Ventilation air valve and air conditioning unit thereof

Abstract

An air conditioning unit includes: a housing; a separator disposed in the housing; a refrigerant line; a blower; an air valve; and the refrigerant leakage detection system is configured to detect refrigerant leakage in the air conditioning unit. The housing includes a first compartment and a second compartment, and the partition separates the first compartment and the second compartment. A refrigerant line is disposed in the first compartment. The air valve extends through the partition or through the housing to the second compartment. The air valve is configured to open in response to the refrigerant leak detection system detecting a refrigerant leak. A method of ventilating an air conditioning unit includes: detecting, via a refrigerant leak detection system, a refrigerant leak within the air conditioning unit; and opening the air valve in response to detecting the refrigerant leak.

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 that include multiple compartments. BACKGROUND

[0002] HVACR systems are commonly used to heat, cool, and / or ventilate enclosed spaces, such as interior spaces of commercial or residential buildings, interior spaces of refrigerated transport units, etc. In some configurations, an air conditioning unit can be configured to include multiple compartments that include different mechanical components of the air conditioning unit (e.g., a compressor, a blower, an evaporator, a condenser, etc.). For example, the compartments can be used to separate different mechanical components from one another and / or provide separate interior spaces for directing and conditioning air (e.g., cooling air, heating air, etc.). SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, an air conditioning unit includes a housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a partition disposed in the housing, a refrigerant circuit, a blower, an air valve, and a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the air conditioning unit. The partition separates the first compartment and the second compartment. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor disposed in the first compartment. The blower is configured to direct air through the second compartment. The air valve extends through the partition or through the housing to the second compartment. A controller is configured to open the air valve in response to the refrigerant leak detection system detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0004] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger disposed in the second compartment. The first heat exchanger is configured to condition air flowing through the first compartment.

[0005] In one embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a concentration of the refrigerant and detect the refrigerant leak when the concentration of the refrigerant is at or above a predetermined minimum.

[0006] In one embodiment, the air valve extends through the partition.

[0007] In one embodiment, the air valve extends through the housing to the second compartment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to open the air valve and activate the blower in response to detecting the leaking refrigerant.

[0009] In one embodiment, the opening of the air valve causes the blower to draw air from the first compartment into the second compartment.

[0010] In one embodiment, suction from the blower mixes air from the first compartment with incoming air flowing through the second compartment across the first heat exchanger.The blower is configured to discharge the mixture through an outlet in the housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the air conditioning unit in at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the air valve is closed and blocks air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment. In the second mode, the air valve is opened and the blower is operated to expel any leaked refrigerant present in the first compartment out of the housing through the second compartment.

[0012] In one embodiment, in the first mode, the first heat exchanger conditions incoming air directed through the second compartment by the blower.

[0013] In one embodiment, the air valve is one of a butterfly valve, a gate valve, and an umbrella valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, a method involves ventilating an air conditioning unit. The method includes directing air through a blower compartment of a housing of the air conditioning unit using a blower, the air including air flowing into the blower compartment through a first heat exchanger. The housing includes a compressor compartment housing a compressor and a blower compartment housing the blower and the first heat exchanger. A partition is disposed in the housing and separates the compressor compartment from the blower compartment. The method also includes detecting a refrigerant leak within the air conditioning unit via a refrigerant leak detection system, and in response to detecting the refrigerant leak, opening an air valve that extends through the partition or through the housing to the compressor compartment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes drawing any existing leaked refrigerant in the compressor into the blower compartment using a blower, and exhausting the mixture of air after passing through the first heat exchanger and the leaked refrigerant drawn into the second compartment out of the air conditioning unit using the blower.

[0016] In one embodiment, detecting a refrigerant leak via the refrigerant leak detection system includes sensing a refrigerant concentration within a housing of the air conditioning unit using one or more concentration sensors, and detecting leaked refrigerant when the sensed refrigerant concentration is at or above a predetermined minimum limit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the air valve is arranged in an opening in the divider.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air valve is arranged in the partition.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes operating the air conditioning pack in a first mode in which the air valve is closed and the first heat exchanger conditions air passing through the first heat exchanger, and operating the air conditioning pack in a second mode in which the air valve is open, and the second mode includes starting the blower to expel any leaked refrigerant present in the first compartment through the second compartment out of the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, directing air through the second compartment with the blower is in response to detecting the leaked refrigerant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant line of an HVACR system.

[0022] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an air conditioning pack.

