US20140116070A1

US20140116070A1 - Leakage minimization system and method for packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps

Info

Publication number: US20140116070A1
Application number: US13/662,455
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael J. Hubble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-27
Filing date: 2012-10-27
Publication date: 2014-05-01

Abstract

A system and apparatus is provided for minimizing damage caused by leaks from a packaged terminal air conditioner (“PTAC”) or heat pump (“PTHP”). A shutoff switch can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit of a PTAC/PTHP. The switch is configured such that, when it is exposed to water, the PTAC/PTHP is automatically deactivated to prevent further leakage. The shutoff switch includes a plurality of spaced, non-insulated conductors enclosed between a non-conductive base layer and a water absorbent layer. The water absorbent layer is in contact with the conductors. Electrical connection between the conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wetted, but there is no electrical connection between the conductors when the water absorbent layer is dry. The switch can be placed on or near the PTAC/PTHP, on the floor or wall beneath the PTAC/PTHP and/or on a wall sleeve that receives the PTAC/PTHP.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments relate in general to air conditioning and, more particularly, to packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps.

BACKGROUND

Packaged terminal air conditioners (often abbreviated PTAC) and packaged terminal heat pumps (often abbreviated PTHP) are types of self-contained heating and air conditioning systems. PTACs and PTHPs are commonly found in various multi-residential units, such as hotels, motels, nursing homes, convalescent homes, and apartment buildings. According to a study by the Department of Energy, shipments of PTACs/PTHPs are expected to increase steadily over the next 30 years, from 503,000 total units in 2012 to 910,000 units in 2042.
One of the reasons for the popularity of PTACs/PTHPs is the numerous advantages that they can provide. For instance, PTACs/PTHPs are aesthetically attractive because they can be mounted flush with the exterior wall of a building, thereby avoiding unsightly overhangs and protrusions. From a construction and service perspective, PTACs/PTHPs are desirable because they are affordable, portable and can be removed, repaired and replaced relatively easily. Moreover, from an architectural standpoint, PTACs/PTHPs are typically easier to incorporate into the design of a building because there is no need to design structures around the PTACs/PTHPs. Indeed, the use of a PTAC/PTHP eliminates the need for vertical risers, which are used with conventional air conditioning units (e.g. closet units). The vertical risers extend vertically through a building to the roof for condenser piping and wiring. However, the use of vertical risers introduces significant complexities to the design of a building.
While PTACs/PTHPs can provide numerous advantages, their use is not problem-free. One major problem is the leakage of condensate water formed by the unit onto the floor and walls of the room in which the unit is installed. Such leakage can occur for various reasons. For instance, the drain of the PTAC/PTHP can become blocked, the drip pan can be cracked and/or the unit may not be level. Even a properly installed PTAC/PTHP can cease being level if the unit is abused by the occupants of the room. For example, children may stand or sit on the portion of the unit that protrudes into a room. As a result, the unit may tip forward, allowing water that collects in the drip pan to leak out the front of the unit. In some instances, rainwater can be driven by the wind into a PTAC/PTHP from the outside. If enough rainwater is driven into the unit, it may eventually become flooded, causing water to spill into the room.
Regardless of its origins, the leakage of water from a PTAC/PTHP can result in drastic and costly consequences, particularly when it goes undetected for a period of time. In many cases, neither the occupants of the room nor the building staff may be aware of the leakage. Indeed, even if a room is unoccupied, many hotels allow the PTAC/PTHP unit to continue to run to avoid unpleasant moldy smells from developing in the room, as can happen when the unit is turned off. Any water that leaks into a room will soak the carpet. In such case, the carpet must, at a minimum, be dried out to avoid the buildup of mold. The drying process can be time consuming, effectively taking a room out of service and causing a loss in revenue and costly labor expenses to be incurred. In some instances, the leakage and resultant damage may be so severe that the carpet and underlying padding have to be replaced, again taking a room out of service, causing a loss in revenue and costly labor and material expenses to be incurred.
Thus, there is a need to minimize such concerns.

