as the side of the housing 110. Figure 3 The different sides 112 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 are shown.

[0042] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioning unit 100 according to an embodiment, wherein the top side 112 is omitted, and the left side 114 and the front side 118 are partially omitted. The air conditioning unit 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 108 that operates to provide conditioning to the air flowing through the air conditioning unit 100 (e.g., the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 108 is used to heat and / or cool the air). For example, the refrigerant circuit 108 may be Figure 1 The refrigerant line 5 in the refrigerant line 108 can be as described above with respect to Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 5 is modified as discussed in .

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning unit 100 includes a compressor 130, a first heat exchanger 132, an expander 134, and a second heat exchanger 136 that are fluidly connected (e.g., in series). The refrigerant circuit 108 includes the compressor 130, the first heat exchanger 132, the expander 134, and the second heat exchanger 136 (e.g., components of the refrigerant circuit 108). The compressor 130, the expander 134, the first heat exchanger 132, and the second heat exchanger 136 provide the refrigerant circuit (e.g., Figure 1 Refrigerant line 5).

[0044] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit can be reversible (e.g., having one or more reversing valves that switch between cooling mode operation and heating mode operation). In cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 132 can be a heat exchanger that operates as an evaporator and is configured to evaporate the refrigerant for cooling the incoming air 210, and the second heat exchanger 136 can be a heat exchanger that operates as a condenser and is configured to cool and condense (e.g., partially condense, fully condense) the refrigerant (e.g., in a heating mode). Figure 3 It should be understood that the incoming air 210 can be recirculated air from the climate controlled space, fresh air from outside the climate controlled space (e.g., outdoor air), a combination thereof, etc. In the heating mode, the first heat exchanger 132 can operate as a condenser configured to heat the incoming air 210, and the second heat exchanger 136 can operate as an evaporator. The flow of air 210 through the housing 110 is Figure 3 Indicated by dotted arrows.

[0045] For illustration purposes, Figure 3 Refrigerant pipes (eg, tubes, pipes, etc.) between different components in the refrigerant circuit 108 (eg, between the compressor 130 and the heat exchangers 132 , 136 , and between the first heat exchanger 132 and the expander 134 ) are simplified as dashed arrows. Figure 3 Also omitted is the second heat exchanger 136 (e.g. Figure 3 1 and 2. For example, the direction on the dashed arrow is the flow direction when the refrigerant circuit 108 is operating in the cooling mode.

[0046] The housing 110 includes a plurality of compartments 124, 126. For example, each compartment 124, 126 is a different enclosed volume disposed within the housing 110. The compartments 124, 126 are each defined by the housing 110 (e.g., at least partially defined by the sides 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122 of the housing 110). Figure 3 As shown, the housing 110 includes a first compartment 124 and a second compartment 126. The first compartment 124 is disposed adjacent to the second compartment 126.

[0047] The air conditioning unit 100 includes a partition 128 disposed within the housing 110. The first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are separated from each other by the partition 128 within the housing 110. Figure 3As shown, the second compartment 126 is adjacent to the first compartment 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are arranged on opposite surfaces of the divider 128. It should be understood that the housing 100 may include one or more additional compartments or volumes arranged therein. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the compartments 124, 126 can be further divided into smaller volumes.

[0048] The divider 128 is configured to restrict and control air flow from the first compartment 124 to the second compartment 126. For example, the air in the first compartment 124 may be heated by the operation of the compressor 130. By restricting the air flow to the second compartment, convective heat exchange between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 may be reduced or eliminated. In one embodiment, the divider 128 may be configured to extend to and / or be coupled to the sides 112, 118, 120, and 122 of the housing 110.

