Sound and Vibration Damping Enclosures for Refrigerant Compressors of Climate Control Systems

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/486,664, entitled “Sound and Vibration Damping Enclosures for Refrigerant Compressors of Climate Control Systems” filed Oct. 13, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This disclosure generally relates to climate control systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for dissipating noise and vibration emitted from a refrigerant compressor of a climate control system.

A climate control system may be used to heat, cool, dehumidify, or otherwise condition the air in an indoor space. Examples of climate control systems include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems (e.g., air conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, etc.). The indoor space may include the interior space of a home, retail business, office, storage space, the cab of a vehicle, a storage container of a freezer or refrigerator, etc.

In some circumstances, a climate control system may circulate a refrigerant through one or more heat exchangers in order to condition (e.g., cool or heat) air that is within or delivered to the indoor space. One or more refrigerant compressors may be used to facilitate the circulation of refrigerant during operations. However, a refrigerant compressor may generate large amounts of noise and vibration that may be unpleasant for persons located nearby and that may result in damage or failure (e.g., such as fatigue failure) of one or more components of the climate control system or other adjacent structures or systems.

Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an outdoor unit for a climate control system. In some embodiments, the outdoor unit includes a refrigerant compressor, and a plurality of refrigerant lines coupled to the refrigerant compressor. In addition, the outdoor unit includes an enclosure positioned around the refrigerant compressor, wherein the enclosure includes an inner jacket and an outer jacket, the inner jacket being engaged with the outer jacket such that the inner jacket is configured to deform independently from the outer jacket to dissipate vibration emitted from the refrigerant compressor.

In some embodiments, the outdoor unit includes a refrigerant compressor, and a heat exchanger comprising one or more heat exchanger tubes positioned about the refrigerant compressor. In addition, the outdoor unit includes an enclosure positioned between the heat exchanger and the refrigerant compressor, the enclosure comprising a plurality of nested jackets that are movable relative to one another so that the enclosure is configured to convert vibration emitted from the refrigerant compressor into frictional heat between the plurality of nested jackets, each of the plurality of nested jackets including a sound absorbing layer and a sound barrier layer.

In some embodiments, the outdoor unit includes a refrigerant compressor, a plurality of refrigerant lines coupled to the refrigerant compressor, and an enclosure positioned about the refrigerant compressor. The enclosure includes a plurality of flapped openings that receive the plurality of refrigerant lines therethrough, the plurality of flapped openings configured to apply force to the plurality of refrigerant lines to damp vibrations therein, and at least one sound absorbing layer that is configured to absorb sound emitted from the refrigerant compressor.

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and characteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. The various characteristics and features described above, as well as others, will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be appreciated that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes as the disclosed embodiments. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein.

As previously described, a climate control system may circulate a refrigerant through one or more heat exchangers to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) a temperature of an indoor space. The refrigerant may be circulated via operation of one or more refrigerant compressors, which may generate large amounts of noise and vibration during operation. The noise and vibration generated by a refrigerant compressor may be unpleasant and irritating to persons located near the refrigerant compressor. Additionally, the vibration emanating from an operating refrigerant compressor may also cause damage to the climate control system and/or other adjacent structures or systems over time. For instance, the vibrations emitted from a refrigerant compressor may cause corresponding vibration or reciprocal movement of one or more refrigerant lines coupled to the compressor which may eventually lead to fatigue failure and loss of containment of the refrigerant itself.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein include enclosures for a refrigerant compressor of a climate control system that may dissipate both sound and vibration emitted from the refrigerant compressor during operation. In some embodiments, the enclosures disclosed herein may include a plurality of nested jackets that are loosely coupled to one another so that the vibrations emitted from the refrigerant compressor may allow independent movement and deformation of the nested jackets relative to one another. The relative, independent movement of the nested jackets may convert the vibrations (and the corresponding noise) into frictional heat during operation so as to dissipate at least a portion of the vibrations during operations. As a result, through use of the embodiments disclosed herein, the noise pollution and fatigue wear associated with a refrigerant compressor of a climate control system may be reduced.

