Abstract:
A temperature control system for a controlled environmental vault including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of a split-type room air conditioner that comprises a mounting component, shroud component, and a shroud cover component. The shroud component and shroud cover component are configured to be installed on the outdoor unit to effectively divert hot exhaust air from the outdoor unit to outside the controlled environmental vault. The mounting component assembles to the indoor unit such that the indoor unit can be secured to an architectural structure such as a ceiling joist or ceiling rafter.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/406,484 filed Oct. 25, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, and in particular, the present invention relates to HVAC systems in controlled environmental vaults. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A Controlled Environmental Vault (“CEV”) is a hut, enclosure, or box-like structure that encloses and protects infrastructure. Usually, CEVs enclose and protect infrastructure pertaining to communication equipment, such as telephone, Internet, computer, or surveillance equipment. CEVs include temperature control equipment in order to maintain one or more specified temperatures and reduce the likelihood of damage to infrastructure within the CEV. Temperature control equipment includes, for example, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, dehumidifiers, fresh air blowers, environment monitors and alarms, and electrical control panels and outlets. 
         [0004]    CEVs are typically fabricated from materials including steel, concrete, or aluminum and may be completely or partially buried (underground) or entirely above ground. Usually, an entry hatch provides access to the CEV. 
         [0005]    Most CEVs that enclose and protect communication equipment include a traditional air conditioning system. Traditional air conditioning systems in CEVs are inefficient and expensive to maintain. In addition, many replacement parts are no longer manufactured or difficult to obtain. For example, compressors for traditional air conditioning systems found in CEVs are no longer manufactured. Therefore, replacement compressors must be entirely rebuilt. This repair is not cost effective since rebuilt compressors can cost thousands of dollars for parts and labor. Furthermore, rebuilt compressors tend to experience an increased failure rate. 
         [0006]    There is a demand for a temperature control system for a CEV that is more efficient than currently installed systems and furthermore, that minimizes maintenance, energy cost, and repair cost. The present invention satisfies this demand. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is a temperature control system for a controlled environmental vault (“CEV”). The temperature control system replaces traditional air conditioning systems used in CEVs to regulate air temperature in order to reduce the likelihood of damage to infrastructure such as communication equipment contained within the CEV. 
         [0008]    The temperature control system of the present invention utilizes a split-type room air conditioner such as those manufactured by Fujitsu, LG, Mitsubishi, and Sanyo, to name a few. Split-type room air conditioners are quiet, powerful, and, most importantly, compact. A split-type room air conditioner is ductless and includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit—also referred to as a coil unit or a head unit—is an air handler that takes air from the environment and dispenses newly-cooled air back into the environment. The outdoor unit—also referred to a as condenser unit—supplies the indoor unit with coolant. 
         [0009]    A disadvantage of a split-type room air conditioner is that it is not configured to be used within a CEV. Particularly, the indoor unit includes a wall mount configuration such that it is not intended to mount the indoor unit to ceilings. Furthermore, the outdoor unit fails to enable the proper air flow as required by the split-type room air conditioner. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a mounting component designed to facilitate positioning the indoor unit in a configuration other than that as intended by the manufacturer of the slit-type room air conditioner. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting component facilitates positioning of the indoor unit on a ceiling of a CEV. Specifically, the mounting component facilitates mounting the indoor unit to an architectural structure of a ceiling such as a joist, I-beam, or rafter, to name a few. The mounting component permits an alternative mounting configuration of the indoor unit. The mounting component may be fabricated from any material such as sheet metal, aluminum, steel, plastic, or any other material that can support the indoor component when mounted from a ceiling of the CEV. It is contemplated that the mounting component is configured so that parts (e.g., drain hose, piping, line sets) of the indoor unit are not obstructed and have proper space for placement. 
         [0011]    One embodiment of the present invention may also comprise a shroud component including a shroud cover component such that the outdoor unit functions as intended without over-heating. Specifically, the shroud component and shroud cover component are designed to facilitate the proper air flow by diverting the air expelled from a fan of the outdoor unit away from the ambient air present within the CEV. More specifically, the air is diverted outside the CEV. The shroud component including a shroud cover component prevents hot exhaust air from mixing with cool intake air, which increases efficiency and enables proper installation of the temperature control system according to the present invention. 