[0049] The first compartment 124 may be a compartment in the housing 110 that houses the compressor 130 and / or the second heat exchanger 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first compartment 124 houses the compressor 130 (e.g., the compressor 130 is disposed within the first compartment 124) and may be referred to as a compressor compartment. In one embodiment, the first compartment 124 may be used to thermally isolate components other than or in addition to the compressor 130 (e.g., the second heat exchanger 136, an economizer heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit 108, etc.). Figure 3 As shown, the second heat exchanger 136 may also be disposed in the first compartment 124. Figure 3 As shown, the first compartment 124 may be provided / defined by a divider 128 and multiple sides of the housing 110 (eg, by the divider 128 and the sides 112 , 114 , 118 , 120 , 122 ).

[0050] The air conditioning unit 100 includes a blower 138 that directs air through the housing 110 from the inlet 102 to the outlet 104. The second compartment 126 may include the blower 138 (eg, the blower 138 is disposed within the second compartment 126) and may be referred to as a blower compartment. Figure 3 As shown, the first heat exchanger 132 can be arranged in the second compartment 126. Figure 3As shown, the second compartment 126 can be provided / defined by the divider 128 and multiple sides of the housing 110 (e.g., by the divider 128 and the sides 112, 116, 118, 120, 122). The second compartment 126 can be a compartment in the housing 110 that houses the air flow path 200 for receiving and conditioning the incoming air 210 via the first heat exchanger 132 and exhausting the conditioned air 250. The conditioned air 250 can be delivered to the climate-controlled space. In one embodiment, the second compartment 126 can be a compartment in the air conditioning unit 100 that houses the first heat exchanger 132, the blower 138, etc.

[0051] A blower 138 is included in the air conditioning unit 100 for directing air through the housing 110 via the air inlet 102 and the air outlet 104. The blower 138 is disposed in the second compartment 126. In one embodiment, the blower 138 can also direct air through a duct system (not shown) to supply conditioned air 250 to the climate-controlled space and / or draw air (e.g., as intake air 210) into the air conditioning unit 100 for conditioning. Operation of the blower 138 can direct the air 210 to flow through the air flow path 200.

[0052] Blower 138 is configured to draw air into housing 110 through air inlet 102 and exhaust the conditioned air from housing 110 through outlet 104. Inlet 102 and / or outlet 104 may be openings in housing 110. In flow path 200, intake air 210 flows through first heat exchanger 132 after flowing into housing 110 through inlet 102. In cooling mode, as the refrigerant and air each flow through first heat exchanger 132, they exchange heat in first heat exchanger 132 (without physically mixing), thereby heating (e.g., evaporating) the refrigerant and cooling the intake air 210. The conditioned (e.g., cooled) air is then drawn into blower 138 and exhausted through outlet 104 of air conditioning unit 100. Air inlet 102 and air outlet 104 may be the inlet and outlet of second compartment 126.

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, the second heat exchanger 136 can be arranged in the first compartment 124. The process fluid (e.g., air, water, etc.) and the refrigerant exchange thermal energy in the second heat exchanger 136 without physically mixing. In cooling mode, the second heat exchanger 136 operates as a condenser, which is configured to cool and condense the refrigerant from a gas phase to a liquid phase (e.g., at least partially condense the refrigerant, completely condense the refrigerant). It should be understood that in cooling mode, the refrigerant with a relatively high temperature discharges thermal energy into a stream of air, water, etc. In one embodiment, the thermal energy discharged from the compressor 130 can be configured to be exchanged with a stream of air, water, etc., thereby removing heat from the first compartment 124.

[0054] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the second heat exchanger 136 is a coaxial coil heat exchanger that is configured to heat / cool the refrigerant (e.g., cool / heat the refrigerant) using a fluid (e.g., water, antifreeze, brine, methanol, combinations thereof, etc.). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the second heat exchanger 136 can be a different type of heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 136 can be arranged outside the air conditioning unit 100. For example, the second heat exchanger 136 can be in the form of an evaporative condenser located away from the air conditioning unit 100 (e.g., a cooling tower that cools refrigerant from multiple air conditioning units, a remote air cooling condenser, etc.).

