MX2014009487A - Air conditioning condenser system for a vehicle. - Google Patents

Abstract

Condenser systems for vehicle air conditioning systems and vehicles having condenser systems are disclosed. The condenser systems include a condenser housing that is configured for attachment to the roof of a vehicle.

Description

AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to vehicle air conditioning condenser systems.

Background of the Invention Vehicle air conditioning systems generally include condenser systems to cool a heat transfer medium used in the air conditioning system. The condenser system is usually located in the engine compartment. Although in certain vehicles, such as emergency vehicles that have a driver compartment and a patient compartment, a primary condenser system located in the engine compartment may be sufficient to cool the driver compartment, an auxiliary air conditioning system that has an auxiliary condenser system may be required to cool the patient compartment. However, auxiliary condenser systems can be bulky and can take up space needed for other essential vehicle components. For this and other reasons, certain vehicles have placed auxiliary condenser systems on top of the roof, for example, the roof of the patient compartment. However, placing a condenser system on top of a vehicle roof can increase the Ref.250160 height of the vehicle's free space and create increased dynamic airlift. In view of these problems, certain vehicles have placed auxiliary condenser systems under the vehicle. However, having components of a condenser system under the vehicle can be problematic since waste on the road can damage essential condenser system components. In addition, such condenser systems may require increased power to cool condenser coils during the summer, since the condenser coils may be near a path that is radiating heat. In addition, certain vehicle capacitor systems having more than one condenser fan can operate inefficiently, as frequently, all fans can be activated when the air conditioning system is turned on, even if only one condenser fan is required. Accordingly, there is a need for an air conditioner condenser system for a vehicle having improved efficiency, and which can provide space for other vehicle components.

Summary of the Invention In one embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner condenser system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a condenser housing that includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one side wall. The system it also includes one or more condenser coils positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the condenser housing. In addition, the system includes at least two condenser fans. The condenser housing is configured to be fixed to at least a portion of a vehicle roof so that the upper surface of the condenser housing is substantially flush with the outer surface of the roof adjacent the condenser housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner condenser system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a condenser housing, one or more capacitor coils at least partially received inside the capacitor housing, and at least two condenser fans. The capacitor housing is configured for attachment to at least a portion of a vehicle roof. The condenser system has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr).

Even in another embodiment of the present invention, an emergency vehicle is provided. The emergency vehicle includes a vehicle body having a patient compartment and a driver's compartment. The emergency vehicle also includes an air conditioning condenser system. The condenser system it includes a condenser housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall. The condenser system further includes one or more condenser coils positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the condenser housing, and at least two condenser fans. The capacitor housing is fixed to at least a portion of a ceiling of the patient compartment. The upper surface of the condenser housing is substantially flush with the outer surface of the roof of the patient compartment adjacent to the condenser housing. The condenser system has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 Kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr).

Brief Description of the Figures Modes of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an emergency vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing a condenser system including four condenser fans and a solar panel fixed to the roof of the patient compartment; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the patient compartment of the emergency vehicle of Figure 1, showing particularly an opening in the patient compartment to receive the patient housing. capacitor condenser system; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the condenser system of Figure 2, showing particularly a solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the condenser housing, four fans positioned near the upper surface of the condenser housing, and three drains coupled to the lower surface of the condenser housing; Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the condenser system of Figure 3, showing particularly three drains coupled to the lower surface of the condenser housing; Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the patient compartment of the emergency vehicle of Figure 1, having a portion of the patient compartment roof and one side removed, showing particularly a drain coupled to a passage opening in the bottom surface of the condenser housing, and four fans placed on top of the condenser coils, with a portion of the fans positioned under the upper surface of the condenser housing; Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the capacitor coils in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing particularly four capacitor assemblies positioned near the corners of the capacitor coils and an input and output of heat transfer medium on one side of the capacitor coils; Figure 7 is a top perspective view and transverse view of a condenser system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing particularly a condenser housing with the top surface removed, an upper surface covering material on the condenser coils , fans coupled to the material covering the upper surface through fan fixing members, and condenser coil spacer assemblies placed under the condenser coils; Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the condenser system of Figure 7 having a portion of the condenser housing removed and particularly showing a fan coupled to the material covering the upper surface of the condenser coils through members of the condenser. fan attachment, and a capacitor assembly attached to the material covering one edge of the capacitor coils and contacting the bottom surface of the capacitor housing; Figure 9 is an upper perspective and cross-sectional view of the capacitor system of Figure 7, showing particularly a solar panel coupled to theupper surface of the condenser housing and a cavity under the solar panel on the inside of the condenser housing; Y Figure 10 is a schematic of an air conditioning system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, particularly showing four fans coupled to a fan controller and a sensor coupled to the heat transfer circuit of the air conditioning system.

Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 of Figure 1 may include an air-conditioning condenser system 20 fixed to the roof 18 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be any type of vehicle such as, for example, an emergency vehicle, a bus, a truck , or a recreational vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be an emergency vehicle.

In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a vehicle body 11 which may include a patient compartment 12 and a driver compartment 16. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a primary air conditioning system (which includes a primary capacitor system) to cool the driver compartment 16. In one or more modes, the capacitor system 20 can be an auxiliary condenser system 20 for use in an auxiliary air conditioning system that can cool the patient compartment 12.

In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figure 1, the condenser system 20 may be attached to the roof 14 of the patient compartment 12. The ceiling 14 of the patient compartment 12 of Figure 1 may be defined by a front portion 14a that it is adjacent to the conductor compartment 16, a rear portion 14b opposite s the front portion 14a, and two sides 14c and 14d. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the condenser system 20 may be located closer to the front end 14a relative to the rear end 14b of the roof 14. In certain embodiments, the condenser system 20 may be located anywhere on the vehicle 10, such as, for example, closer to the rear end 14b relative to the front end 14a of the roof 14, or to one of the side walls 17 of the patient compartment 12.

As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2-4, the condenser system 20 may include a capacitor housing 22. In certain embodiments, the capacitor housing 22 may be configured for attachment to the roof 18 of the vehicle 10, such as, for example, to the roof 14 of the patient compartment 12. For example, as seen in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the capacitor housing 22 may be complementary in shape to an opening 19 in the ceiling 14 of the patient compartment 12, so that the capacitor housing 22 may be at least partially integrated Within the patient compartment 12. In such embodiments, the capacitor housing 22 can be secured in place by any manner known to one skilled in the art, such as, for example, by the use of bolts and / or screws or through of welding. The capacitor housing 22 can be fixed to the ceiling 14 of the patient compartment 12 in any other way known to one skilled in the art, such as, for example, the capacitor housing 22 can be fixed to the ceiling 14 so that the entire housing capacitor 22, or at least a portion thereof, is located in the upper part of the roof 14.

In certain embodiments, the capacitor housing 22 of FIGS. 2-4 may include a lower surface 23, an upper surface 24, and at least one side wall 25. In one or more embodiments, the maximum thickness tx of the capacitor housing 22 , measured between the top surface 24 and the bottom surface 23, can be less than 20.32 cm (8 inches), 17.78 cm (7 inches), 15.24 cm (6 inches), 12.7 cm (5 inches), or 10.16 cm (4 inches) inches).

The capacitor housing 22 can be made of any type of material and a specific material can be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a particular purpose. In one or more embodiments, the lower surface 23, the upper surface 24, and the side wall 25 of the condenser housing 22 may include a metallic material, such as, for example, aluminum. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, in certain embodiments, the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22 can be defined by a porous cover 26. The porous cover 26 can be formed of any suitable sheet of material having openings there to allow that air flows through it and into the condenser housing 22. In certain embodiments, the porous cover 26 may be formed of a metal mesh (e.g., aluminum or expanded steel). In one or more embodiments, as will be discussed in greater detail below, a solar panel 40 may be coupled to the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22.

