An air conditioner and the control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner (1) comprising an outdoor unit (3); an outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) which is disposed in the outdoor unit (3); an indoor unit (2); an indoor unit heat exchanger (4) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); a tank (6) which is disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger (4) and wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) accumulates; at least one sensor (7) which detects the level of the condensate in the tank (6); a first outlet (15) which is provided at the bottom of the tank (6) and a first valve (8) which is connected to the first outlet (15); a pump (11) which enables the condensate passing through the first valve (8) to be delivered to the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); a guiding member (13) which is disposed on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) and which ensures that the condensate transferred by means of the pump (11) is distributed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); and a delivery pipe (12) which connects the guiding member (13) and the pump (11) to each other and which enables the condensate in the tank (6) to be passed through the first valve (8) and the pump (11) to be carried to the guiding member (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner wherein the condensate is effectively used for cooling the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

[0002] In air conditioners, energy is discharged outside the cooling system wherein the refrigerant fluid is circulated by condensation in the cooling mode. Especially in split type air conditioners, the condensate formed in the indoor unit in the cooling mode is discharged without being used in any process.

[0003] In the state of the art embodiments, the discharged condensate is used to wet the condenser surface in the outdoor unit. Wetting the condenser surface both improves the heat transfer from the condenser to the air and ensures that the water evaporating from the hot condenser surface draws extra heat from the condenser. Thus, the capacity of the condenser is increased. The increase in the capacity of the condenser provides a decrease in the power consumption and an improvement in the energy efficiency. However, depending on the positioning of the indoor and outdoor units with respect to each other, the decrease in the power consumption obtained by wetting the condenser is not more than the power consumed to send the condensate onto the condenser to wet the condenser.

[0004] In the state of the art Chinese Utility Model Document Application No. CN202350278, an air conditioner is disclosed, wherein the condensate is transferred from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit by means of a pipe.

[0005] In the state of the art Chinese Utility Model Document No. CN2823893, an air conditioner is disclosed, wherein the condensate is transferred to a tank provided in the outdoor unit to be sprayed onto the condenser surface.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is the realization of an air conditioner wherein the condensate is effectively used for cooling the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

[0007] The air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises an outdoor unit; an outdoor unit heat exchanger which is disposed in the outdoor unit; an indoor unit; an indoor unit heat exchanger which is disposed in the indoor unit; a tank which is disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger and wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit accumulates; at least one sensor which detects the level of the condensate in the tank; a first outlet which is provided at the bottom of the tank and a first valve which is connected to the first outlet; a pump which enables the condensate passing through the first valve to be delivered to the outdoor unit heat exchanger; a guiding member which is disposed on the outdoor unit heat exchanger and which ensures that the condensate transferred by means of the pump is distributed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger; and a delivery pipe which connects the guiding member and the pump to each other and which enables the condensate in the tank to be passed through the first valve and the pump to be carried to the guiding member.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first valve is a solenoid valve. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first valve and the pump are operated simultaneously at the beginning.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner starts operating in the cooling mode, the moisture in the air begins to condense on the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger. Afterwards, the condensate leaves the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger, flows into the tank at the bottom of the indoor unit and accumulates in the tank. The level of the water accumulated in the tank is detected by the sensor and when the level of the water accumulated in the tank reaches a certain level, the first valve connected to the first outlet at the bottom of the tank is opened, thus enabling the water accumulated in the tank to be delivered to the pump. The water taken from the tank by the pump is transferred to the guiding member by means of the delivery pipe and distributed from the guiding member onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger. Thus, the water condensed on the indoor unit heat exchanger is used to cool the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises at least one filter which is disposed between the pump and the first valve. The filter retains dirt and particles in the water passing through the first valve, which may prevent the pump from operating or cause the pump to malfunction, and prevent the same from reaching the pump.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a first connection pipe in the form of "T" or "Y" which is disposed between the filter and the first valve in the indoor unit. By means of the first connection pipe, the condensate is enabled to be effectively circulated.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a circular or quadrangular cross-sectioned guiding member and one or more than one hole which is provided on the guiding member at certain intervals and at a certain height. In the embodiment of the present invention, the holes can be arranged on the right, left or upper surface of the guiding member.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the holes have the same diameter. In another embodiment, the holes have different diameters.