SUMMARY

In one respect, embodiments are directed to a shutoff switch for a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump. The switch includes a strip. The strip has a non-conductive base layer having an inner side and an outer side. The inner side and/or the outer side of the base layer can be at least partially coated with an adhesive. The base layer can be made of any suitable material, including, for example, foam.
A plurality of non-insulated conductors extends along the inner side of the base layer. The conductors are spaced apart along their entire lengths. The plurality of conductors can be substantially parallel to each other.
The strip also includes a water absorbent layer attached to the inner side of the base layer such that the plurality of conductors is substantially enclosed between the base layer and the water absorbent layer. The water absorbent layer is made of a non-conductive material and is in contact with the plurality of conductors. Thus, electrical connection between the plurality of conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wet; electrical connection between the plurality of conductors is prevented when the water absorbent layer is dry. The absorbent layer can include an electrolyte.
The absorbent layer can have an associated width, and the base layer can have an associated width. In one embodiment, the width of the absorbent layer can be greater than the width of the base layer. In such case, the absorbent layer can protrude beyond one or both lateral sides of the base layer. The protruding portion of the absorbent layer can be wrapped around the respective lateral side of the base layer and attached to the outer side of the base layer. As a result, the absorption of water that may collect below the switch can be facilitated.
The switch includes a plurality of conductors that extend from the strip. Each of the conductors is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductors in the strip. A substantial portion of each of the conductors is insulated. A resistor can be disposed along one or more of non-insulated conductors and/or one or more of the plurality of conductors.
In another respect, embodiments are directed to a shutoff system for a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump. The system includes a unit, which is a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump. The unit has a front desk circuit. The front desk circuit is configured such that the unit is disabled when the front desk circuit is completed.
The system also includes a normally open shutoff switch. The shutoff switch is operatively connected to the front desk circuit. The shutoff switch is configured to close when sufficiently wetted. Thus, when the switch is closed, the front desk circuit is completed and, in response, the unit is automatically disabled.
The shutoff switch can have any suitable form. For instance, the switch can be provided in the form of a strip with a base layer, a water absorbent layer and a plurality of non-insulated conductors enclosed between the base layer and the water absorbent layer.
The base layer can have an inner side and an outer side. The inner side and/or the outer side of the base layer can be at least partially coated with an adhesive. The base layer is made of any suitable non-conductive material, including, for example, foam.
The plurality of non-insulated conductors can extend along the inner side of the base layer. The non-insulated conductors can be spaced apart along their entire lengths. In one embodiment, the non-insulated conductors can be substantially parallel to each other.
The water absorbent layer can be attached to the inner side of the base layer such that the plurality of non-insulated conductors is substantially enclosed between them. The water absorbent layer is made of a non-conductive material that is in contact with the plurality of conductors. As a result, electrical connection between the plurality of non-insulated conductors can be permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wet, and electrical connection between the plurality of non-insulated conductors is prevented when the water absorbent layer is dry. The water absorbent layer can include an electrolyte, such as salt.
Each of the plurality of non-insulated conductors is operatively connected to the front desk circuit. For instance, each of the plurality of non-insulated conductors can be electrically connected to the front desk circuit by one of a respective plurality of other conductors. Each of the other conductors can be electrically connected at one end to a respective one of the plurality of non-insulated conductors. Each of the other conductors can be electrically connected at an opposite end to the front desk circuit. At least a substantial portion of each of the conductors can be insulated. A resistor can be disposed along one or more of the plurality of non-insulated conductors. Alternatively or in addition, a resistor can be disposed between one or more of the plurality of non-insulated conductors and the front desk circuit, such as along one or more of the plurality of other conductors.
The strip can be attached to any suitable surface in any manner and in any suitable arrangement. As an example, the strip can be attached to a surface located below the unit, such as a wall or the floor. As another example, the strip can be substantially aligned with a front edge of the unit. In some embodiments, the strip can be attached to a portion of the unit. Alternatively, the strip can be attached to a portion of a sleeve within which at least a portion of the unit is received. The strip can be attached to the respective surface by an adhesive.
The absorbent layer can have an associated width, and the base layer can have an associated width. The width of the absorbent layer can be greater than the width of the base layer. In such case, the absorbent layer can protrude beyond one or both lateral sides of the base layer. Further, the protruding portion of the absorbent layer can be wrapped around a respective lateral side of the base layer and attached to the outer side of the base layer. In this way, absorption of water below the switch can be facilitated.
In still another respect, embodiments can be directed to a method for minimizing water leakage from a packaged terminal unit, which is a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump. The packaged terminal unit has a front desk circuit. The front desk circuit is configured to disable the packaged terminal unit when the front desk circuit is completed.
According to the method, a normally open shutoff switch is operatively connected to the front desk circuit. The shutoff switch is configured to close when sufficiently wetted. When the shutoff switch closes, the front desk circuit is completed, and the front desk circuit disables the packaged terminal unit.
The shutoff switch can include a strip having a water absorbent layer. In such case, the strip can be attached to a floor below the packaged terminal unit, a wall below the packaged terminal unit, a portion of the packaged terminal unit, a portion of a sleeve into which at least a portion of the packaged terminal unit is received, or a cover that covers at least a portion of the packaged terminal unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a shutoff switch;

