Heat pump with sliding interface

Abstract

A blower and heat exchanger component of a heat pump includes a physically moveable service panel. The service panel can slide out on a first side or on a second side opposite to the first side, where an existing air duct connects to a third side that is orthogonal to the first and second sides. This sliding service panel configuration allows a same blower/heat exchanger component to adapt the duct being located on either side of the unit (e.g., by installing the component rotated by 180° within the installation space as appropriate). The service panel can slide out on both sides of the component, thereby affording access for service, irrespective of orientation of the component as installed relative to the duct.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a compressor;   a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor;   a blower in thermal communication with the heat exchanger;   a first side defining a first opening in fluid communication with the blower and in thermal communication with the heat exchanger;   a second side opposite to the first side;   a third side orthogonal to the first side;   a fourth side opposite to the third side; and   a panel including an electrical element and slidably mounted to extend out of the third side and out of the fourth side.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the panel is slidably mounted on a rail. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the panel is horizontally oriented. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the panel is vertically oriented. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the electrical element comprises a service indicator. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the electrical element comprises a serviceable electrical component. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the electrical element affords service access. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising a second opening orthogonal to the first, second, third, and fourth sides and in fluid communication with the blower. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  wherein:
 the second opening is defined in a top side to comprise a supply; and 
 the first opening comprises a return. 
 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a ground loop. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 receiving a heat pump comprising,
 a compressor, 
 a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, 
 a blower in thermal communication with the heat exchanger, 
 a first side defining a first opening in fluid communication with the blower and in thermal communication with the heat exchanger, 
 a second side opposite to the first side, 
 a third side orthogonal to the first side, 
 a fourth side opposite to the third side, and 
 a panel including an electrical element and slidably mounted to extend out of the third side and out of the fourth side; 
   sliding the panel out of the third side to afford access to the electrical element;   rotating the heat pump;   placing the first opening into fluid communication with a return duct; and   sliding the panel out of the fourth side to afford access to the electrical element.   
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 11  further comprising placing a second opening defined in a top side into fluid communication with a supply duct. 
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 11  wherein the electrical element comprises a service indicator. 
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 11  wherein the electrical element comprises a serviceable electrical component. 
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 11  wherein the electrical element affords service access. 
     
     
         16 . A method as in  claim 11  wherein the panel is horizontally oriented. 
     
     
         17 . A method as in  claim 11  wherein the panel is vertically oriented. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 providing a panel slidably configured to extend out of a first side of a heat pump and out of a second side of the heat pump opposite to the first end;   rotating the heat pump to align a first opening in a third side orthogonal to the first and second sides, to a return duct; and   sliding the panel out of the first side to afford a user access to an electrical element of the heat pump.   
     
     
         19 . A method as in  claim 18  further comprising aligning a second opening defined in a top side of the heat pump, with a supply duct. 
     
     
         20 . A method as in  claim 18  wherein the electrical element is an indicator or a control.