[0023] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of an air conditioning pack in Figure 2 according to an embodiment, with the top side omitted and the left and front sides partially omitted.

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view of an air valve arranged in a partition of an air conditioning pack in Figure 3 according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of ventilating an air conditioning pack.

[0026] Figure 6 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of ventilating an air conditioning pack.

[0027] Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant line 5 in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system 1. In one embodiment, the HVACR system 1 can be an industrial or residential HVACR system 1 configured to condition an interior of a building, such as an office space, a residential home, etc.

[0029] Refrigerant circuit 5 includes compressor 10, condenser 20, expansion device 30, and evaporator 40. In one embodiment, refrigerant circuit 5 can be modified to include additional components. For example, in one embodiment, 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 refrigerant circuit 5 are fluidly connected. For clarity, dotted lines and dashed lines are provided in the figures to indicate fluid flow through some of the components (e.g., compressor 10, condenser 20, evaporator 40), and it is understood that no particular route is designated within the individual components.

[0030] Refrigerant circuit 5 can be configured as a cooling system (e.g., a fluid cooler of an HVACR, an air conditioning system, etc.) that can operate in a cooling mode, and / or refrigerant circuit 5 can be configured to operate as a heat pump system that can operate in a cooling mode and a heating mode.

[0031] Refrigerant circuit 5 applies known principles of gas compression and heat transfer. Refrigerant circuit can be configured as a heating or cooling 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, etc. 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 that operates to provide heating and / or cooling.

[0032] During operation of refrigerant circuit 5, a working fluid (e.g., containing a refrigerant, a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows from evaporator 40 to compressor 10 in a gaseous state at a relatively low pressure. 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 compressor 10 to condenser 20. In addition to the working fluid flowing through condenser 20, a first process fluid PF1 (e.g., outside air, outside water, cooling water, heater water, etc.) also separately flows through condenser 20. As the first process fluid PF1 flows through condenser 20, the first process fluid 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 expansion device 30. Expansion device 30 allows the working fluid to expand, which converts the working fluid into a mixed vapor and liquid state. An "expansion device" as described herein can also be referred to as an expander. In one embodiment, the expander can be an expansion valve, an expansion plate, an expansion vessel, an orifice, etc., or other such type of expansion mechanism. It should be understood that the expander can be any type of expander used in the art to expand the working fluid to reduce the pressure and temperature of the gaseous working fluid. The relatively low temperature vapor / liquid working fluid then flows into evaporator 40. A second process fluid PF2 (e.g., air, chiller liquid, water, etc.) also flows through evaporator 40. The working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF2 as it flows through evaporator 40, which cools the second process fluid PF2 as it flows through evaporator 40. As the working fluid absorbs heat, the working fluid evaporates into a vapor. The working fluid then returns from evaporator 40 to compressor 10. The above process continues when refrigerant circuit 5 is operating, for example, in a cooling mode.

[0033] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an air conditioning unit 100 according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, air conditioning unit 100 is used in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system 101. Air conditioning unit 100 includes a housing 110 having a plurality of sides 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122 (sides 116, 120, 122 are obscured in Figure 2 may also be referred to as a top side 112, a left side 114, a right side 116, a front side 118, a back side 120, and a bottom side 122. Components of air conditioning unit 100 are arranged within housing 110. In one embodiment, housing 110 is an outer housing of air conditioning unit 100.

[0034] The air conditioning unit 100 includes an inlet 102 and an outlet 104 formed in the 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 discharged (as conditioned air) from the outlet 104. It should be appreciated that the inlet 102 and the outlet 104 can be formed in different sides 112, 116, 118, 120, 122 of the housing 110 than shown. Figure 3

[0035] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the air conditioning unit 100 according to an embodiment, with the top side 112 omitted and the left side 114 and the front side 118 partially omitted. The air conditioning unit 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 108 that operates to provide conditioning to air flowing through the air conditioning unit 100 (e.g., refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 108 is used to heat and / or cool air). For example, the refrigerant circuit 108 can be the refrigerant circuit 5 in Figure 1 . For example, the air conditioning unit 100 can be included in an HVACR system (e.g., as part of the (HVACR) system 1 in Figure 1 . In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 108 can be modified as discussed above with respect to the refrigerant circuit 5 in Figure 1

[0036] As shown in Figure 3 , the air conditioning unit 100 includes a compressor 130, a first heat exchanger 132, an expander 134, and a second heat exchanger 136 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., is a component of the refrigerant circuit 108). The first heat exchanger 132 is an air heat exchanger that conditions air flowing through the air conditioning unit 100 (e.g., refrigerant cools / heats air flowing through the first heat exchanger 132).

