Air conditioning apparatus for recreational vehicles

Abstract

An air conditioning apparatus having at least a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air circulating there through; a cooling circuit for a cooling fluid, having a path that passes through the first heat exchanger; a compressor including an electric motor, for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit; an electrical power unit configured to absorb an input electrical current or power and to generate a variable infeed voltage, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current, a controller connected to the electrical power unit, adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical current or power, and programmed to set the electrical power unit to generate the infeed voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, so that the input electrical current or power is below the reference value.

Claims

1. An air conditioning apparatus for recreational vehicles, comprising: at least a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air circulating there through; a cooling circuit for a cooling fluid, having a path that passes through said first heat exchanger; a compressor including an electric motor, for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit; an electrical power unit connectable to an external power supply to absorb an input electrical current or power and to generate a variable infeed voltage, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current, characterized in that the air conditioning apparatus comprises a controller connected to the electrical power unit, adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical current or power, and programmed to set the electrical power unit to generate the variable infeed voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, so that the input electrical current or power is below said reference value; a positioning device, configured for determining a position of the air conditioning apparatus, and a memory, containing a plurality of reference values matched with a corresponding plurality of locations, wherein the controller is adapted to receive a location signal from the positioning device and to set as the input data one of the reference values present in the memory, as a function of the location signal.

2. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 1, comprising an interface connected to the controller, to enable a user to provide the input data through the interface.

3. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positioning device includes a global positioning system (GPS).

4. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a signal receiver, connected to the controller for transmitting the input data.

5. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the signal receiver is a wireless signal receiver.

6. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, including at least one of a condensing fan and an evaporating fan operatively active on the air circulating through the first heat exchanger, wherein the controller is programmed to drive at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, as a function of the input data.

7. The air conditioning apparatus according claim 6, including said memory containing, for each value of the plurality of reference values for the infeed electrical current, a corresponding plurality of predetermined settings for the compressor and for at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, wherein the controller is programmed to receive a user selected operation-mode parameter, and to select, for each said plurality of reference values, one setting out of said corresponding plurality of predetermined settings, as a function of the user selected operation-mode parameter.

8. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the memory contains, for each value of the plurality of reference values for the infeed electrical current, at least a first setting, corresponding to a first speed of the compressor and of the at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, and a second setting, corresponding to a second speed of the compressor and of the at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, wherein the second speed is higher than the first speed.

9. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an electric supply component having an input terminal, connectable to an external power supply, and an output terminal, connected to the electrical power unit and to the controller, and configured to generate a predetermined direct voltage at the output terminal, independently on frequency and amplitude of a voltage of the external power supply.

10. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a programmable memory, wherein the input data is predetermined and memorized in said programmable memory.

11. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, including: a second heat exchanger, arranged in the path of the cooling fluid; an evaporating fan and a condensing fan, for circulating said air through the first and the second heat exchanger, respectively.

12. A method for supplying conditioned air in a recreational vehicle, comprising the following steps: circulating a cooling fluid by means of a compressor which includes an electric motor; exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and air; generating a variable voltage, by an electrical power unit fed with an input current or power, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current, characterized in that a controller sets the electrical power unit to generate the variable voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency selected so that the absorbed input current or power is below a reference value, in response to input data accessible from the controller; receiving, at an electric supply component, an external power supply; providing, through the electric supply component, a predetermined direct voltage at an output terminal, independent on frequency and amplitude of the variable voltage of the external power supply; feeding such predetermined direct voltage to the electric motor of the compressor and to the controller.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the controller receiving the input data through an interface operable by a user, and/or through a wireless signal received at a receiver.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the controller receiving a location signal from a GPS and select a reference value for the infeed electrical current out of a plurality of reference values matched with a corresponding plurality of locations, based on the location signal.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the controller receiving a user selected operation-mode parameter, and, as a function of the infeed electrical current reference value corresponding to the input data, selecting a predetermined setting for the compressor and for at least one of a condensing fan and an evaporating fan, out of a plurality of settings, based on the user selected operation-mode parameter, wherein said settings include speed of the compressor and of at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan.

