Device for utilizing condensate in an air conditioning unit

Abstract

A device for utilizing condensate in an air conditioning unit comprises a housing (1) with an air flow supply opening (2), a cover (3) with an air flow outlet opening (4), and a pipe (5) for delivering condensate from the air conditioning unit into a liquid evaporation chamber (6) that contains water level sensors (7) and ultrasonic emitters (8), wherein the housing (1) contains a compartment (9) with a power supply (10) mounted therein. Mounted inside the liquid evaporation chamber (6) is a movable platform (11) which is equipped with at least one float element (12) and to which the ultrasonic emitters (8) and the water level sensors (7) are fastened. The cover (3) of the device is provided with a spoiler (13).

Description

[0001] Air Conditioner Condensate Recycling Device

[0002] The utility model relates to systems for spraying and recycling air conditioner condensate and can be used as an addition to an air cooling system to eliminate condensate by spraying it in the form of a fine dispersion using ultrasonic devices, and reducing the power consumption of the system and increasing the cooling performance.

[0003] A device for draining condensate is known from the prior art (Patent for Utility Model UA 117084, application filing date: 26.01.2017), comprising a condensate receiver in the form of a container open at the top, a flexible pipe connected to a cavity 1receiver in its lower part, and a hydraulic seal. At the same time, it additionally contains a capillary pipe installed at an angle to the horizon, the upper end of which is open, and the lower one is connected to the outlet pipe. The known device is an integral part of a household air conditioner, which is its disadvantage. Also, the disadvantages include the impossibility of spraying the discharged condensate.

[0004] A known air conditioner condensate sprayer (Patent for Utility Model UA 151504, application filing date: 08.02.2022) contains a housing in which a condensate tank is fixed. The condensate sprayer additionally contains a pump fixed in the housing, on which a control board is rigidly fixed, to which an internal adapter is also rigidly connected, connected to the pipeline through a tee with a nozzle. A rubber turn with a filter and an external adapter for connecting a drainage tube are rigidly connected to the pipeline. The disadvantage of this solution is that the nozzle only works under pressure, and since the liquid contains foreign particles (dust and others) and is partially contaminated during the use of this device, coking occurs, which leads to failure of the nozzle and the device. The filter does not completely protect against the ingress of small particles of dust and other.

[0005] The closest analogue is a device for recycling air conditioner condensate (Patent for Utility Model UA 152073, application filing date: 12.08.2022), comprising a housing with a ventilation chamber with an air flow fan, a pipe for supplying condensate from the air conditioner to the moisture evaporation chamber, on the tray of which at least one ultrasonic emitter is installed, an upper water level sensor, a lower water level sensor and a power supply unit. The device is equipped with a window (hole) for supplying air flow, which provides active air blowing above the liquid level, for subsequent displacement of cold steam through a "rotary" upper diffuser (hole), which is located outside the device housing.

[0006] The disadvantage of this solution is that the device has stable condensate spray characteristics and cannot operate at maximum loads. In addition, the operation of the device does not affect the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, additional elements require regular maintenance (air intake filter, cooler impeller) and the probability of cooler failure. Under heavy load, the device is not able to increase productivity.

[0007] The technical result of the proposed utility model is an increase in the spraying of condensate, acceleration of its utilization, and a reduction in the consumption of electricity by the climate control equipment with which the proposed device is used.

[0008] The stated problem is solved in that a device for recycling air conditioner condensate is proposed, comprising a housing with an air flow supply opening and a cover provided with an air flow outlet opening, a branch pipe for supplying condensate from the air conditioner to a liquid evaporation chamber, which contains at least one water level sensor, at least one ultrasonic emitter, wherein the housing comprises a compartment in which a power supply unit is installed, in which, according to the utility model, a movable platform is installed in the liquid evaporation chamber, which is equipped with at least one float element and to which ultrasonic emitters with water level sensors are attached, and the cover of the device is made with a spoiler.

[0009] In addition, the upper part of the float element is made with a bevel.