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a shutoff switch;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a shutoff switch;

FIG. 4 is a view of a PTAC system having a shutoff switch;

FIG. 5 is a view of a PTAC unit with its front cover removed to show a shutoff switch electrically connected to a front desk circuit of the PTAC and attached along a front edge surface of the PTAC; and

FIG. 6 is a view of a PTAC unit with its front cover removed, showing a shutoff switch electrically connected to a front desk circuit of the PTAC and the shutoff switch being attached to a surface on a sleeve in which a portion of the PTAC is received.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Arrangements described herein relate to a system, method and apparatus for automatically deactivating a packaged terminal air conditioners (“PTAC”) and packaged terminal heat pumps (“PTHP”) when associated water leakage is detected. Such water leakage may be, for example, condensate water leakage from the PTAC/PTHP and/or external rainwater blown into the PTAC/PTHP by wind. Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-6, but the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or application.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details.
Embodiments are directed to a shutoff switch for PTACs and PTHPs. The shutoff switch is normally open. The shutoff switch can have a plurality of conductors. The plurality of conductors can be spaced from each other. Thus, when the switch is dry, there is no electrical connection between the conductors. The shutoff switch can be configured so that it closes when sufficiently wetted by water and/or other liquid. “Sufficiently wetted” means that a sufficient quantity and/or distribution of water and/or other liquid contacts the switch such that an electrical connection is established between two or more conductors of the shutoff switch at least in part by the water and/or other liquid. The shutoff switch can have any suitable form.
Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a shutoff switch 10 for PTACs and PTHPs is shown. In one implementation, the switch 10 can include a strip 12 with a plurality of conductors 14 extending therefrom. The strip 12 can be general rectangular or other suitable conformation. The strip 12 can be elongated with a first end 16 and a second end 18. Further, the strip 12 can include first and second lateral sides 20, 22. The strip 12 can have any suitable length depending on the application at hand. The strip 12 can have any suitable width. In one embodiment, the strip 12 can be about 1 inch wide.
A partial cut-away view of the strip 12 is shown in FIG. 2. The strip 12 can include a base layer 24, a plurality of conductors 34, 36 and a water absorbent layer 28. Each of these items will be described in turn below.
Referring to FIG. 3, the base layer 24 can have an outer side 30 and an inner side 32. The base layer 24 can be flexible. The base layer 24 is made of any suitable non-conductive material. The base layer 24 can be made of a non-conductive material, such as foam or rubber. In one embodiment, the base layer 24 can be made of an open-cell urethane foam tape. At least a portion of the inner and/or outer sides 30, 32 of the base layer 24 can be coated with an adhesive 33. Any suitable adhesive can be used. In one embodiment, the base layer 24 can be provided in the form of a double-sided tape, such as 3M 4032 available from 3M, St. Paul, Minn. The outer side 30 can be at least partially covered by a protective layer (not shown), such as a peel-off paper backing, to minimize unintended contact between the adhesive 33 and other items prior to bringing the adhesive coated outer side 30 into contact with an intended surface.
As noted above, the shutoff switch 10 can include a plurality of conductors 34, 36. While the following description is directed to an embodiment in which there are two conductors, it will be understood that embodiments are not so limited. Indeed, in some instances, there can be more than two conductors.
In one embodiment, the shutoff switch 10 can include two conductors—a first conductor 34 and a second conductor 36. The first and second conductors 34, 36 can extend generally along a substantial portion of the length of the strip 12. The first and second conductors 34, 36 can be generally parallel to each other. However, in at least some places, the first and second conductors 34, 36 may not be parallel to each other. Any suitable spacing can be provided between the first and second conductors 34, 36. In one embodiment, the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be spaced from about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch apart. The spacing between the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be substantially constant along the length of the strip 12.