[0014] In the embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivered from the pump is carried to the guiding member through the delivery pipe. The condensate reaching the guiding member fills to the level where the holes are arranged in the guiding member. Upon reaching the level of the holes, the water accumulated in the guiding member overflows from the holes at the same time in the same amount and flows onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface. The flowing water spreads over the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface along a vertical line with the effect of gravity, evaporates from the surface of the hot outdoor unit heat exchanger and draws heat from the outdoor unit heat exchanger while evaporating.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a discharge hole which is provided in the outdoor unit and which enables the water reaching the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger to be discharged and a second connection pipe in the form of "T" or "Y" which is connected to the discharge hole. In the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a second valve which is attached to one end of the second connection pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second valve is in the closed position. When the dirtiness of the water flowing over the outdoor unit heat exchanger increases, the second valve is opened and the water is discharged from the outdoor unit.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the second connection pipe is connected to the first connection pipe. In this embodiment of the present invention, the non-evaporating portion of the water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface flows through the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger and directed to the discharge hole. The water reaching the discharge hole is then delivered to the second valve by means of the second connection pipe. While the water is discharged in the open position of the second valve, the water is directed to the first connection pipe in the closed position. When the second valve is in the closed position, the water directed to the first connection pipe, which does not evaporate on the outdoor unit heat exchanger, returns back to circulation and passed through the filter to be transferred to the guiding member again by means of the pump. Thus, the water is enabled to be transferred between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a second outlet which is provided on the tank, on the tank side wall, and a discharge pipe which is connected to the second outlet and one end of which opens to the outside environment. By means of the second outlet, in case of a possible blockage and / or malfunction, the water is prevented from accumulating in the tank in an amount more than necessary and from overflowing. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second outlet is provided at the maximum water level determined by the manufacturer.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner starts operating in the cooling mode, the moisture in the air also begins to condense on the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger. Then, the condensate leaves the indoor unit heat exchanger surface and accumulates in the tank disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger. The level of the water accumulated in the tank is detected by the sensor and when the water level reaches the level determined by the manufacturer, the first valve is opened. As the first valve is opened, the pump starts operating and the water taken from the tank starts to fill into the suction line provided between the pump and the first valve. The water starting to be discharged from the tank with the opening of the first valve passes through the first valve to be delivered to the first connection pipe. Upon leaving the first connection pipe, the water sucked by the pump passes through the filter before reaching the pump. Thus, particles that may prevent the operation of the pump and / or cause the pump to malfunction are retained. The water passing through the filter then passes through the pump so as to be transferred to the outdoor unit through the delivery pipe by means of the pump. The other end of the delivery pipe, one end of which is connected to the pump, is connected to the guiding member disposed in the outdoor unit. The holes on the wall of the guiding member positioned on the outdoor unit heat exchanger are arranged at a certain distance from the point where the delivery pipe is connected to the guiding member, and the center of the holes is at a certain distance above the bottom of the guiding member. The water reaching the guiding member starts to fill into the guiding member, and upon reaching the level of the holes, the water filling into the guiding member overflows from the holes in a uniform manner and flows onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface. The flowing water spreads over the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface along a vertical line with the effect of gravity. The water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface also starts to evaporate from the hot outdoor unit heat exchanger surface and draws heat from the outdoor unit heat exchanger. The non-evaporating portion of the water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface drips from the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger onto the outdoor unit base. The dripping water is directed to the discharge hole at the bottom of the outdoor unit and reaches the second connection pipe. One end of the second connection pipe is connected to the second valve and the other end is connected to the first connection pipe on the pump suction line. If there is any contamination or similar adverse situation in the water, the second valve is opened and the water is directly discharged out of the outdoor unit. If the second valve is in the closed position, the non-evaporating water directed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger is transferred to the first connection pipe disposed on the pump suction line to ensure the reuse of the water and the water is enabled to be transferred from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

