Gas cooler configuration integrated into heat pump chassis

Abstract

A thin-profiled gas cooler and chassis suitable for a transcritical heat pump water heater are provided. The heat pump system includes a chassis for supporting such system components as a gas cooler and evaporator. The dimensions of the gas cooler are designed to minimize the impact that the gas cooler has on the cooling capacity of the evaporator by reducing the amount of air flow that the gas cooler blocks. This is achieved by reducing the depth that the gas cooler extends into the chassis cavity. As a result, the height and/or width of the gas cooler is increased compared to other similar volume gas coolers is providing comparable water heating capacity.

1 . A heat pump system comprising: 
 a chassis having multiple supports generally defining an outer shape with a side having a first area; and    a gas cooler supported by said chassis said gas cooler including a water supply and return openings and refrigerant inlet and outlet openings, said gas cooler including a surface having a second area proximate to a substantial portion of said first area.    
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gas cooler includes a width and height defining said second area, and a depth substantially less than said width and height.  
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein said depth extends into a cavity of said outer shape away from said side.  
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein said gas cooler includes four sides providing said width and height, said four sides proximate to said outer shape.  
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said gas cooler provides a bottom of said outer shape.  
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein a compressor, evaporator and expansion device are arranged in the chassis.  
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the gas cooler includes cooling passages filled with a refrigerant including carbon dioxide.  
   
   
       8 . A heat pump system comprising: 
 a chassis defining a cavity including an evaporator located within said cavity; and    a gas cooler supported by said chassis said gas cooler including a water supply and return openings and refrigerant inlet and outlet openings, said gas cooler including a width, height and depth with said depth extending into said cavity, said depth substantially less than at least one of said width and said height minimizing air flow obstruction to said evaporator through said chassis.    
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said at least one of said width and height is at least approximately twice said depth.  
   
   
       10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said depth is approximately at least half of said width and height.  
   
   
       11 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said gas cooler includes four sides providing said width and height, said four sides proximate to four walls of said chassis.  
   
   
       12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said four walls define a first area and said width and height define a second area, said second area substantially equal to said first area.  
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein said gas cooler provides a portion of an exterior wall of said chassis.  
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein said gas cooler substantially provides said exterior wall.  
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein a compressor and an expansion device are arranged in the chassis.  
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the gas cooler includes cooling passages filled with a refrigerant including carbon dioxide.  
   
   
       17 . A heat pump system comprising: 
 a chassis having multiple supports defining a first area in a cavity of said chassis; and    a gas cooler supported by said chassis said gas cooler including a water supply and return openings and refrigerant inlet and outlet openings, said gas cooler including a surface having a first area defined by a width and height, and depth extending away from said area, said depth less than at least one of said width and height.    
   
   
       18 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said chassis includes a guide spaced from said area defining a space between said area and said guide removably receiving said gas cooler in said space.  
   
   
       19 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said at least one of said width and height is at least approximately twice said depth.  
   
   
       20 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said depth is approximately at least half of said width and height.  
   
   
       21 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein said gas cooler includes four sides deforming said width and height, said four sides proximate to four walls of said chassis.  
   
   
       22 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein said four walls define a first area and said width and height define a second area, said second area substantially equal to said first area.  
   
   
       23 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein a compressor, evaporator and expansion valve are arranged in the chassis.  
   
   
       24 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein the gas cooler includes cooling passages filled with a refrigerant including carbon dioxide.