In certain embodiments where the condenser system 20 may be exposed to rain and / or snow, it may be desirable to include a drain 27. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2-4, the condenser system 22 may include at least two, three, or four drains 27. Drains 27 can be any type of device or article capable of removing liquid, e.g., water, from inside the condenser housing 22, and a specific type may be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a particular purpose. In certain embodiments, the drains 27 may include a conduit 28 of 1.27 c (1/2 inch). In one or more embodiments, the conduit 28 can be of any size and a specific size can be chosen with one skilled in the art based on the specifications of a particular system.

The drains 27 may be coupled to the condenser housing 22 in any manner as long as the drains 27 are configured to remove a liquid from the interior of the condenser housing 22. For example, in certain embodiments, the drains 27 may be coupled to the surface bottom 23 of the condenser housing 22. As best seen in Figure 7, the drain 27 may be coupled to a passage opening 23a in the bottom surface 23 of the condenser housing 22 so that the drain 27 is in fluid communication with the interior 21 of the condenser housing 22.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the capacitor system 20 may be fixed to the roof 18 of a vehicle 10 such that the capacitor housing 22 may be at least partially installed within the vehicle body 11. In such embodiments, the bottom surface 23 and the side wall 25 of the condenser housing 22 can be placed under the vehicle roof 18. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the condenser system 20 can be fixed to the ceiling 14 of the patient compartment 12 of so that the bottom surface 23 and at least one side wall 25 are positioned under the outer surface 14e of the roof 14.

In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 5, the upper surface 24 of the capacitor housing 22 can be configured to be substantially level with the outer surface 14e of the patient compartment ceiling portion 14f adjacent the capacitor housing 22. In such embodiments, "substantially level" means that the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22 is level with, or within 2.54 cm (1 inch) of being level, with the exterior surface of the vehicle roof 18, for example, the outer surface 14e of the patient compartment ceiling portion 14f adjacent the capacitor housing 22. In one or more embodiments, the upper surface 24 of the capacitor housing 22 extends less than 10.16 cm (4 inches), 7.62 cm ( 3 inches), 5.08 cm (2 inches), or 2.54 cm (1 inch) on the outer surface 14e of the adjacent patient compartment roof portion 14f to the capacitor housing 22. In certain embodiments, no portion of the condenser system 20 extends more than 10.16 cm (4 inches), 7.62 cm (3 inches), 5.08 cm (2 inches), or 2.54 cm (1 inch) on the outer surface 14e of the portion of patient compartment ceiling 14f adjacent to condenser housing 22.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the condenser system 20 may include one or more condenser coils 30. In certain embodiments, the capacitor coils 30 may be placed inside the condenser housing 22 such that The capacitor coils 30 can be positioned between the upper surface 24 and the inner surface 23 of the capacitor housing 22. The capacitor coils 30 can be any type of capacitor coils suitable for use in a vehicle air conditioning condenser system. , and a specific type of capacitor coils 30 may be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a particular purpose.

In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 6, the capacitor coils 30 may have a rectangular shape having a length 1, a width w, and a thickness t 2. In such embodiments, the capacitor coils 300 can have an area defined by length 1 and width w of at least 4.516.12 cm2 (700 inches2), 4.836.7 cm2 (750 inches2), or 5,161.28 cm2 (800 inches2). In one or more embodiments, the capacitor coils 30 may have a thickness t2 equal to, or less than, 10.16 cm (4 inches), 7.62 cm (3 inches), 5.08 cm (2 inches), or 2.54 cm (1 inch) .

As best seen in Figure 6, in one or more embodiments, the capacitor coils 30 may include a heat transfer medium inlet 31 and a heat transfer medium outlet 32. In operation, the medium inlet heat transfer 31 may provide an inlet for a heat transfer medium to be cooled by the condenser system 20 and subsequently be discharged through the heat transfer medium outlet 32. The heat transfer medium is The heat can be any suitable air-conditioning refrigerant used in a vehicle air conditioning condenser system 20, such as, for example, Freon®.