[0010] In addition, a technical hole for draining water is made in the lower part of the body.

[0011] In addition, on the front wall of the case there is a device mount, which is made in the form of a bracket.

[0012] In addition, a system of overflow holes is made on the front wall of the body.

[0013] In addition, the air flow outlet is equipped with a protective “drip catcher” mesh.

[0014] The use of a platform on which float elements are installed ensures the buoyancy of the platform on the surface of the water (condensate), which ensures a constant value of immersion of the ultrasound membrane for maximum performance of the device (setting the kinetic energy of liquid molecules to break away from the liquid surface), which creates the possibility of vertical movement of the platform in the liquid evaporation chamber.

[0015] The use of a spoiler (an element directing the air flow) in the design of the device, which is made in the lower part of the cover, ensures the creation of a directed air flow onto the surface of the water (condensate), which increases the formation of steam, which increases the efficiency of condensate spraying and increases the efficiency of the device.

[0016] The utility model is explained by drawings, where Fig. 1 shows a general front view of the proposed device, Fig. 2 shows a general rear view, Fig. 3 shows a side view, Fig. 4 shows a section A-A according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows a rear view, and Fig. 6 shows a section B-B according to Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 shows an enlarged fragment from Fig. 6.

[0017] The proposed device for recycling air conditioner condensate (as shown in Fig. 1-6) comprises a housing 1 with an air flow supply opening 2 and a cover 3, which is provided with an air flow outlet opening 4, a branch pipe 5 for supplying condensate from the air conditioner (not shown) to a liquid evaporation chamber 6, which contains at least one water level sensor 7, at least one ultrasonic emitter 8. The housing 1 is made with a compartment 9, in which a power supply unit 10 is installed. The compartment 9 is provided with ventilation openings 21, 22 for passive ventilation of the power supply unit.

[0018] What is new in the proposed technical solution is that a movable platform 11 is installed in the liquid evaporation chamber 6, which is equipped with at least one float element 12 and to which ultrasonic emitters 8 with water level sensors 7 are attached. The movable platform ensures a constant immersion value of the ultrasonic membranes by 2-3 cm from the water surface for maximum device performance (setting the kinetic energy of liquid molecules to break away from the liquid surface) for maximum device performance.

[0019] The float element 12 can be made of foam plastic or another floating material and is intended to hold the platform 11 on the surface of the water (condensate) in the liquid evaporation chamber 6 and to give said platform 11 movement (up / down) together with the water level.

[0020] The upper part of the float elements 12 is made with a bevel 14. The implementation of the float elements with a bevel ensures the inclination of the platform 11 with all elements towards the air conditioner radiator along the air flow (as shown in Fig. 6). Which accelerates the evaporation and emission of liquid particles, and increases the productivity of the device under critical loads.

[0021] In addition, the cover 3 of the device is made with a spoiler 13, which directs the air flow to the water surface through the feed opening 2 and thus allows to maximize the formation of steam in the evaporation chamber 6 at the physical level and increase the efficiency of the device several times. The cover 3 closes the air flow feed opening 2, protecting against foreign objects getting into the device. The design of the spoiler (as shown in Fig. 7) was determined empirically and its inclination is: from the cover angle A (40°-50°), and the angle of inclination from the pylon: angle B (55°-70°).

[0022] The device's operability is ensured by power supply unit 10. Moreover, water level sensor / sensors 7 are connected to power supply unit 10.

[0023] In the lower part of the housing 1 there is a technical hole for draining water 15, which has a plug screw 16.

[0024] On the front wall of the housing 1 there is a device mount, which is made in the form of a bracket 17. The device mount bracket is designed in such a way as to ensure a tight fit of the outlet 4 to the radiator of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, providing a blowing speed and a pressure difference to accelerate the evaporation of the liquid. On the front wall there are also power cable holders 18. The air flow outlet 4 is equipped with a protective mesh - "drip catcher" 19. Mesh 19 is designed to protect against the ingress of foreign objects and to trap large particles of liquid.

