Heat pump duct adaptor systems and methods

Abstract

A duct adaptor is disclosed. The duct adaptor may include an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from a heat pump assembly. The duct adaptor may further include a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a first direction and a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a second direction. The first direction may be different from the second direction. The duct adaptor may further include an actuation mechanism configured to control flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet or the second outlet.

Description

HEAT PUMP DUCT ADAPTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 514,592 filed July 20, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a duct adaptor and more specifically to a duct adaptor configured to be attached to a heat pump outlet to control the flow of exhaust air from the heat pump.BACKGROUND

[0002] Water heaters are generally used to provide a supply of heated water in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Conventional water heaters use air burners, electrical heating elements, and / or solar panels to heat water. Some modem water heaters also use heat pumps that heat water by extracting heat from ambient air by using a refrigerant and vapor compression cycle system.

[0003] A conventional heat pump water heater may include an air inlet that intakes ambient air and an air outlet that exhausts cool and dehumidified air. The heat pump water heater may further include an evaporator heat exchanger that extracts heat from the ambient air by using the refrigerant and a compressor that may receive and compress the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant may be used to heat water in a water storage tank via a condenser heat exchanger.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.[OOOS] FIG. 1 depicts an example schematic diagram of a heat pump water heater in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts an example schematic diagram of a duct adaptor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an example duct adaptor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a spring mechanism for the duct adaptor of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 depicts the duct adaptor of FIG. 3 in a first position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts the duct adaptor of FIG. 3 in a second position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict different operating positions of another example duct adaptor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 depicts yet another example duct adaptor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of an example method to control duct adaptor operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 10A-10B depict cross-section views of another example duct adaptor in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.[001S] FIGS. 11A-1 ID depict additional views of the duct adaptor of FIGS. 10A-10B in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 12 depicts an intake valve of a water heater in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a water heater including a condensate management system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present disclosure is directed towards a duct adaptor that may be configured to receive exhaust air (e.g., cool and dehumidified air) from a heat pump water heater andoutput the exhaust air in two predetermined directions (e.g., via a first outlet and a second outlet). The first outlet may be configured to output the exhaust air inside a building (such as one or more rooms of a house) and the second outlet may be configured to output the exhaust air outside the house (or outside of a mechanical room in which the heat pump water heater may be disposed). The duct adaptor may include an actuation mechanism that may be configured to selectively control opening of the first outlet and the second outlet to control the flow of the exhaust air via respective outlets. For example, the actuation mechanism may open the first outlet in the summer season to enable the exhaust air to flow inside the building to cool the building and may open the second outlet in the winter season to enable the exhaust air to flow outside of the building.[0019| In some aspects, the actuation mechanism may include dampers that may be disposed at the first outlet and the second outlet. The dampers may be configured to rotate axially about respective axes to open or close the first and / or second outlets. In some instances, the dampers may be connected via a link bar that may be configured to rotate the dampers and selectively open the first outlet or the second outlet.[0020 | In further aspects, the actuation mechanism may include a curved duct that maybe disposed inside the duct adaptor. The curved duct may be rotated to selectively control the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.[00 1 | In further aspects, the actuation mechanism may include a fan disposed inside the duct adaptor that may be configured to selectively control the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet. The fan may be configured to flip or reverse fan movement direction to redirect or control the flow of the exhaust air. In some aspects, the fan may redirect the flow of the exhaust air based on inputs from a controller that may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors (such as temperature sensor or pressure sensor). In an exemplary aspect, the controller may automatically control the fan movement to enable the exhaust air to flow inside or outside of the building based on the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0022] The present disclosure is configured to facilitate selectively controlling the flow of the exhaust air from the heat pump water heater based on the ambient conditions or user requirements and preferences / settings. For example, the duct adaptor may direct the flow of the cool exhaust air inside of the building in summer seasons, thereby cooling the building interior portion. Similarly, the duct adaptor may direct the flow of the cool exhaust air tothe outside of the building in winter seasons, thereby ensuring comfort of building occupants in the winter season.Although certain examples of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other examples, embodiments, and implementations of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented in a variety of examples and can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0024] In the figures showing example embodiments of a duct adaptor, one or more components shown may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted. Accordingly, the example embodiments of a duct adaptor should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described w ith respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.[0 25| Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an example environment 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The example environment 100 may include a heat pump w ater heater 102 and a duct adaptor 104.

[0026] The heat pump water heater 102 may include a housing 106 having an air inlet 108 and an air outlet 110. The air inlet 108 may be configured to receive ambient air from outside the housing 106 and pass the air to an interior portion of the housing 106, and the air outlet 110 may be configured to output exhaust air from the housing interior portion to outside the housing 106. In some instances, the air inlet 108 may be disposed at a housing top wall, and the air outlet 110 may be disposed at a housing side wall. In other aspects, the air inlet 108 may be disposed at the housing side wall, opposite to the air outlet 110.