Returning now to Figure 5, the condenser system 20 may include at least two, three, or four fans 34. The fans 34 may be any type of fan suitable for use in a 20-vehicle air conditioning condenser system. example, in certain embodiments, each of the fans 34 may be a 12-inch 12-volt fan. In one or more embodiments, fans 34 can be sealed so that the fans 34 can operate under water or in the presence of rain and snow.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the fans 34 can be placed on top of the condenser coils 30 and opposite the bottom surface 23 of the condenser housing 22. In certain embodiments, the fans 34 can be placed completely or partially within of the condenser housing 22. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, a portion of the fans 34 may be placed under the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22. The fans 34 may be placed at any location in the capacitor 20 as long as the fans 34 can cool the heat transfer medium within the capacitor coils 30.

In operation, the fans 34 can pull air out through the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22, into the interior 21 of the condenser housing 22, through the lower surface 30a of the condenser coils 30, and toward out through the top 35 of the fans 34.

In one or more embodiments, the capacitor system 20 may include capacitor coil holders 36 to prevent the capacitor coils 30 from contacting the lower surface 23a of the capacitor housing 22 and thereby allowing the air to flow up through the lower part 30a of the condenser coils 30. For example, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the condenser system 20 may include at least one, two, or three, capacitor coil holders 36 coupled to the lower surface 23 of the capacitor housing 22. The holders 26 may be of any shape or size and a particular shape and / or size may be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a specific purpose . In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, each support 36 includes an angled article extending along the lower surface 23 of the capacitor housing 22. In such embodiments, the supports 36 can contact the lower surface 30a of the capacitor coils 30 to provide support to the capacitor coils 30, thereby creating a space 37 between the bottom surface 30a of the capacitor coils 30 and the bottom surface 23 of the capacitor housing 22, which can increase air flow upwards through the capacitor coils 30 and up through the fans 34.

In certain embodiments, the capacitor coils 30 may include one or more cover materials 38 and / or 39 to cover portions of the capacitor coils 30. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the condenser system 20 can include a material of upper cover 38 covering the upper surface 30b of the capacitor coils 30. The cover materials 38 and 39 may be any material suitable for covering a portion of the capacitor coils 30 known to a person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the upper cover material 38 can be used to assist in mounting the fans 34 on the condenser coils 30. For example, the upper cover material 38 can include alignment members 38a for use when mounting the fans 34 on the condenser coils 30 in specific positions. In such embodiments, the fans 34 may include complementary attachment members 34a that can be attached to the alignment members 38a. The fastening members 34a and the alignment members 38a can be of any shape or size as long as the fans 34 can be coupled to the condenser coils 30 at a position specified by the alignment members 38a. In such embodiments, once the fans 34 are aligned at a specific location, the fans 34 can be secured in place using any fixing device known to a skilled artisan, such as, for example, with the use of screws and / or bolts. In addition, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the upper cover material 38 it may include a passage opening 38b complementary in shape to one of the fans 34 in order to allow air to flow through the condenser coils 30 and upwards through the fans 34.

In addition, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the capacitor coils 30 may include a material covering an edge 39, which may protect the edge of the capacitor coils 30 and allow for secure mounting of the coils of condenser 30 within the condenser housing 22. In certain embodiments, the material covering one edge 39 may extend along all or part of the edges of the capacitor coils 30.

In certain embodiments, the capacitor system 20 may include capacitor coil assemblies 41. For example, the capacitor system 20 of FIG. 8 may include assemblies 41 for securing the capacitor coils 30 within the capacitor housing 22. In a or more embodiments, the assemblies 41 can be fixed to the material covering an edge 39 and secured to the lower surface 23 of the capacitor housing 22. In such embodiments, the assemblies 41 can serve to secure the capacitor coils 30 upwards from the surface bottom 23 of the condenser housing 22, thereby leaving a space 37 for air to flow upwardly through the condenser coils 30. As best seen in FIG.

Figure 6, the condenser system 20 may include at least four condenser assemblies 41 near each of the corners of the capacitor coils 30.