Referring now to, a climate control systemincluding a sound and vibration damping enclosureat least partially surrounding a refrigerant compressoris shown according to some embodiments. As will be described in more detail below, the enclosuremay include a plurality of nested jackets,that are deformable independent of one another to reduce noise and vibration emitted from the compressorduring operations. In the embodiment illustrated in, the climate control systemis configured as an air conditioning system to reduce a temperature of an indoor space. However, the particular configuration of the climate control systemshown inis merely representative of some embodiments and should not be interpreted as limiting other particular arrangements of configurations thereof according to other embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments the climate control systemmay be configured as a heat pump that may increase a temperature of the indoor spacevia circulation of a refrigerant.

Generally speaking, the climate control systemmay be configured to exchange heat between an indoor spaceand an unconditioned ambient environment. The indoor spacemay be the interior of a home, office, store, shipping container, refrigerator, freezer, or other interior space. In addition, the ambient environmentmay be an outdoor environment that is outside of (and that may surround) the interior space.

The climate control systemgenerally includes a first heat exchanger, a refrigerant compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a modulating valve. The refrigerant compressormay be more simply referred to herein as a “compressor.” A plurality of refrigerant linesare coupled to and interconnect the first heat exchanger, compressor, second heat exchanger, and modulating valveto thereby define a refrigerant fluid circuit(or more simply “fluid circuit”) within the climate control system.

In some embodiments, the first heat exchangerand modulating valvemay be embodied as an at least partially integrated first unit. In addition, in some embodiments, the compressorand second heat exchangermay be embodied as an at least partially integrated second unit. In some embodiments, the first unitmay be positioned in any suitable indoor space that may or may not be the same (or connected to) the indoor space. For instance, the first unitmay be positioned in an attic, storage room, basement, building, enclosure, that is proximate to, connected to, or at least partially integrated (or inside of) the indoor space. Likewise, the second unitmay be positioned in the ambient environment, which (as previously described) may be outdoors. Thus, the first unitmay be referred to herein as an “indoor unit” and the second unitmay be referred to herein as an “outdoor unit.” However, these example positions of units,are not intended to limit a particular location of either of the units,in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the indoor unitand the outdoor unitmay be at least partially integrated with one another and co-located in an outdoor environment (e.g., such as in the case of a so-called “packaged unit” climate control system).

During operation, a refrigerant (or other heat transfer fluid) is circulated along the fluid circuitbetween the units,to exchange heat between the indoor spaceand the ambient environment. Specifically, the compressormay compress the refrigerant and output the compressed refrigerant to the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchangeris configured to facilitate heat transfer between the refrigerant and the ambient environment. Because the climate control systemis configured as an air conditioner for cooling the indoor space, the second heat exchangershown inis configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the ambient environment, and thereby condense (or substantially condense) the refrigerant from a vapor into a liquid. Thus, the second heat exchangermay be referred to herein as a “condenser.” A fan or blowermay generate an airflowthat is directed through, around, onto, etc. the second heat exchangerso that heat may be transferred from the refrigerant to the airflow, which in turn flows into the ambient environment.

The liquid (or substantially liquid) refrigerant is then directed to the indoor unit. Within the indoor unit, the refrigerant is first directed through the modulating valve, whereby it is controllably expanded and reduced in temperature. The expanded, cold refrigerant is then directed through the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchangeris configured to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and an airflowgenerated by a blower or fan. Specifically, the first heat exchangeris configured to transfer heat from the airflowto the refrigerant so that the airflowis cooled prior to being flowed into the indoor space. As the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger, the heat from the airflowcauses the refrigerant to change phase from a liquid to a vapor. Thus, the first heat exchangermay be referred to herein as an “evaporator.” The vaporized (or substantially vaporized) refrigerant is then directed back to the outdoor unit, and particularly the compressorto restart the cycle previously described above.