[0037] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit can be reversible (e.g., have one or more reversing valves that switch between cooling mode operation and heating mode operation). In the cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 132 can operate as an evaporator that cools air flowing through the first heat exchanger 132 (e.g., refrigerant cools air); and the second heat exchanger 136 can operate as a condenser that cools and condenses (e.g., partially condenses, fully condenses) refrigerant (e.g., in the refrigerant circuit 108). Figure 3 ​​cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 132 can operate as an evaporator that cools air flowing through the first heat exchanger 132; and the second heat exchanger 136 can operate as an evaporator that cools air flowing through the second heat exchanger 136. In the heating mode, the first heat exchanger 132 can operate as a condenser that heats air flowing through the first heat exchanger 132; and the second heat exchanger 136 can operate as an evaporator that heats refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 136. Figure 3

[0038] For illustrative purposes, Figure 3 Refrigerant lines (e.g., tubes, pipes, etc.) between different components in the refrigerant line 108 (e.g., between the compressor 130 and the heat exchangers 132, 136, between the first heat exchanger 132 and the expander 134) are simplified as dashed arrows. For example, the direction on the dashed arrows is the flow direction when the refrigerant line 108 is operating in the cooling mode. Figure 3 Processes fluid inlet and outlet lines for the second heat exchanger 136 (e.g., to and from the second heat exchanger 136) are also omitted in FIG. 1. Figure 3

[0039] The housing 110 includes a plurality of compartments 124, 126. For example, each compartment 124, 126 is a different enclosed volume 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). As shown, the housing includes a first compartment 124 and a second compartment 126. Figure 3

[0040] The air handling 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 within the housing 110 by the partition 128. As 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 disposed on opposite surfaces of the partition 128. It should be appreciated that the housing 100 can include one or more additional compartments or volumes disposed therein. It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the compartments 124, 126 can be further divided into smaller volumes. Figure 3

[0041] The partition 128 is configured to limit and control the flow of air from the first compartment 124 to the second compartment 126. For example, air in the first compartment 124 can be heated by operation of the compressor 130. By limiting the flow of air to the second compartment, convective heat exchange between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 can be reduced or eliminated. In one embodiment, the partition 128 can be configured to extend to and / or be coupled with the sides 112, 118, 120, and 122 of the housing 110.

[0042] ​​​​The first compartment 124 may be a compartment in the housing 110 that houses the compressor 130, the expander 132, 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. Figure 3 As shown, the second heat exchanger 136 may also be arranged 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 ).

[0043] 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 may also be arranged in the second compartment 126. Figure 3 As shown, the second compartment 126 can be provided / defined by the divider 128 and multiple sides of the housing 110 (e.g., 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 an air flow path for receiving and conditioning incoming air and providing conditioned air by the first heat exchanger 132. The conditioned air can be delivered to the climate-controlled space.

[0044] The refrigerant circuit 108 is arranged in the first compartment 124. For example, the refrigerant circuit 108 includes one or more components arranged in the first compartment 124 (e.g., the compressor 130 arranged in the first compartment 124, the second heat exchanger arranged in the first compartment 124). The refrigerant circuit 108 may also be arranged in the second compartment 126. For example, the refrigerant circuit 108 includes one or more components arranged in the second compartment 126 (e.g., the second heat exchanger 136 arranged in the second compartment 126, the expansion valve 134 arranged in the second compartment 126).

[0045] The air is drawn into the housing 110 by the air inlet 102 and is expelled from the housing by the air outlet 104. The air inlet 102 and the air outlet 104 are openings formed in the housing 110. The air stream passes through the first heat exchanger 132 as it flows into the housing 110 via the air inlet 102. In cooling mode, as the refrigerant and the air each flow through the first heat exchanger / evaporator 132, the refrigerant and the air exchange heat (without physically mixing) within the first heat exchanger / evaporator 132, which heats (e.g., evaporates) the refrigerant and cools the air. The conditioned (e.g., cooled) air then flows into the air blower 138 and is expelled through the air outlet 104 of the air conditioning unit 100. The air inlet 102 and the air outlet 104 are also the inlet and outlet of the first compartment 124. For example, as the air flows into and through the first compartment 124, the air is conditioned (e.g., cooled in cooling mode, heated in heating mode).

