Passive air handler troffer light

Abstract

In one aspect, a troffer light fixture includes a troffer body shaped to reflect or disperse light from a light source that includes LEDs attached to a first side of the troffer body. The troffer body includes two or more vents that are configured to pass air from the first side of the troffer body to open space on a second side of the troffer body for a duct-less HVAC air intake.

Claims

1. A troffer light fixture configured to be installed in a ceiling, comprising: a troffer body shaped to reflect or disperse light from a light source; and the light source, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to a first side of the troffer body, and wherein the troffer body comprises two or more vents that are configured to pass air from below the ceiling and from just under the first side of the troffer body to open space on a second side of the troffer body, wherein the open space is above the ceiling and outside the troffer light fixture, and wherein the troffer light fixture is configured to allow the air to flow unrestricted from below the ceiling and from just under the first side of the troffer body to the two or more vents without the air flowing directly past the light source.

2. The troffer light fixture of claim 1, wherein the two or more vents are formed into two or more rows on either side of the light source, wherein each of the two or more vents is one aperture, and wherein the two or more vents lie end to end in each of the two or more rows.

3. The troffer light fixture of claim 2, wherein the two or more rows extend along the length of the troffer body.

4. The troffer light fixture of claim 3, wherein the two or more rows are proximate to opposite edges of the troffer body.

5. The troffer light fixture of claim 3, wherein each of the two or more rows comprise at least three vents.

6. The troffer light fixture of claim 1, wherein the two or more vents are not visible when viewed from below the first side of the troffer body.

7. The troffer light fixture of claim 2, wherein the two or more vents are configured for the proper passage of air to open space above the ceiling for an air handler of a ductless heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

8. A troffer light fixture configured to be installed in a ceiling, comprising: a troffer body shaped to reflect or disperse light from a light source; and the light source, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to a first side of the troffer body, and wherein the troffer body comprises a first row of vents spaced along a first side of the troffer body and second row of vents spaced along a second side of the troffer, wherein the first row of vents and the second row of vents are parallel to each other and are configured to pass air from below the ceiling and from just under the first side of the troffer body to open space on a second side of the troffer body, wherein the open space is above the ceiling and outside the troffer light fixture, and wherein the troffer light fixture is configured to allow the air to flow unrestricted from below the ceiling and from just under the first side of the troffer body to the first row of vents and the second row of vents without flowing directly by the light source.

9. The troffer light fixture of claim 8, wherein the first row of vents extends along a length of the troffer body.

10. The troffer light fixture of claim 8, wherein the second row of vents extends along a length of the troffer body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an illustration of a 22 indirect troffer light fixture, according to some embodiments.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of perforated vents in the troffer light fixture, according to some embodiments.

(3) FIG. 3 is another illustration of perforated vents, according to some embodiments.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the troffer light fixture, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) What is needed is a new lighting fixture that is specifically designed as a passive vent return directly created for a ductless HVAC air handler system. The troffer lights described in the embodiments provide for a more aesthetically pleasing passive air return for non-ducted return HVAC systems.

(6) The troffer lights also offer a scalable solution. The larger the room, the more lights are needed for lighting. A larger room also requires a means for more air to transfer to the HVAC. As every passive return troffer light allows for a given amount of air to pass, the more lights required to light a room, the more airflow is allowed to pass. That is, the room size dictates both the number of light fixtures required for that room or area, as well as the amount of airflow needed. The troffer lights are a nice union between the HVAC and LED lighting technologies.

(7) An example of a troffer light fixtures is described below. The troffer light fixture provides a clean and efficient solution for duct-less HVAC systems that can combine well with newer lighting technologies. For example, an LED troffer light can include a neat row of perforated vents that follow the length of the troffer on each side. The efficiency of the design is cost effective and visually pleasing. The addition of the perforated vents, and their functionality, may go unnoticed or may not be visible to view. If the perforated vents are noticed, they may appear to be a smart, aesthetic addition to the troffer light fixture design.

(8) FIG. 1 is an illustration of an indirect troffer light fixture 100, according to an example embodiment. The troffer light fixture 100 may include a troffer body 110 that encompasses a light source, such as LED light source 130. The LED light source 130 may include one or more LEDs attached to a first side of the troffer body 110. The emitters in LED light source 130 may be controlled by controller 140. The troffer body 110 is shaped to reflect or disperse light from the LED light source 130.

(9) The troffer body 110 also includes one or more vents configured for passing air. For example, when the troffer light fixture 100 is installed in a ceiling, such as a drop ceiling, the air below the ceiling may pass from below the ceiling, through the vents, and to an open space above the ceiling. The air may then be collected by an air handler of an HVAC system designed with a duct-less return. No ducts are attached to the troffer light fixture 100.

(10) In the example troffer light fixture 100 of FIG. 1, there are multiple vents 122 that perforate the troffer body 110. The vents 122 may be arrayed in one or more rows 120. FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a row 120 of the perforated vents 122. The perforated vents 122 may be lined up single-file in the row 120 and the row 120 may extend the length of the troffer body 110. The row 120 may be located near the edge of the troffer light body 110. There may be a matching row of perforated vents on the opposite side, so as to form a symmetrical pattern. The number of rows and/or the orientation of the rows may vary and are not limited to the rows 120 illustrated in the figures.

(11) The size, shape and number of the perforated vents 122 may vary based on the amount of air that must pass through the troffer body 110. In some cases, there may be 30 perforated vents 122 altogether, such as shown in FIG. 1. In other cases, the perforated vents 122 may be longer and fewer in number. The shapes of the perforated vents 122 may be thin ellipses, as shown in FIG. 1. In other cases, the perforated vents 122 may be rectangular or follow another pattern. The design of the rows 120 of perforated vents 122 may vary according to the aesthetic design chosen for the troffer light fixture 100, as long as the rows 120 of perforated events 122 provide for the proper passage of air for a duct-less HVAC system.

(12) According to some embodiments, the perforated vents 122 are configured to pass air from the first side (e.g., bottom side) of the troffer body 110 to open space on a second side (e.g., top side) of the troffer body 110, or vice versa. Open space means that the air passing through the vents flows freely to an air space above the troffer body so that it may be taken up in an air intake of a duct-less HVAC system, without any duct conducting the air between the troffer body and the HVAC air-intake handler.

(13) FIG. 3 is another view of perforated vents, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the troffer light fixture, according to some embodiments.

(14) Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.