During operation with the climate control system, the compressormay emit noise and vibration that is transferred to the surrounding environment (e.g., ambient environment) as well as adjacent components of the climate control system. In some embodiments, compressormay be configured as a rotary compressor, which may generate relatively high amounts of vibration during operations. For instance, the vibrations emitted from the compressormay be conducted through the refrigerant linesand other components and may therefore result in excessive vibrational movement thereof. In addition, the compressor(particularly when the compressoris configured as a rotary compressor) may generate pressure pulsations in the refrigerant that may induce additional movement or vibration of the refrigerant linesduring operations. Over time, this vibrational movement may result in fatigue failure which may further lead to a loss of containment of the refrigerant. Accordingly, the climate control system, and particularly the outdoor unit, may include an enclosurethat at least partially encloses or surrounds the compressor(and potentially other adjacent components) so as to dissipate at least some of the noise and vibration emitted from the compressorduring operations.

Referring now to, the outdoor unitof climate control system() is shown according to some embodiments. The outdoor unitmay include a housingthat defines an internal chamber. The blowermay be positioned at a top endof the housing, and a base panmay be positioned at a bottom endof the housing. One or more (e.g., one or a plurality of) heat exchanger tubesmay be arranged along a side wall(which may be vented or porous) of the housingand positioned between the blowerand base pan. The heat exchanger tubesmay at least partially define the condenser. Thus, the heat exchanger tubesmay be configured to exchange heat with the airflowgenerated by the blower, and may thereby include fins (e.g., such as pin-fins, plate fins, etc.) or other heat exchange surfaces (not specifically shown). Specifically, the blowermay draw air into the chamber, through the side walland thus over and around the heat exchanger tubesso as to transfer heat from the heat exchanger tubes(and the refrigerant flowing therein) to the airflow.

The compressormay be generally centrally located within the housingand supported by the base pan. Thus, the heat exchanger tubesmay be positioned about or around the compressor. In particular, the compressormay be positioned atop a base platewhich is further positioned on the base panof housing. As will be described in more detail below, the base platemay be a laminated composite member that is configured to dissipate at least some vibrations emitted from the compressorduring operations.

One or more accumulators,may be positioned within the internal chamberand along the refrigerant linesconnected upstream of the compressor. Specifically, a first accumulatormay receive a flow of refrigerant (e.g., from the indoor unitshown in) and may then output the refrigerant toward a second accumulatorvia an accumulator suction lineof the plurality of refrigerant lines. The second accumulatormay then output the refrigerant to the compressorvia a compressor suction lineof the plurality of refrigerant lines. The second accumulatormay be smaller than the first accumulatorand may be secured to the compressorvia a bracketthat forms a cantilevered connection or support for the second accumulatorto the compressor. The accumulators,may be configured to separate liquids out of the otherwise vaporized refrigerant to prevent the liquids from entering (and thereby potentially damaging or negatively impacting the performance of) the compressor.

The accumulator suction linemay have a generally U-shaped configuration, having a first or descending sectionextending generally downward from the first accumulatorto a second or lower sectionthat extends laterally or horizontally proximate to base plate. In addition, the accumulator suction linemay include a third or ascending sectionextending generally upward from the lower sectionto the second accumulator.

The compressormay output a compressed refrigerant stream to the plurality of heat exchanger tubesof the condenservia a compressor discharge lineof the plurality of refrigerant lines. The compressor discharge linemay have a first or descending sectionthat extends generally downward from the compressor, and a second or lower sectionthat extends generally laterally or horizontally from the descending sectionproximate to the base plate. In addition, the compressor discharge linemay include an upward U-bendconnected to the lower sectionand therefore positioned between the lower sectionand the heat exchanger tubesof condenser. A vibration dampening clipis engaged to the legsof the U-bendto increase the stiffness of the compressor discharge linebetween the compressorand heat exchanger tubes. Further, a pulsation dampeneris positioned along one of the legsof the U-bendthat is configured to at least partially dissipate pressure pulsations in the refrigerant discharged from the compressorduring operations.