[0027] The heat pump water heater 102 may further include a w ater storage tank 112 for water storage and a heat pump assembly 114. The heat pump assembly 114 (or heat pump) may include a fan, an evaporator, a compressor, a heat exchanger / condenser coils (not shown), and refrigerant conduit that distributes a refrigerant to different heat pump assembly components. The heat pump assembly 114 may collectively form a vapor compression cycle system. The various heat pump assembly components may be sized,shaped, and located as would be suitable for the particular application. As will be appreciated, the various heat pump assembly components may be sized for residential, commercial, or industrial applications and for heating water within various temperature ranges and within various time ranges.

[0028] In some aspects, the heat pump assembly may be a heat pump module of a residential, indoor heat pump water heater or the heat pump assembly may be a part of the indoor heat pump water heater in residential applications. In some aspects, the heat pump assembly 114 may be located inside the housing 106, as depicted in FIG. 1. In some aspects, the housing 106 may be a single integrated housing. In other aspects, the housing 106 may include two or more portions that may be attached (e.g., removably attached) to form the housing 106.

[0029] The fan may draw ambient air from outside the housing 106 and may pass the air (via the air inlet 108) to the evaporator that may absorb heat from the ambient air. The evaporator may include a plurality' of coils that include the refrigerant therein. The refrigerant may absorb heat from the ambient air and may evaporate. In some aspects, the refrigerant may be in liquid form and may change state from liquid to vapor when the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air in the evaporator. The vaporized refrigerant may move to the compressor that may raise refrigerant pressure and temperature. In some aspects, the compressor may be a pump that provides additional pressure to the refrigerant to enable the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant conduit (in a defined path).

[0030] The compressor may be of any type. For example, the compressor may be a positive displacement compressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary7screw compressor, a rotary vane compressor, a rolling piston compressor, a scroll compressor, an inverter compressor, a diaphragm compressor, a dynamic compressor, an axial compressor, or any other form of compressor that can be integrated into the heat pump assembly for the particular application.|<XS31 ] The compressed refrigerant from the compressor may move to the heat exchanger / condenser coils that may enable transfer of energy / heat to the water in the water storage tank 112. thus heating the water. In some aspects, the condenser coils may be wrapped around water storage tank 112 exterior surface. In other aspects, they may be submerged within the water storage tank 112. Responsive to the water being heated, cool and dehumidified exhaust air may be moved out of the housing 106 via the air outlet 110.(0 32) In accordance with the present disclosure, the duct adaptor 104 may be attached to the air outlet 110 and may receive the cool and dehumidified exhaust air. Specifically, the duct adaptor 104 may be attached to a housing exterior surface (and be aligned with the air outlet 110) such that the duct adaptor 104 may receive the cool and dehumidified exhaust air (hereinafter referred to as exhaust air) from the air outlet 110.(6033] In some aspects, the duct adaptor 104 may be a 3-way duct, which may include an inlet (shown as inlet 202 in FIGS. 2 and 3) and two outlets (shown as first outlet 204 and second outlet 206 in FIGS. 2 and 3). The inlet 202 may be configured to receive exhaust air from the air outlet 110. Further, the first outlet 204 may be configured to output the exhaust air in a first direction, and the second outlet 206 may be configured to output the exhaust air in a second direction. In some aspects, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction.( 34] The duct adaptor 104 may further include an actuation mechanism (shown as actuation mechanism 212 in FIGS. 2 and 3) configured to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206. Stated another way, the actuation mechanism 212 may be configured to selectively open the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206 to enable the How of exhaust air from the respective outlets. In some aspects, the actuation mechanism 212 may control the flow of exhaust air based on ambient temperature. For example, the actuation mechanism 212 may enable the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 in the summer season and from the second outlet 206 in the winter season. In an exemplary aspect, the first outlet 204 may output the exhaust air to a building interior portion (e.g., one or more rooms of a house) and the second outlet 206 may output the exhaust air to a building exterior portion. Therefore, by enabling the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 in the summer season, the actuation mechanism 212 assists in keeping the building interior portion cool. Similarly, by enabling the flow of exhaust air from the second outlet 206 in the winter season, the actuation mechanism 212 ensures that cool exhaust air does not enter the building interior portion.(0035] In some aspects, the actuation mechanism 212 may be configured to selectively open the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 based on user inputs or automatically based on ambient temperature as described above. In some aspects, the actuation mechanism 212 may include a controller 116 and one or more sensors 118 communicatively coupled to the controller 116. The sensors 118 may include temperaturesensor(s), pressure sensor(s), etc. that may be disposed at interior or exterior surfaces of the duct adaptor 104. The controller 116 may be configured to obtain inputs from the sensors 118 and may be configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206 based on the inputs. For example, the controller 116 may receive information associated with ambient temperature from the sensors 118 and may open the first outlet 204 (and close the second outlet 206) when the controller determines that the temperature may be above a threshold temperature. Specifically, the controller 116 may compare the ambient temperature with the threshold temperature, and based on the comparison, the controller 116 may determine whether the season may be summer or winter and accordingly actuate / open the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206 and close the other outlet. In further aspects, the actuation mechanism 212 may include a motor to open the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206, and the motor may operate based on command signals received from the controller 116.

[11036] Duct adaptor structural details are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2- 6.

