Air Conditioner Units and Methods for Cold-Weather Mitigation

The present subject matter relates generally to air conditioner units, such as single-package air conditioner units, including methods of operating such units in relatively cold ambient environments.

Air conditioner units are conventionally utilized to adjust the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. For instance, one-unit type or single-package room air conditioner units, such as window units, single-package vertical units (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioners (VPAC), or package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. A typical one-unit type air conditioner or air conditioning appliance includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area within a building, and the outdoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area outside a building. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends through, for example, a wall of the structure. Generally, a fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion. Another fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the outdoor portion. A sealed cooling system including a compressor is generally housed within the air conditioner unit to treat (e.g., cool or heat) air as it is circulated through, for example, the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. One or more control boards are typically provided to direct the operation of various elements of the particular air conditioner unit.

In typical arrangements, the outdoor portion of an air-conditioner unit, including the outdoor heat exchanger, is mounted outside of the building or otherwise in a non-treated space. As a result, the outdoor portion of the air-conditioner unit is subjected to the temperatures and conditions of the ambient environment. In especially cold environments, issues may arise that can affect the performance or longevity of the unit. For example, cold temperatures may lead to undesirable condensing of refrigerant within the sealed cooling system (e.g., “slugging”). In certain instances, condensed refrigerant may even displace a lubricant or oil within the compressor, which in turn may lead to improper operation or damage of the compressor.

Previous attempts have been made to mitigate cold-weather effects, such as by attaching resistive heating elements (e.g., “belly bands”) to the compressor to heat the compressor at a fixed heating rate or power output. Such systems present certain drawbacks, however, such as being cumbersome or expensive to assemble, prone to damage, or ineffective.

As a result, it would be useful to provide an air conditioner unit or methods of operation capable of addressing one or more of the above-identified issues.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner unit is provided. The air conditioner unit may include an outdoor heat exchanger, and outdoor fan, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, a compressor, an outdoor temperature assembly, and a controller. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor temperature assembly may be disposed apart from the indoor heat exchanger and configured to detect an outdoor temperature. The controller may be in operative communication with the compressor and the outdoor temperature assembly. The controller may be configured to initiate a protective operation. The protective operation may include receiving a temperature signal from the outdoor temperature assembly corresponding to the outdoor temperature, determining a heating wattage for the compressor based on the received temperature signal, and heating the compressor according to the determined heating wattage.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air conditioner unit is provided. The method may include receiving a temperature signal from an outdoor temperature assembly corresponding to an outdoor temperature. The method may also include determining a heating wattage for a compressor of the air conditioner unit based on the received temperature signal. The method may further include heating the compressor according to the determined heating wattage.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,” “a processor,” “a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

Aspects of the present disclosure may advantageously prevent or mitigate certain aspects of, for example, operation in cold-weather environments. Certain aspects of the present disclosure may, in particular, prevent sludging or condensing of refrigerant that may otherwise be caused by relatively cold ambient temperatures (e.g., below 0° Celsius). Such aspects may notably be able to effectively respond to a particular environment or unit. Additionally or alternatively, some aspects may notably provide a robust assembly that would prevent excessive wear on the unit or increased parts or steps for an assembly process.

Referring now to the figures, in, an air conditioneraccording to various exemplary embodiments is provided. The air conditioneris generally a one-unit type air conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air conditioner or package terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC). The air conditionerincludes an indoor portionand an outdoor portion, and defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

Although described in the context of a PTAC, an air conditioner unit as disclosed herein may be provided as any suitable air conditioner unit (e.g., wherein at least a portion of a sealed system is configured for installation in or proximal to an outdoor or untreated environment). Such units may include window unit, single-package vertical unit (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioner (VPAC), or a suitable single-package air conditioner, including heat-pump air conditioner units capable of alternately cooling and heating a corresponding room or indoor environment. The air conditioneris intended only as an exemplary unit and does not otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the present disclosure may be equally applicable to other types of air conditioner units.

Generally, a cabinetof the air conditionercontains various other components of the air conditioner. Cabinetmay include, for example, a rear grilland a room frontthat may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve. The rear grillmay be part of the outdoor portion, while the room frontis part of the indoor portion. Components of the outdoor portion, such as an outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor fan(), and compressormay be housed within the wall sleeve. A casingmay additionally enclose the outdoor fan.

Referring now also to, indoor portionmay include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower fan, and a heating unit. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front. Additionally, a bulkheadmay generally support or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion, such as the blower fanand the heating unit. Bulkheadmay generally separate and define the indoor portionand outdoor portion. As would be understood, when air conditioneris mounted within a room or indoor environment (e.g., to heat or cool the room or indoor environment), indoor portionis generally held or enclosed within the indoor environment. Optionally, outdoor portionmay be generally held outside of the indoor environment.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers,may be components of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system), which may be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) and, in the case of the heat pump unit embodiment, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus, as is understood, exemplary heat pump unit embodiments may be selectively operated perform a refrigeration cycle at certain instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode).