Referring now to, the enclosuremay be placed over and around the compressorand supported on the base plate. Thus, as best shown in, the enclosuremay be placed over the compressorand therefore positioned between the heat exchanger tubesof condenserand the compressorwithin the housing. It should be appreciated thatillustrate various perspective views of the enclosureand some of the other components of the outdoor unitthat correspond with the schematic illustration shown inaccording to some embodiments. However, it should be noted that some portion or components of the outdoor unit(e.g., the blower, condenser, etc.) are not shown inso as to better illustrate the enclosure, compressor, refrigerant lines(including lines,,), accumulators,, etc.

Referring to, the enclosuremay include a central or longitudinal axis, a first or upper end, and a second or lower endspaced from the upper endalong the axis. The upper endis a closed upper end that includes a cap or top. The capof the enclosuremay include a handlethat may facilitate both installation and removal of the enclosureinto and out of (respectively) the housingof outdoor unitduring operations.

The lower endis an open lower end that is engaged with the base plate. The enclosureincludes a side wallthat extends from the capto the open bottom end. The side wallmay have any suitable shape or cross-section in a radial plane relative to the central axisto be suitable for providing the features and benefits discussed herein. For instance, in some embodiments, the side wallmay have a radial cross-section that is generally circular, elliptical, ovoid, obround, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc. The side walland capmay define a cavitywithin the enclosurethat extends from the open bottom endto the closed top end

As best shown in, the enclosuremay be formed from a plurality of nested jackets, such as, for instance a first or inner jacketand a second or outer jacketthat is positioned about the inner jacket. The inner jacketmay be positioned radially closer to the central axisthan the outer jacket. The nested jackets,may form or define both the side walland, in some embodiments, also the cap(however, in some embodiments, the capmay be constructed from a different material and/or using a different number of layers than the side wall). The nested jackets,may be loosely coupled to one another so that the jackets,may freely move and/or deform independently, relative to one another. For instance, the nested jackets,may be connected to one another at one or more discrete points (e.g., via rivets, nails, brads, buttons, threads, adhesive) or seams (e.g., via thread, adhesive, etc.) in order to prevent complete disassembly of the nested jackets,while still allowing free deformation of the inner jacketrelative to and independent from the outer jacketduring operations. For instance, in some embodiments, a connected surface area between the outer surface area of the inner jacketand the inner surface of the outer jacketmay be about 0.5 inor less, with a remainder of the surface areas of the outer surface area of the inner jacketand inner surface of the outer jacketbeing unconnected (that is—unsecured) to one another. As a result, there may be a discontinuity or gapbetween the jackets,to facilitate the relative movement or deformation thereof during operations.

Referring now to, an enlarged cross-section of the jackets,of enclosureis shown according to some embodiments. The cross-section shown inis taken along the side wallof the enclosure. Each of the jackets,may include a plurality of layers that are connected or laminated together so that each of the jackets,may themselves be considered composite layers.

Specifically, the inner jacketmay include a first layerand a second layer, and the outer jacketmay include a third layerand a fourth layer. The jackets,may be arranged and configured so that the layers,may be the innermost layers (e.g., radially innermost relative to axis) of the jackets,, respectively, and the layers,may be the outermost layers (e.g., radially outermost relative to axis) of the jackets,, respectively. As a result, the first layerof the inner jacketmay define the innermost surface of the enclosure(including the inner surfaceof side wallas shown in), and the fourth layermay define the outermost surface of the side wallof enclosure. In addition, the second layerof the inner jacketmay oppose (or be adjacent to) the third layerof the outer jacketso that the discontinuity or gapis formed and positioned between the layers,.

The first layerof inner jacketand the third layerof outer jacketmay be sound absorbing layers and thus may comprise sound absorbing material(s). As used herein a “sound absorbing” layer or material may include any suitable material(s) that is configured to absorb a majority of sound energy that is directed thereon. In some embodiments, a sound absorbing layer or material (e.g., such as the layers,) may include a porous material such as a foam material (e.g., such as open-cell foam), fibrous material (e.g., cotton or fiberglass batting), or a combination thereof. For instance, a sound absorbing material may have a relatively high sound absorption coefficient (e.g., greater than about 0.60, such as above about 0.70, such as above about 0.80, or above about 0.90, for sound frequencies of 500 Hz or higher).