[0037] FIG. 2 depicts an example schematic diagram of a duct adaptor 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 may be described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4. The duct adaptor 200 may be same as the duct adaptor 104 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. 0038] The duct adaptor 200 may include an inlet 202, a first outlet 204, and a second outlet 206. The duct adaptor 200 may be a unified piece (i.e., a single piece having the inlet 202, the first outlet 204, and the second outlet 206) and may be made of any material (e.g., steel, aluminum, plastic, ceramics, or combinations thereof, etc.). In some aspects, the first outlet 204 may be configured to output the exhaust air in a first direction, and the second outlet 206 may be configured to output the exhaust air in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction may be different. In some aspects, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the first outlet 204 may enable flow of exhaust air into a building interior portion, and the second outlet 206 may enable flow of exhaust air to a building exterior portion, as described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. 0039] In further aspects, the inlet 202 may be attached to the housing exterior surface (e.g., via fasteners) and may be configured to receive the exhaust air from the heat pumpwater heater 102 (e.g., via the air outlet 110) along a third direction. The third direction may be different from each of the first direction and the second direction. For example, the third direction may be perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.In some aspects, the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 may be disposed at two opposite edges of a cylindrical pipe 208, and the inlet 202 may be connected to the cylindrical pipe 208 by a neck 210. In some aspects, an inlet diameter may be greater than each of a first outlet diameter and a second outlet diameter. Further, the first outlet diameter may be equivalent to the second outlet diameter. In an exemplary aspect, the inlet diameter may be in a range of about 8 to 12 inches (preferably about 10 inches), and the first and second outlet diameter may be in a range of about 4 to 8 inches (preferably about 6 inches). Further, a neck diameter may be in a range of about 6 to 10 inches (preferably about 8 inches). The dimensions mentioned here are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure scope. The inlet diameter, the first outlet diameter, the second outlet diameter, and the neck diameter may have different sizes and shapes without departing from the present disclosure scope.(0041 The duct adaptor 200 may further include an actuation mechanism 212 that may be configured to control and enable the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206. Stated another way, the actuation mechanism 212 may control and enable the flow of exhaust air to the building interior or exterior portion. For example, the actuation mechanism 212 may enable the flow of exhaust air to the building interior portion in when an outside temperature is above a threshold (e.g., during the summer season) to assist in cooling the building. Conversely, the actuation mechanism 212 may enable the flow of exhaust air to the building exterior portion when an outside temperature is below a threshold (e.g., in the winter season when cooling may not be required or desirable in the building interior portion). In some aspects, the actuation mechanism 212 may control the exhaust air flow based on user inputs or automatically based on ambient temperature or season / date by using a controller (e.g., the controller 116, described above in conjunction with FIG. 1). For example, the controller may obtain information associated with geographical location associated with the heat pump water heater 102 and current date from an external device (e.g., a server). Responsive to obtaining the geographical location and the current date, the controller may determine the season (e.g., winter season or summer season) and control the exhaust air flow from the duct adaptor 104 accordingly.[0042) The actuation mechanism 212 may further include a first damper 214 and a second damper 216. The first damper 214 may be disposed at or about the first outlet 204, and the second damper 216 may be disposed at or about the second outlet 206. In an exemplary aspect, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may be disposed at inside portions of the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206, respectively. Specifically, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may be disposed inside the cylindrical pipe 208, the first damper 214 may be disposed in proximity to opening of the first outlet 204 and the second damper 216 may be disposed in proximity to opening of the second outlet 206. In some aspects, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may be circular plates that may have diameters equivalent to diameters of the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206. In this manner, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may be configured to open and close the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206, respectively.

