Single-packaged air conditioner unit with heat recovery ventilation module

Abstract

A heat transfer unit may include a conditioning module, a ventilation module, and a first opening defined between the conditioning module and the ventilation module. The conditioning module may include an outdoor portion configured to receive outdoor air and including an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor portion configured to receive indoor air and including an indoor heat exchanger. The ventilation module may include an air-to-air heat exchanger, a first fan configured to draw a flow of outdoor air from an outdoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger, and a second fan configured to draw a flow of indoor air from an indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger such that heat is exchanged between the flows of indoor air and outdoor air. The first opening may be configured to allow the flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

Description

92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO)SINGLE-PACKAGED AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WITH HEAT RECOVERYVENTILATION MODULECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001 [ The present application claims priority to and the benefit of US provisional application No. 63 / 683,005, filed August 14, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioners and more particularly to single-packaged air conditioner units having a heat recovery ventilation module and related methods of using the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] A single-packaged air conditioner is a unit for conditioning (i.e., heating, cooling, and / or dehumidifying) air for an indoor environment, which includes all of the necessary components contained within a single housing. This type of configuration contrasts with a split air conditioning system in which one unit is provided within a building and a separate second unit is provided outside of the building. When installed, a single-packaged air conditioner unit extends through the envelope (i.e., an exterior wall) of a building, with an “indoor” portion of the unit being exposed to indoor air of the indoor environment (i.e., within the building) and an “outdoor” portion of the unit being exposed to outdoor air of the outdoor environment (i.e., outside of the building). As used herein, reference to “indoor” and “outdoor” portions of a single-packaged air conditioner unit may not necessarily mean that the two portions of the unit are located, respectively, in the indoor and outdoor environments. Rather, such terms indicate that the “indoor” portion is exposed to indoor air, and that the “outdoor” portion is exposed to outdoor air.

[0604] One type of a single-packaged air conditioner unit is a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC), which is typically horizontally-oriented, with the indoor portion and the92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) outdoor portion being arranged side-by-side. Single-packaged air conditioner units, including PTACs , are ductless, through-the-wall heating and cooling systems that are often used in commercial buildings (e.g., hotel rooms), but that may be used in typical residential buildings as well.

[0005] In view of how a single-packaged air conditioner unit extends through the building envelope when installed, the unit provides an opportunity to control movement of air across the barrier between the conditioned indoor environment and the ambient outdoor environment. In certain instances, it may be desirable or required, for example by relevant building codes, to ventilate the indoor environment with fresh air from the outdoor environment. Accordingly, some single-packaged air conditioner units may be configured to selectively allow fresh outdoor air to flow therethrough into the indoor environment. When ventilating, however, some of the conditioned indoor air necessarily must be exhausted from the indoor environment in order to maintain pressure therein. In some instances, a single-packaged air conditioner unit may not include means for allowing indoor air to be exhausted to the outdoor environment through the unit. As a result, when ventilating with such a unit, some of the indoor air may leak out of the indoor environment through crevices in the building envelope, which may exist along window-to-wall interfaces or elsewhere, through a bathroom exhaust duct, or elsewhere. In other instances, a single-packaged air conditioner unit may include a pathway for selectively allowing indoor air to be exhausted to the outdoor environment during ventilation. Either way, the energy spent heating, cooling, and / or dehumidifying the leaked or exhausted indoor air is lost, resulting in potential inefficiencies of the unit. Moreover, the introduction of the fresh air into the indoor environment increases the load on the single-packaged air conditioner unit to maintain desired conditions within the indoor environment, particularly when significant differences exist between the temperature and / or humidity of the fresh outdoor air and the conditioned indoor air.

[0006] A need therefore remains for improved single-packaged air conditioner units and related methods of manufacturing and using the same, which may overcome one or more of the foregoing drawbacks associated with existing single-packaged air conditioner units and related methods.92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO)BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS(0007] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating examples of the disclosure, in which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical items. Certain examples of the present disclosure may include elements, components, and / or configurations other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some of the elements, components, and / or configurations illustrated in the drawings may not be present in certain examples.