[0046] In Figure 4 the second heat exchanger 136 is a coaxial coil heat exchanger configured to use water to condition the refrigerant (e.g., cool / heat the refrigerant). It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the second heat exchanger 136 can be a different type of heat exchanger. In Figure 4 the second heat exchanger 136 is disposed in the second compartment 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the second heat exchanger 136 is configured to heat water with (relatively hot) refrigerant expelled from the compressor 130, which cools and condenses the refrigerant. In one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 136 can be disposed outside of the air conditioning unit 100. For example, the second heat exchanger 136 can be in the form of a remote 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-cooled condenser, etc.).

[0047] Generally, the partition 128 is configured to limit (e.g., restrict) air flow between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 (e.g., air flow from the first compartment 124 to the second compartment 126). For example, air within the compressor / first compartment 124 can be heated by operation of the compressor 130, and flow of the heated air into the air blower compartment 126 can increase the temperature of the air in the air blower compartment 126. This can result in reduced performance and reduced efficiency of the air conditioning unit 100. The partition 128 is configured to help limit air flow between the two compartments 124, 126 to reduce or prevent such reduced performance. In one embodiment, the partition 128 can be configured to extend to and / or be coupled with the sides 112, 118, 120, and 124 of the housing 110.

[0048] The air conditioning unit 100 includes an air valve 150 that extends through the partition 128. The air valve 150 is disposed in an opening 129 in the partition 128. The air valve 150 has an open position and a closed position. The air valve 150 can include a valve housing 152 (shown in Figure 4 Figure 3 In the closed position, the valve body 154 blocks / obstructs flow through the valve housing 152. For example, the open air valve 150 provides a passageway through the partition 128. In the open position, the valve body 154 allows air to flow through the valve housing 152 (e.g., creates an open passageway through the valve housing 152).

[0049] The air valve 150 also includes a motor 156 (shown in Figure 3

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the air valve 150 is a butterfly valve. For example, in a butterfly valve, the valve body 154 rotates relative to the valve housing 152 to move between open and closed. In one embodiment, the valve housing 152 can be part of the partition 128.

[0051] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the air valve 150 can be a different type of valve. For example, in other embodiments, the air valve 150 can be a gate valve, an umbrella valve, etc.

[0052] In one embodiment, the air valve 150 can be a gate valve, where the valve body 154 is a spring-driven gate (e.g., door, etc.) and the motor 156 extends through the gate (e.g., the motor 156 is an actuator with an end that extends through the gate). The end of the motor 156 is retracted, thereby allowing the spring-driven gate to open. In such an embodiment, a user (e.g., a technician, etc.) can reset the gate after the gate has been opened.

[0053] In another embodiment, the air valve 150 can be an umbrella valve. The valve body 154 can be a flexible umbrella valve body and the actuator 156 can be a linear actuator. For example, in such an embodiment, the linear actuator flexes the flexible umbrella valve body to move the flexible umbrella valve body between an open position and a closed position that blocks or opens a passageway through the partition 128.

[0054] ​​In order to limit and control the air flow between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126, the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 are enclosed so that the panels (e.g., the housing 110, the sides, the divider 128) cooperate with each other 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 divider 128 is configured to be substantially airtight (e.g., there is little or no air flow between the compartments 124, 126) when the air valve 150 is closed. The air movement between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126 is controlled (e.g., by opening or closing the air valve 150).

[0055] 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.

[0056] like Figure 4 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 indicate a refrigerant leak.

[0059] The refrigerant leak detection system 191 can be configured to detect a refrigerant leak when the amount of refrigerant detected is above a predetermined minimum concentration (e.g., at or above the lower flammability limit, etc.). When a refrigerant leak is detected, the air valve 150 opens. The open air valve 150 fluidly connects the compressor compartment 124 to the blower compartment 126. Operation of the blower 138 draws the leaked refrigerant from the compressor compartment 124 into the blower compartment 126, and then exhausts the air conditioning unit 100 through the outlet 104.

[0060] The air conditioning unit 100 may include a controller 190 that controls the operation of the air valve 150. 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 air valve 150.

[0061] In one embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 can be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the air valve 150 is closed and blocks air flow between the first compartment 124 and the second compartment 126. For example, the air conditioning unit 100 is configured to operate normally in the first mode. In the first mode, the air conditioning unit 100 can also be configured to operate in a cooling mode, a heating mode, a ventilation mode, etc. In the second mode, the air valve 150 is opened and the blower 138 is operated to expel any leaked refrigerant in the first compartment 124 through the second compartment 126 out of the housing 110.