The second layerof inner jacketand the fourth layerof outer jacketmay be sound barrier layers and may comprise sound barrier material(s). As used herein a “sound barrier” layer or material may include any suitable material(s) that is configured to block at least some sound transmission therethrough (e.g., by reflecting the sound). In some embodiments, the “sound barrier” material(s) of the layers,may comprise one or more sheets of solid materials (e.g., one or more solid sheets), such as a polymer material (e.g., vinyl, such as mass loaded vinyl).

Within each jacket,, sound and vibration (e.g., sound and vibration emitted from compressor) may initially impact the sound absorbing layers,and may be at least partially absorbed thereby. Additional sound and vibrations that are not absorbed may pass through the sound absorbing layers,and may then impact the sound barrier layers,. The sound barrier layers,may at least partially reflect sound and vibration back into the adjacent sound absorbing layers,so that the reflected sound and vibrations are further absorbed therein.

In addition, the sound and vibrations may further cause the inner jacket(including layers,) to flex and deform relative to and independent from the outer jacket(including layers,). The deformation of the inner jacketmay cause sliding of the inner jacketalong the outer jacketwithin the discontinuityso that the vibrational energy is converted to frictional heat, thereby reducing the total amount of sound and vibrations that progress beyond the enclosure.

Referring again to, as previously described, the enclosuremay be placed over and around the compressorand supported on the base plate. In particular the lower endmay be engaged with the base plateso that the enclosureand base platemay enclose the compressorin the cavity. In addition, the second accumulatorand the accumulator suction lineand compressor discharge linemay also be received in the cavityof enclosurealong with the compressor.

The lower endmay be engaged with the base plateso as to minimize or eliminate gaps or openings therebetween where sound may escape from the cavity. In some embodiments, the lower endof enclosuremay be urged against the base platevia the weight of the enclosureitself. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the base platemay include one or more raised connection features or seats that may engage or interlock with the lower endto further reduce gaps or openings between the lower endand base plate.

The enclosuremay also be configured and positioned so as to contact various components positioned in the internal chamberof housingof outdoor unit. For instance, as shown in, the side wallmay be sized, shaped, and configured so that an inner surfaceof the side wallis engaged with at least the second accumulator() and the ascending sectionof the accumulator suction line(). In some embodiments, the side wallmay be engaged with other components, such as compressor, compressor discharge line(e.g., the descending section), etc. either in addition to or as an alternative to the second accumulatorand accumulator suction line. These intentional points of physical contact between the inner surfaceand vibrating components within the cavityact to further dampening vibration.

Referring now to, a plurality of flapped openingsare defined in the side wallat the bottom end. Each flapped openingmay include one or more (e.g., such as one or a plurality of) flapsformed in the side wallthat are defined by a plurality of parallel slits or cutsthrough the side wallthat extend axially from the bottom endrelative to the axis. The flapped openingsmay be positioned and configured to allow the passage of one or more refrigerant lines into and/or out of the cavity. Specifically, as shown in, a first flapped openingmay be positioned and configured to allow the accumulator suction line(specifically the lower section) to extend through the side walland into the cavityof enclosure, and a second flapped openingmay be positioned and configured to allow the compressor discharge line(particularly the lower section) to extend through the side walland into the cavityof enclosure. In some embodiments, the flap(s)of each flapped openingmay comprise both the inner jacketand outer jacket(and all of the layers,,,thereof), or may include a subset of the layers of the inner jacketor outer jacket(e.g., such as the fourth layerof the outer jacketas previously described and shown in).