In certain embodiments, the condenser system 20 may have a cooling capacity such that a vehicle air conditioning system is capable of cooling all, or at least a portion of, the interior of a vehicle 10, eg, the interior of the patient compartment 12 and / or the interior of the driver compartment 14. In one or more embodiments, the condenser system 20 can have a cooling capacity of at least about 89,679.76 Kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr), 94,955.04 Kjoules / hr (90,000 btu / hr), 100,230.32 Kjoules / hr (95,000 btu / hr), or 105,505.6 Kjoules / hr (100,000 btu / hr).

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the condenser system 20 may include a solar panel 40. In the solar panel 40 may be any type of commercially available solar panel known to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a panel 1.2 amp solar In certain embodiments, the solar panel 40 can be used as a battery charger to condition the vehicle batteries.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the solar panel 40 may be coupled to the upper surface 24 of the capacitor housing 22. In one or more embodiments, the solar panel 40 may be coupled to the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22 so that both the solar panel 40 and the upper surface 24 of the condenser housing 22 are substantially flush with the adjacent vehicle roof 18 to the condenser housing 22.

In certain embodiments, the capacitor housing 22 may include an intermediate bottom surface 43 that may partially or completely separate the solar panel 40 from the remainder of the interior of the capacitor housing 21. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the capacitor housing 22 may include a intermediate side wall 44 to thereby create a cavity 42 defined by the side wall 44, the intermediate bottom surface 43, the bottom surface 23, and the side wall 25. The cavity 42 can provide space for equipment used in conjunction with the system capacitor 20, such as, for example, a fan controller 56 which will be discussed in detail below.

As discussed above, the condenser system 20 of the present invention can be used as part of an air conditioning system 50 for a vehicle 10. As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the air conditioning system 50 can include a heat transfer circuit 52, which may include a compressor 53, one or more condenser coils 30, an expansion valve 54, and an evaporator 55, all in fluid communication with each other so that a heat transfer medium can flow through the heat transfer circuit 52. Further, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the air conditioning system 50 may include a condenser system 20, which may include one or more condenser coils 30, a sensor 54, and a fan controller 56. In one or More embodiments, the above description of the condenser system 20 with respect to Figures 1-9 applies the air conditioning system 50 illustrated in Figure 10 and described below.

In the heat transfer circuit 52, a heat transfer medium in the compressor 53 can be compressed within a hot fluid under high pressure, which then flows into the condenser coils 30. A plurality of fans 34 can be used, example, fans 34b-34e, to help partially cool the fluid within the condenser coils 30 by supplying blowing air to the condenser coils 30. The heat transfer medium can then exit the condenser coils 30, flow through an expansion valve 54, which decreases the pressure of the heat transfer medium thereby cooling it further. The heat transfer medium then flows to an evaporator 55, which can provide cooling air. The heat transfer medium then flows the evaporator 55 back to the compressor 53 to restart the cycle.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to control the activation and / or deactivation of the plurality of fans 34 in order to conserve energy. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of fans 34 may include at least two, three, or four fans. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the condenser system 20 may include four fans 34b-34e. In such embodiments, the capacitor system 20 may include a fan controller 56 that can automatically activate and / or deactivate each fan of the plurality of fans 34, based on a parameter indicating load of the heat transfer circuit 52. In In such embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be coupled to a sensor 58 that can detect a parameter value indicating charge of the heat transfer circuit 52, which may be sent to and received by the fan controller 56. In addition, in such embodiments , the fan controller 56 may be operable to selectively activate and / or deactivate at least one fan of the plurality of fans 34 based on the parameter value indicating charge detected by the sensor 58.

The fan controller 56 can be any electronic device that is capable of receiving a signal from a sensor 58 and activating and / or deactivating each fan of a plurality of fans 34, and a particular controller can be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a specific system. In certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may include a computer and / or a programmable logic controller (PLC).

The fan controller 56 may be coupled to the sensor 58 in any manner known to one skilled in the art as long as the fan controller 56 is capable of receiving a parameter value indicating charge communicated from the sensor 58 to the fan controller 56. For example, in one or more embodiments, the fan controller 56 and sensor 58 may be coupled together via a communication line 59, for example, a cable. In certain other embodiments, the fan controller 56 and the sensor 58 may be coupled together via a wireless connection.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 58 can be any type of sensor capable of measuring a parameter indicating charge of the heat transfer circuit 52, such as, for example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a speed sensor flow. Various Sensors 58 capable of measuring a parameter indicating load of the heat transfer circuit 52 are commercially available and a person skilled in the art can choose a specific sensor for a particular system.