[0062] When a refrigerant leak is detected, the controller can be configured to activate the blower 138 (e.g., when the blower 138 is not currently operating). The controller 190 can 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.). For example, according to standard UL 60335-2-40, clause GG.4 (4th edition), the predetermined period of time can provide ventilation for the compartments 124, 126. In one embodiment, the blower 138 is maintained for a predetermined amount of time after the refrigerant concentration (e.g., as detected by each of the one or more sensors 192A, 192B) is at or below a predetermined minimum concentration. The controller 190 can be configured to close the air valve 150 after refrigerant is no longer detected or after a predetermined period of time.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, when the air valve 150 is open, air can flow into the compressor compartment 124 through the openings between the panels forming the housing 110. Air can also flow through openings that may be conventionally provided in the panels of the air conditioning unit. In one embodiment, the housing 110 may be provided with one or more openings to allow air to more easily flow from the external environment into the compressor compartment 124.

[0064] In one embodiment, housing 110 may include one or more louvered vents 127 arranged along compressor compartment 124. When air is drawn from compressor compartment 124 via air valve 150, the one or more louvered vents 127 may allow air to flow into compressor compartment 124. In one example, the negative pressure caused by the suction through air valve 150 may cause the one or more louvered vents 127 to open (e.g., move from closed to open).

[0065] In another embodiment, an air valve 150 can be provided in a side 112, 114, 118, 120 of the housing 110 defining the compressor compartment 124. An opening 129 is provided in the partition 128 as previously described, except without the air valve 150. For example, the compressor compartment 124 can be sufficiently airtight to limit or prevent flow through the opening 129 in the partition 128 (e.g., sufficiently airtight from the outside environment, sufficiently airtight along the compressor compartment 124 in the housing 110). For example, when the air valve 150 in the housing 110 is closed, the suction from the compressor compartment 124 causes a pressure drop that results in little or no air flowing from the compressor compartment 124 into the blower compartment 126. When the air valve 150 in the housing 110 is open, air is allowed to freely flow into the compressor compartment 124, which causes air to flow from the compressor compartment 124 to the blower compartment 126 through the opening 129 in the partition 128. In such an embodiment, the partition 128 can include louvers for the opening 129 (e.g., louvers 127 in the partition) to further limit flow through the opening 129 when the air valve 150 in the housing 110 is closed. For example, in other embodiments, Figure 4 The example location of the louvers 127 in the housing 110 and the example location of the air valve 150 in the partition 128 can be switched.

[0066] Figure 5 is a side view of an air valve 150 in a partition 128 according to an embodiment. The air valve 150 is provided in an opening 129 in the partition 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the air valve 150 includes an electric motor 156. The electric motor 156 is configured to rotate a valve body 154 relative to the partition 128. Figure 2 to Figure 4 The valve body 154 is shown in a position tilted toward the observer. The air valve 150 can be moved to a closed position by moving to a position where the valve body 154 plugs the opening through the valve housing 152. In one embodiment, the valve housing 152 can be the opening 129 in the partition 128. In another embodiment, the valve housing 152 can be a louver disposed in the opening 129 in the partition.

[0067] The air valve 150 and its operation can allow for utilizing the blower 138 to ventilate leaked refrigerant from the compressor compartment 124. This can allow for ventilating the compressor compartment 124 without using a second / secondary blower, while generally maintaining separation between the compressor compartment 124 and the blower compartment. This can advantageously allow for ventilating the compressor compartment 124 while maintaining efficiency of the air conditioning unit.

[0068] Figure 1 to Figure 4 is a block flow diagram of a method of ventilating an air conditioning unit. For example, the method 1000 can be used to ventilate an air conditioning unit Figure 6ventilating an air handling unit 100. In one embodiment, the method 1000 can be employed by a controller 190 of the air handling unit 100. The method 1000 begins at 1010.

[0069] At 1010, air is directed through a first compartment (e.g., the first compartment 124, the compressor compartment) of a housing (e.g., the housing 110) of the air handling unit. Directing air at 1010 can include directing air flow over an air heat exchanger (e.g., the first heat exchanger 132, the evaporator in cooling mode). The air is conditioned by the refrigerant (e.g., cooled by the evaporator in cooling mode, heated by the condenser in heating mode) as it flows over the air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the air is flowed into the first compartment by flowing through the air handling unit. Directing air at 1010 can also include directing air into the housing through an air inlet (e.g., the inlet 102) and exhausting the conditioned air from the housing through an air outlet (e.g., the outlet 104). For example, a blower (e.g., the blower 138) of the air handling system can be operated to direct air into and out of the housing 110. The method 1000 then proceeds to 1020.