         [0012]    More specifically, the outdoor unit is located in a chamber within the CEV separate and apart from a chamber in which the indoor unit is located. The shroud component and shroud cover component act to separate the chamber in which the outdoor unit is located into two parts—one for cool intake air (intake chamber) and the other for hot exhaust air (exhaust chamber). The shroud component and shroud cover component may be fabricated from any material such as sheet metal, aluminum, steel, plastic, or any other material that can divert hot air without warping the shroud component or shroud cover component. 
         [0013]    The temperature control system of the present invention may include one or more outdoor units working in conjunction with one or more indoor units. For example, one embodiment of the temperature control system may include one indoor unit and two outdoor units, which may be located side-by-side or stacked one on top of the other. 
         [0014]    The temperature control system of the present invention is more efficient than traditional air conditioning systems currently used in certain CEVs. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the present invention may use 410A Freon as a coolant, which is better for the environment as compared to other coolants. 
         [0015]    The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing description. Those of skill in the art will recognize changes, substitutions and other modifications that will nonetheless come within the scope of the invention and range of the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0016]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawing provided to illustrate and not to the limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of the components according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrates a shroud component according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a shroud cover component according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a mounting component according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates an assembly view of an outdoor unit including shroud component and shroud cover component according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates an assembly view of an indoor unit including mounting component according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart directed to the assembly of the components according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram  100  of the components which may be installed within a CEV according to one embodiment of the present invention. The split-type room air conditioner includes an indoor unit  175  and an outdoor unit  150  connected to one another through a communication link  125 . The communication link  125  includes one or more electrical connections and power supply. 
         [0025]    The indoor unit  175  is installed in the CEV near the communication equipment in order to regulate the temperature and reduce the likelihood of damage to the equipment within the CEV. The present invention contemplates communication equipment including that typically used for telephone or Internet service provided by carriers such as AT&amp;T, Quest, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Southwest, to name a few. According to the present invention, the indoor unit  175  comprises a mounting component  400  to facilitate mounting the indoor unit  175  within a CEV such as to a ceiling rafter. 
         [0026]    The outdoor unit  150  is located in a chamber within the CEV separate and apart from a chamber in which the indoor unit  175  is located. More specifically, the outdoor unit  150  is installed remotely from the communication equipment. Typically, the outdoor unit  150  is installed in a chamber of the CEV that is more accessible than the chamber of the CEV in which the indoor unit  175  is installed. 
         [0027]    The outdoor unit  150  comprises a shroud component  200  including a shroud cover component  300 . The shroud component  200  and shroud cover component  300  act to separate the chamber in which the outdoor unit is located into two parts—one for cool intake air (intake chamber) and the other for hot exhaust air (exhaust chamber). The shroud component  200  and shroud cover component  300  facilitate the proper air flow by diverting the air expelled from the outdoor unit  150  away from the ambient air present within the CEV in order for the outdoor unit  150  to function as intended. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a shroud component  200  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shroud component  200  includes a base member  202  and a first border member  204  and a second border member  206 . The base member  202  includes a bulge element  212  that is generally semi-circular in shape to frame the fan  152  of the outdoor unit  150 ; however, any shape bulge element  212  is contemplated. The bulge element  212  assists in diverting hot air expelled from the fan  152  of the outdoor unit  150 . More specifically, the base member  202  includes an interior surface  208   a  and an exterior surface  208   b.  Likewise, the first border member  204  and second border member  206  each include an interior surface  208   c,    208   d  and exterior surface  208   e,    208   f,  respectively. The first border member  204  and second border member  206  further include a first edge  210   a  and second edge  210   b , respectively. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a shroud cover component  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shroud cover component  300  includes a top surface  302  and a bottom surface  304 . The top surface  302  and bottom surface  304  are defined by four periphery members: a first periphery member  306   a,  a second periphery member  306   b,  a third periphery member  306   c,  and a fourth periphery member  306   d.  Although the shroud cover component  300  is illustrated as a rectangular shape in  FIG. 3 , any shape for the shroud cover component  300  is contemplated. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a mounting component  400  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting component  400  includes a platform element  402  including a first face  404  and opposing second face  406 . More specifically, the mounting component  400  is defined by four borders: a first border  408   a,  a second border  408   b,  a third border  408   c,  and a fourth border  408   d.  The platform element  402  includes a first tab portion  410   a  and a second tab portion  410   b  that extend from border  408   a.  It is contemplated that tab portions  410   a,    410   b  align with the indoor unit  175 , specifically the rear bracket of the indoor unit  175 , such that parts such as drain hose, piping, line sets of the indoor unit are not obstructed and have proper space for placement. The mounting component  400  further includes a brace portion  412  extending perpendicular from border  408   c.  Brace portion  412  includes a first securement aperture element  414   a  and a second securement aperture element  414   b.  The aperture elements  414   a,    414   b  facilitate attachment of the indoor unit  1775  to an architectural structure such as that found in or on a ceiling. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an assembly view of an outdoor unit  150  including shroud component  200  and shroud cover component  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shroud component  200  is positioned on the outdoor unit  150  such that the bulge element  212  frames the fan  152 . When properly positioned, the base member  202  aligns with the bottom of the outdoor unit  150  and the first border member  204  and the second border member  206  of the shroud component  200  align with the sides of the outdoor unit  150  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, the first edge  210   a  and second edge  210   b  of the first border member  204  and second border member  206 , respectively, align with the top of the outdoor unit  150 . The shroud component  200  may be installed on the outdoor unit  150  using any type of fastener such as screws, bolts, or nails. 
