DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to mechanical engineering, more particularly to split air conditioners.
DEFINITION
The term “sensible heat ratio (SHR)” used hereinafter in the specification refers to the ratio of the sensible cooling capacity of an air-conditioning equipment to the total (sensible + latent) cooling capacity of the air-conditioning equipment.
BACKGROUND
In general, air conditioning systems are used to alter the condition of air by removing heat and humidity from a confined space for maintaining certain environmental conditions in the space as desired. Conventionally, the body of the air-conditioning systems, typically of an indoor unit of the split air-conditioning systems, is made of plastic. However, under high operating conditions and load, the plastic material is not able to provide durability to the system and causes its breakdown. Further, conventional air-conditioning machines have low sensible heat ratio (SHR), which results in ineffective dehumidification of the confined space.
Furthermore, the conventional and existing air-conditioning systems do not have provisions to use low external air temperatures of the surrounding for the purpose of reducing unnecessary power consumption. Such undesired and unnecessary power consumption increases the operational cost of the air-conditioning systems.
In addition to the abovementioned drawbacks of conventional air-conditioning systems, they do not have provisions to drain the condensate water preset within the indoor unit of the air-conditioning systems, reduces the efficiency of the system as well as could be hazardous. Moreover, the conventional air-conditioning systems comprise fans that are loud and consume more power.
Hence, there is need for an air-conditioning system that alleviates the abovementioned drawbacks of the conventional air-conditioning systems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the state of the art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that is energy efficient.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that is reliable.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that has a long life.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that has a provision of drainage of condensate water.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that makes less noise.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a split air-conditioning system that uses low external air temperatures of the surrounding for the purpose of reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a split air conditioning system having an evaporator section disposed in a room that is to be air conditioned, and a condenser section disposed at a location external to the room. The air conditioning system comprises an evaporator coil disposed within the evaporator section. At least one evaporator fan is disposed proximal to the evaporator coil and is configured to supply the air cooled by the evaporator to the room. A damper assembly is disposed at an operative rear surface of the evaporator section and configured to facilitate selective fluid communication between the evaporator section and the air external to the room for using the air external to the room to provide air conditioning and fresh air supply to the room.
In a normal cooling mode of operation of the air conditioning system, the damper assembly restricts the fluid communication between the evaporator section and the air external to the room, and the air conditioning to the room is provided via the evaporator coil and the evaporator fan.
In a free cooling mode of operation of the air conditioning system, the evaporator coil is inoperational, and the air conditioning to the room is provided by the air external to the room, when the temperature of the air is lower than the temperature of the room.
In an embodiment, return air from the room is exhausted from the room via the damper assembly.
In another embodiment, the damper assembly comprises a motor operated flap valve. The air conditioning system further comprises a filter for filtering the conditioned air being supplied to the room.
In another embodiment, the evaporator fan is an electronically commutated fan.
In another embodiment, the evaporator section is housed within a metallic body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A split air conditioning system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of an accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an evaporator section of the split air-conditioning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the evaporator section of the split air-conditioning system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view showing various components of the evaporator section of Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view showing various components of the evaporator section of Fig. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST AND DETAILS OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
Reference Numeral Reference
100 Evaporator section
110 Evaporator fan assembly
120 Electronically Commutated (EC) fan
130 Inlet ring
140 Air damper assembly
140a Damper
150 Metallic body
160 Evaporator coil
170 Filter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In general, air conditioning systems are used to alter the condition of air by removing heat and humidity from a confined space for maintaining certain environmental conditions in the space as desired. Conventionally, the body of the air-conditioning systems, typically of an indoor unit of the split air-conditioning systems, is made of plastic. However, under high operating conditions and load, the plastic material is not able to provide durability to the system and causes its breakdown. Further, conventional air-conditioning machines have low sensible heat ratio (SHR), which results in ineffective dehumidification of the confined space.
Furthermore, the conventional and existing air-conditioning systems do not have provisions to use low external air temperatures of the surrounding for the purpose of reducing unnecessary power consumption. Such undesired and unnecessary power consumption increases the operational cost of the air-conditioning systems.
In addition to the abovementioned drawbacks of conventional air-conditioning systems, they do not have provisions to drain the condensate water present within the indoor unit, which reduces the efficiency of the system as well as could be hazardous. Moreover, the conventional air-conditioning systems comprise fans that are loud and consume more power.
The present disclosure reveals a split air-conditioning system configured to alleviate the abovementioned drawbacks related to conventional air-conditioning systems. The split air-conditioning system of the present disclosure, hereinafter also referred as “the system”, is now be described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. The structure and/or the functioning of the split air-conditioning system (not exclusively labelled in the figures) of the present disclosure have been described with reference to Fig. 1 through Fig. 4.
The split air-conditioning system of the present disclosure comprises an evaporator section 160 and a condensate section (not labelled in the figures). The split air-conditioning system is designed in a way such that the evaporator section 100 is disposed in an enclosed space having load, and the condenser section (not shown in the figures) is disposed in a space exposed to external environment.
The evaporator section 100 of the split air-conditioning system includes, but is not limited to, an evaporator coil 100 and an evaporator fan assembly 110. The evaporator fan assembly 110 consists of at least one centrifugal EC (Electronically Commutated) fan 120 with an inlet ring 130. The centrifugal EC fan 120 is configured to draw hot air from the enclosed space, and provide the drawn air to the evaporator coil 160. The centrifugal EC fan 120 has a long life and doesn’t make any noise. In one embodiment, the EC fan 120 included in the evaporator section 100 of the present disclosure uses a backward curve type EC Fan technology. In another embodiment, the EC fan 120 is selected based on the application of an air conditioner. The evaporator coil 160 is configured to cool the drawn hot air, cool it, and re-circulate the cool air in the enclosed space. In an embodiment, the evaporator coil 160 has a high sensible heat ratio (SHR) which facilitates efficient cooling. In another embodiment, the SHR of the evaporator coil used in the split air-conditioning system is 0.9. The evaporator section 100 of the split air-conditioning system is in fluid communication with the condenser section of the split air-conditioning system 100. The evaporator section 100 of the split air-conditioning system is typically made of a metallic body 150 which helps in continuous operation of the split air-conditioning system.
