Abstract:
A solar cooling shed is provided for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump unit from heating by the direct rays of the sun is provided. The solar cooling shed increases airflow through a condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by off grid energy, such as solar photovoltaic energy, thermoelectric or stirling engines and the solar energy also providing alternating or direct current power outlets or both.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Air conditioning units depend upon heat exchangers to transfer heat from the interior of a building to the exterior. In most single family dwellings, this is typically achieved by an exchange of the heat stored in a working fluid to the outside air using a condenser. Typically, an air conditioner transfers energy out of the room by means of the condenser coil, which is outside the room (outdoors). That is, the room can be considered a thermodynamic system from which energy is transferred to the external environment. Thus, to be effective the condenser is typically located out of doors and utilizes a fan to speed transfer of energy from the condenser coil to the outside air. These are all often housed in a metal structure with vents and emit significant noise during operation. 
         [0002]    However, because typical air conditioning units are designed for use in many climates inefficiencies often result. For example in sunny climates the condenser coil and its housing are exposed to heating from direct sunlight. This heating forces the condenser unit to work harder to exchange heat in sunny environments. Adding additional fan power further increases operating costs. 
         [0003]    Modern houses often lack awnings, or eaves sufficient to block solar heating. Condenser units are usually placed at the least visible portion of the house, due to design, noise and aesthetic considerations. Thus usage of porches and other shaded locations is discouraged as these are reserved for aesthetic appeal or use by the resident. This leaves the condenser unit exposed to direct sunlight for much of the day, especially where it is placed at a southern exposure. 
         [0004]    Many proposals have been made to address the solar heating of condenser units, including heat collectors/reflectors which rely upon thermal mass, shutter systems (which inadvertently trap heat when closed), screens which reduce airflow, and reflective shades or blocking screens which also reduce airflow. 
         [0005]    Many homeowners install outdoor sheds for storage purposes. Items stored often include gardening tools and other seasonal outdoor items. These sheds are purchased at significant cost. Homeowners also purchase backup power systems to provide power to computing and communications devices during power outages. 
         [0006]    Many homeowners are interested in obtaining some power from solar sources, however the cost to install grid tied systems is often prohibitive due to the need use licensed contractors and comply with regulations. 
         [0007]    What is therefore needed is a unit capable of putting the solar radiation that would otherwise heat a condenser unit to work at minimal effort, while shielding the condenser unit from further radiation without reducing airflow or increasing utility consumption and also providing additional utility as a storage shed in order to defray its cost. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In an aspect of the present invention a solar cooling shed is provided. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the present invention a solar cooling shed for shielding an air conditioner/heat pump unit from heating by the direct rays of the sun is provided. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit is provided. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by solar photovoltaic energy, is provided. 
         [0012]    In yet a further aspect a solar cooling shed which increases airflow through the condenser unit via one or more fans, the fans being powered by solar photovoltaic energy, and the solar energy also providing alternating or direct current power or both is provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar cooling shed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a solar cooling shed. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an airflow diagram showing airflow throughout an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of the electrical components of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system, method and device for shielding and cooling air conditioner condenser units. Generally, the solar cooling shed comprises a housing, solar photovoltaic system, and one or more fans. Optionally, the solar cooling shed comprises an energy storage device and alternating current supply. Alternatively other power systems may be used in conjunction with or in place of the solar photovoltaic system such as thermoelectric generators or stirling engines powered by the waste heat from the air conditioner condenser units. The present invention is now described by way of non-limiting embodiments. 
         [0018]    In embodiments of the present invention the housing  100  may be a shed structure having a roof  101  and optionally one or more side walls  102 , whether completely or partially enclosing a condenser unit  103 . The housing  100  may also be completely enclosing of the condenser unit  103 . The housing  100  may be composed of wood, plywood, vinyl, metal or a combination of materials. Preferably the housing  100  is constructed with materials which reflect light and heat. For example the housing  100  may be coated in reflective paint capable of reducing the heat absorption of the housing  100 . Likewise energy efficient shingles may be used on top of and along the sides of the housing  100  to reduce heating due to sunlight. The housing  100  may optionally provide the features of a storage shed in addition, such as a door  104 , window  105 , or shelves  106 , alone or in combination. The roof  101  may be flat or pitched. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment of the present invention the housing  100  is substantially rectangular lean-to structure comprising a frame  107  having two shorter supporting studs  108   a  and two longer supporting studs  108   b , one  109 , four shoes  110 , and two rafters  111 , four sidings  112 , and a pitched roof  113 . The rise between the rafters  110  and the plate  109  is sufficient to locate a fan  114  preferably having an airflow of 1300 and 2200 CFM. Alternatively, the fan(s)  114  may be located lower down upon the sides of the housing  100 . While the exact dimensions of the housing  110 &#39;s frame members are not critical, they should be chosen to be larger than the cooling unit the housing  100  is to protect and to accommodate fans  114  preferably having an airflow of 1300 and 2200 CFM, though benefits will be had from both lower and higher airflows. It is also understood that the housing  100  may be made in any number of roof configurations including shed, lean-to, gabled, pitch and the like. Air intakes may be provided on the shaded back of the housing  100 , located alongside a shaded wall, so as to draw the coolest microclimate air available. 
