DRAIN PAN RAIL FOR USE IN A HEATING VENTILATION AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

The present disclosure is directed to an elongated body member configured to be inserted into a heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) plenum, said elongated body member having a middle portion, an upper supporting ledge, and a stop tab integrally formed therewith, and wherein said elongated body member is a unitary piece of bent sheet metal. The present disclosure is also directed to employing the drain rail and drain pan within a plenum housing. A method of fabricating a plenum housing the drain rails is also provided. 1. A drain pan rail , comprising:an elongated body member configured to be inserted into a heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) plenum, said elongated body member having a middle portion, an upper supporting ledge, and a stop tab integrally formed therewith, and wherein said elongated body member is a unitary piece of bent sheet metal.2. The drain pan rail recited in claim 1 , wherein said elongated body member further includes a foot supporting member and said stop tab integrally formed with said foot supporting member.3. The drain pan rail recited in claim 1 , wherein said elongated body member is symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body member.4. The drain pan rail recited in wherein said upper supporting ledge has one or more openings formed therethrough.5. The drain pan rail recited in claim 1 , wherein said middle portion includes one or more drain openings formed therethrough.6. The drain pan rail recited in claim 1 , wherein said stop tab is a first bendable tab integrally formed with said elongated body and said elongated body member includes a second bendable tab integrally formed therewith.7. A heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) plenum claim 1 , comprising;a plenum housing frame having a bottom panel and opposing first and second side frame members;a first wall panel located on an end of said plenum housing frame and second and third wall panels located on each of said side frame ...

Low profile evaporator coil

A low profile evaporator coil assembly and method for configuring the assembly in HVAC equipment. In one deployment, the assembly 40 is located between a heating furnace and a plenum. The assembly 40 includes multiple coil slabs 42 through which a refrigerant courses. The slabs 42 lie in a parallel relationship at an angle of inclination to the air entering a coil assembly 40 . A baffle 46 is associated with each coil slab 42 to constrain air flow through the associated coil slab. A drain pan 52 is positioned beneath the slabs. The drain pan 52 has multiple troughs 54 for collecting condensate. At least some of the multiple troughs 54 have an air foil 56 that reduces air flow restriction.

Air conditioning evaporator retaining apparatus

The present invention provides a retaining clip for securing an air conditioning evaporator coil to a drain pan. The retaining clip has a U-shaped body formed from a single piece of material, wherein parallel panels for the sides of the U. One side of the U is longer than the other. A tab is formed from the end of the side panel that constitutes the longer side of the U, wherein the tab points toward the center of the U and is approximately perpendicular to the sides of the U. The retaining clip is mounted over a side wall of the drain pan, with the tab securing the clip in place by fitting underneath a section of the drain pan wall that projects outward from the general plane of the wall.

REFRIGERANT DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALUMINUM COILS

A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the hell end can he crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

REFRIGERANT DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALUMINIUM COILS

Top plate and water diverter

Drain pan extension

An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.

Level sensory device and mounting bracket therefor

A level sensing device (10) for a drain pan (50) which collects fluid from a source of fluid (40) in an associated HVAC unit (39). The drain pan (50) has at least one side wall (55). The device (50) has a bracket (12) having agenerally U-shaped portion with first and second legs (16, 18). The generally U-shaped portion serves to mount the device (10) to the at least one side wall (55) of the drain pan (50). A shelf (20) extends from the second leg (16) of the bracket (12). A switch (24) is secured to the bracket (12). The switch (24) is triggered when the fluid level (65) rises above a predetermined level causing electrical power to the associated HVAC unit (39) to be shut off. An HVAC unit (39) employing this device is also disclosed.

Hybrid heat exchanger

This disclosure presents a heat exchanger that comprises a header frame having end plates, a plurality of rows of finned hairpins, each extending through a cooling fin and each having ends extending through the end plates, and at least one finless hairpin having ends extending through the end plates. Additionally, a support sheet is coupled to the header frame and at least on finless hairpin extends through the support sheet and is supported thereby. A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is also presented as well as a heat ventilation air conditioning system in which the heat exchanger may be employed.

Refrigerant compensator

One aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerant charge compensator having an increased heat transfer surface. The housing has an internal volume and first and second ports for allowing a passage of refrigerant therethrough. The internal volume is partitioned into an indirect refrigerant passageway that extends through the housing and a refrigerant storage area. The refrigerant storage area has a storage access port and is in contact with the indirect refrigerant passageway. Also a heat pump system implementing the compensator is provided and a method of manufacturing the compensator is provided.

Drain pan extension

An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first predefined angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a predefined angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.

