CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/308,532, filed February 10, 2022, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The disclosed technology relates generally to fan mounting decks for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more particularly, to fan mounting decks used in air handling units.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Air handlers (also referred to as air handling units, fan coil units, etc.), are commonly used in HVAC systems to regulate and circulate air throughout a building or ventilated space. As illustrated in FIG. 1, existing air handling units 100 commonly include an enclosure 102 having an air inlet 104 and an air outlet 106. The enclosure 102 houses a blower 108 (e.g., a centrifugal fan) and a heat exchanger coil 110. The heat exchanger coil 110 is connected via refrigerant lines to an outdoor heat exchanger coil 112 (i.e., a heat exchanger installed in a location other than within the enclosure 102) and is configured to facilitate heat exchange between air passed over the heat exchanger coil 110 and refrigerant that is circulated through the heat exchanger coil 110. For the sake of clarity, various components of the refrigerant system such as a compressor, an expansion valve, and tubing have been omitted. Depending on whether the HVAC system is in a cooling mode or a heating mode, the heat exchanger coil 110 can either remove heat from air that is passed over the heat exchanger coil 110 or add heat to air that is passed over the heat exchanger coil 110. Air is moved over the heat exchanger coil 110 by the blower 108, which draws air into the enclosure 102 through the air inlet 104 and directs the cooled or heated air to the ventilated space through the air outlet 106.

[0004] In existing air handling units 100, the blower 108 is typically installed in an airflow path downstream of the heat exchanger coil 110. By arranging the blower 108 in this configuration, the air is sequentially drawn through the air inlet 104, across the heat exchanger coil 110, and directed out the air outlet 106 to the ventilated space by the blower 108. The enclosures 102 of many air handling units 100 are arranged such that the blower 108 is positioned vertically above the heat exchanger coil 110. In this configuration, the blower 108 draws the air upwardly across the heat exchanger coil 110 and directs the air out the air outlet 106 near a top of the enclosure 102 (i.e., an “upflow” unit). In some applications, however, the air must be directed downwardly across the heat exchanger coil 110 and delivered out an air outlet 106 that is located near the bottom of the enclosure 102 (i.e., a “downflow” unit). When the air must be directed downwardly through the heat exchanger coil 110, the blower 108 must be moved vertically below the heat exchanger coil 110 (i.e., downstream from the heat exchanger coil 110) due to the operational characteristics of the blower 108. To accommodate such a configuration, it is generally required that an existing air handling unit 100 be disassembled so that the heat exchanger coil 110 and blower 108 can be physically rearranged within the enclosure 102. Disassembling and rearranging the air handling unit 100 can be a difficult and timeconsuming process.

[0005] Moreover, locating the blower 108 below the heat exchanger coil 110 can ultimately result in increased maintenance and/or component damage. For example, condensation can fall from the heat exchanger 110 onto the blower 108, eventually corroding and/or reducing the operational life of the blower 108. Furthermore, condensation can fall onto control boards or other electronic devices located below the heat exchanger coil 110 causing the control system to malfunction or become damaged.

[0006] Air handling units generally include blowers 108, rather than axial fans, because blowers 108 are capable of producing a high-pressure airflow while outputting comparatively little noise. For ducted HVAC systems in particular, high-pressure airflow is required to overcome the airflow resistance caused by circulating the air through the air ducts. Unfortunately, blowers 108 typically require a large amount of space and, therefore, require a large enclosure 102. Furthermore, blowers 108 are not effective at pushing air across the heat exchanger coil 110 due to their design and the physical constraints of the air handling unit 100. Rather, blowers 108 are generally designed to pull air, which generally requires the blower 108 to be positioned at a location downstream from the heat exchanger coil 110. Thus, the blower 108 and heat exchanger coil 110 must be physically rearranged in the enclosure 102 if the air handling unit 100 is converted from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa). [0007] Axial fans, on the other hand, require less space and are capable of pushing air across the heat exchanger coil 110. The use of axial fans in HVAC systems, however, has been limited due to the high noise output of an axial fan and because axial fans typically supply lower-pressure airflow that can make them difficult to utilize in existing applications. The low-pressure airflow supplied by a traditional axial fan installed in an air handling unit 100 is sometimes unable to overcome the airflow resistance through the air duct, which can cause the fan to stall under the high pressures typically seen by air handling units 100. Thus, traditional axial fan designs are typically not utilized in existing air handling units 100. Even when axial fans are used in air handling unit 100 designs, existing air handling units 100 are typically not designed for easy conversion of the air handling unit 100 from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa) and can require the air handling unit 100 to be substantially disassembled for conversion.

[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a system that simplifies the process of converting an air handling unit from an upflow unit to a downflow unit. This and other problems are addressed by the technology disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

[0009] The disclosed technology relates generally to fan mounting decks for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more particularly, to fan mounting decks used in air handling units.