         [0032]    The shroud cover component  300  is positioned over the top of the outdoor unit  150 . Once positioned, the shroud cover component  300  covers the top of the outdoor unit  150  as well as complements the shroud component  200 . Specifically, the bottom surface  304  of the shroud cover component  300  rests upon the first edge  210   a  and the second edge  210   b  of the shroud component  200 . The shroud cover component  300  may be installed on the outdoor unit  150  by setting it over the top of the outdoor unit  150  or by using any type of fastener such as screws, bolts, or nails. 
         [0033]    The shroud component  200  and shroud cover component  300  enclose the fan  152  of the outdoor unit  150  to divert hot air expelled from the fan  152 . Specifically, air expelled from a fan  152  of the outdoor unit  150  is diverted away from the ambient air present within the CEV and outside the CEV. 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates an assembly view of an indoor unit  175  including mounting component  400  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting component  400  facilitates positioning the indoor unit  175  in a configuration other than that as intended by the manufacturer of the slit-type room air conditioner. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting component  400  facilitates positioning of the indoor unit  1775  on a ceiling of a CEV. 
         [0035]    The indoor unit  175  includes a rear bracket  177  as provided by the manufacturer for mounting the indoor unit  175 . The mounting component  400  is assembled to the rear bracket  177  of the indoor unit  175  such that the tab portions  410   a,    410   b  of the mounting component  400  align with the rear bracket  177  of the indoor unit  175 . Tab portions  410   a,    410   b  allow parts such as the drain hose, piping, and line sets of the indoor unit  175  to remain un-obstructed once the indoor unit  175  including mounting component  400  is installed. Specifically, the second face  406  of the platform element  402  abuts the rear bracket  177  such that the brace portion  412  extends from the indoor unit  175 . The first securement aperture element  414   a  and the second securement aperture element  414   b  are used to secure the indoor unit  175  to an architectural structure, particularly an architectural structure such as a joist, I-beam, or rafter located on the ceiling of a CEV. Specifically, fasteners such as screws, bolts, or nails are used through the securement aperture elements  414   a,    414   b  to secure the indoor unit  175 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart directed to the assembly  700  of the components according to one embodiment of the present invention. The outdoor unit is installed according to the manufacturer&#39;s intended installation procedure at step  702 . According to step  704 , the shroud component is positioned on the outdoor unit. Specifically, the shroud component is positioned such that the bulge element aligns with the fan of the outdoor unit. The shroud cover component is positioned at step  706 . The shroud cover component is positioned over the top of the outdoor unit as well as over the first edge and second edge of the shroud component, thereby effectively forming an enclosure with four sides integrated with the outdoor unit. At step  708 , the mounting component is assembled to the indoor unit. Specifically, the mounting component is attached to the rear bracket of the indoor unit. Once the mounting component is attached to the rear bracket, the indoor unit is installed at step  710  by securing the mounting component to an architectural structure such as a ceiling joist. 
         [0037]    The embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing description. Those of skill in the art will recognize changes, substitutions and other modifications that will nonetheless come within the scope of the invention and range of the claims.