GB2516900A

GB2516900A - A device for electrical and gas appliances

Info

Publication number: GB2516900A
Application number: GB201314005A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Philip Bennett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-05
Filing date: 2013-08-05
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201314005D0

Abstract

The invention is a device 10 to enhance air cooling of heat dissipating components of an electrical or gas appliance by assisting convection over the heat dissipating components. The device provides a housing 12 adapted to fit over the components so as to define an air flow channel over the components, and has a vertical component which facilitates a "stack" or'chimney' effect to provide cooling air flow. The housing has an inlet 20 at a lower extremity and an outlet 22 at an upper extremity and in use air is drawn in at the bottom of the housing and exhausted at the top. The air for cooling can be drawn from within the inside of a building or from a building exterior, for example via grille openings 40, 44. The device may include a seal and be retrofitted to an existing appliance by use of fixings such as Velcro, magnetic means, etc, or may be pre-attached to the appliance during manufacture. The housing may include a tapered form to assist with the chimney effect, and may be manufactured from sheet metal or plastics material.

Description

A device for electrical and gas appliances

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices to cool the heat dissipating components of electrical and gas equipment such as clothes driers and refrigeration systems and appliances, and in particular to air flow devices and systems to cool such components.

Background

Many electrical or gas appliances have heat dissipating components that need to be cooled in operation, such as the condenser and compressor of conventional refrigeration equipment, the heat sinks of Peltier electronically cooled refrigeration devices, the condenser of condensing clothes drying equipment and the like. Such components are often located on the rear side of such equipment, in particular for r domestic and small free standing commercial equipment, and are cooled by natural : convection, and in some cases with a fan directed over the components, the forced air then joining still ambient air for removal by natural convection. It is recognised *:*::* that when such components run hot their life is reduced and also, especially in the case of condensers, run inefficiently. However, for most small appliances it is not considered effective economically to provide a sophisticated cooling system to overcome these problems.

In the prior art efficiency of refrigeration in particular has been studied and devices and methods disclosed for increasing it. Typically these are of two kinds: firstly, use of cold ambient air drawn from a cool exterior environment and piped into the refrigerated compartment -which reduces the use of such heat dissipating components but does not increase their efficiency when in use, and secondly, in one disclosure, use of cooled liquid from an external cool source to cool the refrigeration compartment and also, by means of heat exchanger pipes located close to the compressor and condenser, to cool them too. This latter disclosure is described in more detail below, but represents a significant modification to the equipment that needs to be put in place at the time of manufacture and also needs an externally plumbed source of cold liquid -which is impractical for most smaller equipment, in particular in a domestic setting. The invention aims to provide an improved, low cost cooling device that requires minimal plumbing and is capable of being retrofitted to existing equipment.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US200201 08393 discloses an energy transfer system for a household or commercial refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a fluid passage disposed in the housing of the appliance for enabling the transfer of a fluid into, through, and out of the housing. The fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger which can be disposed outside of a home or commercial building or underground so that the fluid is cooled by the outside air or by the ground. The fluid may also be groundwater that is circulated throughout the system in a semi-open loop arrangement. The cooling fluid is also utilized to cool the compressor of an air conditioning unit. A heat exchanger is also utilized for transferring heat from the : cooling fluid to an interior of a building.

* : : : This device discloses a situation in which the fluid is in fact a liquid, cooled in a storage reservoir external to the building in which the equipment to be cooled is located, and then piped into the building. It requires piping around the jacket and the heated components, so needs to be built in to the equipment in manufacture, and is not adapted for retrofit.

US5239834 discloses an invention that pertains to an auxiliary outside air refrigeration system for use in combination with a conventional refrigeration system to supply refrigeration to an enclosure whereby cold outside air is used as the cooling medium. A differential thermostatic controller monitors the temperature inside the enclosure and in the outside atmosphere and, if the temperature inside the enclosure indicated the need for refrigeration, activates the fans of the auxiliary outside air system whenever the temperature differential between inside and outside indicates adequate potential for refrigeration. The conventional refrigeration system is energized only when the more energy-efficient outside air refrigeration system is not able to maintain adequate refrigeration within the enclosure. The controller can be used for an auxiliary outside air refrigeration system using direct exchange of air between the enclosure and the outside atmosphere or one using an air-to air heat exchanger.

This disclosure is one of many on the same or similar themes, the use of external cool air to cool refrigerated compartments. While this contributes to energy efficiency, it does not aim to cool the compressor or condenser of the refrigeration system themselves.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for heat dissipating components of an electrical or gas appliance comprising: an air channel region arranged for covering the heat dissipating components at least in part to define an air channel passing over the components, the air channel extending from a lower portion of the appliance to an upper portion of the appliance and having an inlet at a lower end of the air channel and an outlet at an upper end of the channel fl * * An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation of existing and future appliances and reduce energy consumption.