16. An air conditioning apparatus for recreational vehicles, comprising: at least a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air circulating there through; a cooling circuit for a cooling fluid, having a path that passes through said first heat exchanger; a compressor including an electric motor, for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit; an electrical power unit connectable to an external power supply to absorb an input electrical current or power and to generate a variable infeed voltage, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current; characterized in that the air conditioning apparatus comprises a controller connected to the electrical power unit, adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical current or power, and programmed to set the electrical power unit to generate the variable infeed voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, so that the input electrical current or power is below said reference value; at least one of a condensing fan and an evaporating fan operatively active on the air circulating through the first heat exchanger, wherein the controller is programmed to drive at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, as a function of the input data; a memory containing, for each value of a plurality of reference values for the infeed electrical current, a corresponding plurality of predetermined settings for the compressor and for at least one of the condensing fan and the evaporating fan, wherein the controller is programmed to receive a user selected operation-mode parameter, and to select, for each said reference value, one setting out of said corresponding plurality of predetermined settings, as a function of the user selected operation-mode parameter.

17. An air conditioning apparatus for recreational vehicles, comprising: at least a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air circulating there through; a cooling circuit for a cooling fluid, having a path that passes through said first heat exchanger; a compressor including an electric motor, for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit; an electrical power unit connectable to an external power supply to absorb an input electrical current or power and to generate a variable infeed voltage, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current; characterized in that the air conditioning apparatus comprises a controller connected to the electrical power unit, adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical current or power, and programmed to set the electrical power unit to generate the variable infeed voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, so that the input electrical current or power is below said reference value; a programmable memory, wherein the input data is predetermined and memorized in said programmable memory.

18. A method for supplying conditioned air in a recreational vehicle, comprising the following steps: circulating a cooling fluid by means of a compressor which includes an electric motor; exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and air; generating a variable voltage, by an electrical power unit fed with an input current or power, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current, characterized in that a controller sets the electrical power unit to generate the variable voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency selected so that the absorbed input current or power is below a reference value, in response to input data accessible from the controller; further comprising the controller receiving a location signal from a GPS and selects a reference value for the infeed electrical current out of a plurality of reference values matched with a corresponding plurality of locations, based on the location signal.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: receiving, at an electric supply component, an external power supply; providing, through the electric supply component, a predetermined direct voltage at an output terminal, independent on frequency and amplitude of voltage of the external power supply; feeding such predetermined direct voltage to the electric motor of the compressor and to the controller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) This and other features will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting example embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an electric scheme of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present description;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the air conditioning apparatus of FIG. 1 in a schematic view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(4) With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes an air conditioning apparatus (in the following, an apparatus). According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is self-contained.

(5) The apparatus 1 comprises a cooling circuit 8. The cooling circuit 8 is designed for the circulation of a cooling fluid. In an embodiment, the cooling circuit 8 is a closed circuit.

(6) The apparatus 1 comprises a first heat exchanger, which, in an embodiment, is an evaporator 2. The evaporator 2 is arranged in the path of the cooling fluid. The evaporator 2 is connected to the cooling circuit 8. The evaporator 2 is configured for exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and (external) air circulating there through; specifically, in the evaporator 2, the cooling fluid absorbs heat from the air, resulting in an evaporation of the cooling fluid itself.

(7) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises an evaporating fan 3. The evaporating fan 3 is configured for circulating the air through the evaporator 2.

(8) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a second heat exchanger, which, in an embodiment, is a condenser 4. The condenser 4 is arranged in the path of the cooling fluid. The condenser 4 is connected to the cooling circuit 8. The condenser 4 is configured for exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and an (external) air circulating there through; specifically, in the condenser 4, the cooling fluid releases heat to the air, resulting in a condensation of the cooling fluid itself.

(9) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a condensing fan 5. The condensing fan 5 is configured for circulating the air through the condenser 4.

(10) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises an expansion unit 6. In an embodiment, the expansion unit 6 is a capillary tube. In an embodiment, the expansion unit 6 is a throttling valve. In an embodiment, the expansion unit 6 thermal expansion valve. The expansion unit 6 is configured for decreasing a pressure of the cooling fluid circulating there through. The expansion unit 6 is connected to the cooling circuit 8. The expansion unit 6 is positioned in the path of the cooling fluid downstream the condenser 4 and upstream the evaporator 2.