The condenser section of the split air-conditioning system includes, but is not limited to, a compressor (not shown in the figures) and an axial fan (not shown in the figures). In an embodiment, the compressor of the condenser section is highly efficient, and is integrated with both rotary and scroll technology. In another embodiment, the axial fan is coupled with a fan speed controller (not shown in the figures) which is configured to control the speed of the axial fan.
The split air-conditioning system of the present disclosure further comprises at least one of cooling sub-system (not exclusively labelled in the figures) and a condensate pump (not shown in the figures). The cooling sub-system is disposed in an operative back side of the evaporator fan assembly 110. The cooling sub-system is configured to use low external air temperatures of the surrounding, i.e. in the external environment where the condenser section is disposed, for the purpose of cooling the enclosed space. In such a situation, the operation of the evaporator coil 160 and the centrifugal EC fan 120 is not required. In an embodiment, the cooling sub-system is an air damper assembly 140 which is configured to use a flap valve 140a to draw and direct the flow of fresh air in the enclosed space, when the temperature of the external environment is desired. In an embodiment, even if the temperature of the external environment is not as desired, fresh air can still be supplied to the room via the flap valve 140a, which can later be conditioned as per the application requirements via the evaporator coil 160 and the fan 120. Use of the cooling sub-system reduces unnecessary power consumption. In one embodiment, the cooling sub-system has three modes of operation, viz. normal cooling mode, free cooling mode, and emergency cooling mode.
The normal cooling mode facilitates the split air-conditioning system to run based on a set temperature in a cooling mode operation. In this mode, the compressor turns ON when the room temperature is above the set temperature with differential points, and turns OFF when the room temperature is below the set temperature. During this mode, the damper 140a will be in OFF/CLOSED position (as illustrated in Fig. 4) thereby restricting air from outside, i.e. No Free / Emergency Cooling.
The free cooling mode facilitates cooling by the split air-conditioning system with the help of ambient air. In this mode the compressor is in off condition. This ensures power saving during low ambient season. For example, when the ambient temperature is lower by 3deg.C (settable based on requirement), the damper 140a (damper motor) opens thereby allowing outside air to travel in the room through a filter 170 in order to cool the room. The damper 140a closes when the temperature difference reaches a set point +3deg.C (settable based on requirement). During this mode, the compressor is in OFF condition and the damper 140a is in ON/OPEN position (as illustrated in Fig. 3).
The emergency cooling mode is activated in case of emergencies. Some of the emergencies include but are not limited to, failure of refrigeration circuit and no cooling through the compressor, high pressure alarm, low pressure alarm, compressor fail, leakage in refrigeration circuit and no cooling. The room temperature rises during an emergency, as active cooling may not be possible during an emergency situation. In such a case, when the room temperature increases and difference between set temperature of the room and the ambient temperature is 3deg.C (settable based on requirement), the damper 140a opens and allows outside/ambient air to enter the room through the filter 170 to provide room cooling. The damper 140a closes when the temperature difference reaches to a set point +3deg.C (settable based on requirement) or the split air-conditioning system returns to a normal/healthy condition.
The condensate pump of the split air-conditioning system is configured to drain any condensate water that is generated within the split air-conditioning system. The condensate pump facilitates easy removal of drain water and prevents leakage of water inside the room. In an embodiment, the condensate pump or the drain pump is configured to completely remove the drain water from the system 100 which improves the efficiency of the system. The split air-conditioning system may also be provided with a drain pan operating with drain/condensate pump to prevent spillage of water inside the enclosed space.
Further, the split air-conditioning system is provided with the metallic body 150 which makes it more durable and reliable, and can be used for applications which require long term operation without frequent maintenance. In an embodiment, the split air-conditioning system, with the metallic body 150, is used for controlling and maintaining the temperature of ATM centers, data centers, server rooms etc.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical and/or economic advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a split air-conditioning system that:
? is energy efficient;
? is reliable;
? that has a long life;
? has a provision of drainage of condensate water;
? that makes less noise; and
? uses low external air temperatures of the surrounding for the purpose of reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or mixtures or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure, as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical value mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
The embodiment herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced, and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A split air conditioning system having an evaporator section disposed in a room that is to be air conditioned, and a condenser section disposed at a location external to said room, said system comprising:
an evaporator coil disposed within said evaporator section;
at least one evaporator fan disposed proximal to said evaporator coil and configured to supply air cooled by the evaporator to said room; and
a damper assembly disposed at an operative rear surface of said evaporator section and configured to facilitate selective fluid communication between said evaporator section and air external to said room for using said air external to said room to provide air conditioning and fresh air supply to said room.
2. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a normal cooling mode of operation, said damper assembly restricts said fluid communication between said evaporator section and said air external to said room, and the air conditioning to said room is provided via said evaporator coil and said evaporator fan.
3. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a free cooling mode, said evaporator coil is inoperational and cooling to said room is provided by said air external to said room, when the temperature of said air is lower than the temperature of said room.
4. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 3, wherein return air from said room is exhausted via said damper assembly.
5. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said damper assembly comprises a motor operated flap valve.
6. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a filter for filtering the conditioned air being supplied to said room.
7. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said evaporator fan is an electronically commutated fan.
8. The air conditioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said evaporator section is housed within a metallic body.