[0025] On the front wall of the housing 1, a system of overflow holes 20 is made, which is designed in such a way that even in the event of partial or complete failure of the electrical elements of the device, the device will continue to utilize condensate by feeding liquid through the overflow system of holes to the operating radiator of the air conditioner.

[0026] The proposed device is used as follows.

[0027] The condensate disposal device is mounted on the rear part of the main tray of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner using the mounting bracket 17. The branch pipe 5 for supplying condensate from the air conditioner is fed through an elastic membrane (not shown in the drawing) into the liquid evaporation chamber 6.

[0028] When the air conditioner is operating, condensate from the indoor unit of the air conditioner flows through pipe 5 into the liquid evaporation chamber 6, where a movable float platform 11 is located, on which one or more ultrasonic emitters 8 are mounted. Liquid evaporation chamber 6 (working capacity) can have a volume of, for example, 2.5 liters.

[0029] When the liquid level in the liquid evaporation chamber 6 increases, the liquid covers the water level sensor 7, which is located directly in the ultrasonic evaporator 8. As soon as the liquid covers the water level sensor 7, it turns on the power supply 10 to supply voltage to the ultrasonic emitter(s) 8.

[0030] The ultrasonic emitter 8 creates a cloud of fog (saturated water vapor), which is blown off the water surface by air coming from the air flow supply opening 2, and is directed by the air flow spoiler 13 into the chamber 6, providing a directed-active blowing of the liquid surface mirror. The active parts of the liquid are picked up by the air flow and through the air flow outlet opening 4 are dissolved through the condenser heat exchanger (the outdoor unit of the air conditioner).

[0031] Since air with higher humidity improves heat removal from the condenser, then at high outside air temperatures (over 32 °C) the freon condensation temperature in the condenser is significantly reduced by more than 2 °C. That is, the COP of the system increases, and the consumption of electrical energy decreases, the condensate "disappears" into the atmosphere.

[0032] When the water volume drops significantly, the water level sensor 7 is triggered. The water level sensor is connected to the power supply unit 10. A minute after the lower water level is reached (the liquid does not cover the sensor), the air conditioner condensate disposal device switches off. This design is necessary to avoid frequent switching on and off of the device, and an additional period of disposal of the passive liquid flow from the condensate supply pipe 5.

[0033] The cover 3 of the proposed device has a spoiler 13 in its lower part, which directs the air flow through the opening 2 to the water surface, and thus allows for the physical maximization of steam formation and a significant increase in the efficiency of the device.

[0034] During intensive operation of the air conditioner, high air temperature and humidity, an excessive amount of condensate is produced. Liquid evaporation chamber 6, filling with liquid to the upper overflow holes 20 (due to the lifting force), displaces platform 11 with ultrasonic emitters 8 to the extreme upper position. The upper part of the float element 12 has a bevel 14. Resting against the spoiler 13 of the air flow direction, platform 11 with float elements 12 occupies (receives) an additional angle of inclination towards the outlet hole of the flow 4 towards the radiator. This accelerates evaporation and emission of liquid particles, increasing the productivity of the device under critical loads.

[0035] In case of excessive moisture release by the air conditioner or failure of the device elements, the system of overflow holes 20 supplies excess liquid to the radiator of the outdoor unit. Liquid particles, flowing down the radiator fins in an intensive air flow, are dispersed in the external environment.

[0036] The design and aerodynamic properties of the device provide an active air flow above the water surface. The air speed can be more than 15 meters per second. The ultrasonic device(s) convert(s) the liquid into microparticles (fog) located above the surface, actively dissolving in the air flow, and the pressure difference between the radiator of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and chamber 6 of the device, and the angle of inclination, accelerates the process of vaporization: the release of water molecules. Active molecules with sufficient kinetic energy to break away from the surface of the liquid. Passing through the fins of the radiator of the outdoor unit with a temperature of> 50 ° C, water microparticles that did not have time to completely dissolve in the air flow are evaporated. Spraying and evaporating water in the air flow blowing the radiator of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner reduces the condensation temperature of the refrigerant, which reduces energy consumption.