[0043] The first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may be configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206, respectively, based on the open or closed state of the respective dampers. In some aspects, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 each may be configured to rotate axially about their respective axis by using a first damper handle 218 and a second damper handle 220. The first damper 214 may switch between an open and a closed state by using the first damper handle 218, thereby enabling or disabling the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204. Similarly, the second damper 216 may switch between an open and a closed state by using the second damper handle 220, thereby enabling or disabling the flow of exhaust air from the second outlet 206. The first damper handle 218 and the second damper handle 220 may be disposed (e.g., pivotally connected) at cylindrical pipe exterior surface. 0044 The actuation mechanism 212 may further include a switching mechanism that may be configured to switch the duct adaptor 200 between a first position and a second position. In an exemplary aspect, the sw itching mechanism may enable the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 204 in the first position and from the second outlet 206 in the second position. Specifically, in the first position, the first outlet 204 may be open (or the first damper 214 may be in the open state) and the second outlet 206 may be closed (or the second damper 216 may be in the closed state), as depicted in FIG. 2. In the second position, the first outlet 204 may be closed (or the first damper 214 may be in the closed state) and the second outlet 206 may be open (or the second damper 216 may be in the openstate). In the first position, a plane of the first damper may be parallel to a duct adaptor longitudinal axis, thereby opening the first outlet 204. Further, in the first position, a plane of the second damper may be perpendicular to the duct adaptor longitudinal axis, thereby closing the second outlet 206. On the other hand, in the second position, the plane of the first damper may be perpendicular to the duct adaptor longitudinal axis, and the plane of the second damper may be parallel to the duct adaptor longitudinal axis.In some aspects, the switching mechanism may include a link bar 222 (hereinafter referred as bar 222) that connects the first damper 214 and the second damper 216. Specifically, the bar 222 may be connected between the first damper handle 218 and the second damper handle 220, thereby connecting the first damper 214 and the second damper 216. The bar 222 may be configured to move up and down and may synchronize movement of the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206. For example, when the bar 222 moves up, the bar 222 may open the first outlet 204 and close the second outlet 206. Similarly, when the bar 222 moves down, the bar 222 may open the second outlet 206 and close the first outlet 204. That is, the bar 222 may selectively open and close the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 by rotating the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 respectively in predetermined positions. Thus, the bar 222 may ensure that only one outlet is open at a time and may prevent opening or closing of both the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 together. In further aspects, the bar 222 may be configured to switch between the first position and the second position described above and may be selectively retained / locked in the respective positions (e.g., in the first position or the second position) by using retaining clips 302a, 302b (as shown in FIG. 3). 0046 In some aspects, the bar 222 may selectively open and close the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 by rotating the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 respectively in predetermined positions. For example, when the bar 222 moves up, the bar 222 may rotate the first and second dampers 214, 216 such that the plane of the first damper may be parallel to the duct adaptor longitudinal axis (thereby opening the first outlet 204) and the plane of the second damper may be perpendicular to the duct adaptor longitudinal axis (thereby closing the second outlet 206). Similarly, the bar 222 may rotate the first and second dampers 214, 216 in opposite directions when the bar 222 moves down.|0047] In certain embodiments, the position of the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 may not be changed / positioned independently. That is, the first damper 214 and the second damper 216 move relative to each other.[0 48 In some aspects, the duct adaptor 200 may further include a spring mechanism 400, as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, FIG. 4 depicts the spring mechanism 400 for the duct adaptor 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The spring mechanism 400 may be connected to the first damper 214 and / or the second damper 216 and may be configured to open the respective outlet when a pressure builds up in the cylindrical pipe 208 of the duct adaptor 200. In some aspects, the pressure may build up in the cylindrical pipe 208 when the volume of the exhaust air inside the cylindrical pipe 208 increases. The spring mechanism 400 may be configured to ensure that both the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 may not be falsely closed at the same time. In some aspects, the spring mechanism 400 may include a spring 402 and a rod 404. When both the first outlet 204 and the second outlet 206 may be falsely closed at the same time, the spring 402 may be “pushed” due to pressure build-up in the cylindrical pipe 208 (due to excess exhaust air inside the cylindrical pipe 208) and move the rod 404 such that the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206 may open. For example, the spring mechanism 400 may rotate the first damper 214 or the second damper 216 to open the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206, thereby releasing the built-up pressure and enabling the exhaust air to flow out from the first outlet 204 or the second outlet 206.

[0049] FIG. 5 depicts the duct adaptor 200 in the first position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary aspect, FIG. 5 depicts a duct adaptor setting for the summer season. In the summer season setting (or in the first position), the exhaust air may flow from the first outlet 204 (and may be restricted from flowing out of the second outlet 206, which may be in the closed position). Stated another way, in the summer setting, the first outlet 204 may open and the second outlet 206 may close so that the exhaust air may flow through the first outlet 204 and may flow' to inside the building for cooling purposes.[0050 Specifically, in the summer setting, the bar 222 may move upwards and may be locked in the retaining clip 302a. In this setting, the bar 222 may be configured to rotate the first damper 214 such that the first outlet 204 may be open, as described above. Further, in the summer setting, the bar 222 may be configured to rotate the second damper 216 suchthat the second outlet 206 may be closed, as shown in view 502. In this manner, in the summer, the cool air exhausted by the heat pump water heater 102 may be used to cool the building interior portions.[0051 FIG. 6 depicts the duct adaptor 200 in the second position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary aspect, FIG. 6 depicts a duct adaptor setting for winter season. In the winter season setting (or in the second position), the exhaust air may flow from the second outlet 206 (and may be restricted from flowing out the first outlet 204, which may be closed). Stated another way, in the winter season setting, the second outlet 206 may open and the first outlet 204 may close so that the exhaust air may flow through the second outlet 206 and may flow' to the building exterior portion.

[0052] Specifically, in the winter season setting, the bar 222 may move downwards and may be locked in the retaining clip 302b. In this setting, the bar 222 may be configured to rotate the second damper 216 such that the second outlet 206 may be open. Further, in the winter setting, the bar 222 may be configured to rotate the first damper 214 such that the first outlet 204 may be closed, as shown in view 602. In this manner, in the winter, the cool air exhausted by the heat pump water heater 102 may flow outside and not inside the building interior portion. The bar 222 may include one or more bends (e.g., 90 degree bends) to ensure that the bar 222 is retained in the retaining clip 302a or the retaining clip 302b.