[0055] The inductor 150 is included in the air conditioning unit 100 and is configured to control the air flow between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, as described below with respect to Figure 4 Further discussion.

[0056] It should be understood that during cooling mode, the conditioned air in the second compartment 126 is relatively cool. The air in the first compartment 124 may be relatively hot due to the compressor 130 generating heat by its operation and / or the second heat exchanger 136 releasing heat by operating as a condenser. In cooling mode, the compressor 130 and / or the second heat exchanger 136 warm the air in the first compartment 124 so that the first compartment 124 generally has a temperature higher than the temperature in the second compartment 126, in which the first heat exchanger 132 absorbs thermal energy, thereby cooling the air flowing therethrough. By limiting and controlling convective heat transfer (e.g., from the air flow) between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, the efficiency, capacity, and performance of the air conditioning unit 100 can be improved in heating and / or cooling mode.

[0057] To limit and control the flow of air between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are enclosed such that panels (e.g., the housing 110, the sides, the divider 128) cooperate with one another to form the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, respectively, and air leakage between the two compartments 124, 126 is negligible. For example, the first compartment 124 can be sufficiently airtight to limit or prevent flow through the closed inductor 150 and / or divider 128 (e.g., sufficiently airtight to the external environment, sufficiently airtight along the second compartment 126 in the housing 110). For example, when the inductor 150 in the housing 110 is closed, the pressure drop from the suction of the second compartment 126 causes little or no air to flow from the first compartment 124 into the second compartment 126. When the inductor 150 in the housing 110 is turned on, air is drawn from the first compartment 124, causing air to flow from the first compartment 124 to the second compartment 126 through the opening 129 and the inductor 150 of the partition 128. The movement of air between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 is controlled, for example, by turning the inductor 150 on or off.

[0058] It should be understood that leaked refrigerant is vented to prevent the accumulation of toxic or flammable levels of leaked refrigerant. By having a sealed first compartment 124, ventilation can be provided to reduce and eliminate the risk of toxins and / or fire. Relatively low concentrations of refrigerant can be harmless and undetectable to humans, so that ventilation into the second compartment 126 and exhausting the leaked refrigerant into the air flow path 200 and mixing with the bulk air can effectively remove the leaked refrigerant that accumulates at the air conditioning unit 100 without causing harmful effects to users in the climate-controlled space.

[0059] Air conditioning unit 100 includes a refrigerant leak detection system 191. Refrigerant leak detection system 191 is configured to detect refrigerant leaks within housing 110. Refrigerant leak detection system 191 may include one or more sensors 192A, 192B. One or more sensors 192A, 192B are leak detection sensors. Leak detection sensors may include, for example, but are not limited to, one or more concentration sensors, one or more performance and / or operation sensors, or a combination thereof.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the one or more sensors 192A, 192B may include one or more concentration sensors configured to detect refrigerant in the air. The concentration sensor may be configured to detect the refrigerant concentration directly (e.g., by measuring the refrigerant concentration in the air) or indirectly (e.g., by measuring the oxygen concentration in the air, a decrease in the oxygen concentration indicating a corresponding amount of refrigerant in the air).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more sensors 192A, 192B may be one or more concentration sensors configured to detect refrigerant (e.g., detect leaking refrigerant) within the housing 110. The one or more concentration sensors 192A, 192B include a first refrigerant sensor 192A disposed in the compressor compartment 124. The one or more concentration sensors 192A, 192B may also include a second concentration sensor 192B disposed in the blower compartment 126. In one embodiment, one or both of the one or more concentration sensors 192A, 192B may be disposed closer to the bottom than to the top of the compressor compartment 124.

[0062] In another embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection system 191 can be configured to detect refrigerant leaks based on the operation of the refrigerant circuit. For example, a decrease in the performance (e.g., efficiency) of the conditioning provided by the air conditioning system can be used to indicate a refrigerant leak. In such an embodiment, the one or more sensors 192A, 192B can include one or more of one or more performance sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more current sensors, one or more flow sensors, one or more valve position sensors, etc. to detect the performance of the conditioning of the refrigerant circuit, which can be configured to indicate a refrigerant leak.