[0008] FIG. 1 A is a partially-exploded perspective view of a single-packaged air conditioner unit in accordance with one or more examples of the disclosure, showing a conditioning module and a ventilation module thereof as well as a sleeve and a cover as may be used with the single-packaged air conditioner unit. 0009] FIG. IB is a perspective view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit of FIG. 1A disposed relative to the sleeve.

[0010] FIG. 1C is a top view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit of FIG. 1 A, showing a damper door thereof in a closed state in which the damper door covers a first opening defined in a wall between the conditioning module and the ventilation module.

[0011] FIG. ID is a top view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit of FIG. 1 A, showing the damper door in an open state in which the damper door does not cover the first opening.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a top view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit of FIG. 1A, illustrating how flows of air pass through respective portions of the single-packaged air conditioner unit when the conditioning module is active, the ventilation module is active, and the damper door is in the closed state.]00 I3j FIG. 2B is a top view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit ofFIG. 1A, illustrating how flows of air pass through respective portions of the single-packaged air conditioner unit when the conditioning module is active, the ventilation module is active, and the damper door is in the open state.92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) 0014] FIG. 2C is a top view of a portion of the single-packaged air conditioner unit of FIG. 1A, illustrating how flows of air pass through respective portions of the single-packaged air conditioner unit when the conditioning module is inactive, the ventilation module is active, and the damper door is in the closed state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following description, specific details are set forth describing some examples consistent with the present disclosure. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that some examples may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. The specific examples disclosed herein are meant to be illustrative but not limiting. One skilled in the art may realize other examples that, although not specifically described here, are within the scope and the spirit of this disclosure. In addition, to avoid unnecessary repetition, one or more features shown and described in association with one example may be incorporated into other examples unless specifically described otherwise or if the one or more features would make an example non-functional. In some instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the examples.

[0016] Overview

[0017] The present disclosure provides improved single-packaged air conditioner units (which also may be referred to generally as “heat transfer units”) and related methods of manufacturing and using such units. As discussed above, a single-packaged air conditioner unit extends through the building envelope when installed, and thus the unit provides an opportunity to control movement of air across the barrier between the conditioned indoor environment and the ambient outdoor environment. In contrast to existing technology, the improved single-packaged air conditioner units disclosed herein advantageously may provide heat or energy recovery ventilation, thereby leveraging at least a portion of the energy spent conditioning exhausted indoor air and increasing efficiency of the units.92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) 0018] As described herein, in one aspect, a heat transfer unit may include a conditioning module configured to condition air for an indoor environment, a ventilation module configured to ventilate the indoor environment, and a first opening defined in a wall between the conditioning module and the ventilation module. The conditioning module may include an outdoor portion configured to receive outdoor air from an outdoor environment and including an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor portion configured to receive indoor air from the indoor environment and including an indoor heat exchanger. The ventilation module may include an air-to-air heat exchanger, a first fan configured to draw a first flow of outdoor air (z.e., fresh outdoor air) from the outdoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger, and a second fan configured to draw a first flow of indoor air (i.e., stale, conditioned indoor air) from the indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger. The first opening may be configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, the first flow of indoor air may be used to precondition the first flow of outdoor air via the air-to-air heat exchanger and to increase efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. In this manner, the energy spent conditioning the first flow of indoor air may be leveraged to increase overall efficiency of the heat transfer unit, not wasted as with existing single-packaged air conditioner units. 0019] In some examples, the ventilation module may be disposed adjacent the conditioning module. In some examples, the ventilation module and the conditioning module may be disposed side-by-side in a horizontal arrangement. In some examples, the outdoor portion also may include an outdoor fan configured to draw the first flow of indoor air through the first opening and the outdoor heat exchanger and to draw a second flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the outdoor heat exchanger. In some examples, the indoor portion also may include an indoor fan configured to draw a second flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the indoor heat exchanger. In some examples, the air-to-air heat exchanger may include a heat recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air. In92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) some examples, the air-to-air heat exchanger may include an energy recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat and latent heat between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air. 0020 In some examples, the heat transfer unit also may include a damper disposed about the first opening and configured to control passage of the first flow of indoor air through the first opening. In some examples, the damper may be configured to move between an open state, in which the damper allows the first flow of indoor air to pass through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger, and a closed state, in which the damper prevents the first flow of indoor air from passing through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger. In some examples, the ventilation module also may include a second opening configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the outdoor environment when the damper is in the closed state, and the damper may be configured to prevent the first flow of air from passing through the second opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the outdoor environment when the damper is in the open state. In some examples, the damper may include a door configured to move relative to the wall between the open state, in which the door covers the second opening, and the closed state, in which the door covers the first opening. In some examples, the damper may be configured to assume the open state when the conditioning module is in an active state and to assume the closed state when the conditioning module is in an inactive state. In some examples, the ventilation module also may include a third opening configured to allow the first flow of outdoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment.