[0019] The water carried to the first connection pipe in the indoor unit is sucked by the pump to be sent back to the guiding member, and the condensate recovery cycle is performed. As the cycle continues and suitable conditions are met, the first valve is opened and the water in the cycle which decreases due to evaporation is supplemented. If the water becomes dirty, etc. while the cycle continues, the second valve is opened to discharge the water and to stop the cycle. Afterwards the cycle is restarted with the water stored in the indoor unit.

[0020] The second outlet provided on the tank in the indoor unit is used to prevent the overflow of the accumulated water in case of more water accumulation than necessary in the tank due to possible blockage and / or malfunction. Upon reaching the second outlet level, the water in the tank is discharged directly to the outside environment by means of the discharge pipe.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a prewashing process is performed to prevent any blockage in the condensate cycle. In this case, when the air conditioner starts operating in the cooling mode and the water accumulated in the tank reaches the level to be detected by the sensor, the first valve is opened and the pump starts operating for a period determined by the manufacturer. Thus, the water is transferred onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger by means of the guiding member and the second valve is opened to discharge the water. Thus, the prewashing process is completed.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, a process is performed wherein the positions of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit with respect to each other are determined. In this process, the first valve is opened for a period determined by the manufacturer. If the indoor unit is installed at a higher position than the outdoor unit, when the first valve is opened, the water in the tank flows through the first connection pipe to the second connection pipe. If the level of water in the tank falls below the sensor level at the end of this period, it is decided that the indoor unit is in a higher position than the outdoor unit. In this case, the line connecting the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe is filled with air. In order to discharge this air, the first valve is kept open for a period determined by the manufacturer and the air is discharged.

[0023] By means of the present invention, a decrease in electricity consumption and an increase in cooling capacity are obtained. By ensuring the use of the condensate to be discharged in the cycle, water loss is minimized and energy efficiency is increased. The condensate is recovered regardless of the positions of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0024] An air conditioner realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figure, where: Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the air conditioner having the condensate cycle.

[0025] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows. 1. Air conditioner 2. Indoor unit 3. Outdoor unit 4. Indoor unit heat exchanger 5. Outdoor unit heat exchanger 6. Tank 7. Sensor 8. First valve 9. First connection pipe 10. Filter 11. Pump 12. Delivery pipe 13. Guiding member 14. Hole 15. First outlet 16. Second outlet 17. Second valve 18. Second connection pipe 19. Discharge hole 20. Discharge pipe

[0026] The air conditioner (1) comprises an outdoor unit (3); an outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) which is disposed in the outdoor unit (3); an indoor unit (2); an indoor unit heat exchanger (4) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); a tank (6) which is disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger (4) and wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) accumulates; at least one sensor (7) which detects the level of the condensate in the tank (6); a first outlet (15) which is provided at the bottom of the tank (6) and a first valve (8) which is connected to the first outlet (15); a pump (11) which enables the condensate passing through the first valve (8) to be delivered to the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); a guiding member (13) which is disposed on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) and which ensures that the condensate transferred by means of the pump (11) is distributed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); and a delivery pipe (12) which connects the guiding member (13) and the pump (11) to each other and which enables the condensate in the tank (6) to be passed through the first valve (8) and the pump (11) to be carried to the guiding member (13) (Figure 1).

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first valve (8) is a solenoid valve. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first valve (8) and the pump (11) are operated simultaneously at the beginning. After a sufficient amount of water is added to the cycle, the first valve (8) is closed and the pump (11) continues to operate. The amount of water to be taken into the cycle is determined by a certain period of time determined by the manufacturer.