[0070] At 1020, a refrigerant leak detection system (e.g., the refrigerant leak detection system 191) detects refrigerant within the housing of the air handling unit. The refrigerant leak detection of 1020 can be based on one or more of a performance of the air handling system (e.g., a detected performance of conditioning provided by the air handling system), a concentration of refrigerant in the air being detected (e.g., directly or indirectly), and the like. 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 are not limited to, a concentration sensor, a performance sensor, and the like.

[0071] For example, in one embodiment, detecting a refrigerant leak at 1020 can include detecting a concentration of refrigerant (e.g., a concentration of refrigerant in the air) within the housing at 1022 with one or more concentration sensors. In one embodiment, the sensing of 1022 can include sensing a concentration of refrigerant in a first compartment (e.g., the first compartment 124, the compressor compartment) within the housing with a concentration sensor (e.g., the first sensor 192A). In one embodiment, the sensing of 1022 can include sensing a concentration of refrigerant in a second compartment (e.g., the second compartment 126, the blower compartment) within the housing with a concentration sensor (e.g., the second sensor 192B).

[0072] For example, in one embodiment, detecting leaked refrigerant at 1020 can include detecting a performance of the air conditioning unit with one or more performance sensors. Detecting the performance of the air conditioning unit can include detecting one or more operating conditions of the air conditioning unit with one or more performance sensors. The operating conditions can include, but are not limited to, an entering air temperature, a conditioned air discharge temperature, a compressor discharge pressure, one or more refrigerant temperatures (e.g., an entering and / or discharge temperature of refrigerant at one or more components of the refrigerant circuit 108), a valve position (e.g., a position of the expander 134), etc.

[0073] Detecting leaked refrigerant at 1020 can also include comparing the detected refrigerant concentration (e.g., detected at 1022) to a predetermined minimum at 1024. For example, leaked refrigerant is detected at 1020 when the detected refrigerant concentration is at or above the predetermined minimum. For example, no leaked refrigerant is detected when the detected refrigerant concentration is less than the predetermined minimum. The method 1000 can then proceed to 1030.

[0074] At 1030, an air valve (e.g., the air valve 150) is opened in response to detecting leaked refrigerant. The opening of the air valve at 1030 is configured to ventilate at least the compressor compartment within the housing.

[0075] In one embodiment, the blower can not be operated when leaked refrigerant is detected. In such an embodiment, the method 1030 can include operation of the blower at 1010 as a response to detecting leaked refrigerant, in addition to or as an alternative to 1010.

[0076] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the method 1000 can be modified to include features as discussed above with respect to the air conditioning unit 100 of Figure 2 to Figure 4 For example, in one embodiment, the method 1000 can include a first mode (e.g., a normal operating mode) including 1010 for operating to 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.

[0077] Figure 2 to Figure 4 is a block flow diagram of a method 1200 of ventilating an air conditioning unit. For example, the method 1200 can be used to ventilate the air conditioning unit 100 in Figure 6 In one embodiment, the method 1200 can be employed by the controller 190 of the air conditioning unit 100. The method 1200 begins at 1210.

[0078] At 1210, the air conditioning unit is operated normally. For example, based on detecting the refrigerant leak, the operation of the air conditioning unit is not modified / changed at 1210. Normal operation can include, for example, operating in a conditioning mode (e.g., a heating mode, a 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 discharged from the air conditioning unit (e.g., as discussed above for the air conditioning unit 100 in FIG. 1). In the ventilation mode, air is drawn into the air conditioning unit and then discharged from the air conditioning unit without being conditioned. In the off mode, the air conditioning is turned off (e.g., conditioning or ventilation is not currently needed). The method 1200 then proceeds to 1220. Figure 5

[0079] At 1220, the air conditioning unit detects a refrigerant leak within a housing (e.g., the housing 110) of the air conditioning unit. For example, a refrigerant detection system (e.g., the refrigerant leak detection system 191) detects the refrigerant leak. In one embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection 1220 can be similar to the refrigerant leak detection 1020 as discussed above in FIG. 1. Figure 6 Figure 5 When no refrigerant leak is detected at 1220, the method 1200 returns to 1210 (e.g., the air conditioning unit continues normal operation). When a refrigerant leak is detected at 1220, the method 1200 proceeds to 1230.