[0021] In another aspect, a method of operating a heat transfer unit may include: receiving, by an outdoor portion of a conditioning module, outdoor air from an outdoor environment, the outdoor portion including an outdoor heat exchanger; receiving, by an indoor portion of the conditioning module, indoor air from an indoor environment, the indoor portion including an indoor heat exchanger; drawing, by a first fan of a ventilation module, a first flow of outdoor air (i.e., fresh outdoor air) from the outdoor environment and through an air-to-air heat exchanger; drawing, by a second fan of the ventilation module, a first flow of indoor air i.e.,92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) stale, conditioned indoor air) from the indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger; and allowing, via a first opening defined in a wall between the conditioning module and the ventilation module, the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger. In this manner, the energy spent conditioning the first flow of indoor air may be leveraged to increase overall efficiency of the heat transfer unit, not wasted as with existing single-packaged air conditioner units.|0022| In some examples, the method also may include: drawing, by an outdoor fan of the outdoor portion, the first flow of indoor air through the first opening and the outdoor heat exchanger; and drawing, by the outdoor fan, a second flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the outdoor heat exchanger. In some examples, the method also may include: causing a damper disposed about the first opening to move from an open state, in which the damper allows the first flow of indoor air to pass through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger, to a closed state, in which the damper prevents the first flow of indoor air from passing through the first opening from the air- to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger; and allowing, by a second opening of the ventilation module, the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the outdoor environment. In some examples, the method also may include allowing, by a third opening of the ventilation module, the first flow of outdoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment. In some examples, the method also may include drawing, by an indoor fan of the indoor portion, a second flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the indoor heat exchanger. In some examples, the second flow of indoor air comprises at least a portion of the first flow of outdoor air that passed from the air- to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment.^0023] In still another aspect, a heat transfer unit may include a conditioning module configured to condition air for an indoor environment, a ventilation module configured to ventilate the indoor environment, and a wall disposed between the conditioning module and the ventilation module. The conditioning module may include an outdoor heat exchanger92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) configured to receive outdoor air from an outdoor environment, and an indoor heat exchanger configured to receive indoor air from the indoor environment. The ventilation module may include an air-to-air heat exchanger configured to receive a first flow of outdoor air ( / .< ., fresh outdoor air) from the outdoor environment and a first flow of indoor air (i.e., stale, conditioned indoor air) from the indoor environment, with heat being exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger. The wall may define a first opening configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger. In this manner, the energy spent conditioning the first flow of indoor air may be leveraged to increase overall efficiency of the heat transfer unit, not wasted as with existing single-packaged air conditioner units.