(11) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a compressor 7. In an embodiment, the compressor 7 is a pump. The compressor 7 is configured for increasing a pressure of the cooling fluid passing there through; the compressor 7 is configured for circulating the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit 8. The compressor 7 is connected to the cooling circuit 8. The compressor 7 is positioned in the path of the cooling fluid downstream the evaporator 2 and upstream the condenser 4.

(12) The compressor 7 includes an electric motor. The electric motor is powered with an infeed current.

(13) The apparatus 1 comprises an electrical power unit, which in one embodiment is an inverter 9. The inverter 9 is configured for absorbing an input electrical current or power. The inverter 9 is configured for generating a variable infeed voltage. In an embodiment, the variable infeed voltage is an alternate voltage. The inverter in an embodiment has an output connected to the electric motor of the compressor 7, for powering the electric motor with an infeed current at the infeed voltage.

(14) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises an electric supply component, which in one embodiment is a rectifier 10. The rectifier 10 has an input terminal, connectable to an external power supply. The rectifier 10 has an output terminal, connected to the inverter 9.

(15) The rectifier 10 is configured to absorb at its input terminal an alternate voltage (from the external power supply), and to generate at its output terminal a predetermined direct voltage. The predetermined output voltage is independent on frequency and amplitude of the absorbed alternate voltage.

(16) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a controller 11. The controller 11 is connected to the inverter 9. The controller 11 is adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical power (at the input terminal of the rectifier 10). The controller 11 is programmed to set the inverter 9 to generate the infeed voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, in dependence on the reference value for the input current (or power), so that the electrical current (or power) is below said reference value.

(17) In an embodiment, the controller is programmed to drive the condensing fan 5 and the evaporating fan 3 as a function of the input data.

(18) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a first DC/DC converter 13. The first DC/DC converter 13 has an input terminal connected to the rectifier 10. The first DC/DC converter 13 has an output terminal connected to the controller 11.

(19) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a second DC/DC converter 14. The second DC/DC converter 14 has an input terminal connected to the rectifier 10. The second DC/DC converter 14 has an output terminal connected to the condensing fan 5.

(20) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a third DC/DC converter 15. The third DC/DC converter 15 has an input terminal connected to the rectifier 10. The third DC/DC converter 15 has an output terminal connected to the evaporating fan 4.

(21) In an embodiment, the controller 11 is programmed to set the second DC/DC converter to generate a condensing fan infeed voltage in dependence on the input data (so that the overall input electrical current or power absorbed by the electrical power unit is below the reference value).

(22) In an embodiment, the controller 11 is programmed to set the third DC/DC converter to generate an evaporating fan infeed voltage in dependence on the input data (so that the overall input electrical current or power absorbed by the electrical power unit is below the reference value).

(23) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises an interface 12. The interface 12 is connected to the controller 11. The interface 12 is configured to enable a user to provide the input data (through the interface 12 itself).

(24) In an embodiment, the interface 12 is configured to enable the user to provide a desired indoor temperature value.

(25) In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises an additional interface (set point temperature interface) configured to enable the user to provide a desired indoor temperature value.

(26) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of sensors connected to the controller 11.

(27) In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes a compressor temperature sensor 16. The compressor temperature 16 is configured to survey the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the compressor 7 and to transmit to the controller 11 a signal representative of the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the compressor 7.

(28) In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes an outdoor temperature sensor 17. The outdoor temperature sensor 17, in an embodiment, is a thermometer. The outdoor temperature sensor is configured to measure the outdoor temperature and to transmit to the controller 11 a signal representative of the outdoor temperature.

(29) In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes an indoor (room) temperature sensor 18. The indoor temperature sensor 18, in an embodiment, is a thermometer. The indoor temperature sensor is configured to measure the indoor temperature (inside the recreational vehicle) and to transmit to the controller 11 a signal representative of the indoor temperature.

(30) In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes a condenser coil sensor 19. The condenser coil sensor 19 is configured to survey the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the condenser 4 and to transmit to the controller a signal representative of the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the condenser 4.

(31) In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors includes an evaporator coil sensor 20. The evaporator coil sensor 20 is configured to survey the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the evaporator 2 and to transmit to the controller a signal representative of the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through the evaporator 2.