[0063] The refrigerant leak detection system 191 can be configured to detect a refrigerant leak when the (detected) amount of refrigerant detected is above a predetermined minimum concentration (e.g., at or above the lower flammability limit, etc.). Operation of the blower 138 draws refrigerant leaking from the compressor compartment 124 into the blower compartment 126 and then out of the air conditioning unit 100 through the outlet 104.

[0064] When a refrigerant leak is detected, the controller 190 turns on the inducer 150. The inducer 150 fluidly connects the first compartment 124 to the second compartment 126 and draws the air in the first compartment containing the leaked refrigerant into the air flow path 200 for dispersion into the conditioned air 250. Operation of the blower 138 draws the leaked refrigerant from the first compartment 124 into the second compartment 126 and then out of the air conditioning unit 100 through the outlet 104. The controller 190 can also be configured to turn on the blower 138 when a refrigerant leak is detected (e.g., when the blower 138 is not currently operating).

[0065] The air conditioning unit 100 may include a controller 190 that controls the operation of the inducer 150. In one embodiment, the inducer 150 may be a suction fan, etc. In one embodiment, the controller 190 may be a controller of the air conditioning unit 100. In one embodiment, the controller 190 may be a controller of a refrigerant leak detection system 191. In another embodiment, the controller may be a separate controller provided for operating the inducer 150.

[0066] The air conditioning unit 100 may include a controller 190 for controlling the inducer 150, operating one or more sensors 192A, 192B, etc. The controller 190 may be disposed on the housing 110. In one embodiment, the controller 190 may be a controller of the air conditioning unit 100. In one embodiment, the controller 190 may be a controller of the refrigerant leak detection system 191. In another embodiment, the controller may be a separate controller provided for operating the inducer 150.

[0067] The controller 190 may also be configured to maintain operation of the blower 138 and / or the inducer 150 for a predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined period of time may provide ventilation for the compartments 124, 126 according to standard UL 60335-2-40, clause GG.4 (4th edition).

[0068] In one embodiment, the controller 190 may also be configured to maintain operation of the blower 138 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, etc.). In one embodiment, the blower 138 is maintained for the predetermined amount of time after the refrigerant concentration (e.g., as detected by each of the one or more sensors 192A, 192B via one or more sensors 192A, 192B) is at or below a predetermined minimum concentration.

[0069] In one embodiment, the controller 190 may also be configured to maintain operation of the inducer 150 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, etc.). In one embodiment, the inducer 150 is maintained for the predetermined amount of time after the refrigerant concentration (e.g., as detected by each of the one or more sensors 192A, 192B via one or more sensors 192A, 192B) is at or below a predetermined minimum concentration.

[0070] Controller 190 may be configured to turn off inducer 150 when refrigerant is no longer detected, is detected to be below a predetermined concentration, and / or after a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, opening 129 and / or inducer 150 disposed over opening 129 are relatively small such that when the inducer is closed, the flow of air through partition 128 at inducer 150 is negligible. In one embodiment, opening 129 may have a width equal to or less than 10 inches. In one embodiment, opening 129 may have a width equal to or less than 6 inches. In one embodiment, opening 129 may have a width equal to or less than 4 inches.

[0071] In one embodiment, housing 110 may include one or more louvered vents 127 arranged along first compartment 124. When air is drawn from first compartment 124 via inducer 150, the one or more louvered vents 127 may allow air to flow into first compartment 124. In one example, the negative pressure caused by the suction through inducer 150 may cause the one or more louvered vents 127 to open (e.g., move from closed to open).

[0072] The illustrated air conditioning unit 100 is a horizontal unit with its bottom side 122 positioned on a support structure, floor, roof, etc., such that the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are arranged side by side. However, embodiments may include vertical units such that the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are stacked on top of each other, or have other arrangements.