One or more of the flapsof each of the flapped openingsmay fold or deform to allow passage of a refrigerant line(e.g., lines,, etc.) through the side wallof enclosure. For instance, as shown in, one or more of the flapsmay fold or deform outward from the cavityor radially away from the central axis() or, as shown in, may fold or deform into the cavityor radially inward toward the central axis() to allow the passage of a refrigerant linethrough the side wallof enclosure. In either orientation (e.g., folded outward or inward), the deformed or folded flapmay maintain contact and at least some downward pressure or force on the refrigerant line(e.g., lineand/or) to damp vibrations therein. The flapmay be particularly effective at damping vibration of the refrigerant linesspecifically because of their contract with the lower sections,which may otherwise tend to experience significant movement due to their extended distance from a structurally fixed portion of the respective refrigerant line. In addition, the engagement of the flapwith the refrigerant linemay facilitate the transfer of vibrations from the refrigerant lineinto the jackets,of enclosureso that these vibrations maybe further dissipated and excess movement of the corresponding refrigerant linemay be prevented or at least reduced.

As shown in, in some embodiments, one or more of the refrigerant lines(e.g., such as one or both of the lines,) may include an additional layer or piece of insulating materialpositioned thereabout that is engaged between the refrigerant lineand the corresponding flap(s)of the flapped opening. The additional insulating materialmay be configured to resist abrasion or other damage to the refrigerant lineduring operations. In some embodiments, the additional insulating materialmay comprise foam-based pipe insulation or a similar material (such as nitrile foam pipe insulation).

As best shown in, in some embodiments each of the flapped openingsmay include a plurality of flapsthat are adjacent to one another along the side wall. Without being limited to this or any other theory, the plurality of adjacent flapsfor each flapped openingmay allow the enclosureto accommodate a variety of positions, orientations, or sizes (e.g., outer diameters) of the refrigerant lines(e.g., accumulator suction line, compressor discharge line, etc.), so as to facilitate installation of the enclosureinto the outdoor unitduring manufacturing.

Without being limited to this or any other theory, the engagement between the enclosureand the various components and refrigerant lines (e.g., accumulator, refrigerant lines,) connected to and arranged about the compressormay further reduce vibrations in the outdoor unitduring operation. For instance, as previously described, the inner surfaceof the side wallmay be engaged with at least the second accumulatorand the ascending sectionof the accumulator suction line, and one or more of the flapsof the flapped openingsmay be engaged with the lower sections,of the accumulator suction lineand compressor discharge line. These points or regions of contact may experience large amplitude vibrational movements during operation of the compressor. Specifically, the second accumulatormay be cantilevered off of the compressorvia the bracket, and thus, may experience significant vibrational oscillation relative to the compressordue to the vibration emitted from the compressoror the refrigerant. In addition, the ascending sectionand lower sectionof the accumulator suction linemay be spaced between the two adjacent supports at the accumulators,and therefore may experience a greater vibrational movement during operation of the compressor. Likewise, the lower sectionof the compressor discharge linemay also be spaced between a support at the compressorand the stiffened U-bendand therefore may also experience a greater vibrational movement during operations with the compressor. As a result, contacting or engaging these particular locations and components (e.g., second accumulator, sections,of accumulator suction line, and lower sectionof compressor discharge line) with the enclosuremay facilitate direct force transfer thereto and thereby may more effectively damp vibration of these components that is induced by the compressorduring operations.

Referring again to, one or more additional openings may be defined in the enclosureto facilitate passage of other components therethrough. For instance, a cable notchmay be formed in the side wallat the bottom endthat is configured to allow the routing of one or more wires into the enclosure. For instance, the one or more wires that are routed through the notchmay include one or more electrical wires to conduct electrical power and/or control signals for the compressor. Without being limited to this or any other theory, the cable notchmay prevent excess pressure from being exerted on the one or more electrical wires from the side wallof enclosureat bottom end

As previously described, the base platemay be a laminated composite member that is configured to absorb and dissipate at least some vibrations emitted from the compressorduring operations ().shows a cross-section of the base plateaccording to some embodiments. The base platemay include a pair of rigid layers or plates,that are joined with a viscoelastic materialpositioned therebetween. For instance, the plates,may comprise metallic plates (e.g., such as steel), and the viscoelastic materialmay comprise an elastomer (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber), polymer, or other suitable viscoelastic material (or composite). In some embodiments, the base platemay be constructed from multi-layer laminated member metallic composite material such as QUIET STEEL® available from Material Sciences Corporation. During operations, vibrations transferred from the compressorto the base platemay be dissipated by relative movement or vibration of the plates,via the viscoelastic material. Thus, the combination of base plateand enclosuremay form a complete or nearly complete enclosure about the compressorthat may dissipate vibration emitted thereby during operations.