Refrigerant distributor for aluminum coils

A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Refrigerant distributor for aluminum coils

A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the hell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Self-healing thermostat heat pump reversing valve setting

In certain embodiments, a controller turns a heat pump system on in heating mode or cooling mode and determines a position for the heat pump system's reversing valve based on an O/B setting. The O/B setting indicates to configure the reversing valve in a first position that causes refrigerant to flow in a first direction when in heating mode and in a second position that causes the refrigerant to flow in a second, opposite direction when in cooling mode. The controller determines whether to maintain or reverse the O/B setting. If the heat pump system heats while in the heating mode or cools while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is maintained. If the heat pump system cools while in the heating mode or heats while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is reversed.

Condensate drain pan for air conditioning system

A drain pan for capturing condensate from a cooling coil in an air conditioning system is configured to facilitate condensate drainage from the pan and to inhibit accumulation of condensate therein. The pan includes troughs for collecting condensate and for channeling the condensate to the front part of the pan where the drain openings are located. A back trough has a central hump to enhance the flow of condensate from the back trough in both directions into opposed side troughs. The side troughs are sloped from back to front to conduct the condensate into a front trough to facilitate drainage from the pan. The lowermost portion of the front trough region is defined by a relatively narrow, non-flat area to reduce the amount of condensate residue in the pan.

Low profile evaporator coil

A low profile evaporator coil assembly and method for configuring the assembly in HVAC equipment. In one deployment, the assembly 40 is located between a heating furnace and a plenum. The assembly 40 includes multiple coil slabs 42 through which a refrigerant courses. The slabs 42 lie in a parallel relationship at an angle of inclination to the air entering a coil assembly 40. A baffle 46 is associated with each coil slab 42 to constrain air flow through the associated coil slab. A drain pan 52 is positioned beneath the slabs. The drain pan 52 has multiple troughs 54 for collecting condensate. At least some of the multiple troughs 54 have an air foil 56 that reduces air flow restriction.

Refrigerant Distributor for Aluminum Coils

A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing. 2. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the plurality of short tubes comprises a bead and the plurality of bells are crimped around the bead.3. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the plurality of short tubes comprises a flare and the plurality of bells are crimped around the flare.4. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the plurality of short tubes comprises a sized-out end and the plurality of bells are crimped around the sized-out end.5. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the refrigerant distributor comprises aluminum.6. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the plurality of bells are formed by sizing out the plurality of tubes.7. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the plurality of bells are brazed onto the plurality of tubes.8. The refrigerant distributor of wherein the housing comprises an inlet on one end and the plurality of outlets on a distal end claim 1 , the housing further comprising a threaded portion around the inlet.10. The refrigerant distributor tube of wherein the short tube comprises a bead and the bell is crimped around the bead.11. The refrigerant distributor tube of wherein the short tube comprises a flare and the bell is crimped around the flare.12. The refrigerant distributor tube of wherein the short tube comprises a sized-out end and the bell is crimped around the sized-out end.13. The refrigerant distributor tube of wherein the refrigerant distributor tube comprises aluminum.14. The refrigerant distributor tube of wherein the ...

Condensate drain pan for air conditioning system

A drain pan for capturing condensate from a cooling coil in an air conditioning system is configured to facilitate condensate drainage from the pan and to inhibit accumulation of condensate therein. The pan includes troughs for collecting condensate and for channeling the condensate to the front part of the pan where the drain openings are located. A back trough has a central hump to enhance the flow of condensate from the back trough in both directions into opposed side troughs. The side troughs are sloped from back to front to conduct the condensate into a front trough to faciliate drainage from the pan. The lowermost portion of the front trough region is defined by a relatively narrow, non-flat area to reduce the amount of condensate residue in the pan.

Hybrid heat exchanger

This disclosure presents a heat exchanger that comprises a header frame having end plates, a plurality of rows of finned hairpins, each extending through a cooling fin and each having ends extending through the end plates, and at least one finless hairpin having ends extending through the end plates. A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is also presented as well as a heat ventilation air conditioning system in which the heat exchanger may be employed.

STRUCTURAL PLATE FOR AN AIR HANDLER SYSTEM

A structural plate for an air handler system. The system comprises a single sheet having at least two of the following structural elements: a) an air baffle for a heat exchanger; b) a stabilizer bracket attachable to an air handler cabinet; c) an air handler control box bracket; or d) a filter holder.

AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS WITH BLOWER AND ELECTRIC HEATER IN COMMON HOUSING

Air conditioning apparatus is provided in which an air blower and an electric heater assembly are located in a common housing with the heater assembly projecting into the housing from a wall thereof in transverse relationship to the blower. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated space for the electric heater downstream of the blower housing, which reduces the size of the apparatus. The wall of the housing includes an opening through which the heater assembly is insertable into the housing. The heater assembly includes a mounting plate to close off the wall opening and to removably mount the heater assembly with the housing. The heater assembly preferably further includes an open coil electric heater, with a major dimension of the heater being oriented generally parallel to the direction of air flow in the blower housing.