[0053] In some aspects, the duct adaptor 200 may be configured to switch between the first position and the second position based on user inputs. For example, the user may use the first and second damper handles 218 and 220 to move the bar 222 up or down and maylock the bar 222 in the respective position by using the retaining clip 302a or 302b. In further aspects, the duct adaptor 200 may include a motor (not shown) that may be configured to automate bar 222 movement between the first position and the second position. The motor may be actuated by a controller (e.g., the controller 116).

[0054] FIGS. 7 A and 7B depict different operating positions of another example duct adaptor 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The duct adaptor 700 may include an inlet 702, a first outlet 704, and a second outlet 706. The inlet 702 may be same as the inlet 202, the first outlet 704 may be same as the first outlet 204, and the second outlet 706 may be same as the second outlet 206.(0055] The duct adaptor 700 may include an actuation mechanism configured to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet 704 or the second outlet 706. The actuation mechanism may include a single damper 708 that may be rotatably disposed at a neck exit portion (e g., exit position of the neck 210). The damper 708 may be configured to rotate upwards (to prevent flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 704 and enable the flow of exhaust air from the second outlet 706) and downwards (to prevent flow of exhaust air from the second outlet 706 and enable the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 704). The details of the damper 708 may be understood as follows.(0056] In an exemplary aspect, the damper 708 may be a curved damper (or scooper) that may be disposed inside the duct adaptor 700. The damper 708 may enable the flow of exhaust air to flow from the first outlet 704 or the second outlet 706. In some aspects, the damper 708 may be rotatably disposed at a neck exit portion (e.g., exit position of the neck 210), as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Further, in some instances, the damper may have a shape of a quadrant or any other shape.( 057 The duct adaptor 700 may further include a rod 710 connected to the side edges of the damper 708. as shown in view 712. The damper 708 may be configured to rotate about the rod 710 between a first position (e.g., an upward position) and a second position (e.g., a dow ward position). In this manner, the damper 708 may be rotating between the two outlets, which may open one and close the other.| <1058 ] In an exemplary aspect, FIG. 7A depicts the first position in which the damper708 may prevent / restrict the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 704 and may enable the exhaust air to pass through the second outlet 706. FIG. 7B depicts the second position in which the damper 708 may prevent flow' of the flow' of exhaust air from the second outlet 706 and may enable the flow of exhaust air to pass through the first outlet 704. In some aspects, the user may switch the position of the damper 708 by rotating the damper 708 manually (e g., by using a mechanical component similar to the first damper handle 218 and the second damper handle 220 that may be disposed at the exterior surface of the cylindrical pipe 208, as described above). In other aspects, the duct adaptor 700 may include a motor configured to switch (e.g., rotate) the curved duct automatically, for example, based on command signals received from the controller 116.

[0059] FIG. 8 depicts yet another example duct adaptor 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The duct adaptor 800 may include an inlet802, a first outlet 804, and a second outlet 806. The inlet 802 may be same as the inlet 202, 702, the first outlet 804 may be same as the first outlet 204, 704, and the second outlet 806 may be same as the second outlet 206, 706.The duct adaptor 800 may include an actuation mechanism configured to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet 804 or the second outlet 806. In an exemplary aspect, the actuation mechanism may include a fan 808 disposed between the first outlet 804 and the second outlet 806. The fan 808 may be configured to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet 804 or the second outlet 806. Specifically, the fan 808 (and fan guard) may be configured to flip (e.g., up and down, about an axis) to switch the flow' of exhaust air betw een the first outlet 804 and the second outlet 806. Additionally, the direction of fan movement may be reversed to switch the flow of exhaust air between the first outlet 804 and the second outlet 806.

[0061] In some aspects, the fan 808 may be connected diagonally betw een a first part 810a (e.g., an interior surface of the cylindrical pipe 208 that is in proximity to the inlet 802) and a second part 810b (e.g., an interior surface of the cylindrical pipe 208 that is opposite to the first part 810a) of the duct adaptor 800. The fan 808 may be connected between the first part 810a and the second part 810b by using blockers 812. The blockers 812 may be plates (or any other similar components) that may ensure that the exhaust air does not pass through them. Instead, the flow of exhaust air may flow- through the fan 808 only. In some aspects, the fan 808 may be pivotally disposed between the two blockers 812.

[0062] (0063 In some aspects, the fan 808 may flip or reverse the direction of fan movement based on a trigger signal generated by a controller 814 (or a user). Specifically, the controller 814 (that may a part of the actuation mechanism) may be disposed on the duct adaptor 800. For example, the controller 814 may be disposed on a duct adaptor exterior surface or on the heat pump water heater 102. The controller 814 may be communicatively coupled with one or more sensors 816. In some aspects, the sensors 816 may include pressure sensors configured to detect pressure inside the duct adaptor 800. In further aspects, the sensors 816 may include temperature sensors configured to detect ambient temperature. The controller 814 may be configured to receive inputs from the sensors 816 and may control the flow' of exhaust air from either the first outlet 804 or the second outlet 806. For example, the controller 814 may flip the fan 808 or change direction of fanmovement (e.g., from clockwise to anticlockwise or vice-versa) based on the inputs obtained from the sensors 816. In addition, the controller 814 may be configured to control fan revolutions per minute (RPM) based on the inputs obtained from the sensors 816. In some aspects, the controller 814 may be configured to receive an input remotely (e.g., from a user device) and may be configured to control the flow of exhaust air.