[0073] Figure 4 According to the embodiment Figure 2 Schematic top view of an air conditioning unit in FIG, with the top side omitted.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the inductor 150 can be disposed on the divider 128 and attached to the opening 129 ( Figure 3 ) above. The inductor 150 has an active mode and an inactive mode. In the inactive mode, the inductor 150 blocks / impedes the flow through the inductor 150. In the active mode, the inductor 150 can draw air 220 to flow from the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, so that the air 200 in the first compartment 124 moves to the second compartment 126 for ventilation. The air outside the air conditioning unit 100 can be drawn in through, for example, the panel gaps or the louvered vents 127 ( Figure 31 (shown in FIG) to replenish the air in the first compartment 124. In one embodiment, the inducer 150 can be an inducer fan. The inducer fan can include one or more blades 152 such that when the inducer fan is turned on, the blades 152 rotate to push air through the inducer 150. When the inducer fan is turned on, the blades 152 are stationary, thereby obstructing the air flow 220 through the inducer fan.

[0075] In one embodiment, an air duct 154 extends from the divider 128 toward the source of the refrigerant leak. The air duct 154 can be a channel structure (e.g., a cylindrical or rectangular tube) having a first opening on a first end disposed on the divider 128, above the opening 129 and / or above the intake side of the inducer 150. The second end of the tubular structure of the air duct 154 is disposed at the source of the refrigerant leak. When the inducer 150 is open, the inducer 150 can draw air near the source of the refrigerant leak into the air duct 154, thereby generating an air flow 220 through the divider 128. Air near the source of the refrigerant leak tends to have a higher concentration of leaking refrigerant. By including the air duct 154, the inducer 150 draws from a location near the source of the refrigerant leak and more efficiently removes the leaked refrigerant from the first compartment 124. In one embodiment, the source of the refrigerant leak is the compressor 130.

[0076] Figure 5 is a block flow diagram of a method of ventilating an air conditioning unit according to an embodiment.

[0077] For example, method 1000 may be used to Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the method 1000 may be employed by the controller 190 of the air conditioning unit 100. The method 1000 begins at 1010.

[0078] At 1010, air is directed through a blower compartment (e.g., second compartment 126) of a housing (e.g., housing 110) of the air conditioning unit. Directing air (e.g., intake air 200) at 1010 may include directing the air through a heat exchanger (e.g., first heat exchanger 132) to condition the air. As the intake air flows through the heat exchanger, the air may be conditioned (e.g., heated or cooled) by the refrigerant. In one embodiment, the intake air flows through the heat exchanger into the second compartment. Method 1000 then proceeds to 1020.

[0079] At 1020, a refrigerant leak detection system (e.g., refrigerant leak detection system 191) detects refrigerant within the housing of the air conditioning unit. The refrigerant leak detection at 1020 can be based on one or more of the performance of the air conditioning system (e.g., the detected performance of the conditioning system), the detected refrigerant concentration in the air (e.g., directly or indirectly), etc. The refrigerant leak detection system can include one or more refrigerant leak sensors (e.g., one or more sensors 192A, 192B). The refrigerant leak sensors can be, for example, but not limited to, concentration sensors, performance sensors, etc. For example, in one embodiment, detecting leaked refrigerant at 1020 can include detecting the refrigerant concentration within the housing (e.g., the refrigerant concentration in the air) using one or more concentration sensors at 1022. In one embodiment, the sensing at 1022 can include sensing the refrigerant concentration in a first compartment (e.g., first compartment 124, the compressor compartment) within the housing using a concentration sensor (e.g., first sensor 192A). In one embodiment, the sensing at 1022 may include sensing the refrigerant concentration in a second compartment (eg, second compartment 126 , the blower compartment) within the housing using a concentration sensor (eg, second sensor 192B).

