Misting system for air conditioning compressor

Abstract

A misting evaporative cooling system for residential air-conditioner condensers utilizes automatic controls on the misting system to maximize air-conditioner efficiency and minimize wasted water. A low-cost do-it-yourself kit is provided that includes stainless tubing, misting nozzles, tubing support rods, an outdoor thermostat, an electronic water valve, with dimensions suitable for many residential air-conditioner condensers. The outdoor thermostat and indoor air-conditioner thermostat cooperate to control the electronic water valve for maximum air-conditioner efficiency based on variables, such as humidity and ambient temperature, found in locations of use.

1 . An evaporative cooling system for utilizing a local water supply to produce mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being operable for controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature, said system comprising:
 at least one water valve for controlling water flow from said local water supply;   at least one water tubing connected to said at least one water valve, said at least one water tubing being positioned adjacent said outdoor condenser;   a plurality of misting nozzles fluidly connected to said at least one water tubing, said plurality of misting nozzles being oriented for directing mist onto said outdoor condenser; and   at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat responsive to an outdoor ambient temperature, said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat and said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being cooperatively connected for controlling said at least one water valve.   
   
   
       2 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is adjustable. 
   
   
       3 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is operable to close said at least one water valve when said outdoor ambient temperature is less than a predetermined temperature. 
   
   
       4 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one tubing support for supporting said plurality of misting nozzles at a selected offset distance from said outdoor condenser. 
   
   
       5 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 4 , wherein said misting nozzles are mounted at a height that is within a lower half of said outdoor condenser and are oriented to point upwardly towards said outdoor condenser. 
   
   
       6 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a mineral filter in fluid communication with said at least one water valve. 
   
   
       7 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a humidity meter cooperatively connected to said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling said at least one water valve. 
   
   
       8 . The evaporative cooling system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat, and said at least one water valve are electrically interconnected. 
   
   
       9 . A method for making a kit for an evaporative cooling system to supply mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being operable for controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature, said method comprising:
 providing an electrically operative water valve;   providing at least one water tubing for connection to said water valve;   providing a plurality of misting nozzles for said at least one water tubing; and   providing at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat operative for cooperation with said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat to control said electrically operative water valve.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising providing a predetermined set point for said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said predetermined set point is based on a geographical location for use of said residential air-conditioner. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one water tubing is pre-shaped for use with said outdoor condenser. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising providing supports to hold said plurality of misting nozzles at a selected offset distance from said outdoor condenser. 
   
   
       14 . A method for utilizing an evaporative cooling system to supply a water mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said method comprising:
 connecting a water valve to a water supply;   fluidly connecting a plurality of misting nozzles to said water valve;   positioning said plurality of misting nozzles in a configuration around said outdoor condenser;   controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature; and   cooperatively interconnecting said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat with an outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling said water valve.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising determining a setting point for said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat below which mist directed toward said outdoor condenser reduces efficiency of said residential air-conditioner. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising adjusting said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat to said setting point. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said step of positioning further comprises providing an offset distance between said outdoor condenser and said plurality of misting nozzles.