         [0020]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, between the pitched roof  113  and the condenser unit  103  is an airflow bypass  115  which deflects hot air from the condenser unit&#39;s built in fan, preventing blowback and preventing the air from excessively heating the pitched roof  113  and solar panel  201 , and venting it behind the pitched roof  113  which is offset from the airflow bypass  115 . The bypass  115  is preferably a metal sheet that runs ¾ of the way down the pitched roof  113 , directing airflow underneath metal sheet and upwards out of the back of the housing  100 . The bypass  115  may of course be made of other suitable materials such as plastics, including low density polyurethane, wood, or any material sufficient to block and deflect airflow from a condenser unit  103 . 
         [0021]    The housing  100  may be assembled by any suitable connectors, such as common nails, brackets and the like. In further embodiments, the housing  100  may have a door or a door and window. The window may be located on the door or on one of the sides of the housing  100 . In yet further embodiments, shelving may be provided within the housing  100 , or in an adjacent exterior cabinet. 
         [0022]    Alternatively, the housing  100  may be a frame structure supporting a roof  101   
         [0023]    In embodiments of the present invention the solar photovoltaic system  200  comprises a solar panel  201  of wattage sufficient to power a predetermined number of fans  114 . The solar photovoltaic system  200  may include a fuse  202 , switch  203  and wiring  204  to connect the current to the fans  114 . The solar panel  201  is mounted to the pitched roof  113  via mounting brackets  208 . 
         [0024]    Optionally the solar photovoltaic system may provide AC power for use by other devices via a battery  205 , which is connected to a charge controller  206 , the charge controller  206  being also connected to the solar panel  201 , and an inverter  207  having at least one outlet, the inverter  207  being connected to the battery  205 . DC power may be provided by a DC outlet connected to the battery  205 . 
         [0025]    When mounted nearer to the ground, the fan  114  serves to draw air into the housing  100 , which is passed over the condenser coils and then vented up and out of the housing. When mounted near the top of the housing, the fan  114  pulls warm air out of the top airspace of the housing. 
         [0026]    Alternatively a heat collecting area, such as the bypass  115 , preferably a heat absorbing metal such as aluminum or steel, serves as a mounting point for a series of thermoelectric generators or one or more stirling engines, coupled to a generator, which provide electric power to one or more fans  114 . 
       Example 1 
       [0027]    An embodiment of the present invention was tested under operating conditions in a dwelling with central air-conditioning in the desert community of La Quinta, Calif. The A/C saver prototype, a housing comprising a lean to structure covering two sides and the top of the condenser unit and having two open faces supported a solar panel powering 2 fans. The side and top covering were ¼ inch plywood. Both of the sides contained a 90 W, 12V 7.5 Amp 14 inch fan. The condenser unit was a Carrier™ Model 38BRC060360, having a ¼ HP fan, the air conditioning system being charged with 12.88 lbs of R-22 refrigerant, and having a max rated pressure of 700 PSIG and a design/test pressure of between 150-300 PSI. 
         [0028]    The roof of the housing supported a solar panel of 100 watts which was connected to the fan. The housing included an airflow bypass to move hot air beneath and out of the upper rear of the housing. The control was an unsheltered condenser unit, a Carrier™ Model 38BRC060360, having a ¼ HP fan, the air conditioning system being charged with 12.88 lbs of R-22 refrigerant, and having a max rated pressure of 700 PSIG and a design/test pressure of between 150-300 PSI. 
         [0029]    In the control unit, the condenser fan ran for a total of 43 mins per hour to maintain a 65 degree indoor temperature. In the test unit with the A/C saver prototype ran for a total of 27 mins per hour to maintain a 65 degrees indoor temperature. 
         [0030]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.