[0080] For example, in one embodiment, detecting leaked refrigerant at 1020 may include detecting the performance of the air conditioning unit using one or more performance sensors. Detecting the performance of the air conditioning unit may include detecting one or more operating conditions of the air conditioning unit using one or more performance sensors. The operating conditions may include, but are not limited to, inlet air temperature, conditioned air discharge temperature, compressor discharge pressure, one or more refrigerant temperatures (e.g., inlet and / or discharge temperatures of the refrigerant at one or more components of the refrigerant circuit 108), valve position (e.g., position of the expander 134), etc.

[0081] Detecting leaked refrigerant at 1020 may also include comparing the determined refrigerant concentration (e.g., detected at 1022) to a predetermined minimum limit at 1024. For example, when the determined refrigerant concentration is at or above the predetermined minimum limit, leaked refrigerant is detected at 1020. For example, when the determined refrigerant concentration is less than the predetermined minimum limit, leaked refrigerant is not detected. Method 1000 may then proceed to 1030.

[0082] At 1030, in response to detecting the leaked refrigerant, an inducer (eg, inducer 150) is activated. Opening the inducer at 1030 is configured to ventilate at least the first compartment within the housing.

[0083] In one embodiment, when leaking refrigerant is detected, the blower (e.g., blower 138) may not be operating. In such an embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to 1010, method 1030 may include, at 1010, activating (e.g., turning on) the blower in response to detecting the leaking refrigerant.

[0084] It should be understood that in other embodiments, method 1000 may be modified to include the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 4 The features of the air conditioning unit 100 are discussed. For example, in one embodiment, the method 1000 may include a first mode (e.g., a heating or cooling mode) including 1010 for operating to heat or cool air and a second mode (e.g., a refrigerant leak ventilation mode) including 1020 and 1030 for ventilating the blower compartment in response to a detected refrigerant leak.

[0085] Figure 6 is a block flow diagram of a method 1200 for ventilating an air conditioning unit. For example, the method 1200 may be used to ventilate an air conditioning unit. Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the method 1200 may be implemented by the controller 190 of the air conditioning unit 100. The method 1200 begins at 1210.

[0086] At 1210, the air conditioning unit is operated normally. For example, at 1210, the operation of the air conditioning unit is not modified / changed based on the detection of a refrigerant leak. Normal operation may include, for example, operating in a conditioning mode (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, etc.), a ventilation mode, an off mode, etc. In the conditioning mode, air is drawn into the air conditioning unit, conditioned within the air conditioning unit, and the conditioned air is exhausted from the air conditioning unit (e.g., as described for a Figures 2 to 4 In the ventilation mode, air is drawn into the air conditioning unit and then exhausted from the air conditioning unit without being conditioned. In the off mode, the air conditioning is turned off (e.g., no conditioning or ventilation is currently required). Method 1200 then proceeds to 1220.

[0087] At 1220, the air conditioning unit detects a refrigerant leak in a housing (e.g., housing 110) of the air conditioner. For example, a refrigerant detection system (e.g., refrigerant leak detection system 191) detects a refrigerant leak. In one embodiment, Figure 6 The refrigerant leak detection 1220 in the embodiment may be similar to that described above. Figure 5 Refrigerant leak detection 1020. When no refrigerant leak is detected at 1220, method 1200 returns to 1210 (eg, the air conditioning unit continues to operate normally). When a refrigerant leak is detected at 1220, method 1200 proceeds to 1230.

[0088] At 1230, when the blower (e.g., blower 138) of the air conditioning unit is not operational (e.g., the blower is turned off / not currently operating), method 1200 proceeds to 1235. At 1235, the blower is activated, and method 1200 then proceeds to 1240. At 1230, when the blower is operational (e.g., already operating to direct air through the housing), method 1200 proceeds from 1230 to 1240.