[0064] In further aspects, the duct adaptor 800 (or the duct adaptor 200) may include an additional or an alternative actuation mechanism to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 804 or the second outlet 806. For example, the duct adaptor 800 may include a thermostatic damper (not shown) such as a bimetal spiral that may be configured to sense ambient temperature and provide torque according to the ambient temperature and control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet 804 or the second outlet 806.

[0065] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 900 to control duct adaptor operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 may be described with continued reference to prior figures, including FIGS. 1-8. The following process is exemplary’ and not confined to the steps described hereafter. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or less steps that are shown or described herein and may include these steps in a different order than the order described in the following example embodiments.

[0066] The method 900 may start at step 902. At step 904, the method 900 may include obtaining, by the actuating mechanism, a trigger signal to control the flow of exhaust air from either the first outlet or the second outlet. In some aspects, the actuating mechanism may obtain the trigger signal from a user or from a controller (such as the controller 814). The actuating mechanism may be any actuating mechanism described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2-8.

[0067] At step 906, the method 900 may include switching, by the actuating mechanism, the flow of the exhaust air betw een the first outlet and the second outlet responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. For example, the actuating mechanism may switch the winter setting to summer setting or vice-versa based on ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensors. The method 900 may end at step 908.

[0068] FIGS. 10A-10B depict cross-section views of another example duct adaptor 1000. The duct adaptor may be similar to any of the other duct adaptors described herein (for example, duct adaptors 104, 200, 700, 800, etc.). However, the duct adaptor 1000 mayalso include a ribbed feature 1002 that allows the duct adaptor 1000 to receive ducts of various sizes. The ribbed feature 1002 also provides for a controlled insertion depth of the duct 1 04 onto the duct adaptor 1000. which results in an easier installation of the duct 1004 onto the duct adaptor 1000.] 0069] The challenge that arises from different sizes of ducts being used in different applications is that there may be a vary ing degree of gap between the walls of the duct 1004 and the walls of the duct adaptor 1000 depending on the specific duct that is used. For a water heater to properly function, however, it is desired for a proper seal to be formed between the duct 1004 and the duct adaptor 1000. By providing the ribbed feature 1002 on the duct adaptor 1000, the same duct adaptor 1000 may be used regardless of the application of the water heater (e.g., residential, commercial, etc.) or the size of the duct 1004 that is used for the application. That is, both ducts 1004 that are smaller and larger in diameter may still be installed on the same duct adaptor 1000 without needing to modify the duct adaptor 1000 or install another component to seal the gap when a larger duct 1004 is provided on the duct adaptor 1000.As shown in FIGS. 10A-1B, the ribbed feature 1002 is provided at a certain distance down the length of the duct adaptor 1000. Additionally, rather than suddenly protruding from the duct adaptor 1000, the ribbed feature 1002 may gradually slope outwardly from the sides of the duct adaptor 1000, as shown in the figures. In this manner, as the duct 1004 is provided on the duct adaptor 1000 and slid down the duct adaptor 1000 during installation, the curved slope of the ribbed feature 1002 produces an outwardly force against the walls of the duct 1004, forming a seal between the ribbed feature 1002 of the duct adaptor 1000 and the duct 1004 itself. Although not required, an additional seal 1008 may be provided over the duct 1004 and the duct adaptor 1002 after the duct 1004 has been fully inserted into the duct adaptor 1000, as shown in FIG. 10B.It should be noted that the shape of the curve shown in the figures is merely exemplary and any other type of slope may also be used. Additionally, although the ribbed feature 1002 is shown as being a particular size and protruding from a particular distance outwardly from the duct adaptor 1000, the illustrations are not intended to be limiting and the ribbed feature 1002 may also be any other size and / or shape as well. Additionally, in some instances, multiple of such ribbed features 1002 may also be provided on the ductadaptor 1000. FIGS. 11A-11D depict additional views of example duct adaptors 1000 of FIGS. 10A-10B.[00721 FIG. 12 depicts an intake valve 1200 of a water heater. The intake valve 1200 may be provided at the intersection of first intake duct 1202 that receives indoor air and provides the indoor air to the water heater and second intake duct 1204 that receives outdoor air and provides the outdoor air to the water heater. The intake valve 1200 may be beneficial in cold weather environments in which the ambient temperature of the outdoor air has the potential to fall below the minimum operating temperature of refrigerant that is used in the w ater heater. For example, in some w ater heaters, the refrigerant may have a minimum operating temperature of 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit (meaning that the refrigerant cannot fall below this minimum operating temperature in order for the water heater to properly function). This range of temperatures is merely exemplary, and any other temperature may also be used as the minimum operating temperature.