The first and second conductors 34, 36 can be made of any suitable material, including, for example, copper or stainless steel. The conductors 34, 36 can be any suitable size. The first and second conductors 34, 36 can be substantially identical to each other, or the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be different from each other in one or more respects, including any of those mentioned above.
The first and second conductors 34, 36 can be provided on the base layer 24 in any suitable manner. For instance, the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be attached to the inner side 32 of the base layer 24, such as by an adhesive provided on the inner side 32 of the base layer 24 and/or by other suitable manner of attachment. When the base layer 24 is made of foam, the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be pressed into the foam to allow more surface area contact between the conductors 34, 36 and the base layer 24, thereby allowing additional securement of the conductors 34, 36.
The strip 12 can further include an absorbent layer 28 that can absorb at least water. The water may be condensate water generated by the PTAC/PTHP itself or external water that has infiltrated the unit (e.g., rain forced into the unit by wind). The absorbent layer 28 can be made of any suitable material that can absorb water and possibly other liquids. The absorbent layer 28 can be made of a non-conductive material. As an example, the absorbent layer 28 can be made of cotton, wool, polyester, linen, flax, jute or any suitable combination thereof. The absorbent layer 28 may include synthetic fibers. The absorbent layer 28 may be woven or non-woven. The absorbent layer 28 can be made of any suitable paper material or paper product. The absorbent layer 28 can be made of a fibrous material.
In some instances, the absorbent layer 28 can have an electrolyte associated with it. For instance, the absorbent layer 28 can be at least partially impregnated and/or coated with an electrolyte. In one embodiment, the material of the water absorbent layer 28 can be soaked with an electrolytic solution (e.g., salt dissolved in water) and dried, thereby leaving the electrolyte associated with the absorbent layer 28. “Associated with” means that the electrolyte is on, suspended in, attached to, carried on, encrusted on, or otherwise located in any manner and in any form on the absorbent layer. An “electrolyte” is any substance containing free ions that make the substance electrically conductive. In one embodiment, the electrolyte can be salt. The electrolyte can be soluble in water. The inclusion of an electrolyte will increase electrical conductivity when the absorbent layer 28 is wetted, thus closing the switch 10.
The absorbent layer 28 can be attached to the inner side 32 of the base layer 24. In such case, the first and second conductors 34, 36 can be disposed between and substantially enclosed between the base layer 24 and the absorbent layer 28. The absorbent layer 28 can be in contact with the first and second conductors 34, 36. The absorbent layer 28 can be attached to the same side of the base layer 24 as the conductors 34, 36. The absorbent layer 28 can be attached to the inner side 32 of the base layer 24, such as by an adhesive provided on the inner side 32 of the base layer 24 and/or other suitable manner of attachment.
In one embodiment, the absorbent layer 28 can include a continuous layer of material. Alternatively, the absorbent layer 28 can include a plurality of absorbing elements (not shown) distributed along the length of the strip 12. In such case, the plurality of absorbing elements can be substantially equally spaced along the length of the strip 12, or one or more of the absorbing elements can be unequally spaced. Further, the plurality of absorbing elements can be substantially identical to each other, or at least one of the plurality of absorbing elements can differ from the other absorbing elements in one or more respects.
The absorbent layer 28 can be the same length and/or width as the base layer 24. In one embodiment, the width of the absorbent layer 28 can be greater than the width of the base layer 24. As a result, when attached to the base layer 24, the absorbent layer 28 can protrude beyond one or both lateral sides 20, 22 of the base layer 24, as is shown in FIG. 3. In one implementation, the absorbent layer 28 can protrude beyond both lateral sides 20, 22 of the base layer 24 by about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch. The protruding portions can be folded around the respective lateral sides 20, 22 of the base layer 24 and attached to the outer side 30 of the base layer 24, such as by an adhesive 33 provided thereon and/or by other suitable manner of attachment. In this way, absorption of water from below the shutoff switch 10 can be facilitated.