[0024] Still other benefits and advantages of the disclosed single-packaged air conditioner units and related methods of manufacturing and using such units over conventional systems and techniques will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from the present disclosure. 0025] It will be appreciated that the aspects and improvements of single-packaged air conditioner units described herein may be provided in various configurations, including a PTAC unit or any other type of single-packaged air conditioner unit, where applicable. 0026] Example Single-Packaged Air Conditioner Units and Methods

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a single-packaged air conditioner unit (which also may be referred to as a “heat transfer unit,” an “air conditioner unit,” or simply a “unit”) 100 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. As described herein, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 may be used for conditioning (i.e., heating, cooling, and / or dehumidifying) air for an indoor environment, while allowing for ventilation of the indoor environment with fresh outdoor air from an outdoor environment. In particular, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 advantageously may provide heat recovery ventilation, using stale indoor air that is exhausted from the indoor environment to precondition the incoming fresh outdoor air and increase efficiency of the unit 100.

[0628] As shown, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 may include a conditioning module 110 and a ventilation module 140. The conditioning module 110 may be configured to92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) condition (i.e., heat, cool, and / or dehumidify) air for an indoor environment, and the ventilation module 140 may be configured to ventilate the indoor environment with fresh air from an outdoor environment. As shown, the ventilation module 140 and the conditioning module 110 may be disposed adjacent one another. In some examples, as shown, the ventilation module 140 and the conditioning module 110 may be disposed side-by-side in a horizontal arrangement, although other arrangements of the ventilation module 140 and the conditioning module 110 may be used in other examples. The conditioning module 110 may include an outdoor portion 120 that is exposed to and configured to receive outdoor air from the outdoor environment and an indoor portion 130 that is exposed to and configured to receive indoor air from the indoor environment. As shown, the outdoor portion 120 and the indoor portion 130 may be separated from one another by one or more walls.|0029 The conditioning module 110 may be configured as a heat pump for heating, cooling, and / or dehumidifying air for the indoor environment. As shown, the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 122 and an outdoor fan 124. The outdoor heat exchanger 122 may be configured for exchanging heat between air that passes over or through the outdoor heat exchanger 122 and a fluid, such as a refrigerant, that flows within an internal passageway of the outdoor heat exchanger 122. In some examples, as shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 122 may be a coiled heat exchanger, although other types of heat exchangers may be used in other examples. The outdoor fan 124 may be configured to draw air from the outdoor environment and through the outdoor heat exchanger 122. In some examples, the outdoor fan 124 may be a rotary fan having a hub and a plurality of blades, although other types of fans may be used in other examples. As shown, the indoor portion 130 may include an indoor heat exchanger 132 and an indoor fan 134. The indoor heat exchanger 132 may be configured for exchanging heat between air that passes over or through the indoor heat exchanger 132 and a fluid, such as a refrigerant, that flows within an internal passageway of the indoor heat exchanger 132. In some examples, as shown, the indoor heat exchanger 132 may be a coiled heat exchanger, although other types of heat exchangers may be used in other examples. The indoor fan 134 may be configured to draw air from the indoor environment and through the indoor heat exchanger 132. In some examples, the indoor92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) fan 134 may be a blower wheel, although other types of fans may be used in other examples. As shown, air may be drawn from the indoor environment through an inlet opening 136 of the indoor portion 130, conditioned, and then exhausted back into the indoor environment through an outlet opening 138 of the indoor portion 130. In some examples, the indoor portion 130 may include an indoor air filter configured to filter debris or contaminants from the air that is drawn from the indoor environment. In some examples, the indoor portion 130 may include a heater, such as an electric heating element, that is configured to provide supplemental heating of the air, when needed.