In optional embodiments, such as exemplary heat pump unit embodiments, the sealed system includes a reversible refrigerant valve(). Reversible refrigerant valveselectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressorto either indoor heat exchangeror outdoor heat exchanger. For example, in a cooling mode, reversible refrigerant valveis arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressorto outdoor heat exchanger. Conversely, in a heating mode, reversible refrigerant valveis arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressorto indoor heat exchanger. Thus, reversible refrigerant valvepermits the sealed system to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode (e.g., as selected at a control panel), as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The sealed system may, for example, further include compressorand an expansion valve, both of which may be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers,to flow refrigerant therethrough, as is generally understood. In some embodiments, the compressormay be a variable speed compressor (e.g., multi-winding or three-phase compressor assembly). In this regard, compressormay be operated at various speeds (e.g., depending on the current air conditioning needs of the room and the demand from the sealed system during a conditioning operation). For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, compressormay be configured to operate during a conditioning (e.g., heating, cooling, or dehumidification) operation at any speed between a minimum conditioning speed [e.g., 1500 revolutions per minute (RPM)], to a maximum rated speed (e.g., 3500 RPM).

When the assembly is operating in a cooling mode, and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchangeracts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchangeracts as a condenser. In heat pump unit embodiments, when the assembly is operating in a heating mode, and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchangeracts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchangeracts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers,may each include coils,, as illustrated, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more portions of heat exchangers,may be adapted for use as dehumidification features or as part of a dehumidification routine or operation. For instance, when a dehumidification routine is initiated or implemented (e.g., in a cooling mode or heating mode), a refrigeration cycle may be performed while air is directed across at least a portion of indoor heat exchangerto generate a dry airflow, as would be understood. Certain known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried airflow across a separate heating unit (e.g., as part of an active heat dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Other known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried air across a relatively hot portion of the sealed system (e.g., as part of a reheat loop dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Still other known dehumidification routines may direct the dried air directly to the room without additional heating (e.g., as part of a cool-air dehumidification routine).

Bulkheadmay include various peripheral surfaces that define an interiorthereof. For example, and additionally referring to, bulkheadmay include a first sidewalland a second sidewallwhich are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. A rear wallmay extend laterally between the first sidewalland second sidewall.

The rear wallmay, for example, include an upper portionand a lower portion. Upper portionmay for example have a generally curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of the blower fanwhen blower fanis housed within the interior. Lower portionmay have a generally linear cross-sectional shape, and may be positioned below upper portionalong the vertical direction V. Rear wallmay further include an indoor facing surfaceand an opposing outdoor facing surface. The indoor facing surfacemay face the interiorand indoor portion, and the outdoor facing surfacemay face the outdoor portion.

Bulkheadmay additionally extend between a top endand a bottom endalong vertical axis V. Upper portionmay, for example, include top end, while lower portionmay, for example, include bottom end. Bulkheadmay additionally include, for example, an air diverter, which may extend between the sidewalls,along the lateral direction L and through which air may flow.

In exemplary embodiments, blower fanmay be a tangential fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be used. Blower fanmay include a blade assemblyand a motor. The blade assembly, which may include one or more blades disposed within a fan housing, may be disposed at least partially within the interiorof the bulkhead, such as within the upper portion. As shown, blade assemblymay for example extend along the lateral direction L between the first sidewalland the second sidewall. The motormay be connected to the blade assembly, such as through the fan housingto the blades via a shaft. Operation of the motormay rotate the blades, thus generally operating the blower fan. Further, in exemplary embodiments, motormay be disposed exterior to the bulkhead. Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the sidewalls,to connect the motorand blade assembly.

In exemplary embodiments, heating unitincludes one or more heater banks. Each heater bankmay be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments, three heater banksmay be used, as shown. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banksmay be used. Each heater bankmay further include at least one heater coil or coil pass, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be used. As is understood, each heater coil passmay be provided as a resistive heating element configured to generate heat in response to resistance to an electrical current flowed therethrough.

The operation of air conditionerincluding compressor(and thus the sealed system generally) blower fan, outdoor fan, heating unit, or other suitable components may be controlled by a control board or controller. Controllermay be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner. By way of example, the controllermay include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of air conditioner. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Generally, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.

Air conditionermay additionally include a control paneland one or more user inputs, which may be included in control panel. The user inputsmay be in communication with the controller. A user of the air conditionermay interact with the user inputsto operate the air conditioner, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputsand controllerto facilitate operation of the air conditionerbased on such user commands. A displaymay additionally be provided in the control panel, and may be in communication with the controller. Displaymay, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the air conditioner.