[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner (1) starts operating in the cooling mode, the moisture in the air begins to condense on the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger (4). Afterwards, the condensate leaves the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger (4), flows into the tank (6) at the bottom of the indoor unit (2) and accumulates in the tank (6). The level of the water accumulated in the tank (6) is detected by the sensor (7) and when the level of the water accumulated in the tank (6) reaches a certain level, the first valve (8) connected to the first outlet (15) at the bottom of the tank (6) is opened, thus enabling the water accumulated in the tank (6) to be delivered to the pump (11). The water taken from the tank (6) by the pump (11) is transferred to the guiding member (13) by means of the delivery pipe (12) and distributed from the guiding member (13) onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5). Thus, the water condensed on the indoor unit heat exchanger (4) is used to cool the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5).

[0029] In the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises at least one filter (10) which is disposed between the pump (11) and the first valve (8). The filter (10) retains dirt and particles in the water passing through the first valve (8), which may prevent the pump (11) from operating or cause the pump (11) to malfunction, and prevent the same from reaching the pump (11).

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a first connection pipe (9) in the form of "T" or "Y" which is disposed between the filter (10) and the first valve (8) in the indoor unit (2). By means of the first connection pipe (9), the condensate is enabled to be effectively circulated.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a circular or quadrangular cross-sectioned guiding member (13) and one or more than one hole (14) which is provided on the guiding member (13) at certain intervals and at a certain height. In the embodiment of the present invention, the holes (14) can be arranged on the right, left or upper surface of the guiding member (13).

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the holes (14) have the same diameter. In another embodiment, the holes (14) have different diameters.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention, the condensate delivered from the pump (11) is carried to the guiding member (13) through the delivery pipe (12). The condensate reaching the guiding member (13) fills to the level where the holes (14) are arranged in the guiding member (13). Upon reaching the level of the holes (14), the water accumulated in the guiding member (13) overflows from the holes (14) at the same time in the same amount and flows onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger surface (5). The flowing water spreads over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface through a vertical line with the effect of gravity, evaporates from the surface of the hot outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) and draws heat from the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) while evaporating.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a discharge hole (19) which is provided in the outdoor unit (3) and which enables the water reaching the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) to be discharged and a second connection pipe (18) in the form of "T" or "Y" which is connected to the discharge hole (19). In the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a second valve (17) which is attached to one end of the second connection pipe (18). In an embodiment of the present invention, the second valve (17) is in the closed position. When the dirtiness of the water flowing over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) increases, the second valve (17) is opened and the water is discharged from the outdoor unit (3).

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the second connection pipe (18) is connected to the first connection pipe (9). In this embodiment of the present invention, the non-evaporating portion of the water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface flows through the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) and directed to the discharge hole (19). The water reaching the discharge hole (19) is then delivered to the second valve (17) by means of the second connection pipe (18). While the water is discharged in the open position of the second valve (17), the water is directed to the first connection pipe (9) in the closed position. When the second valve (17) is in the closed position, the water directed to the first connection pipe (9), which does not evaporate on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5), returns back to circulation and passed through the filter (10) to be transferred to the guiding member (13) again by means of the pump (11). Thus, the water is enabled to be transferred between the outdoor unit (3) and the indoor unit (2).