|0030| The ventilation module 140 may include a base 142, a top cover 144, and a plurality of walls that collectively define an interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. As shown, the walls may include a first sidewall 146, a second sidewall 148, a rear wall 152, and a front wall 154. In some examples, as shown, the first sidewall 146 may separate the ventilation module 140 from the conditioning module 110. The ventilation module 140 may include a plurality of openings configured to allow air to flow into or out of the interior space 156, as described below. As shown, the ventilation module 140 may include a first opening 162, a second opening 164, and a third opening 166. In some examples, as shown, the first opening 162 may be defined in the first sidewall 146. In some examples, as shown, the second opening 164 may be defined along the rear of the ventilation module 140 between the rear wall 152 and the first sidewall 146. In some examples, as shown, the third opening 166 may be defined along the front of the ventilation module 140 between the front wall 154 and the first sidewall 146. Other arrangements of the openings 162, 164, 166 may be used in other examples. As described further below, the first opening 162 may be configured to allow air to pass from the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140 into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110, the second opening 164 may be configured to allow air to pass from the outdoor environment into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140, and the third opening 166 may be configured to allow air to pass from the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140 into the indoor environment.[0031| As shown, the ventilation module 140 also may include an air-to-air heat exchanger 170 that is disposed within the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. As used92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) herein, the term “air-to-air heat exchanger” refers to structures designed to transfer heat, such as thermal energy, between two (or more) separated air flows, without mixing the air flows and without the use of an intermediate refrigerant fluid. As described below, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may be configured to transfer heat between a flow of outdoor air and a flow of indoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. In some examples, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may be a heat recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat between the flow of indoor air and the flow of outdoor air. In some examples, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may be an energy recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat and latent heat between the flow of indoor air and the flow of outdoor air. In some examples, as shown, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may be a cross-flow heat exchanger, although other types of air-to-air heat exchangers may be used in other examples. As shown, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may include a core 172 and a plurality of walls 184 extending outward from the core 172. In some examples, as shown, the core 172 may have a cube shape defining a first surface 174, a second surface 176, a third surface 178, and a fourth surface 182, although other shapes of the core 172 and arrangements of respective surfaces thereof may be used in other examples. As shown, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may be coupled to the walls 146, 148, 152, 154 of the ventilation module by four (4) connectors 184, thereby positioning the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 within the interior space 156. As shown, each of the connectors 184 may be generally Y-shaped, with a base leg portion of the connector 184 extending outward from respective interfaces between adjacent surfaces 174, 176, 178, 182 and engaging a respective channel formed on one of the walls 146, 148, 152, 154, and with arm portions of the connector 184 extending along the respective surfaces 174, 176, 178, 182. In some examples, the connectors 184 may be separately formed from and attached to or simply configured to mate with air-to-air heat exchanger 170. In other examples, the connectors 184 may be integrally formed with the core 172 as part of the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. By coupling the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 to the walls 146, 148, 152, 154 of the ventilation module by the connectors 184, as shown, the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 may divide the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140 into four (4) respective zones92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) defined by the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, the first sidewall 146, the second sidewall 148, the rear wall 152, and the front wall 154.(0032] As shown, the ventilation module 140 also may include a first fan 186 and a second fan 188. The first fan 186 may be configured to draw outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. The second fan 188 may be configured to draw indoor air from the indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. As shown, the first fan 186 may be coupled to the rear wall 152 adjacent an opening extending through the rear wall 152 for drawing outdoor air from the outdoor environment. The outdoor air drawn by the first fan 186 may pass through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, such as through a plurality of first passageways extending through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, from the first surface 174 to the second surface 176 thereof. As shown, the second fan 188 may be coupled to the front wall 154 adjacent an opening extending through the front wall 154 for drawing indoor air from the indoor environment. The indoor air drawn by the second fan 188 may pass through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, such as through a plurality of second passageways extending through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, from the third surface 178 to the fourth surface 182 thereof. The first passageways and the second passageways may be fluidly separate from one another such that heat is exchanged between the outdoor air and the indoor air but that the outdoor air and the indoor air do not mix with one another.