Referring now to, optional embodiments include one or more indoor temperature sensors. For instance, a first indoor temperature sensor(e.g., indoor refrigerant temperature sensor) or a second indoor temperature sensor(e.g., indoor ambient temperature sensor) may be disposed within the indoor portion, as shown. In additional or alternative embodiments, a third indoor temperature sensor(e.g., indoor outlet temperature sensor) is disposed within the indoor portion(e.g., separately from or in addition to the first or second indoor temperature sensor).

Each temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings. For example, each temperature sensor may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The indoor temperature sensors,,may be in communication with the controller, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller(e.g., as one or more voltages or signals, which the controlleris configured to interpret as temperature values). Optionally, the voltages or signal transmitted to the controllermay be transmitted in response to a polling request or signal received by one or more of the indoor temperature sensors,,. For example, a polling request or signal may be transmitted to one or more of the indoor temperature sensors,,from the controller.

First indoor temperature sensormay be disposed proximate the indoor heat exchanger(such as relative to the second indoor temperature sensor). For example, first indoor temperature sensormay be in contact with the indoor heat exchanger, such as with a coilthereof. The first indoor temperature sensormay be configured to detect a temperature for the indoor heat exchanger. Second indoor temperature sensormay be spaced from the indoor heat exchanger, such as in the transverse direction T. For example, the second indoor temperature sensormay be in contact with the room front, as illustrated in. Second indoor temperature sensormay be configured to detect a temperature of air entering the indoor portion. Third indoor temperature sensormay be spaced apart from and disposed downstream the first indoor temperature sensoror the second indoor temperature sensor. For example, the third indoor temperature sensormay be attached to or in contact with the air diverter. The third indoor temperature sensormay be configured to detect a temperature for air exiting the indoor portion. During certain operations (e.g., cooling operations), air may thus generally flow across or adjacent to the second indoor temperature sensor, the first indoor temperature sensor, and then the third indoor temperature sensor.

Generally, one or more outdoor temperature assemblies, which may be spaced apart from the indoor portionor indoor heat exchangerand configured to detect an ambient or outdoor temperature, may be provided.

Referring especially to, in some embodiments, the outdoor temperature assemblies include or are provided as a first outdoor temperature sensor(e.g., outdoor refrigerant temperature sensor) or a second outdoor temperature sensor(e.g., outdoor ambient temperature sensor). The first outdoor temperature sensoror the second outdoor temperature sensormay be disposed within the outdoor portion(e.g., separately from or in addition to the indoor temperature sensors,,). Each temperature sensor may be configured to sense the temperature of its surroundings. For example, each temperature sensor may be a thermistor or a thermocouple. The outdoor temperature sensors,may be in communication with the controller, and may transmit temperatures sensed thereby to the controller(e.g., as one or more temperature signals or voltage signals, which the controlleris configured to interpret as temperature readings).

First outdoor temperature sensormay be disposed proximate the outdoor heat exchanger(such as relative to the second outdoor temperature sensor). For example, in some embodiments, first outdoor temperature sensormay be in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger, such as with a coil() thereof. The first outdoor temperature sensormay be configured to detect a temperature for the outdoor heat exchanger. Second outdoor temperature sensormay be spaced from the outdoor heat exchanger, such as in the transverse direction T. For example, the second outdoor temperature sensormay be in contact with the rear grill(). The second outdoor temperature sensormay be configured to detect a temperature for air entering or surrounding the outdoor portion.

In some embodiments, one or more remote devices, such as a remote temperature sensoror computer(e.g., personal computer, laptop, server, smartphone, tablet, etc.), are provided at a location separate and apart from the cabinet. In particular, one or more remote devicesmay be included with or provided as outdoor temperature assemblies.

Generally, each remote devicemay be spaced apart from cabinetwhile a corresponding remote controller of the remote deviceis in operative communication with, and may thus exchange signals to/from, the controller(e.g., via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection). Optionally, the remote devicemay be positioned within the same general environment (e.g., neighborhood, city, or county) or be otherwise configured to evaluate the environment in which the outdoor portionis located. Additionally or alternatively, the remote devicemay be independently movable relative to the cabinet.

In optional embodiments, a remote temperature sensoris in operative communication with the controllerto selectively detecting an outdoor temperature for an area proximal to outdoor portionand which is not actively heated or cooled (e.g., by an air conditioner unit). Thus, the remote temperature sensorincludes a remote bodythat houses or supports a suitable temperature circuitfor detecting temperature. For instance, the remote temperature sensormay include a temperature circuitthat is or includes one or more thermocouples, thermistors, optical temperature sensors, infrared temperature sensors, etc. Within the remote body, a secondary controllermay be provided (e.g., in communication with or as part of temperature circuit). In additional or alternative embodiments, a network interfacemay be mounted within the remote body(e.g., to selectively communicate with the controller).