(32) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a positioning device and a memory, containing a plurality of reference values matched with a corresponding plurality of locations. Preferably, the positioning device is a GPS positioning device (in the following also indicated as GPS).

(33) In an embodiment, the GPS and the memory are connected to the controller 11. In an embodiment, the controller is adapted to receive a location signal from the GPS and to set as the input data one of the reference values present in the memory, as a function of the location signal.

(34) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a wireless signal receiver, connected to the controller 11 for transmitting the input data. In an embodiment, the interface 12 is connected to the controller 11 via wireless. In an embodiment, the GPS and the memory are connected to the controller 11.

(35) In an embodiment, the memory contains, for each value of a plurality of reference values for the infeed current (depending on the external electric supply), a corresponding plurality of predetermined settings for the compressor 7, for the condensing fan 5 and for the evaporating fan 3. In an embodiment, the controller 11 is programmed to receive a user selected operation-mode parameter and to select, for each reference value, one setting out of said plurality of predetermined settings, as a function of the operation-mode parameter. The operation-mode parameter is, for example, a silent mode parameter, to minimize the noise emitted by the apparatus 1, or a boost-mode parameter, to maximize the power of the compressor 7.

(36) In an embodiment, the memory contains, for each value of the plurality of reference values for the infeed current, at least a first setting, corresponding to a first speed of the compressor 7 and of the at least one of the condensing fan 5 and the evaporating fan 3, and a second setting, corresponding to a second speed of the compressor 7 and of the at least one of the condensing fan 5 and the evaporating fan 3. In an embodiment, the second speed is higher than then first speed.

(37) In an embodiment, the memory is programmable. In an embodiment, the input data are predetermined and memorized in the memory.

(38) In an embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a reversible heat pump. In an embodiment, the apparatus is suitable both for air cooling and heating. In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a four-way valve 23. The four-way valve 23 is configured for changing the direction of the cooling fluid flow in the cooling circuit. Through changing the direction of the cooling fluid flow, it is possible to change from cooling mode to heating mode and vice versa. On one hand, in the cooling mode, the cooling fluid out the compressor 7 is directed to the second heat exchanger (that in this embodiment is the condenser 4), where it releases heat to the external environment; therefore, the cooling fluid out the second heat exchanger is directed to the expansion unit 6, and after having expanded in the expansion unit 6 it is directed to the first heat exchanger (that in this embodiment is the evaporator 2), when it absorbs heat form an external air, thus providing fresh air for air conditioning; finally, the cooling fluid out the first heat exchanger is directed again to the compressor 7. On the other hand, in the heating mode, the cooling fluid out the compressor is directed to the first heat exchanger (that in this embodiment is a condenser), where it releases heat to an air which is then directed inside the caravan for heating purposes; therefore, the cooling fluid out the first heat exchanger passes through the expansion unit 6; after that, it is directed to the second heat exchanger (that in this embodiment is an evaporator), where it absorbs heat from an external air; finally, the cooling fluid out the second heat exchanger is directed again to the compressor 7.

(39) In an embodiment, the electric supply component has an output connected to the four-way valve 23. In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to the four way-valve 23, for powering the four-way valve with a direct current.

(40) The present description also covers a recreational vehicle comprising the air conditioning apparatus 1.

(41) In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 is placed on top of the roof 21 of the recreational vehicle. In an embodiment, the apparatus 1 is integrated with the roof 21 of the recreational vehicle; specifically, the compressor 7 including the electric motor, the inverter 9 and the rectifier 10 are positioned under the roof 21, in order to stay safe from the rain and the weathering, while the condenser 4 and the evaporator 2 are positioned over the roof 21, in order to have a heat exchange with the external air. The external air which is cooled in the evaporator 2 is then introduce inside the recreational vehicle through an air-conditioned entrance 22.

(42) In an embodiment, the recreational vehicle comprises a plurality of electrical appliances, such as a fridge, an electric oven, a microwave oven, an electric boiler, an electrical heater having an electric resistance. In an embodiment, one electrical appliance of said plurality is an air conditioning apparatus 1. Each electrical appliance is configured for absorbing a respective infeed electric current.