[0089] At 1240, the compressor of the air conditioning unit (e.g., compressor 130) is deactivated. For example, deactivating compressor 1240 may include preventing operation of compressor 1240 (e.g., stopping current operation and preventing future operation while a refrigerant leak is still detectable). For example, deactivating compressor 1240 may include no longer supplying power to compressor 1240. Method 1200 then proceeds to 1250. At 1250, an inducer of the air conditioning unit (e.g., inducer 150) is activated (e.g., turned on, placed in a startup mode). In one embodiment, Figure 6 The 1250 startup inducer in the can be similar to the one described above in Figure 5 The method 1200 then proceeds to 1260 .

[0090] At 1260, the air conditioning unit detects a refrigerant leak. For example, at 1260, it is determined whether the housing has been vented so that the refrigerant leak is no longer detected. In one embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection at 1260 may be a continuation of the same refrigerant leak detection performed at 1220 (e.g., the refrigerant leak detection continues simultaneously with 1230-1250). If a refrigerant leak is still detected at 1260, method 1200 continues its detection at 1260. If a refrigerant leak is not detected at 1260, method 1200 proceeds to 1270. For example, method 1000 does not proceed from 1260 to 1270 until a refrigerant leak is no longer detected.

[0091] At 1270, after a predetermined period of time since no refrigerant leak was detected, method 1200 proceeds to 1280. In one embodiment, if a refrigerant leak is detected during the period of time at 1270 (after no refrigerant leak was detected), method 1200 may return to 1260.

[0092] At 1280, the inducer is deactivated (e.g., turned off, placed in deactivated mode). Method 1200 then returns to 1210. At 1210, the air conditioning unit is operated normally. For example, the air conditioning unit may return to operating in the same manner as before the refrigerant leak was detected at 1220 (e.g., before 1230). In one embodiment, the air conditioning unit may modify operation (e.g., proceed to modified normal operation) after detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0093] It should be understood that in other embodiments, Figure 6 The method 1200 in the embodiment of the present invention may be modified to have Figures 2 to 4 Air conditioning units in and / or for Figure 5 It should also be understood that in other embodiments, Figure 6 The method 1200 in can be modified to omit or combine Figure 6 One or more of blocks 1220-1280 as shown.

[0094] Various aspects: Note that any of the following aspects 1-10 can be combined with any of aspects 11-18, and any of aspects 11-12 can be combined with any of aspects 13-18.

[0095] Aspect 1. An air conditioning unit, comprising:

[0096] a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet;

[0097] a refrigerant circuit including a compressor disposed in the first compartment;

[0098] an air flow path extending through the second compartment, the air flow path being arranged to direct an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, the blower being arranged in the air flow path;

[0099] a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the housing; and

[0100] An inducer is disposed in the housing, the inducer being configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

[0101] Aspect 2. The air conditioning unit according to aspect 1, wherein:

[0102] The inductor is disposed on the partition wall and above an opening extending through the partition wall.

[0103] Aspect 3. The air conditioning unit according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein:

[0104] The inducer is the inducer fan.

[0105] Aspect 4. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein:

[0106] The inducer is configured to move air across the divider in a startup mode.

[0107] Aspect 5. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein:

[0108] The inducer is configured to obstruct air flow through the inducer in the deactivated mode.

[0109] Aspect 6. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein:

[0110] The inducer is configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path at a location in the air flow path where the air flow path is conditioned.

[0111] Aspect 7. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, further comprising:

[0112] An air duct extends from the inductor toward the compressor for drawing air from around the compressor into the air duct through the inductor.

[0113] Aspect 8. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein:

[0114] The leak detection system is configured to determine a refrigerant concentration within the housing, and the inducer is configured to activate in response to the refrigerant concentration exceeding a predetermined value.

[0115] Aspect 9. The air conditioning unit according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein:

[0116] The first compartment and the second compartment are closed by a housing and a partition.