[0033] As shown, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 also may include a damper 190 disposed about the first opening 162 and configured to control passage of air through the first opening 162. The damper 190 may be configured to move between a closed state, as shown in FIG. 1C, in which the damper 190 prevents air from passing through the first opening 162 from the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140 into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110, in particular, from the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 122, and an open state, as shown in FIG. ID, in which the damper 190 allows air to pass through the first opening 162 from the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140 into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110, in particular, from the air-to-air heat exchanger 170 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 122. In some examples, as92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) shown, the damper 190 may include a damper door 192, although other configurations and components may be used for the damper 190 in other examples. As shown, the damper door 192 may be configured to move, such as pivot, between the closed state and the open state. In some examples, as shown, the damper door 192 may cover the first opening 162 when the damper 190 is in the closed state, and the damper door 192 may cover the second opening 164 when the damper 190 is in the open state. In some examples, a controller of the singlepackaged air conditioner unit 100 may be configured to cause the damper 190 to assume the open state when the conditioning module 110 is in an active state (i.e., when the conditioning module 1 10 is operating to condition air for the indoor environment) and to cause the damper 190 to assume the closed state when the conditioning module 110 is in an inactive state i.e., when the conditioning module 110 is not operating to condition air for the indoor environment). 0034] In some examples, as shown, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 also may include a tray 194, a sleeve 196, and a cover 198. As shown, the tray 194 may support the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140 thereon, serving as a support structure for the modules 110, 140. When the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 is installed, the sleeve 196 may be disposed within an opening defined in the building wall and contain the conditioning module 110, the ventilation module 140, and the tray 194 therein. The cover 198 may extend over the front sides of the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140. As shown, the cover 198 may include a plurality of grate portions configured to allow air flow therethrough, into and out of the indoor environment being conditioned. In some instances, the sleeve 196 and the cover 198 may not be included as part of the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100, such as when the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 is being installed as a replacement for an existing single-packaged air conditioner unit already present in a building. In such instances, the sleeve and the cover of the existing unit may be reused. For example, the cover may be removed, internal components of the existing unit may be removed from the sleeve, an assembly of the conditioning module 110, the ventilation module 140, and the tray 194 may be inserted into the sleeve, the cover may be reattached, and the singlepackaged air conditioner unit 100 may be plugged in for operation. In this manner, the single-92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) packaged air conditioner unit 100 may be easily installed as a quick replacement for existing, less-efficient single-packaged air conditioner units. In some examples, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 may be sized and configured to replace a conventional PTAC unit and compatible with the sleeve and the cover for the PTAC unit. In other examples, the singlepackaged air conditioner unit 100 may be sized and configured to replace any other type of single-packaged air conditioner unit.FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example operation of the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 installed through a building wall 200 that separates an outdoor environment 210 from an indoor environment 220 that is being conditioned by the unit 100.[0036| FIG. 2A shows an operational state in which the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140 both are active and the damper 190 is in the closed state. In this manner, the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140 may operate independently of one another. As shown, a first flow of outdoor air (i.e., fresh outdoor air) 212 may be drawn, by the first fan 186, from the outdoor environment 210 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. Meanwhile, a first flow of indoor air (i.e., stale indoor air) 222 may be drawn, by the second fan 188, from the indoor environment 220 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. As shown, the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 may pass through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 within the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. In this manner, the first flow of indoor air 222 may precondition the first flow of outdoor air 212. The preconditioned first flow of outdoor air 212 then may flow from the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, through the third opening 166, and into the indoor environment 220. Meanwhile, the first flow of indoor air 222 may flow from the air- to-air heat exchanger 170, through the second opening 164, and into the outdoor environment 210 as exhausted air. With respect to the conditioning module 110, a second flow of outdoor air 214 may be drawn, by the outdoor fan 124, into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110. As shown, the second flow of outdoor air 214 may pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 122 and be output into the outdoor environment 210 as a flow of outdoor exhaust air 216. Meanwhile, a second flow of indoor air 224 and at least a portion of the preconditioned92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) first flow of outdoor air 212 may be drawn, by the indoor fan 134, into the indoor portion 130 of the conditioning module 110. As shown, the second flow of indoor air 224 and the at least a portion of the preconditioned first flow of outdoor air 212 may mix with one another, pass through the indoor heat exchanger 132 and be conditioned thereby, and be output into the indoor environment 220 as a flow of indoor supply air 226. In this operational state, the singlepackaged air conditioner unit 100 provides energy recovery by preconditioning the first flow of outdoor air 212 using the first flow of indoor air 222.