Drain pan extension

An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a second angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.

Dual flow heat exchanger header

An A-coil heat exchanger includes a header for receiving a heat transfer fluid after the fluid has passed through the interior of the heat exchanger. The header is comprised of a main body section and first and second tubular branches depending therefrom. The first tubular branch is in fluid communication with a first coil slab of the heat exchanger by means of a first set of adapter tubes extending between the first tubular section and the first coil slab. The second tubular branch is in fluid communication with a second coil slab of the heat exchanger by means of a second set of adapter tubes extending between the second tubular branch and the second coil slab. Each of the adapter tubes defines a generally straight section of conduit between the corresponding tubular branch and the corresponding coil slab. The header is located with respect to the coil slabs such that when the heat exchanger is positioned in an air stream, the header is substantially isolated from air flowing through ...

Air conditioning apparatus with blower and electric heater in common housing

Air conditioning apparatus is provided in which an air blower and an electric heater assembly are located in a common housing with the heater assembly projecting into the housing from a wall thereof in transverse relationship to the blower. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated space for the electric heater downstream of the blower housing, which reduces the size of the apparatus. The wall of the housing includes an opening through which the heater assembly is insertable into the housing. The heater assembly includes a mounting plate to close off the wall opening and to removably mount the heater assembly with the housing. The heater assembly preferably further includes an open coil electric heater, with a major dimension of the heater being oriented generally parallel to the direction of air flow in the blower housing.

refrigerant compensator

One aspect of this disclosure provides a refrigerant charge compensator having an increased heat transfer surface. The housing has an internal volume and first and second ports for allowing a passage of refrigerant therethrough. The internal volume is partitioned into an indirect refrigerant passageway that extends through the housing and a refrigerant storage area. The refrigerant storage area has a storage access port and is in contact with the indirect refrigerant passageway. Also a heat pump system implementing the compensator is provided and a method of manufacturing the compensator is provided.

Hybrid heat exchanger

This disclosure presents a heat exchanger that comprises a header frame having end plates, a plurality of rows of finned hairpins, each extending through a cooling fin and each having ends extending through the end plates, and at least one finless hairpin having ends extending through the end plates. A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger is also presented as well as a heat ventilation air conditioning system in which the heat exchanger may be employed.

Top plate and water diverter

Refrigerant distributor for aluminium coils

A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor (210), and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube (220) can be inserted into the bell end (214) of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Self-healing thermostat heat pump reversing valve setting

In certain embodiments, a controller turns a heat pump system on in heating mode or cooling mode and determines a position for the heat pump system's reversing valve based on an O/B setting. The O/B setting indicates to configure the reversing valve in a first position that causes refrigerant to flow in a first direction when in heating mode and in a second position that causes the refrigerant to flow in a second, opposite direction when in cooling mode. The controller determines whether to maintain or reverse the O/B setting. If the heat pump system heats while in the heating mode or cools while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is maintained. If the heat pump system cools while in the heating mode or heats while in the cooling mode, the O/B setting is reversed.

Drain pan extension

An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first predefined angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a predefined angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.

Drain pan extension

An apparatus includes a drain pan configured to receive liquid condensate from a horizontal evaporator coil above the drain pan and a drain pan extension coupled to the drain pan. A pin on the front and rear sides of the drain pan extension is fitted and movable within a corresponding notch in the front and rear sides of the drain pan. The drain pan extension is securably configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the drain pan extension extends above the drain pan at a first predefined angle relative to the drain pan. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the drain pan extension extends beyond the left pan side of the drain pan at a predefined angle, which may be selected for improved capture of liquid condensate from the horizontal evaporator coil.

Hvac system and methods of using the same for leak detection

A method of operating a HVAC system is provided. The method includes removing heat from a working fluid using an evaporator and a blower that moves airflow across the evaporator. The method includes measuring at least one gas property value of a fluid surrounding the evaporator using a leak detection sensor. The method includes determining a control setpoint for a maximum allowable concentration of working fluid in the fluid surrounding the evaporator, where the control setpoint corresponds to a gas property value associated with a threshold percentage of a lower flammability limit of the first refrigerant in air at the operating temperature. The method includes determining that the at least one gas property value of the working fluid exceeds the control setpoint. If exceeded, the method includes closing a value that regulates the flow of working fluid to the evaporator and initiating the blower to move airflow across the evaporator.