It will be appreciated that when the absorbent layer 28 is dry, the first and second conductors 34, 36 are not electrically connected. However, when the absorbent layer 28 absorbs a liquid, such as water, electrical connection is permitted between the first and second conductors 34, 36.
The switch 10 can be adapted for operative connection to a shutoff system for the PTAC/PTHP, such as the front desk circuit. To that end, the switch 10 can include a plurality of conductors 14 external to the strip 12. In one embodiment, these conductors 14 can be a continuation of the first and second conductors 34, 36. Alternatively, these conductors 14 can be separate conductors from the first and second conductors 34, 36 within the strip. In such case, each external conductor 14, such as a first end 38 thereof, can be operatively connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductors 34, 36 within the strip 12. The term “operatively connected,” as used herein, can include direct or indirect connections, including connections without direct physical contact. Such attachment can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by soldering, plugs or other means. The attachment to the plurality of conductors 34, 36 within the strip 12 can occur at any suitable location. For instance, the connection 37 can occur within the strip 12, at the end of the strip or just beyond the end of the strip (as is shown in FIG. 2), just to name a few possibilities. A second end 39 of each external conductor 14 can be operatively connected to any suitable item, such as the front desk circuit of a PTAC. Any portion of the conductors that extends outside of the strip can be insulated to avoid harm to people.
In some instances, one or more resistors 40 can be provided along one or more of the conductors 34, 36 of the switch 10. The one or more resistors 40 can be of adequate resistance to reduce amperage from the PTAC shutoff switch 10 to a suitable level.
The shutoff switch 10 can be used in connection with a PTAC or PTHP 50. Referring to FIG. 4, the PTAC/PTHP unit 50 can be partially received in a sleeve 53 provided in an opening 51 in a wall 52 or other structure. A portion of the PTAC/PTHP 50 can extend from an interior wall surface and into the room.
The PTAC/PTHP 50 can be equipped with a front desk circuit 54. The front desk circuit 54 can allow for the manual enablement and disablement of the PTAC/PTHP 50 at a location remote from the unit. For instance, the front desk circuit can be selectively enabled or disabled remotely by hotel personnel from the front desk of the hotel. When the front desk circuit is used to disable the PTAC/PTHP, the unit is deactivated and cannot be operated by occupants of the room until it is enabled by the front desk circuit. The front desk circuit can provide a convenient way for hotel operators to conserve electricity when a room is not occupied. The front desk circuit is normally open. A manually operated, normally open switch can be connected to the front desk circuit to allow a user to close the circuit. When the switch is closed, the front desk circuit is completed and the PTAC/PTHP is disabled. One example of the wiring of a front desk circuit is shown in Amana Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump, Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual, dated January 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
This arrangement allows for the remote enablement and disablement of the PTAC/PTHP by manually closing the switch at the front desk or other suitable location. Such action is performed by hotel personnel physically operating the switch. However, though many PTACs are equipped with a front desk circuit, it is not commonly used for a number of reasons. For instance, it is sometimes overlooked at the time of construction. Further, challenging installation issues are presented by its usage, as separate sets of wires would have to be routed from each room to the front desk. Such routing would be time consuming, challenging, and cost prohibitive.
According to embodiments herein, a normally open, water activated shutoff switch can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit 54. The shutoff switch can form a normally open circuit with the front desk circuit 54. However, when the shutoff switch is sufficiently wetted, the switch closes and the front desk circuit is completed. In response, the PTAC/PTHP unit can be automatically disabled. In the case of the shutoff switch 10, when the strip 12 is exposed to water, the absorbent layer 28 will absorb a portion of the water, thereby completing the connection between the conductors 34, 36 and closing the switch 10. When the switch 10 is closed, the front desk circuit 54 is completed, resulting in the PTAC/PTHP 50 unit being disabled.