^0037] FIG. 2B shows another operational state in which the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140 both are active and the damper 190 is in the open state. In this manner, the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110 and the ventilation module 140 cooperate with one another. As shown, a first flow of outdoor air (z.e., fresh outdoor air) 212 may be drawn, by the first fan 186, from the outdoor environment 210 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. Meanwhile, a first flow of indoor air (z.e., stale indoor air) 222 may be drawn, by the second fan 188, from the indoor environment 220 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. As shown, the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 may pass through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 within the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. In this manner, the first flow of indoor air 222 may precondition the first flow of outdoor air 212. The preconditioned first flow of outdoor air 212 then may flow from the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, through the third opening 166, and into the indoor environment 220. Meanwhile, the first flow of indoor air 222 may flow from the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, through the first opening 162, and into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110, as facilitated by the outdoor fan 124. A second flow of outdoor air 214 also may be drawn, by the outdoor fan 124, into the outdoor portion 120 of the conditioning module 110. As shown, the second flow of outdoor air 214 may mix with the first flow of indoor air 222 from the first opening 162, and the mixture thereof may pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 122 and be output into the outdoor environment 210 as a flow of outdoor exhaust air 216. In this manner, the mixture of the second flow of outdoor air 214 and the first flow of indoor air 222 may increase efficiency of the outdoor portion 120 of the92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) conditioning module 110. Meanwhile, a second flow of indoor air 224 and at least a portion of the preconditioned first flow of outdoor air 212 may be drawn, by the indoor fan 134, into the indoor portion 130 of the conditioning module 110. As shown, the second flow of indoor air 224 and the at least a portion of the preconditioned first flow of outdoor air 212 may mix with one another, pass through the indoor heat exchanger 132 and be conditioned thereby, and be output into the indoor environment 220 as a flow of indoor supply air 226. In this operational state, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 provides energy recovery by preconditioning the first flow of outdoor air 212 using the first flow of indoor air 222 and then mixing the first flow of indoor air 222 with the second flow of outdoor air 214 to increase efficiency of the conditioning module 110.|0038| FIG. 2C shows an operational state in which the conditioning module 110 is inactive, the ventilation module 140 is active, and the damper 190 is in the closed state. In this manner, the ventilation module 140 may ventilate the indoor environment 220 while no conditioning of the indoor environment 220 is provided by the conditioning module 110. Accordingly, in the illustrated operational state, the ventilation module 140 may function as an economizer when outdoor air temperature and humidity levels are appropriate for conditioning the indoor environment 220 without having to operate the conditioning module 110. As shown, a first flow of outdoor air (i.e., fresh outdoor air) 212 may be drawn, by the first fan 186, from the outdoor environment 210 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140.Meanwhile, a first flow of indoor air i.e., stale indoor air) 222 may be drawn, by the second fan 188, from the indoor environment 220 into the interior space 156 of the ventilation module 140. As shown, the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 may pass through the air-to-air heat exchanger 170, such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of outdoor air 212 and the first flow of indoor air 222 within the air-to-air heat exchanger 170. In this manner, the first flow of indoor air 222 may precondition the first flow of outdoor air 212. In this operational state, the single-packaged air conditioner unit 100 provides energy recovery by preconditioning the first flow of outdoor air 212 using the first flow of indoor air 222. [0039| In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) 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 a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment 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.[0040| 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. O041 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 words, 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.^0042] 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 incorporated92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.(0043] 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 contrary is 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, among others, “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.