In some embodiments the air channel is defined between the air channel region and a portion of the surface of the appliance. In further embodiments the air channel region comprises a membrane over said portion and at least one subsequently spaced air channel.

In some embodiments the air channel region comprises a sheet having a profile formed into it comprising one or more raised portions defining a wall of an air flow channel.

In preferred embodiments the air channel region comprises: a housing comprising a recess on a first side and a mounting flange surrounding the recess, a seal means adapted to overlie the mounting flange, an air inlet port opening to a lower point in the recess and an air outlet port opening to an upper point in the recess, the housing being adapted to seal to a surface of the appliance so as substantially to surround the said heat dissipating components.

In this way the device according to the preferred embodiment comprises an air channel region and associated seal means that may be fitted to the appliance to form an air flow channel over the heat dissipating components. A substantially vertical component of direction of the air flow channel allows heated air to rise and to exit the outlet, so as to create a natural convectional upward flow or chimney effect', so drawing air in at the air inlet and a cooling airflow over the heat dissipating components.

Electrical or gas appliance' includes any electrically powered or gas powered equipment having heat dissipating components intended to be cooled by natural convection, in particular where such components are exposed on a surface of the equipment, for example refrigeration equipment, either free standing in the form of an : apparatus separable from its immediate location or a built-in apparatus, either domestic or commercial. * *. * . . * .*

By heat dissipating component' is meant without limitation a condenser, a compressor, a pump, or a motor. **..

By substantially vertical component of direction is meant that the air channel extends from a lower to a higher point, having an overall rise but may have components of sideways travel within its length, for example having branches or serpentine portions.

By seal means is a sealing component extending completely around the flange so as to form a substantially air tight seal when mounted against a mating surface.

In some embodiments the air channel region is adapted to be mounted on the rear of an appliance.

In some embodiments the inlets and outlets may be directed through a wall, floor and/or ceiling, for example so that the appliance does not have to be distanced from a wall but instead can be positioned substantially flush against the wall, floor and/or ceiling. Furthermore this may enable air to be drawn from a plurality of sources, such as outside an area or room as welt as inside.

It may be envisaged that in some embodiments where the inlet draws from outside that a bypass system may be provided to as to provide an alternative air inlet in extreme conditions, for example in extreme cold which may lead to the condenser freezing if air is drawn from outside. In this way air can be drawn from another area not subjected to extreme temperature variation, such as inside. Further embodiments may include further inletting options and/or vary the air channel direction. In some embodiments therefore the device includes or cooperates with a thermometer or thermostatic control means, wherein automatic changes may be made in the bypass system according to relative temperature levels.

In some embodiments the device is built in to the appliance and the air channel region forms a part of a wall of the appliance adjacent to the heat dissipating component, the air flow channel being provided within the wall of the appliance. * . * *

In some embodiments the device further comprises an air intake coupled to the air inlet and an air vent coupled to the outlet, the intake being adapted to extend to air in an environment remote from the appliance.

In some embodiments the vent is also adapted to extend to air in an environment remote from the appliance.

In some embodiments the environment is the external air outside a building in which the appliance is located.

In this way the ambient air may be used to cool the heat dissipating components. In many situations the ambient air entering the intake may be several or many degrees cooler than air inside the building or room in which the appliance is located, and so the chimney effect will be enhanced. The vent may also be to the ambient air.

In some embodiments the air channel region is insulated to prevent condensation on the external surface resulting from cooling by incoming ambient air.

In some embodiments the device comprises a single air flow channel.

In some embodiments the device comprises a plurality of air flow channels, each adapted to pass close to a heat dissipating component.

In some embodiments the air flow channel has one or more horizontal cross-sectional dimensions that decrease from the bottom of the device towards the device top.

In alternative embodiments the air flow channel has one or more horizontal cross-sectional dimensions that increase from the bottom of the appliance towards the appliance top.

In some embodiments the air flow channel has one or more vertical cross-sectional dimensions that increase from the sides of the device towards the centre.

Therefore the air flow channel may taper providing wider and narrower sections. * * . . * *

In some embodiments the device comprises a fan to force or to draw air flow along the air flow channel. In some embodiments the fan is mounted on the air channel region and provided in the air flow pathway from the air inlet to the air outlet.

In some embodiments the fan is provided at the air intake or air inlet. Alternatively the fan may be provided between the air intake and the air inlet. In other embodiments the fan may provided at the air outlet or the air vent. Alternatively the fan may be provided between the air outlet and air vent.

In some embodiments the device comprises a control means and a sensor and the fan is controlled by the control means in response to a parameter read by the sensor.

In some embodiments the sensor is a temperature sensor. According to the embodiment, the parameter is one or more of a temperature within the air flow channel, a temperature associated with a heat dissipating component, a temperature of a point on the air channel region or a temperature of the control means itself.

In some embodiments the sensor is an airflow sensor, and the parameter is a flow velocity or rate within the air flow channel.