In one or more embodiments, the charge indicating parameter may include various properties of the heat transfer medium, such as, for example, the pressure of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer circuit 52, the temperature of the heat transfer medium, heat transfer in the heat transfer circuit 52, or the flow rate of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer circuit 52. In a preferred embodiment, the parameter indicating charge may include the pressure of the transfer medium of heat in the heat transfer circuit 52, and the sensor 58 may be a pressure sensor that is operable to measure the pressure of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer circuit 52.

In certain embodiments, the sensor 58 may be coupled to the heat transfer circuit 52 at any position along the heat transfer circuit 52, and a specific position may be chosen by one skilled in the art for a particular purpose. In one or more embodiments, the sensor 58 can be positioned downwardly of the compressor 53 and upward of the coils of capacitor 30, for example, in the position 61. In certain embodiments, the sensor 58 can be placed on the capacitor discharge side 62 of the capacitor coils 30, as denoted by the phantom sensor 58a in FIG. 10.

In certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be operable to activate and / or deactivate at least two, three, or four fans 34 based on a parameter value indicating different load for each fan. For example, in a further embodiment, a first fan 34b can be activated at a first parameter value indicating charging, a second fan 34c can be activated at a second parameter value indicating charging, a third fan 34d can be activated at a third value of parameter indicating charge, and a fourth fan 34e may be activated at a fourth parameter value indicating charge. In such embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth parameter values indicating charge may be first, second, third, and fourth threshold pressure values, respectively, of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer circuit. 52. A "threshold pressure value" refers to a specific pressure at which a particular fan can be activated, for example, 34b.

In certain modalities, the driver of fan 56 can activate each of a plurality of fans 34 in a stepped manner so that each fan is activated only if the condenser system 20 requires the added cooling provided by an additional fan. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first threshold pressure value may be at least 827. 37, 896.31, or 965.26 kPa (120, 130, or 140 psi), and / or not more than 1378.95, 1310.00, or 1241.05 kPa (200, 190, or 180 psi). In such embodiments, the second threshold pressure value may be at least 34.47, 68.94 or 103.42 kPa (5, 10, or 15 psi) greater than the first threshold pressure value, and / or not greater than 344.73, 310.26, or 241.31 kPa (50, 45, or 36 psi) greater than the first threshold pressure value. In addition, in such embodiments, the third threshold pressure value may be at least 34.47, 68.94, or 103.42 kPa (5, 10, or 15 psi) greater than the second threshold pressure value, and / or not greater than 344.73 , 310.26, or 241.31 kPa (50, 45 or 35 psi) greater than the second threshold pressure value. In such embodiments, the fourth threshold pressure value may be at least 34. 47, 68.94, or 103.42 kPa (5, 10, or 15 psi) greater than the third threshold pressure value, and / or not greater than 344.73, 310.26, or 241.31 kPa (50, 45, or 35 psi greater than the third threshold pressure value In a preferred embodiment, the first threshold pressure value may be approximately 1103.16 kPa (160 psi), the second threshold pressure value it may be about 1241.05 kPa (180 psi), the third threshold pressure value may be about 1378.95 kPa (200 psi), and the fourth threshold pressure value may be about 1516.84 kPa (220 psi).

In one or more embodiments, the fan controller 56 can deactivate each fan of a plurality of fans 34 in a stepped manner so that the condenser system 20 can conserve energy when one or more of the fans 34 are not required. For example , in certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 can deactivate the first fan 34b, second fan 34c, third fan 34d, and fourth fan 34e at a pressure that is at least 344.73 kPa (50 psi), 275.49 kPa (40 psi), 206.84 kPa (30 psi), 137.89 kPa (20 psi), 68.94 kPa (10 psi), 48.26 kPa (7 psi), 34.47 kPa (5 psi), or 20.68 kPa (3 psi) less than the first, second, third and fourth threshold pressure values, respectively.