It should be noted that any number of shutoff switches 10 can be used in connection with the front desk circuit 54 of the PTAC/PTHP 50. In one embodiment, only one shutoff switch 10 can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit 54 of the PTAC/PTHP 50. In another embodiment, a plurality of shutoff switches 10 can be operatively connected to the front desk circuit 54 of the PTAC/PTHP 50. In such case, the shutoff switches can be connected in parallel such that any one of the switches 10 can complete the front desk circuit 54 to thereby disable the PTAC/PTHP unit 50.
The strip 12 of the switch 10 can be positioned in any suitable location in which water may leak from the PTAC/PTHP unit 50. In one embodiment, the strip 12 can be located on the floor by or under the PTAC/PTHP unit 50, as is shown in FIG. 4. More particularly, the strip 12 can be located on the floor in alignment with a front edge 60 of the PTAC/PTHP unit 50 (e.g. the front edge of the cover 55), as is shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively or in addition, the strip 12 may be provided on a front cover 55 that encloses at least the portion of the PTAC/PTHP that protrudes into a room. Alternatively or in addition to any of the above, the strip 12 may be provided in any suitable location on the wall 52 beneath the PTAC/PTHP unit 50, as is shown in FIG. 4. The term “wall” can include any molding 56 or baseboards provided along a portion of the wall 52.
Alternatively or in addition, the strip 12 can be provided on at least a portion of the PTAC/PTHP itself. For instance, the strip 12 can be provided along a front edge 60 of the PTAC/PTHP, as is shown in FIG. 5. The front edge 60 can be a substantially vertical surface. In such case, the strip 12 can extend along the front edge 60 and can be wrapped back along one or both side surfaces up to the sleeve 53. In such case, the strip 12 can be generally oriented in one or more substantially vertical planes. FIG. 5 shows the strip 12 wrapped around one side face of the PTAC. While not shown, a similar condition may be provided on the opposite side face of the PTAC. The strip 12 can be provided on an underside of the PTAC unit and/or an underside of the cover 55 (see FIG. 4), extending at or near the front edge 60 thereof. Still alternatively or in addition, the strip 12 can be provided on a surface of the sleeve 53 into which the PTAC/PTHP 50 is received. For instance, as is shown in FIG. 6, the strip 12 can be provide on an underside of the sleeve 53. Further, it will be understood that a plurality of shutoff switches 10 can be provided in any combination of these and/or other locations.
The strip can be attached to any suitable surface in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the strip can be attached to a desired surface by an adhesive provided on the base layer 24, such as adhesive 33 provided on at least a portion of the outer side 30 thereof (FIG. 3).
Now that the various configurations of the shutoff switch for PTACs/PTHPs have been described, one manner of using the switch will now be described. It will be understood that the following description is merely exemplary. If no water leaks from the PTAC, then the water absorbent layer 28 will be dry. In such case, there is no electrical connection between the plurality of conductors 34, 36 in the strip 12. Thus, the PTAC unit 50 can be activated or deactivated by an occupant of a room as usual.
However, if the PTAC 50 leaks water for any reason, at least a portion of the water can be absorbed by the water absorbent layer 28. If a sufficient amount of water is absorbed, then electrical connection between the plurality of conductors 34, 36 in the strip 12 can be established by the water and/or other liquid. In such case, the front desk circuit 54 is complete and the PTAC 50 will be shutdown and disabled. The PTAC 50 will remain deactivated despite inputs from occupants or others. It will be appreciated that such shutdown will occur immediately or soon after the beginning of water leaking from the unit, thereby avoiding appreciable damage and adverse consequences. Thus, even if a prolonged period of time elapses before the deactivation of the PTAC is noticed, water damage can be avoided.
While deactivated, the PTAC can be inspected for the cause of the leak and appropriate remedial action can be taken. The PTAC can be restored to a suitable operational condition. Because the electrolyte is now diluted in the area of the leak, the old shutoff switch 10 can be removed and discarded. A new shutoff switch 10 can be installed in the same location as the old shutoff switch.
The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).
Aspects described herein can be embodied in other forms and combinations without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Thus, it will of course be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shutoff switch for a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump comprising:

a strip including:

a non-conductive base layer having an inner side and an outer side;

a plurality of non-insulated conductors extending along the inner side of the base layer, the plurality of non-insulated conductors being spaced apart along their entire lengths; and

a water absorbent layer attached to the inner side of the base layer such that the plurality of conductors are substantially enclosed therebetween, the water absorbent layer being made of a non-conductive material and being in contact with the plurality of conductors, whereby electrical connection between the plurality of conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wet and whereby electrical connection between the plurality of conductors is prevented when the water absorbent layer is dry; and

a plurality of conductors extending from the strip, each of the conductors being electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of non-insulated conductors, at least a substantial portion of each of the conductors being insulated.

2. The shutoff switch of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner side or the outer side of the base layer is at least partially coated with an adhesive.

3. The shutoff switch of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer has an associated width and the base layer has an associated width, wherein the width of the absorbent layer is greater than the width of the base layer, wherein the absorbent layer protrudes beyond at least one lateral side of the base layer, and wherein the protruding portion of the absorbent layer is wrapped around a respective lateral side of the base layer and attached to the outer side of the base layer, whereby absorption of water below the switch is facilitated.

4. The shutoff switch of claim 1, further including an electrolyte associated with the absorbent layer.

5. The shutoff switch of claim 1, further including a resistor disposed along at least one of the plurality of non-insulated conductors or at least one of the plurality of conductors.

6. A leakage minimization system for a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump comprising:

a unit being one of a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump, the unit having a front desk circuit, the front desk circuit being configured to disable the unit when the front desk circuit is completed; and

a normally open shutoff switch operatively connected to the front desk circuit, the shutoff switch being configured to close when sufficiently wetted, whereby the front desk circuit is completed when the shutoff switch closes.

7. The system of claim 7, wherein the shutoff switch includes:

a strip including:

a non-conductive base layer having an inner side and an outer side;

a plurality of non-insulated conductors extending along the inner side of the base layer, the plurality of non-insulated conductors being spaced apart along their entire lengths, each of the plurality of non-insulated conductors being operatively connected to the front desk circuit; and

a water absorbent layer attached to the inner side of the base layer such that the plurality of non-insulated conductors are substantially enclosed therebetween, the water absorbent layer being made of a non-conductive material and being in contact with the plurality of non-insulated conductors, whereby electrical connection between the plurality of non-insulated conductors is permitted when the absorbent layer is sufficiently wet and electrical connection between the plurality of non-insulated conductors is prevented when the water absorbent layer is dry.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the strip is attached to a surface located below the unit.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the surface is a floor or a wall.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the strip is substantially aligned with a front edge of the unit.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the strip is attached to a portion of the unit.

12. The system of claim 7, further including a sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the unit is received in the sleeve, and wherein the strip is attached to a portion of the sleeve.

13. The system of claim 7, further including a cover for covering at least a portion of the unit, and wherein the strip is attached to a portion of the cover.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the inner side or the outer side of the base layer is at least partially coated with an adhesive.

15. The system of claim 7, wherein the absorbent layer has an associated width and the base layer has an associated width, wherein the width of the absorbent layer is greater than the width of the base layer, wherein the absorbent layer protrudes beyond at least one lateral side of the base layer, and wherein the protruding portion of the absorbent layer is wrapped around a respective lateral side of the base layer and attached to the outer side of the base layer, whereby absorption of water below the switch is facilitated.

16. The system of claim 7, further including an electrolyte associated with the absorbent layer.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the electrolyte is salt.

18. The system of claim 7, further including a resistor disposed along at least one of the plurality of non-insulated conductors or between at least one of the plurality of non-insulated conductors and the front desk circuit.

19. A method for minimizing leakage from a packaged terminal unit, the packaged terminal unit being a packaged terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump, the packaged terminal unit having a front desk circuit, the front desk circuit being configured to disable the packaged terminal unit when the front desk circuit is completed, the method comprising:

operatively connecting a normally open shutoff switch to the front desk circuit, the shutoff switch being configured to close when sufficiently wetted, whereby the front desk circuit is completed when the shutoff switch closes.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the shutoff switch includes a strip having a water absorbent layer, and further including:

attaching the strip to a floor below the packaged terminal unit, a wall below the packaged terminal unit, a portion of the packaged terminal unit, a portion of a sleeve into which at least a portion of the packaged terminal unit is received, or a cover that covers at least a portion of the packaged terminal unit.