In this way the fan may be controlled so as to increase the air flow rate when natural convection does not provide sufficient air flow to maintain a temperature below a set value or an air flow below a set value.

In some embodiments the control means may include a delay mechanism to switch the fan on as the appliance's heat dissipation means, such as the compressor, starts and so as to allow the fan to remain running for longer than the heat dissipation means. For example the fan may run for 5 seconds after the compressor to aid in cooling the condenser by continuing to circulate air after the compressor has stopped. A time delay or delay length control is preferably provided, being user-definable or defined at manufacture, retail or installation.

According to a further aspect the invention provides an appliance comprising a device as described herein. *..US

* According to the embodiment the appliance is one of a refrigeration appliance, a condensing clothes drier, or a cooled vending machine, or a liquid cooler, or a cooled storage device or appliance.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for cooling heat dissipating component of an electrical appliance using a device as described herein mounted on or forming part of the electrical appliance, comprising the steps of opening a lower air inlet to air at a first temperature; opening an upper air outlet to air; wherein the first temperature is lower than the ambient temperature surrounding a heat dissipating component.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention mounted on the rear surface of a refrigerator.

Figure 2 shows an exploded diagram of the embodiment as shown in figure 1.

Detailed DescriDtion of Figures Referring to figures 1 and 2, an embodiment 10 of a device to cool heat dissipating components of an electrical or gas appliance comprises a housing 12 comprising a recess 14 formed in a first side of the housing and a mounting flange 16 surrounding the recess 14, A seal means 18 adapted to overlie the mounting flange, An air inlet port 20 opening to a lower point in the recess and an air outlet port 22 opening to an upper point in the recess, The housing being adapted to seal to a surface 26 of the appliance 24 so as substantially to surround the said heat dissipating components.

The recess and the rear surface of the appliance together define an air channel passing over the said components, the air channel having a substantially vertical component of direction extending from a lower portion of the appliance to an upper portion and having an inlet at the lower end of the channel and an outlet at the upper 4* * end. * 4

*.**** * The housing is adapted to mount on the rear surface 26 by means of fixings 28, the * : : mounting positions being adapted to fit with suitable fixing receiving holes provided on the rear surface.

Alternatively, in some embodiments the device may be fixed by Velcro (RIM) fixings comprising one part of the Velcro fixing stuck to the appliance and the other part mounted on the housing.

Alternatively in some embodiments the device may be fixed to the appliance by magnetic means, for example by means of magnets mounted on the housing to be attracted to the steel housing of the appliance.

As shown in the figures the appliance is a refrigerator having a vertical orientation, doors on the front and a rear surface 26 that, as is standard in the prior art, acts to support heat dissipating components such as the compressor and condenser, allowing these to be cooled by contact with the air adjacent to the rear surface.

Natural convection in the surrounding air causes air to be drawn over the component so as to cool them. However, the un-guided natural convection creates a relatively weak convection current that to a large extent will not pass optimally close to the heat dissipating components, so being less efficient than desirable. In use the housing 12 defines a vertically oriented air flow channel -development of natural convection in air within the channel heated by the heat dissipating component by virtue of the chimney' or stack' effect causes a very much more efficient convection cooling flow.

In this embodiment the device further comprises an air intake 30 coupled to the air inlet by means of a hose34 and an air vent 32 coupled to the outlet by means of a hose 36, at least the intake being adapted to extend to air in an environment remote from the appliance, each comprising an air flow pathway opening 38, 42 and a grille 40, 44 over the opening.

The vent may in some embodiments be to the room in which the appliance is located.

In some embodiments the air channel region comprises insulation material on one or more inner surfaces 48 of the recess to prevent condensation resulting from cooling by incoming ambient air. In some embodiments the housing comprises a double skin (not shown in the figures) enclosing an air gap to form an insulation means.

In this embodiment the air flow channel has a horizontal cross-sectional dimension that decreases from a location near the bottom of the appliance towards to top, and a vertical cross-sectional dimension that increases from the sides of the device towards * a.

*" the centre, so forming a narrower portion 50 of the air channel towards the top and a wider portion 52 nearer the bottom.

Preferably the narrower portion is located substantially level with or above the major heat producing location of the heat dissipating components. In this way the stack effect is enhanced in the narrower portion and cooler air is drawn through the wider lower portion 52 and guided over the heat dissipating components. It will be understood that the precise shape of the device is not limited to the shape shown and may be determined to an extent by aesthetic and design considerations. The housing 12 may taper gradually and continuously as shown, or may in some embodiments comprise two or more distinct profiles having different dimensions and degrees of taper or curvature of sides or edges.

The device may be formed from materials as used in appliances of the sort that it is designed to fit, and may be adapted to conform to the size and appearance of such appliances. For example the housing 12 may comprise a pressed metal such as aluminium, galvanised steel, or a plastic, optionally coloured or coated in situations where it is visible to a user, or for example having a galvanised steel appearance typical of the rear side of appliances if it is not intended to be seen.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape. form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

: Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.