[0010] The disclosed technology can include an air handling unit for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The air handling unit can include a heat exchanger coil configured to (i) receive a refrigerant circulated through the heat exchanger coil and (ii) facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and air directed across the heat exchanger coil. The air handling unit can include an axial fan configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil and an enclosure configured to house the heat exchanger coil and the axial fan.

[0011] The enclosure can include a first port that can facilitate passage of air between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure and a second port that can facilitate passage of air between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure. The enclosure can include a fan mount configured to receive and support the axial fan when the axial fan is in a first orientation or in a second orientation. In the first orientation, the axial fan can be configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil in a first direction such that air enters the enclosure via the first port and exits the enclosure via the second port. In the second orientation, the axial fan can be configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil in a second direction such that air enters the enclosure via the second port and exits the enclosure via the first port.

[0012] The axial fan can include a fan mounting deck that is configured to support the axial fan and interface with the fan mount. The fan mounting deck can include a mount extension. The fan mount can include a recess configured to slideably receive at least a portion of the mount extension when the axial fan is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0013] The air handling unit can include a stator positioned in an airflow path downstream from the axial fan. The stator can be configured to straighten the air flow path of the air. The fan mounting deck can be configured to support the stator. The stator can be configured to support the axial fan.

[0014] The mount extension can be positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan and the stator. Alternatively, the mount extension can be attached to the stator. Alternatively, or in addition, the fan mount can include a railing configured to receive at least a portion of the mount extension when the axial fan is in the first orientation or the second orientation. Alternatively, or in addition, the fan mounting deck can include a rotation interface configured to rotatably attach the axial fan to the fan mounting deck and facilitate rotation of the axial fan between the first orientation and the second orientation. The fan mounting deck can include an aperture and the rotation interface can be configured to facilitate rotation of the axial fan at least partially within the aperture. The stator can be attached to the axial fan and the rotation interface can be configured to facilitate rotation of the stator at least partially within the aperture.

[0015] The disclosed technology can include a fan mounting deck assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The fan mounting deck assembly can include an axial fan configured to (1) direct air across a heat exchanger coil in a first direction when the axial fan is in a first orientation and (2) direct air across the heat exchanger coil in a second when the axial fan is in a second orientation. The fan mounting deck assembly can include a fan mounting deck configured to support the axial fan. The fan mounting deck can include a mount extension extending from the fan mounting deck. The mount extension can be configured to extend at least partially into a recess of a fan mount of an HVAC system such that the mount extension can slide into, and slide out of, the fan mount.

[0016] The fan mounting deck assembly can include a stator configured straighten an air flow path of the air downstream from the axial fan. The mount extension can be positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan and the stator. Alternatively, the mount extension can be attached to the stator.

[0017] Additional features, functionalities, and applications of the disclosed technology are discussed herein in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any manner.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an existing air handling unit of an HVAC system.

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example air handling unit of an HVAC system with a fan in a first orientation, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology.

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of an air handling unit of an HVAC system with a fan in a second orientation, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology.

[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of a fan mounting deck, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology.

[0023] FIGs. 3B and 3C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck of FIG. 3A taken along line A-A. The fan mounting deck is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 3B and in a second orientation in FIG. 3C.

[0024] FIG. 4A illustrates the fan mounting deck and an enclosure of an HVAC system, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology.

[0025] FIGs. 4B and 4C illustrate examples of the fan mounting deck, in accordance with examples of the disclosed technology.

[0026] FIG. 5 A illustrates a bottom view of another fan mounting deck, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology. [0027] FIGs. 5B and 5C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck of FIG.

5 A taken along line B-B. The fan mounting deck is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 5B and in a second orientation in FIG. 5C.

[0028] FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom view of a fan mounting deck, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology.

[0029] FIGs. 6B and 6C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck of FIG. 6A taken along line C-C. The fan mounting deck is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 6B and in a second orientation in FIG. 6C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The disclosed technology includes fan mounting decks used in air handling or fan coil units. In particular, the disclosed technology includes fan mounting decks that can simplify converting an air handling unit from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice- versa). For example, the fan mounting deck, can be configured such that it can be easily removed from the enclosure of the air handling unit, flipped 180 degrees, and then reinserted into the enclosure of the air handling unit to convert the air handling unit from an upflow configuration to a downflow configuration. This can be done without requiring the removal or rearrangement of the heat exchanger coil, other components of the air handling unit, or the air handling unit itself. Alternatively or in addition, the fan mounting deck can be configured such that the fan can be flipped 180 degrees inside the air handling unit without requiring the fan to be removed from the enclosure. Further configurations and advantages of the disclosed technology will become apparent throughout this disclosure.