It should be understood that although the foregoing discusses using the fan controller 56 to stagger the activation and / or deactivation of the fans 34 based on threshold pressure values, in certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may also be used to stagger the activation and / or deactivation of the fans 34 based on other parameters that indicate loading. Values of The parameter indicating specific loads for the stepped activation and / or deactivation of the fans 34 by the fan controller 56 can be chosen by a person skilled in the art for a specific purpose.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 can selectively control the activation and / or deactivation of each individual fan 34b-34e. In such embodiments, the fans 34b-34e can be independently controlled by the fan controller 56 by any mechanism or device known to one skilled in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 10, the fans 34b-34e can be controlled independently by the fan controller 56 through separate power connections 56b-56e connected to fans 34b-34e, respectively, and to fan controller 56. In such embodiments, fan controller 56 can automatically activate and / or deactivate each fan 34b-34e by circulating on or off for each fan 34b-34e.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the capacitor system 20 can selectively activate one or more fans 34 based on a parameter indicating load of the heat transfer circuit 52. In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable level the execution time and / or wear on the fans 34 so that the same fan, for example, 34b, does not turn on at the same parameter value indicating specific load throughout the life of the condenser system 20. example, in certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be operable to activate and / or deactivate each fan of a plurality of fans 34 based on a parameter value indicating different load for each fan, for example, 34b. In such embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be operable to vary which fan of a plurality of fans 34 is activated and / or deactivated to a first parameter value indicating charge to equalize wear on the plurality of fans 34. In addition, in such embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be operable to vary which fan of a plurality of fans 34 is activated and / or deactivated at all of the different charge indicating parameter values that are used in a particular capacitor system 20. For example, in certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be operable to vary which fan of a plurality of fans is activated to a second parameter value indicating charge, a third parameter value indicating charge, and / or a fourth Parameter value indicating load.

The fan controller 56 can use any mechanism known to one skilled in the art for the purpose of varying which fan of a plurality of fans 34 is activated and / or deactivated at what parameter value it indicates charging. In certain embodiments, the fan controller 56 may be coupled to a vehicle power source so that circulating the power on and off from the power source to the fan controller 56 may cause the fan controller 56 to vary from one fan to another. plurality of fans 34 is activated and / or deactivated in a first, second, third, and / or fourth parameter value indicating charge. For example, in such embodiments, the on and off circulation may cause the fan controller 56 to assign fans 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e, to be activated and / or deactivated at a first, second, third, and fourth value of parameter indicating charge, respectively, and a subsequent circulation of the on and off may cause the fan controller 56 to reassign fans 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e to activate and / or deactivate at different parameter values indicating charge that the circulation previous energy Definitions It should be understood that the following is not intended to be an exhaustive list of defined terms. Other definitions may be provided in the above description, such as, for example, when they accompany the use of a term defined in context.

As used herein, the terms "a," "one," and "the" mean one or more.

As used herein, the term "and / or", when used in a list of two or more items, means that any of the items listed may be used by itself or any combination of two or more of the items listed may be used. . For example, if a system is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the system may contain A only; B only; C only; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the terms "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" are open-end transition terms used to change from a subject mentioned before the term to one or more elements mentioned after the term, wherein the Element or elements listed after the transition term are not necessarily the only elements that make up the topic.

As used herein, the terms "having", "have", and "have" have the same meaning of open end as "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" provided above.

As used here, the terms "including", "include", and "included" have the same meaning of open end as "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" provided above.

Numerical Ranges The present description uses numerical ranges to quantify certain parameters that relate to the invention. It should be understood that when numerical ranges are provided, such ranges will be interpreted as providing literal support for claim limitations that mention only the lower value of the range as well as claim limitations that only mention the upper value of the range. For example, a numerical range described from 100 to 1000 provides literal support for a claim that mentions "greater than 10" (without upper limits) and a claim that mentions "less than 100" (without lower limits).