[0037] Spraying and evaporating one liter of water produces up to 700 watts of refrigeration power. The liquid-gas (steam) ratio is 1 to 600, which not only compensates for losses in overcoming the pressure difference, but also increases the mass of the air flow, the heat capacity of 1m 3 ,. which improves heat removal from the air conditioner radiator. The proposed device is designed in such a way that with an increase in the intensity of condensate formation, the productivity (steam-moisture removal) at the upper filling points of the main chamber increases, and the pressure difference and the speed of the air flow blowing the water surface increase.

[0038] When using the proposed device, and considering the low power consumption of the device, there is no need to supply a separate power supply. The device is attached to the external unit of the air conditioner and takes power from it, in addition, it works only when the air conditioner is used.

[0039] Main parameters of the device:

[0040] Power voltage: 220 / 24 V.

[0041] Power: 35 / 42 watts.

[0042] Frequency: 1.6-1.72 / 2.35-2.6 MHz.

[0043] Operating life (h): 3000.

[0044] Particle size (µm): 4-5 / 2-3.

[0045] Evaporation volume l / g: 1.2-3.

[0046] The proposed device not only solves the problem of condensate drainage, but also improves the performance characteristics of climate control equipment. The device is designed in such a way that, if necessary, it would be possible to increase the capacity or energy efficiency of the systems (for example, in the case when one or more proposed devices are installed on the outdoor unit).

[0047] The following designations are adopted in the proposed utility model:

[0048] 1 - body;

[0049] 2 - air flow supply hole;

[0050] 3 - cover;

[0051] 4 - air flow outlet;

[0052] 5 - condensate supply pipe;

[0053] 6 - liquid evaporation chamber;

[0054] 7 - water level sensor;

[0055] 8 - ultrasonic emitter;

[0056] 9 - power supply compartment;

[0057] 10 - power supply;

[0058] 11 - movable platform;

[0059] 12 - float element;

[0060] 13 - spoiler;

[0061] 14 - bevel on the float element;

[0062] 15 - water drain hole;

[0063] 16 - screw-plug;

[0064] 17 - bracket;

[0065] 18 - power cable holders;

[0066] 19 - protective net;

[0067] 20 - overflow hole system;

[0068] 21 - side openings for passive ventilation of the power supply;

[0069] 22 - front openings for passive ventilation of the power supply.

Claims

AMENDED CLAUSE received by the International Bureau on November 21, 2024 (21.11.2024) Formula changed 1. A device for recycling air conditioner condensate, comprising a housing with an air flow supply opening and a cover provided with an air flow outlet opening, a branch pipe for feeding condensate from the air conditioner into a liquid evaporation chamber, which contains at least one water level sensor, at least one ultrasonic emitter, wherein the housing comprises a compartment in which a power supply unit is installed, characterized in that a movable platform is installed in the liquid evaporation chamber, which is equipped with at least one float element to which ultrasonic emitters with water level sensors are attached, a spoiler is made in the lower part of the device cover, which is located under the air flow supply opening.

2. The device according to item 1, characterized in that the upper part of the float element is made with a bevel.

3. The device according to item 1, characterized in that a technical hole for draining water is made in the lower part of the body.

4. The device according to item 1, characterized in that on the wall of the housing, which is located under the air flow outlet, there is a device mount, which is made in the form of a bracket.

5. The device according to item 1, characterized in that a system of overflow holes is made on the wall of the housing, which is located under the air flow outlet.

6. The device according to item 1, characterized in that the air flow outlet is equipped with a protective mesh - a “drip catcher”.

7. The device according to item 1, characterized in that the water level sensors are connected to the power supply. 12 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) EXPLANATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 19(1) The amended claim filed in accordance with Article 19 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty does not go beyond the scope of the disclosure in the originally filed international application PCT / UA2023 / 000064, and all claims of the amended claim are based on the originally filed description and drawings. The amendments are made based on the analysis of the results of the International Search for a clearer disclosure of the essence of the claimed device.

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