[6073] To address this challenge associated with operating a 1200 heater in an environment including low ambient temperatures, the intake valve 1202 may be configured to mix the warmer, indoor air received via the first intake duct 1202 with the cooler, outdoor air received via the second intake duct 1204 to bring the cooler, outdoor air to above the minimum operating temperature for the refrigerant. When the ambient temperature is sufficiently high (for example, at or above the minimum operating temperature), then the intake valve 1202 may be adjusted to allow the water heater to receive only the outdoor air via the second intake duct 1204.

[0074] In embodiments, the valve 1200 may be a ball valve that is coupled to a motor 1210 that is driven to rotate the valve 1200 in either the counterclockwise or clockwise direction. The valve 1200 includes a plurality of openings (for example, first opening 1206, second opening 1208, etc.) that are arranged at vanous designated points along the exterior of the valve 1200. These openings may be specifically arranged (and sized and shaped) such that, depending on the degree of rotation caused by the motor 1210, only indoor air from the first intake duct 1202, only outdoor air from the second intake duct 1204, or a combination of indoor air and outdoor air from the first intake duct 1202 and the second intake 1204 duct may be received by the water heater. The openings may also be arranged such that any of this air (w hether indoor, outdoor, or a mixture of the tw o) may also beallowed to travel into the water heater through a third intake duct 1212 provided at an outlet of the valve 1200.[0 75| FIG. 12 shows one specific example in which the valve 1200 is rotated by the motor 1210 such that the first opening 1206 is partially aligned with both the first intake duct 1202 and the second intake duct 1204 such that both indoor and outdoor air may be received and mixed. FIG. 12 additionally shows that, at the same time, the second opening 1208 is aligned with the third intake duct 1212 such that this mixture of indoor and outdoor air may travel through the third intake duct 1212 and into the water heater. 0076 j It should be noted that this specific type of valve 1200 and the configurations of the openings that allow for different sources of air (or mixtures of the sources of air) to be used is merely exemplary and any other type of configuration may be used. That is, a ball valve with different arrangements of openings may be used or an entirely different type of valve or different type of mechanism may be used in place of a valve as well. Additionally, if a valve is used, the valve does not necessarily need to be driven by a motor and may be actuated using any other suitable mechanism. 0077 Also shown within the third intake duct 1212 is a booster fan 1214. The booster fan 1214 may be used to provide extra pressure given that a static pressure drop may exist within the ducting of the water heater. The booster fan 1214 is show n as being provided in the third intake duct 1212 because the booster fan 1214 and the motor 1210 both require a power source. By consolidating the booster fan 1214 and the motor 1210 to be proximate to one another, an additional electrical harness to provide power to the booster fan 1214 may not be required. However, the booster fan 1214 does not necessarily need to be provided in an intake duct and may also be provided at any other location as well, such as an outtake duct of the water heater. Thus, the use of the valve 1200 and the booster fan 1214 allows for minimal pressure changes during a heating season, while keep the water heater running with refrigerant support for a tight space enclosure. W78] Further, FIG. 12 shows that one or more sensors 1216 may be provided to facilitate the operation of the motor 1210 and the valve 1200. The one or more sensors 1216 may include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, refrigerant vapor sensors, and / or any other types of sensors. Any combinations of these types of sensors may be used (or just a single sensor).

[0079] As one example, temperature sensors may be used to determine the ambient temperature of the outdoor air to determine when the motor 1210 should be actuated to allow for indoor air to be mixed with the outdoor air if the outdoor air falls below the minimum operating temperature. A temperature sensor may also be provided at the outlet of the valve 1200 (or otherwise within the third intake duct 1212 to determine if the mixed air is at or above the minimum operating temperature. Depending on the temperature reading of this temperature sensor, the motor 1210 may be actuated to mix more or less indoor air with the cooler, outdoor air.

[0080] As another example, the refrigerant vapor sensor(s) (for example, sensors used to detect A2L or any other types of refrigerants) may be used to detect refrigerant leaks within the system. If such a leak is detected, the motor 1210 may actuate the valve 1200 such that outdoor air is circulated within the water heater to reduce the concentration of refrigerant vapor.

[11081] Although the one or more sensors 1216 are illustrated as being provided in the third intake duct 1212, this is merely for exemplary purposes and the one or more sensors 1216 may also be provided at any other location or combinations of locations as well.

[0082] FIG. 13 depicts a water heater 1300 including a condensate management system1302. This condensate management system 1302 may be used with any of the water heaters described herein as well. The condensate management system 1302 may include an atomizer used to atomize any condensate build-up within the water heater 1300 into vapor. The condensate management system 1302 may also include a condensate entry conduit1303, a serviceable Weir 1306, a filter 1308, a float switch 1310, a transducer 1312, an ultraviolet (UV) treatment reservoir 1314, an atomized condensate exit conduit 1316. The vapor may then be exhausted out of the water heater 1300 to prevent condensate build-up within the water heater. This eliminates the need for any condensate removal mechanism exterior to the water heater 1300.

[0983] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every7embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.|0084] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. More particularly, the word '‘example” as used herein indicates one among several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is being directed to the particular example being described.[0085| With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other w ords, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims. 0086 Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.|C087] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary7is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc., should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Conditional language, such as, amongothers, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0088] Illustrative Embodiments f 0089] Embodiment 1. A duct adaptor comprising: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from a heat pump assembly; a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air; a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0090] Embodiment 2. The duct adaptor of Embodiment 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor betw een a first position and a second position.