Claims not limited to Described Modalities The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Modifications to the illustrative embodiments, described above, could easily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventors hereby state their intention to rely on the Equivalent Doctrine to determine and evaluate the reasonably acceptable scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus that does not depart materially from, but outside of the literal scope of the invention. as described in the following claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (24)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. - An air conditioning condenser system for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a condenser housing comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one side wall; one or more condenser coils positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the condenser housing; Y at least two condenser fans, wherein the condenser housing is configured to fix at least a portion of a vehicle roof so that the upper surface of the condenser housing is substantially flush with the outer surface of the roof adjacent to the housing of the condenser housing. condenser.

2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 Kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr).

3. - The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three fans.

4. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitor housing has a maximum thickness, measured between the upper and lower surfaces, of less than 20.32 cm (8 inches).

5. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 Kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr), wherein the system comprises at least four fans, wherein the condenser housing has a maximum thickness tl measured between the top and bottom surfaces, less than 15.24 cm (6 inches).

6. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the two condenser fans are placed on at least a portion of one or more of the condenser coils and opposite the lower surface of the condenser housing.

7. - The system according to claim 6, characterized in that at least a portion of at least the two condenser fans is placed under the upper surface of the condenser housing.

8. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one drain coupled to the lower surface of the condenser housing and configured to allow removal of a liquid from inside the condenser housing.

9. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the condenser housing.

10. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that no portion of the condenser system extends more than 10.16 cm (4 inches) on the outer surface of the roof adjacent to the condenser housing.

11. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is an emergency vehicle comprising a patient compartment and a driver compartment, wherein the condenser housing is configured for fixing to the ceiling of the patient compartment.

12. - An air conditioning condenser system for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a condenser housing; one or more capacitor coils received at least partially within the capacitor housing; Y at least two condenser fans, wherein the condenser housing is configured to fix at least a portion of a vehicle roof, wherein the condenser system has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 Kjoules / hr (85,000 btu / hr) .

13. - The system according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises at least three fans.

14. - The system according to claim 12, characterized in that it also comprises a solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the condenser housing.

15. - The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the vehicle is an emergency vehicle comprising a patient compartment and a driver compartment, wherein the condenser housing is configured for fixing to the roof of the patient compartment.

16. - The system according to claim 15, characterized in that the capacitor housing comprises a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one side wall, wherein the system comprises at least one drain coupled to the lower surface of the condenser housing and configured to allow removal of a liquid from inside the condenser housing.

17. - The system according to claim 12, characterized in that no portion of the condenser system extends more than 10.16 cm (4 inches) on the outer surface of the roof adjacent the condenser housing.

18. - The system in accordance with the claim 12, characterized in that the capacitor housing comprises a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one side wall, wherein one or more condenser coils are placed between the upper and lower surface of the condenser housing, wherein the lower surface and the at least one side wall is positioned under the outer surface of the vehicle roof.

19. - An emergency vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a vehicle body comprising a patient compartment and a driver compartment; Y an air conditioner condenser system comprising: a condenser housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one side wall; one or more condenser coils positioned between the upper and lower surface of the condenser housing; and at least two condenser fans, wherein the capacitor housing is fixed to at least a portion of a ceiling of the patient compartment, wherein the upper surface of the capacitor housing is substantially flush with the outer surface of the patient compartment roof adjacent to the condenser housing, in where the condenser system has a capacity of at least 89,679.76 Kjoules (85,000 btu / hr).

20. - The vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the capacitor system comprises at least three fans.

21. - The vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the condenser housing has a maximum thickness, measured between the upper and lower surfaces, of less than 20.32 cm (8 inches).

22. - The vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that no portion of the condenser system extends more than 10.16 cm (4 inches) on the outer surface of the roof adjacent the condenser housing.

23. - The vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the condenser system further comprises a solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the condenser housing.

24. - The vehicle according to claim 19, characterized in that the condenser system comprises at least one drain coupled to the lower surface of the condenser housing and configured to allow removal of a liquid from inside the condenser housing.