Referring again to, during operation, the compressormay generate and emit vibrations and sound into the cavitythat may then be at least partially dissipated by enclosure. Specifically, as previously described, the vibrations and sound emitted from the compressormay travel through the airspace within cavityto impact the inner walls (e.g., inner surfaceof side wall, and the inner surface of cap) of the enclosure. In addition, the vibrations emitted from the compressormay transfer to the base plateand may be at least partially damped or dissipated therein via the viscoelastic material(). Further, the vibrations emitted from compressormay also conduct into other adjacent components, such as, for instance, the refrigerant lines(particularly the accumulator suction lineand compressor discharge line) and second accumulator(which is cantilevered off of the compressorvia bracketas previously described). However, because the enclosureis engaged with the second accumulator, the accumulator suction line(particularly ascending sectionand lower section), and the compressor discharge line(particularly lower section), via the inner surfaceof side walland the flapped openingsas previously described, vibrations that are conducted from the compressorinto these adjacent components may be damped due to the force/pressure exerted by the enclosurevia the contact.

Vibration and sound that are transferred to the enclosuremay then be at least partially dissipated by the nested jackets,. Specifically, as previously described, at least some sound and vibration may be absorbed by the sound absorbing layers,() of the jackets,, respectively. In addition, the sound and vibration transferred to the enclosuremay cause relative and independent deformation and movement of the inner jacketand outer jacketvia the discontinuitytherebetween. As previously described, this relatively movement and deformation of the nested jackets,may effectively convert at least some of the vibration and sound into frictional heat (e.g., due to frictional contact between the jackets,). Thus, the combination of sound absorption by the sound absorbing layers,and frictional heat conversion via independent relative deformation of the nested jackets,may allow the enclosureto dissipate at least a portion (e.g., such as a significant portion or a majority in some cases) of the sound and vibration emitted from the compressorduring operations. In addition, the contact points between the enclosureand the second accumulatorand refrigerant lines,may at least partially arrest movement of these components so that the risk of fatigue failure (and potential loss of containment of the refrigerant) is reduced for these components (as well as other components connected thereto).

In some embodiments, the enclosuremay significantly reduce the vibrations in the refrigerant linescoupled to the compressor. For instance, in some implementations, the enclosuremay provide about a 50% to about a 75% reduction in vibrational amplitude of one or more of the refrigerant lines(which may be measured as a displacement of the refrigerant line) during operation as compared to operation without the enclosure.

As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

Clause 1: An outdoor unit for a climate control system, the outdoor unit comprising: a refrigerant compressor; a plurality of refrigerant lines coupled to the refrigerant compressor; and an enclosure positioned around the refrigerant compressor, wherein the enclosure includes an inner jacket and an outer jacket, the inner jacket being engaged with the outer jacket such that the inner jacket is configured to deform independently from the outer jacket to dissipate vibration emitted from the refrigerant compressor.

Clause 2: The outdoor unit of any of the clauses, wherein the inner jacket and the outer jacket each comprise: a sound absorbing layer configured to at least partially absorb sound; and a sound barrier layer connected to the sound absorbing layer; wherein the sound barrier layer of the inner jacket is adjacent the sound absorbing layer of the outer jacket, and wherein the sound barrier layer of the inner jacket is configured to move relative to the sound absorbing layer of the outer jacket to dissipate vibration emitted from the refrigerant compressor.

Clause 3: The outdoor unit of any of the clauses, wherein the sound absorbing layer of the inner jacket and the sound absorbing layer of the outer jacket each comprise a fibrous material or a foam material.

Clause 4: The outdoor unit of any of the clauses, wherein the sound barrier layer of the inner jacket and the sound barrier layer of the outer jacket each comprise a solid sheet.