Patent Application
20240328685
The present invention relates generally to the field of air conditioners' condensing unit cooling systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel misting system that automatically detects outdoor temperature and activates spraying of water on condensing coils of the AC when a preset temperature is exceeded. The misting system includes a control box coupled to a water solenoid valve. The valve provides a flow from a water source to a misting nozzle for creating a fine spray to dissipate heat from the condensing coils. As outdoor temperatures rise above a preset temperature, the misting system responds and sprays a limited amount of water onto condenser's coils to cool down hot-compressed refrigeration gas inside coils. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to others like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, air conditioners (ACs) are essential appliances found in virtually every home and business today and provide comfort by cooling indoor spaces during hot weather. Generally, condensing units of air conditioners are installed outdoors and their efficiency can be negatively impacted during hot summer months. With high outdoor temperature, the condensing unit can become overheated which may lead to inefficient cooling of the house and increased energy consumption.
During hot weather, the outdoor temperature can rise above normal ranges, subjecting air conditioning units to considerable wear and tear. The higher outdoor temperatures cause the air conditioning unit to work harder and run for longer periods to cool down the indoor spaces. As a result, homeowners experience higher electrical bills due to the increased energy consumption. The overheating of the AC's condensing unit also leads to malfunctions in the electric circuitry, coils, and/or electrical components of an air conditioner. As a result, the AC may not function properly which can lead to suboptimal cooling performance. Repairing and maintaining the AC's electrical components and coils require professional help and can be expensive for individuals.
Commonly, individuals spray water or coolant material manually onto the coils of condensing units to prevent overheating of the condensing unit. However, this method is inefficient and requires manual effort and is time consuming. Individuals desire an automatic and efficient cooling system for the condensing unit of air conditioners.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an automatic cooling system for the condensing unit of an air conditioner. There is also a long felt need in the art for an AC condensing unit cooling system that automatically sprays an amount of water onto coils of an AC condensing unit. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art of a misting system that prevents overheating of the AC condensing unit. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooling system that improves the cooling performance of the AC and extends the lifespan of the unit. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel cooling system that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of air conditioners. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a misting system that dissipates the excess heat from AC condensed coils by misting the coils. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an automatic misting system that prevents AC condensing unit from overheating that might cause internal components of condensing unit working ineffectively and inefficiently to cool the house.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a comprises an automatic misting system to cool down condensing unit of an air conditioner by spraying water mist. The system comprises a control box, inlet water tubing, outlet water tubing, water solenoid valve, water filter, mist nozzle, temperature sensor, and a transformer or an electrical module. The control box compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor with ambient temperature over a temperature threshold, such that the mist nozzle sprays an amount of water onto the coils of condensing unit where the device is attached to, and once the temperature threshold has been exceeded. As outdoor temperatures rise above a preset temperature, the misting system responds and sprays a limited amount of water onto condenser's coils to cool down hot-compressed refrigeration gas inside coils. The system can be used to cool down condensing units of one or more ACs.
In this manner, the AC condensing unit cooling system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an automatic and efficient cooling system that not only improves the cooling performance of the AC but also extends the lifespan of the unit by reducing strain on its components. The system sprays water automatically when a threshold temperature is reached or breached to dissipate heat from the condenser's coils. The system saves energy costs and minimizes the need for frequent maintenance and repairs for AC condensing unit.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an automatic misting system to cool down a condensing unit of an air conditioner. The system comprising a control box configured as an electronic module, a 12V DC wire providing electric power to the control box via a transformer or an electronic module, a water solenoid valve electrically coupled to the control box via a 12V DC wire, the valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet tubing connects the inlet port to a water source with a water filter, an outlet misting tubing connects the outlet port to a misting nozzle for spraying water onto the condensing coils of the AC condenser.
In yet another embodiment, a cooling system for spraying water on condensing coils of air conditioners is disclosed. The system comprising a control box, a water solenoid valve electrically coupled to the control box, an inlet port of the valve linked to an inlet tubing connected to a water source for water supply, an outlet misting tubing connected between the water solenoid valve and a misting nozzle, the misting nozzle features multiple openings for controlled water spraying onto the AC condensing unit, the control box further comprising a processor to monitor electric supply to the water solenoid valve based on detected ambient temperature and a temperature sensor for measuring the outdoor temperature of the area where the AC condensing unit is installed.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for automatic misting the condensing coils of an air conditioner is described. The method comprising the steps of monitoring, by a temperature sensor, the ambient temperature outside the location of the AC condensing unit; receiving, by a processor, receiving real-time temperature data from a temperature sensor; comparing, by the processor, the ambient temperature data with a pre-set threshold temperature value; sending an electrical signal from the processor to a water solenoid valve when the ambient temperature is higher than the pre-set threshold temperature; opening a pathway between a water inlet tubing and a water outlet tubing, wherein the outlet tubing is connected to a misting nozzle; creating, by the nozzle, a mist of water; and spraying the fine mist of water onto the coils of the AC condensing unit using the misting nozzle.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an automatic cooling system for the condensing unit of an air conditioner. There is also a long felt need in the art for an AC condensing unit cooling system that automatically sprays an amount of water onto coils of an AC condensing unit. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art of a misting system that prevents overheating of the AC condensing unit. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a cooling system that improves the cooling performance of the AC and extends the lifespan of the unit. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a novel cooling system that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of air conditioners. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a misting system that dissipates the excess heat from AC condenser coils by misting the coils. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an automatic misting system that prevents AC condensing unit from overheating that might cause internal components of condensing unit working ineffectively and inefficiently to cool the house.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an automatic misting system to cool down the condensing unit of an air conditioner. The system comprising a control box configured as an electronic module, a 12V DC wire providing electric power to the control box via a transformer or an electronic module, a water solenoid valve electrically coupled to the control box via a 12V DC wire, the valve having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet tubing connects the inlet port to a water source with a water filter, an outlet misting tubing connects the outlet port to a misting nozzle for spraying water onto the condensing coils of the AC.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The control box 102 receives electric power for the functionality thereof via a 12V DC wire 104 which is connected to a transformer or an electronic module 106. The transformer or an electronic module 106 is coupled to an AC contactor 108 and steps down the voltage from 240V AC to 12V DC for operation of the system 100. A water solenoid 110 is electrically coupled to the control box 102 via a 12V DC wire 112 and is configured to regulate supply of water for spraying on the coils of an AC. The water solenoid valve 110 is preferably an electromechanical device and opens the water flow therefrom when electric current is applied thereon using the 12V DC wire 112. The water solenoid 110 in the default state seals an inlet port 114 and when an electrical current is applied on the solenoid 110, pathway for water to flow from the inlet port 114 to the outlet port 116 is created.