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner (1) comprises a second outlet (16) which is provided on the tank (6), on the tank (6) side wall, and a discharge pipe (20) which is connected to the second outlet (16) and one end of which opens to the outside environment. By means of the second outlet (16), in case of a possible blockage and / or malfunction, the water is prevented from accumulating in the tank (6) in an amount more than necessary and from overflowing. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second outlet (16) is provided at the maximum water level determined by the manufacturer.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner (1) starts operating in the cooling mode, the moisture in the air also begins to condense on the surface of the indoor unit heat exchanger (4). Then, the condensate leaves the indoor unit heat exchanger (4) surface and accumulates in the tank (6) disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger (4). The level of the water accumulated in the tank (6) is detected by the sensor (7) and when the water level reaches the level determined by the manufacturer, the first valve (8) is opened. As the first valve (8) is opened, the pump (11) starts operating and the water taken from the tank (6) starts to fill into the suction line provided between the pump (11) and the first valve (8). The water starting to be discharged from the tank (6) with the opening of the first valve (8) passes through the first valve (8) to be delivered to the first connection pipe (9). Upon leaving the first connection pipe (9), the water sucked by the pump (11) passes through the filter (10) before reaching the pump (11). Thus, particles that may prevent the operation of the pump (11) and / or cause the pump (11) to malfunction are retained. The water passing through the filter (10) then passes through the pump (11) so as to be transferred to the outdoor unit (3) through the delivery pipe (12) by means of the pump (11). The other end of the delivery pipe (12), one end of which is connected to the pump (11), is connected to the guiding member (13) disposed in the outdoor unit (3). The holes (14) on the wall of the guiding member (13) positioned on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) are arranged at a certain distance from the point where the delivery pipe (12) is connected to the guiding member (13), and the center of the holes (14) is at a certain distance above the bottom of the guiding member (13). The water reaching the guiding member (13) starts to fill into the guiding member (13), and upon reaching the level of the holes (14), the water filling into the guiding member (13) overflows from the holes (14) in a uniform manner and flows onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface. The flowing water spreads over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface along a vertical line with the effect of gravity. The water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface also starts to evaporate from the hot outdoor unit heat exchanger surface (5) and draws heat from the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5). The non-evaporating portion of the water spreading over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface drips from the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) onto the outdoor unit (3) base. The dripping water is directed to the discharge hole (19) at the bottom of the outdoor unit (3) and reaches the second connection pipe (18). One end of the second connection pipe (18) is connected to the second valve (17) and the other end is connected to the first connection pipe (9) on the pump (11) suction line. If there is any contamination or similar adverse situation in the water, the second valve (17) is opened and the water is directly discharged out of the outdoor unit (3). If the second valve (17) is in the closed position, the non-evaporating water directed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) is transferred to the first connection pipe (9) disposed on the pump (11) suction line to ensure the reuse of the water and the water is enabled to be transferred from the outdoor unit (3) to the indoor unit (2). The water carried to the first connection pipe (9) in the indoor unit is sucked by the pump (11) to be sent back to the guiding member (13), and the condensate recovery cycle is performed. As the cycle continues and suitable conditions are met, the first valve (8) is opened and the water in the cycle which decreases due to evaporation is supplemented. If the water becomes dirty, etc. while the cycle continues, the second valve (17) is opened to discharge the water and to stop the cycle. Afterwards the cycle is restarted with the water stored in the indoor unit (2).

[0038] The second outlet (16) provided on the tank (6) in the indoor unit (2) is used to prevent the overflow of the accumulated water in case of more water accumulation than necessary in the tank (6) due to possible blockage and / or malfunction. Upon reaching the second outlet (16) level, the water in the tank (6) is discharged directly to the outside environment by means of the discharge pipe (20).

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, a prewashing process is performed to prevent any blockage in the condensate cycle. In this case, when the air conditioner (1) starts operating in the cooling mode and the water accumulated in the tank (6) reaches the level to be detected by the sensor (7), the first valve (8) is opened and the pump (11) starts operating for a period determined by the manufacturer. Thus, the water is transferred onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) by means of the guiding member (13) and the second valve (17) is opened to discharge the water. Thus, the prewashing process is completed.

[0040] In another embodiment of the present invention, a process is performed wherein the positions of the outdoor unit (3) and the indoor unit (2) with respect to each other are determined. In this process, the first valve (8) is opened for a period determined by the manufacturer. If the indoor unit (2) is installed at a higher position than the outdoor unit (3), when the first valve (8) is opened, the water in the tank (6) flows through the first connection pipe (9) to the second connection pipe (18). If the level of water in the tank (6) falls below the sensor (7) level at the end of this period, it is decided that the indoor unit (2) is in a higher position than the outdoor unit (3). In this case, the line connecting the first connection pipe (9) and the second connection pipe (18) is filled with air. In order to discharge this air, the first valve (8) is kept open for a period determined by the manufacturer and the air is discharged.

