Outdoor heat exchanger air deflector

Abstract

The purpose of the invention is to reduce power consumption of heat exchangers (otherwise known as condensers or outdoor heat pump units) used for residential or building air conditioning and/or heating. The invention is a set of thin deflector(s) that attach to the top of the unit. The deflectors redirect air that the unit discharges vertically to a horizontal or slightly higher direction. This reduces recirculation of exhaust air to the intake when structural surfaces are close to the exchanger. Less recirculation reduces power consumption and thereby electric bills and allows the cooling and/or heating system to operate closer to capacity in ambient temperature extremes. It also could extend the life of the compressor's electrical insulation by allowing it to operate at lower temperature.

Claims

1. A set of turning vanes for increasing electrical efficiency of an upward-air-flow outdoor heat exchanger used in an HVAC system, comprising: one or more curved deflecting surfaces configured to be suspended directly above a discharge of the exchanger; supports that are configured to fasten and hold the deflecting surfaces in position, wherein at least one of said supports is configured to mount to the exchanger; and fastened joints that are configured to fasten the deflecting surfaces, supports, and exchanger together; wherein the deflecting surfaces are not enclosed and are open to outdoor air.

2. A method to increase electrical efficiency of an upward-air-flow outdoor heat exchanger used in an HVAC system and equipped with a set of non-enclosed turning vanes at a discharge of the heat exchanger, the method comprising: redirecting discharge air of the exchanger in approximately a horizontal direction; redirecting the discharge air to a single azimuthal direction; minimizing back pressure on the discharge of the exchanger; maintaining momentum of the discharge air; and preventing widening of the discharge air plume in order to maintain air velocity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) See Exchanger Air Deflector diagramFIG. 1 to show the problem that this invention addresses. The text of this application describes the problem as well, but a diagram always improves understanding. FIG. 1 is not illustrating the invention.

(2) See Exchanger Air Deflector diagramFIG. 2, showing an elevation and a plan of the invention mounted to an exchanger. The exchanger sits on a pad on the earth. The diagram shows curved surfaces for deflectors, but they need not be curved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(3) The invention is made of several hard surfaces that start their deflection vertically above the unit, then end in a horizontal direction or direction slightly above horizontal. The surfaces would span nearly the width of the exchanger. The highest surface would apex about two feet above the unit. The surfaces would be supported by a framework that attaches to the exchanger using tabs that engage the exchanger fan's bolt circle or perimeter. The surfaces would direct exhausted air to a single azimuthal direction. The user would mount the invention to direct air azimuthally to the shortest path out from under the overhead structure's projection. Suitable construction materials would be metal and plastic. No utilities or fluids are needed.

(4) Alternatively, the hard surfaces could be decorative. Curved surfaces in the shape of a huge leaf would be more attractive for customers wanting a more natural-like appearance. Curved surfaces also reduce back pressure on the heat exchanger fan. Notwithstanding, this invention is Utility.