The secondary controllermay include one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The processors of the secondary controllercan be any combination of general or special purpose processors, CPUs, or the like that can execute programming instructions or control code associated with operation of remote temperature sensor. The memory devices (i.e., memory) of the secondary controllermay represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In certain embodiments, the processor of the secondary controllerexecutes programming instructions stored in the memory of the secondary controller. The memory of the secondary controllermay be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the secondary controllermay be constructed without using a processor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

In optional embodiments, the secondary controllerincludes a network interface(e.g., on or off board for secondary controller) such that secondary controllercan connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., wireless communications network) with the controller. In some such embodiments, network interfaceincludes one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with the controllervia wireless communications network. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communications networkmay be a wireless sensor network (such as a Bluetooth communication network), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a point-to point communication networks (such as radio frequency identification networks, near field communications networks, etc.), or a combination of two or more of the above communications networks.

In certain embodiments, the secondary controlleris configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly transmit) one or more detected temperature values (i.e., signals corresponding to a value of a temperature detected at remote temperature sensor) to the controller. For example, the secondary controllermay be configured to transmit detected temperature values unprompted by any outside request, such as a polling request that might otherwise be transmitted to the secondary controllerfrom the controller. Thus, the secondary controllermay determine to transmit remote temperature values independently of the controlleror any other device. The receipt of remote temperature values by the controllermay be entirely passive or unprompted by the controller. In some such embodiments, the remote temperature values from the secondary controllerare transmitted asynchronously or, alternatively, according to a predetermined transmission schedule (e.g., programmed within the secondary controller).

As an alternative or supplement to remote temperature sensor, one or more remote servers computersmay be in operative communication with controllerand be configured to selectively transmit an outdoor temperature signal thereto. In some such embodiments, the temperature is transmitted from the remote computerbased on value provided by a separate weather service—as is generally understood.

Referring now to, the present disclosure may further be directed to methods (e.g., method) of operating an air conditioner or air conditioning appliance, such as air conditioner. In exemplary embodiments, the controllermay be operable to perform various steps of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

The methods (e.g.,) may occur as, or as part of, a protective operation (e.g., separate from a cooling, heating, or dehumidification operation intended to adjust the conditions of a corresponding room) of the air conditioner. In particular, the methods disclosed herein may advantageously prevent sludging or condensing of refrigerant that may otherwise be caused by relatively cold ambient temperatures (e.g., below 0° Celsius). Additionally or alternatively, Additionally or alternatively, the methods (e.g.,) may advantageously prevent excessive wear on the unit or increased parts or steps for an assembly process. Except as otherwise indicated, one or more steps in the below methods (e.g.,) may be changed, rearranged, performed in a different order, or otherwise modified without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

At, the methodincludes receiving a temperature signal corresponding to an outdoor temperature. Specifically, the temperature signal is received from an outdoor temperature assembly so as to provide an indication of the outdoor or ambient temperature. As described above, the outdoor temperature assembly may be provided as a discrete temperature sensor mounted on or within the outdoor portion of the air conditioner unit. Thus, the outdoor temperature signal may correspond to the temperature measured at the cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, the outdoor temperature assembly may be provided as or include a remote temperature sensor spaced apart from the cabinet of the air conditioner unit (e.g., such that the temperature signal is received wirelessly at the controller of the air conditioner unit). Further additionally or alternatively, the outdoor temperature assembly may include or be provided as a remote computer or server configured to detect or transmit the temperature signal (e.g., as provided by a separate weather service). The temperature signal may be received unprompted from the air conditioner unit or, alternatively, in response to a polling signal transmitted to the outdoor temperature assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature signal may be received according to a predetermined rate, schedule, or interval or further in response to another predetermined condition.

As would be understood, the temperature signal may include or be interpreted as a temperature value. Thus, an outdoor temperature value may be determined according to the temperature signal such that a measurement for the outdoor temperature is ascertained.

At, the methodincludes determining a heating wattage for the compressor. Thus, a power rating or value (e.g., in Watts) for heating the compressor of the air conditioner unit may be determined. The determination may be based, for instance, on the received temperature signal of. In some embodiments, the determination includes using the received temperature signal (e.g., a temperature value corresponding to the same) as an input for an output heating wattage value. As an example, the heating wattage may be calculated using a predetermined function, graph, or look-up table. The predetermined function, graph, or look-up table may thus correlate one or more outdoor temperature values to one or more corresponding heating wattage values. Such calculations would generally be understood in light of the present disclosure and may be derived from empirical testing or predicted attributes (e.g., determined according to a prototypical or representative unit). Moreover, the predetermined function, graph, or look-up table may be programmed into the air conditioner unit (e.g., controller), such as during assembly of the air conditioner unit.