[0041] By means of the present invention, a decrease in electricity consumption and an increase in cooling capacity are obtained. By ensuring the use of the condensate to be discharged in the cycle, water loss is minimized and energy efficiency is increased. The condensate is recovered regardless of the positions of the outdoor unit (3) and the indoor unit (2).

Claims

1. An air conditioner (1) comprising an outdoor unit (3); an outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) which is disposed in the outdoor unit (3); an indoor unit (2); an indoor unit heat exchanger (4) which is disposed in the indoor unit (2); a tank (6) which is disposed under the indoor unit heat exchanger (4) and wherein the water condensed in the indoor unit (2) accumulates; at least one sensor (7) which detects the level of the condensate in the tank (6); a first outlet (15) which is provided at the bottom of the tank (6), characterized by a first valve (8) which is connected to the first outlet (15); a pump (11) which enables the condensate passing through the first valve (8) to be delivered to the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); a guiding member (13) which is disposed on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) and which ensures that the condensate transferred by means of the pump (11) is distributed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5); and a delivery pipe (12) which connects the guiding member (13) and the pump (11) to each other and which enables the condensate in the tank (6) to be passed through the first valve (8) and the pump (11) to be carried to the guiding member (13).

2. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the first valve (8) which is a solenoid valve.

3. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1 and 2, characterized by the pump (11) and the first valve (8) which are operated simultaneously at the beginning.

4. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one filter (10) which is disposed between the pump (11) and the first valve (8).

5. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by a first connection pipe (9) in the form of "T" or "Y" which is disposed between the filter (10) and the first valve (8) in the indoor unit (2).

6. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a circular or quadrangular cross-sectioned guiding member (13) and one or more than one hole (14) which is provided on the guiding member (13) at certain intervals and at a certain height.

7. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the holes (14) which have the same diameter.

8. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 6, characterized by the holes (14) which have different diameters.

9. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a discharge hole (19) which is provided in the outdoor unit (3) and which enables the water reaching the bottom of the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) to be discharged and a second connection pipe (18) in the form of "T" or "Y" which is connected to the discharge hole (19).

10. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 9, characterized by a second valve (17) which is attached to one end of the second connection pipe (18).

11. An air conditioner (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a second outlet (16) which is provided on the tank (6), on the tank (6) side wall, and a discharge pipe (20) which is connected to the second outlet (16) and one end of which opens to the outside environment.

12. A control method for an air condition as in any one of the above claims, comprising the steps of detecting the level of water accumulated in the tank (6) by the sensor (7); opening the first valve (8) when the level of the water accumulated in the tank (6) reaches the level determined by the manufacturer; operating the pump (11) as well with the opening of the first valve (8) and filling the suction line between the pump (11) and the first valve (8) with water taken from the tank (6); ensuring that the water passes to the first connection pipe (9) after passing through the first valve (8); ensuring that the water sucked by the pump (11) passes through the filter (10) after leaving the first connection pipe (9) and before reaching the pump (11); transferring the water passing through the filter (10) to the outdoor unit (3) through the delivery pipe (12) by means of the pump (11) after passing through the pump (11); ensuring that the water reaching the guiding member (13) positioned on the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) starts to fill into the guiding member (13); and ensuring that upon reaching the level of the holes (14), the water filling into the guiding member (13) overflows from the holes (14) in a uniform manner and flows onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface.

13. A control unit as in Claim 12, comprising the steps of opening the second valve (17) in case of any contamination or similar adverse situation in the non-evaporating portion of the water that spreads over the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) surface and that is directed to the discharge hole (19) at the bottom of the outdoor unit (3) and reaches the second connection pipe (18), and of directly discharging the water out of the outdoor unit (3).

14. A control method as in Claim 12, comprising the steps of keeping the second valve (17) in the closed position to ensure that the non-evaporating water directed onto the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) is reused, delivering the water to the first connection pipe (9) disposed in the pump (11) suction line, and enabling the water to be transferred from the outdoor unit (3) to the indoor unit (2).

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