[0091] Embodiment 3. The duct adaptor of Embodiment 2, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet in the first position, and wherein the switching mechanism is configured to enable the flow of exhaust air from the second outlet in the second position.|0092| Embodiment 4. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to prevent the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet in the second position, and wherein the switching mechanism is configured to prevent How of exhaust air from the second outlet in the first position.

[0093] Embodiment 5. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a bar that connects the first damper and the second damper.

[0094] Embodiment 6. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-5, further comprising one or more retaining clips configured to selectively lock the bar in the first position or the second position.

[0095] Embodiment 7. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-6. w herein the heat pump assembly is a part of an indoor heat pump water heater.Embodiment 8. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a curved damper configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet. 0097| Embodiment 9. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the curved damper is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position.

[8098] Embodiment 10. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-9, wherein in the first position, the curved damper is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet and prevent flow of exhaust air from the second outlet, and wherein in the second position, the curved damper is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the second outlet and prevent flow of exhaust air from the first outlet.

[0099] Embodiment 11. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a fan disposed between the first outlet and the second outlet, and wherein the fan is configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0100] Embodiment 12. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises one or more sensors and a controller.

[0101] Embodiment 13. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet based on inputs from the one or more sensors.

[0102] Embodiment 14. A duct adaptor comprising: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from a heat pump assembly; a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a first direction; a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor between a first position and a second position, wherein the switching mechanism enables flow of exhaust air from the first outlet in the first position, and wherein the switching mechanism enables flow of exhaust air from the second outlet in the second position.

[0103] Embodiment 15. The duct adaptor of Embodiment 14, wherein the inlet is configured to receive the exhaust air from the heat pump assembly along a third direction.

[0104] Embodiment 16. The duct adaptor of Embodiment 15, wherein the third direction is different from each of the first direction and the second direction.

[0105] Embodiment 17. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 14-16, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.

[0106] Embodiment 18. The duct adaptor of any of Embodiments 14-17, wherein the heat pump assembly is a part of an indoor heat pump water heater.

[0107] Embodiment 19. A system comprising: a heat pump water heater having a housing, wherein the housing comprises an air inlet and an air outlet; and a duct adaptor configured to be attached to the air outlet, wherein the duct adaptor comprises: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from the air outlet; a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air; a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0108] Embodiment 20. The system of Embodiment 19, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor between a first position and a second position.

Claims

CLAIMSTHAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A duct adaptor comprising: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from a heat pump assembly; a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air; a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

2. The duct adaptor of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor between a first position and a second position.

3. The duct adaptor of claim 2, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet in the first position, and wherein the switching mechanism is configured to enable the flow of exhaust air from the second outlet in the second position.

4. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-3, wherein the switching mechanism is configured to prevent the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet in the second position, and wherein the switching mechanism is configured to prevent flow of exhaust air from the second outlet in the first position.

5. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-4, wherein the switching mechanism comprises a bar that connects the first damper and the second damper.

6. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-5, further comprising one or more retaining clips configured to selectively lock the bar in the first position or the second position.

7. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-6, wherein the heat pump assembly is a part of an indoor heat pump water heater.

8. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-7, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a curved damper configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

9. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-8, wherein the curved damper is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position.

10. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-9, wherein in the first position, the curved damper is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the first outlet and prevent flow of exhaust air from the second outlet, and wherein in the second position, the curved damper is configured to enable the flow of the exhaust air from the second outlet and prevent flow of exhaust air from the first outlet.

11. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-10, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a fan disposed between the first outlet and the second outlet, and wherein the fan is configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

12. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-11, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises one or more sensors and a controller.

13. The duct adaptor of any of claims 1-12, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to control the flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet based on inputs from the one or more sensors.

14. A duct adaptor comprising: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from a heat pump assembly;a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a first direction; a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor between a first position and a second position, wherein the switching mechanism enables flow of exhaust air from the first outlet in the first position, and wherein the switching mechanism enables flow of exhaust air from the second outlet in the second position.

15. The duct adaptor of claim 14, wherein the inlet is configured to receive the exhaust air from the heat pump assembly along a third direction.

16. The duct adaptor of claim 15, wherein the third direction is different from each of the first direction and the second direction.

17. The duct adaptor of any of claims 14-16. wherein the third direction is perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.

18. The duct adaptor of any of claims 14-17, wherein the heat pump assembly is a part of an indoor heat pump water heater.

19. A system comprising: a heat pump water heater having a housing, wherein the housing comprises an air inlet and an air outlet; and a duct adaptor configured to be attached to the air outlet, wherein the duct adaptor comprises: an inlet configured to receive exhaust air from the air outlet; a first outlet configured to output the exhaust air;a second outlet configured to output the exhaust air; and an actuation mechanism configured to control a flow of exhaust air from the first outlet or the second outlet.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises: a first damper disposed at the first outlet; a second damper disposed at the second outlet; and a switching mechanism configured to switch the duct adaptor between a first position and a second position.

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