(43) In an embodiment, the recreational vehicle comprises an electrical power unit. The electrical power unit is configured to absorb an input electrical current or power and to generate one or more infeed electrical current, each one for powering a respective electrical appliance.

(44) In an embodiment, the recreational vehicle comprises a controller 11. The controller 11 is connected to the electrical power unit.

(45) In an embodiment, the recreational vehicle comprises a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors is connected to the controller 11, for transmitting a plurality of signals representative of one or more of the following parameters: outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, evaporator coil temperature, condenser coil temperature, compressor temperature.

(46) In an embodiment, in an embodiment, the controller 11 is adapted to receive input data representative of a reference value for the input electrical current or power.

(47) In an embodiment, the controller 11 is adapted to receive the plurality of signals from the plurality of sensors.

(48) In an embodiment, the controller 11 is programmed to set the electrical power unit to generate one or more infeed voltages at corresponding reference amplitude and/or frequency for feeding the corresponding electrical appliances, so that the overall input electrical current or power absorbed by the electrical power unit is below said reference value.

(49) The present description also covers a method for supplying conditioned air in a recreational vehicle.

(50) The method includes a step of circulating a cooling fluid in a cooling circuit 8 by means of a compressor 7. The compressor 7 includes an electric motor.

(51) The method includes a step of exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and air. In an embodiment, the step of exchanging heat includes a cooling of the cooling fluid in a condenser 4, though a heating of the air passing there through. The air passes through condenser 4 ventilated by a condensing fan 5. In an embodiment, the step of exchanging heat includes a heating of the cooling fluid in an evaporator 2, though a cooling down of the air passing there through. The air passes through the evaporator 2 ventilated by an evaporating fan 3.

(52) The air, after passing through the evaporator 2, becomes air conditioned. In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of introducing the air conditioned in the recreational vehicle, through an air-conditioned entrance 22.

(53) The method comprises a step of generating a variable voltage. The variable voltage, in an embodiment, is an alternate voltage. In an embodiment, the alternate voltage is generated by means of an inverter 9, fed with an input current or power, for powering the electric motor with an infeed electrical current.

(54) In an embodiment, a controller 11 sets the inverter 9 to generate the alternate variable voltage at a reference amplitude and/or frequency, so that the absorbed input current or power is below a reference value, in response to input data accessible from the controller 11.

(55) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing the input data through an interface 12 operable by a user. In an embodiment, the interface 12 transmits the input data to the controller 11.

(56) In an embodiment, the controller 11 receives the input data through a wireless signal, received at a receiver (which is connected to the controller 11).

(57) In an embodiment, the controller 11 receives a location signal (in an embodiment, via wireless) from a GPS and selects a reference value for the infeed current out of a plurality of values matched with a corresponding plurality of locations, based on the location signal.

(58) In an embodiment, the controller 11 receives a user selected operation-mode parameter. In an embodiment, the operation-mode parameter is set by the user through the interface 12. In an embodiment, the controller 11, as a function of the infeed current reference value corresponding to the input data, selects a predetermined setting for the compressor 7, the condensing fan 5 and an evaporating fan 3, out of a plurality of settings, based on the operation-mode parameter. In an embodiment, said settings include the speed of the compressor 7, the speed of the condensing fan 5 and the speed of the evaporating fan 3.

(59) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of receiving, at a rectifier 10, an external power supply.

(60) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing, through the rectifier 10, a predetermined direct voltage at its output terminal, independent on frequency and amplitude of the voltage of the external power supply.

(61) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of feeding such a predetermined direct voltage to the electric motor of the compressor 7 and to the controller 11.

(62) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of feeding such a predetermined direct voltage to a first DC/DC converter 13, connected to the controller 11 for powering the controller 11.

(63) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of feeding such a predetermined direct voltage to a second DC/DC converter 14, for powering the condensing fan 5.

(64) In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of feeding such a predetermined direct voltage to a third DC/DC converter 15, for powering the evaporating fan 3.

(65) In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to the inverter 9.

(66) In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to the first DC/DC converter 13.

(67) In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to the second DC/DC converter 14.

(68) In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to the third DC/DC converter 15.

(69) In an embodiment, the rectifier 10 has an output connected to one or more additional electric supply components, which feed one or more electrical appliances of the recreational vehicle.