[0117] Aspect 10. A method of ventilating an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises: a housing having a first compartment, a second compartment separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, an air inlet, and an air outlet; and a refrigerant leakage source disposed in the first compartment, the method comprising:

[0118] directing an air flow from the air inlet through the second compartment to the air outlet;

[0119] obstructing air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment;

[0120] as well as

[0121] When refrigerant leakage is detected, air in the first compartment is moved into the air flow path so as to disperse the leaked refrigerant in the first compartment into the air flow path.

[0122] Aspect 11. The method according to aspect 10, further comprising:

[0123] determining that a refrigerant concentration in the first compartment exceeds a predetermined level; and

[0124] The inducer is activated to move air in the first compartment into the air flow path.

[0125] Aspect 12. The method according to aspect 11, further comprising:

[0126] Upon determining that the refrigerant concentration does not exceed a predetermined level, air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment is obstructed.

[0127] Aspect 13. An HVACR system configured to provide conditioned air to a climate-controlled space, the HVACR system comprising:

[0128] a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor, a first exchanger, a second exchanger, and an expander in fluid connection;

[0129] a housing having a first compartment housing the compressor and a second compartment housing the blower, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet;

[0130] a partition disposed in the housing, the partition separating the first compartment and the second compartment;

[0131] an air flow path extending through the second compartment, the air flow path being arranged to direct an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet;

[0132] a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the housing; and

[0133] An inducer is disposed in the housing, the inducer being configured to move air in the first compartment into the air flow path when a refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

[0134] Aspect 14. The HVACR system of aspect 13, wherein:

[0135] The first heat exchanger is configured to condition the air to provide conditioned air; and

[0136] The first heat exchanger is arranged in the second compartment.

[0137] Aspect 15. The HVACR system according to aspect 13 or 14, wherein:

[0138] The inducer is the inducer fan.

[0139] Aspect 16. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 13 to 15, wherein:

[0140] A second heat exchanger is arranged in the second compartment.

[0141] Aspect 17. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 13 to 16, wherein:

[0142] The leak detection system is configured to determine a refrigerant concentration within the shell and activate the inducer when the concentration exceeds a predetermined value.

[0143] Aspect 18. The HVACR system according to any one of aspects 13 to 17, wherein:

[0144] The inductor is disposed on the partition wall and above an opening extending through the partition wall.

[0145] The terms used herein are intended to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms. The terms "include" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components. In one embodiment, "connected" as described herein may refer to "directly connected."

[0146] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes may be made in detail, particularly in the materials of construction employed and the shapes, sizes, and arrangements of parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This specification and the described embodiments are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that: include: a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment being separated from the first compartment by a partition disposed in the housing, the housing including an air inlet and an air outlet; a refrigerant circuit including a compressor disposed in said first compartment; an air flow path extending through the second compartment, the air flow path being arranged to direct an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a blower being arranged in the air flow path; a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect refrigerant leaks within the shell; as well as An inducer is disposed in the housing, the inducer being configured to move air from the first compartment into the air flow path when the refrigerant leak is detected by the refrigerant leak detection system.

2. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inductor is disposed on the partition wall and over an opening extending through the partition wall.

3. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inducer is an inducer fan.

4. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein: The inducer is configured to move air across the divider in an activation mode.

5. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inducer is configured to obstruct air flow through the inducer in the deactivated mode.

6. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inducer is configured to move the air from the first compartment into the air flow path at a location in the air flow path where the air flow path is conditioned.

7. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An air duct extends from the inductor toward the compressor and is used to draw air from around the compressor into the air duct through the inductor.

8. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leak detection system is configured to determine a refrigerant concentration within the housing, and the inducer is configured to activate in response to the refrigerant concentration exceeding a predetermined value.

9. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first compartment and the second compartment are enclosed by the housing and the partition.

10. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system, characterized in that: The HVACR system is configured to provide conditioned air to a climate-controlled space, the HVACR system comprising: The air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and an expander that are fluidly connected.

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