The inlet port 114 is connected to an inlet tubing 118 which carries water from a water source 120. The water source 120 can be any conventional water source such as hose bib and includes a filter assembly 122 for filtering the source water used for spraying or misting. The water filter 122 includes a filter 124 and a filter adapter 126. The water filter 122 is replaceable and can be replaced without any professional help.
An outlet misting tubing 128 connects the outlet port 116 of the solenoid valve 110 and a misting nozzle 130. The misting nozzle 130 is designed to have a plurality of openings to spray a controlled amount of water onto the coils of the condensing unit 132. The mist helps to dissipate the heat from the hot refrigeration gas inside the coils, effectively cooling it down. The misting nozzle 130 can be made of brass or any other metal and provides a uniform mist for cooling down the condensing unit 132 of the AC.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the wires 104, 112 for electrical connections are required for functionality of the system 100 and the plumbing functionality is offered by the inlet tubing 118 and outlet misting tubing 128. Also, while repairing or working at the AC contactor 108, the power supply to the system 100 via the wire 104 is disconnected for electric safety of the system 100. The system 100 is modular in design and have provisions for easy maintenance or replacement of different components. Further, the materials used in the construction of the system components are durable and weather-resistant to withstand outdoor conditions and temperature fluctuations.
A temperature sensor 204 measures the outdoor temperature, for example ambient air, of the area in which the condensing unit is installed. The temperature sensor 204 can be an electronic sensor, such as a thermistor or a digital temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 204 continuously monitors the outdoor temperature and provides real-time temperature data to the processor 202. The processor 202 receives the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 204 and compares to the predetermined threshold temperature stored in the internal memory 206 of the control box 102.
The internal memory 206 can be EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory allowing the processor 202 to access and update the stored information when reconfigured by a user. The internal memory 206 can also store programmed control algorithms, temperature threshold settings, misting control parameters, and other configuration data. An LED 208 in the control box 102 is used as a status indicator and is configured to provide visual feedback about the current operating status of the cooling system 100. In some embodiments, the LED 208 may illuminate in a first color to indicate activated status of the misting system 100 and may illuminate in a second color when one or more components of the system 100 malfunctions.
A wireless transceiver 210 enables wireless communication between the control box 102 and other parts of the misting system 100 or external devices such as a remote smartphone. The transceiver 210 may use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or other wireless communication protocols and allows the control box 102 to be remotely controlled, monitored, or integrated into a smart home system through a mobile app or other compatible devices. Integration into a smart home system allows the system 100 to be controlled using any smart device for easy operation of the system 100.
If the ambient temperature is determined to be higher than the pre-set threshold temperature, the microprocessor 202 sends an electrical signal to the water solenoid valve 110, energizing the valve 110 and allowing the flow of electric power to the valve 110 (Step 306). Then, the pathway between the water inlet tubing (connected to the water source) and the water outlet tubing (leading to the misting nozzles) is opened by the solenoid valve 110 (Step 308). This allows water to flow from the water source to the misting nozzle 130 for creating a mist. Finally, the mist nozzle 130 sprays a fine mist of water onto the coils of the air conditioning condensing unit (Step 310). The mist helps to cool down the hot refrigeration gas inside the coils, increasing the unit's efficiency.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the microprocessor 202 continuously monitors the ambient temperature and the status of the misting system 100. When the ambient temperature drops below the threshold temperature in step 304, the processor 202 stops supplying electric power to the solenoid valve 110 (Step 312). As a result, water flow to the misting nozzles is halted, and misting stops.
For providing water through the input tubing 512 for mist, a 2-way splitter 514 is used which splits input water supply independently to the two valve units 506, 508. A first outlet tubing 516 is used for first condensing unit 502 and a second outlet tubing 518 is used for second condensing unit 504 for independent spraying using corresponding nozzles 520, 522 respectively. Similar to
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “AC condensing unit automatic misting system”, “automatic misting system”, “automatic cooling system”, “cooling system”, and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the AC condensing unit automatic misting system 100, 500 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the AC condensing unit automatic misting system 100, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the AC condensing unit automatic misting system 100, 500 as shown in the
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/492,516, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63492516 | Mar 2023 | US |