[0080] At 1230, when a blower (e.g., the blower 138) of the air conditioning unit is not operating (e.g., the blower is turned off / currently not operating), the method 1200 proceeds to 1235. At 1235, the blower is started, and the method 1200 then proceeds to 1240. When the blower is operating (e.g., already operating to direct air through the housing) at 1230, the method 1200 proceeds from 1230 to 1240.

[0081] At 1240, a compressor (e.g., the compressor 130) of the air conditioning unit is deactivated. For example, deactivating the compressor 1240 can include preventing operation of the compressor 1240 (e.g., stopping current operation, preventing future operation when the refrigerant leak is still detectable). For example, deactivating the compressor 1240 can include no longer providing power to the compressor 1240. The method 1200 then proceeds to 1250.

[0082] At 1250, an air valve (e.g., the air valve 150) of the air conditioning unit is opened. In one embodiment, the opening of the air valve 1250 can be similar to the opening of the air valve 1030 as discussed above in FIG. 1. Figure 6 Figure 2 to Figure 4 The method 1200 then proceeds to 1260.

[0083] ​​​At 1260, the air conditioning unit detects a refrigerant leak. For example, at 1260, it is determined whether the housing has been vented such that no refrigerant leak is detected. In one embodiment, the detection of a refrigerant leak at 1260 can be a continuation of the same refrigerant leak detection performed at 1220 (e.g., refrigerant leak detection continues when 1230-1250 occurs). When a refrigerant leak is still detected at 1260, the method 1200 continues its detection at 1260. When no refrigerant leak is detected at 1260, the method 1200 proceeds to 1270. For example, the method 1000 does not proceed from 1260 to 1270 until no refrigerant leak is detected.

[0084] At 1270, after a predetermined period of time since no refrigerant leak was detected, the method 1200 proceeds to 1280. In one embodiment, if a refrigerant leak is detected during the period of time (after no refrigerant leak was detected) at 1270, the method 1200 can return to 1260.

[0085] At 1280, the air valve is closed. The method 1200 then returns to 1210. At 1210, the air conditioning unit is operated normally. For example, the air conditioning unit can 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 can modify operation after the refrigerant leak is detected (e.g., proceed to modified normal operation).

[0086] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the method 1200 in Figure 5 may be modified to have features as discussed herein with respect to the air conditioning unit in Figure 6 and / or with respect to the method 1000 in Figure 6 It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the method 1200 in Various aspects: may be modified to omit or combine one or more of 1220-1280 as shown in ​ .

[0087] ​

[0088] Any of aspects 1-11 can be combined with any of aspects 12-18.

[0089] Aspect 1. An air conditioning unit, comprising:

[0090] a housing comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, a partition disposed in the housing separating the first compartment and the second compartment;

[0091] a refrigerant circuit comprising a compressor disposed in the first compartment;

[0092] a blower configured to direct air through the second compartment;

[0093] an air valve extending through the partition or through the housing to the second compartment; and

[0094] a refrigerant leak detection system configured to detect a refrigerant leak within the air conditioning unit, the controller configured to open the air valve in response to the refrigerant leak detection system detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0095] Aspect 2. The air conditioning unit of Aspect 1, wherein the refrigerant line includes a first heat exchanger disposed in the second compartment, the first heat exchanger configured to condition air flowing through the first compartment.

[0096] Aspect 3. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1 and 2, wherein the refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a concentration of refrigerant and detect a refrigerant leak when the concentration of refrigerant is at or above a predetermined minimum.

[0097] Aspect 4. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the air valve extends through the partition.

[0098] Aspect 5. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein the air valve extends through the housing to the second compartment.

[0099] Aspect 6. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1-5, wherein the controller is configured to open the air valve and activate the blower in response to detecting a leaking refrigerant.

[0100] Aspect 7. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1-6, wherein the opening of the air valve causes the blower to draw air from the first compartment into the second compartment.

[0101] Aspect 8. The air conditioning unit of Aspect 7, wherein the drawing of the blower mixes air from the first compartment with incoming air flowing through the second compartment through the first heat exchanger, and the blower is configured to expel the mixture through an outlet in the housing.

[0102] Aspect 9. The air conditioning unit of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein the controller is configured to operate the air conditioning unit in at least the following modes:

[0103] a first mode in which the air valve is closed and impedes the flow of air between the first compartment and the second compartment; and

[0104] a second mode in which the air valve is open, and the blower is operating to expel any leaking refrigerant present in the first compartment through the second compartment and out of the housing.