Claims

92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO)CLAIMSTHAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A heat transfer unit comprising: a conditioning module configured to condition air for an indoor environment, the conditioning module comprising: an outdoor portion configured to receive outdoor air from an outdoor environment, the outdoor portion comprising an outdoor heat exchanger; and an indoor portion configured to receive indoor air from the indoor environment, the indoor portion comprising an indoor heat exchanger; a ventilation module configured to ventilate the indoor environment, the ventilation module comprising: an air-to-air heat exchanger; a first fan configured to draw a first flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger; and a second fan configured to draw a first flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger; and a first opening defined in a wall between the conditioning module and the ventilation module and configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

2. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the ventilation module is disposed adjacent the conditioning module.

3. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the ventilation module and the conditioning module are disposed side-by-side in a horizontal arrangement.92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO)4. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the outdoor portion further comprises an outdoor fan configured to draw the first flow of indoor air through the first opening and the outdoor heat exchanger and to draw a second flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the outdoor heat exchanger.

5. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the indoor portion further comprises an indoor fan configured to draw a second flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the indoor heat exchanger.

6. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the air-to-air heat exchanger comprises a heat recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air.

7. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the air-to-air heat exchanger comprises an energy recovery ventilation heat exchanger configured to exchange sensible heat and latent heat between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air.

8. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, further comprising a damper disposed about the first opening and configured to control passage of the first flow of indoor air through the first opening.

9. The heat transfer unit of claim 8, wherein the damper is configured to move between an open state, in which the damper allows the first flow of indoor air to pass through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger, and a closed state, in which the damper prevents the first flow of indoor air from passing through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

10. The heat transfer unit of claim 9, wherein the ventilation module further comprises a second opening configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) exchanger into the outdoor environment when the damper is in the closed state, and wherein the damper is configured to prevent the first flow of air from passing through the second opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the outdoor environment when the damper is in the open state.

11. The heat transfer unit of claim 10, wherein the damper comprises a door configured to move relative to the wall between the open state, in which the door covers the second opening, and the closed state, in which the door covers the first opening.

12. The heat transfer unit of claim 9, wherein the damper is configured to assume the open state when the conditioning module is in an active state and to assume the closed state when the conditioning module is in an inactive state.

13. The heat transfer unit of claim 1, wherein the ventilation module further comprises a third opening configured to allow the first flow of outdoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment.

14. A method comprising: receiving, by an outdoor portion of a conditioning module, outdoor air from an outdoor environment, the outdoor portion comprising an outdoor heat exchanger; receiving, by an indoor portion of the conditioning module, indoor air from an indoor environment, the indoor portion comprising an indoor heat exchanger; drawing, by a first fan of a ventilation module, a first flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through an air-to-air heat exchanger; drawing, by a second fan of the ventilation module, a first flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the air-to-air heat exchanger such that heat is exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger; and92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO) allowing, via a first opening defined in a wall between the conditioning module and the ventilation module, the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: drawing, by an outdoor fan of the outdoor portion, the first flow of indoor air through the first opening and the outdoor heat exchanger; and drawing, by the outdoor fan, a second flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and through the outdoor heat exchanger.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: causing a damper disposed about the first opening to move from an open state, in which the damper allows the first flow of indoor air to pass through the first opening from the air-to- air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger, to a closed state, in which the damper prevents the first flow of indoor air from passing through the first opening from the air-to-air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger; and allowing, by a second opening of the ventilation module, the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the outdoor environment.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising allowing, by a third opening of the ventilation module, the first flow of outdoor air to pass from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising drawing, by an indoor fan of the indoor portion, a second flow of indoor air from the indoor environment and through the indoor heat exchanger.92575-2992 (FRH-035-WO)19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second flow of indoor air comprises at least a portion of the first flow of outdoor air that passed from the air-to-air heat exchanger into the indoor environment.

20. A heat transfer unit comprising: a conditioning module configured to condition air for an indoor environment, the conditioning module comprising: an outdoor heat exchanger configured to receive outdoor air from an outdoor environment; and an indoor heat exchanger configured to receive indoor air from the indoor environment; a ventilation module configured to ventilate the indoor environment, the ventilation module comprising: an air-to-air heat exchanger configured to receive a first flow of outdoor air from the outdoor environment and a first flow of indoor air from the indoor environment, wherein heat is exchanged between the first flow of indoor air and the first flow of outdoor air within the air-to-air heat exchanger; and a wall disposed between the conditioning module and the ventilation module and defining a first opening configured to allow the first flow of indoor air to pass from the air-to- air heat exchanger toward the outdoor heat exchanger.

Images