[0105] Aspect 10. The air handling unit of aspect 9, wherein, in the first mode, the first heat exchanger conditions intake air directed through the second compartment by the blower.

[0106] Aspect 11. The air handling unit of any of aspects 1-10, wherein the air valve is one of a butterfly valve, a gate valve, and a globe valve.

[0107] Aspect 12. A method of ventilating an air handling unit, comprising:

[0108] directing air through a blower compartment of a housing of the air handling unit with a blower, the air including air that flowed through a first heat exchanger into the blower compartment, wherein the housing includes a compressor compartment that houses a compressor and the blower compartment that houses the blower and the first heat exchanger, a partition disposed in the housing separating the compressor compartment and the blower compartment;

[0109] detecting a refrigerant leak within the air handling unit via a refrigerant leak detection system; and

[0110] in response to detecting the refrigerant leak, opening an air valve that extends through the partition or through the housing to the compressor compartment.

[0111] Aspect 13. The method of aspect 12, further comprising:

[0112] sucking any present leaked refrigerant in the compressor into the blower compartment with the blower;

[0113] discharging a mixture of the air after flowing through the first heat exchanger and the leaked refrigerant sucked into the second compartment out of the air handling unit with the blower.

[0114] Aspect 14. The method of any of aspects 12 and 13, wherein detecting the refrigerant leak via the refrigerant leak detection system comprises:

[0115] sensing a concentration of refrigerant within the housing of the air handling unit with one or more concentration sensors; and

[0116] detecting the leaked refrigerant when the sensed concentration of refrigerant is at or above a predetermined minimum.

[0117] Aspect 15. The method of any of aspects 12-14, wherein the air valve is disposed in an opening in the partition.

[0118] Aspect 16. The method of any of aspects 12-14, wherein the air valve is disposed in the partition.

[0119] Aspect 17. The method of any of aspects 12-16, further comprising:

[0120] operating the air conditioning unit in a first mode in which the air valve is closed and the first heat exchanger regulates air passing through the first heat exchanger;

[0121] operating the air conditioning unit in a second mode in which the air valve is open, and the second mode includes starting the blower to expel any leaked refrigerant present in the first compartment through the second compartment out of the housing.

[0122] Aspect 18. The method of any one of aspects 12 to 17, wherein directing air through the second compartment with the blower is in response to detecting leaked refrigerant.

[0123] The terminology used herein is intended to describe particular embodiments and is in no way limiting. Unless otherwise clearly provided, the terms "one," "an," and "the" include plural forms. In terms of the terms "comprise" and / or "include," as used in this specification, they mean presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components. In one embodiment, "connected" as described herein can mean "directly connected."

[0124] With respect to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that the means for carrying out the methods of the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways, including with hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that: include: a housing comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein a partition is disposed in the housing, the partition separating the first compartment and the second compartment; a refrigerant circuit including a compressor disposed in said first compartment; a blower configured to direct air flow through the second compartment; an air valve extending through the divider or through the housing to the second compartment; as well as A refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a refrigerant leak in the air conditioning unit, and a controller is configured to open the air valve in response to the refrigerant leak detection system detecting the refrigerant leak.

2. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger disposed in the second compartment, the first heat exchanger being configured to condition the air flowing through the first compartment.

3. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant leak detection system is configured to detect a concentration of refrigerant and detect the refrigerant leak when the concentration of the refrigerant is at or above a predetermined minimum limit.

4. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein: The air valve extends through the partition, or The air valve extends through the housing to the second compartment.

5. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is configured to open the air valve and activate the blower in response to detecting the leaked refrigerant.

6. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening of the air valve causes the blower to draw air from the first compartment into the second compartment.

7. The air conditioning unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The suction of the blower mixes the air from the first compartment with incoming air flowing through the second compartment across a first heat exchanger, and the blower is configured to exhaust the mixture through an outlet in the housing.

8. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is configured to operate the air conditioning unit in at least the following modes: a first mode, wherein the air valve is closed and blocks air flow between the first compartment and the second compartment; and A second mode wherein the air valve is open and the blower operates to expel any leaked refrigerant present in the first compartment out of the housing through the second compartment.

9. The air conditioning unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the first mode, a first heat exchanger conditions incoming air directed through the second compartment by the blower.

10. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, wherein: The air valve is one of a butterfly valve, a gate valve, and an umbrella valve.

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