[0031] For clarity of discussion, the disclosed technology is discussed herein with respect to air handling units configured to pass air therethrough in a generally vertical direction (i.e., a generally upward direction (“upflow unit”) or a generally downward direction (“downflow unit”)). The disclosed technology, however, is not so limited. For example, it is contemplated that the disclosed technology can be applied in an air handling unit configured to pass air therethrough in a generally horizontal direction (e.g., in a first generally horizontal direction and/or a second generally horizontal direction). Stated otherwise, the disclosed technology relates to fan mounting decks installable in an air handling unit and which facilitate the air handling unit to be easily transitioned between at least two configurations: a first configuration in which a fan is configured to move air through the air handling unit in a first general direction and a second configuration in which the fan is configured to move air through the air handling unit in a second general direction. The second general direction can be substantially opposite from the first general direction. [0032] Although various aspects of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other aspects of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented and practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being a fan mounting deck of an air handling unit of an HVAC system. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable in other contexts such as fan coil units, refrigerant systems, industrial heating and cooling systems, etc. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of a fan mounting deck for an air handler of an HVAC system, it will be understood that other implementations can take the place of those referred to.

[0033] It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

[0034] Also, in describing the disclosed technology, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0035] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, the disclosed technology can include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Further, ranges described as being between a first value and a second value are inclusive of the first and second values. Likewise, ranges described as being from a first value and to a second value are inclusive of the first and second values.

[0036] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term “step” can be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required. Further, the disclosed technology does not necessarily require all steps included in the methods and processes described herein. That is, the disclosed technology includes methods that omit one or more steps expressly discussed with respect to the methods described herein.

[0037] Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

[0038] Although described throughout this disclosure as being an “upflow” or a “downflow” unit, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed technology can be applied in air handling units configured to move air in a direction other than upward or downward. For example, although the air handling unit 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B are shown and described herein as being a vertically arranged air handling unit (e.g., the heat exchanger coil 210 and the axial fan 222 are arranged vertically within the enclosure 202), one of skill in the art will appreciate that the air handling unit 200 can be arranged horizontally, diagonally, or a combination of vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Therefore, the term “upflow” should be construed simply as air directed in a first direction and the term “downflow” should be construed simply as air directed in a second direction (e.g., the second direction being opposite the first direction).

[0039] The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, the present disclosure is herein described. FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an air handling unit 200 of an HVAC system with the axial fan 222 in a first orientation while FIG. 2B illustrates the axial fan 222 in a second orientation. The air handling unit 200 can include an enclosure 202 having a first port 204 and a second port 206. As will be described more fully herein, the first and second ports 204, 206 can be configured to facilitate ingress of air into, or egress of air out of, the air handling unit 200, depending on the direction of airflow therethrough. The enclosure 202 can further include an axial fan 222 and a heat exchanger coil 210. As shown, the axial fan 222 can be mounted in the enclosure 202 vertically above the heat exchanger coil 210. Because the axial fan 222 is mounted vertically above the heat exchanger coil 210, the air can be moved either vertically upward (a first general direction) or vertically downward (a second general direction that is opposite from the first general direction) through the air handling unit 200, depending on whether the fan 222 is in the first configuration or in the second configuration.

[0041] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the axial fan 222 can be any type of axial fan that is configured to move air from the first port 204, across the heat exchanger coil 210, and out the second port 206. For example, the axial fan 222 can be a propeller axial fan, a tube axial fan, a vane axial fan, or any other suitable type of axial fan for the application. In other words, the axial fan 222 can be configured to move air or other fluids in an axial direction, parallel to a shaft about which blades of the axial fan 222 rotate.

[0042] As will be described in greater detail herein, the enclosure 202 can include a fan mounting deck 220 that can facilitate easy rearrangement of the axial fan 222 such that the air handling unit 200 can be easily converted between an upflow unit or a downflow unit. In other words, the fan mounting deck 220 can facilitate the axial fan 222 being flipped 180 degrees from the first orientation to the second orientation. When the axial fan 222 is in the first orientation (as illustrated in FIG. 2A), the axial fan 222 can be configured to draw air in through the first port 204, across the heat exchanger coil 210, and then push the air out the second port 206 (e.g., an upflow configuration). When the axial fan 222 is in the second orientation (as illustrated in FIG. 2B), the axial fan 222 can be configured to draw air through the second port 206 and push the air across the heat exchanger coil 210 and out the first port 204 (e.g., a downflow configuration).

[0043] The heat exchanger coil 210 can be configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant circulated through the heat exchanger coil 210 and air passed over the heat exchanger coil 210. The heat exchanger coil 210 can be any type of heat exchanger that can facilitate heat exchange between refrigerant and air and/or water and air. The heat exchanger coil 210, for example, can be an A-coil, an N-coil, a Z-coil, a V-Coil, a slab coil, a cased coil, an uncased coil, a microchannel coil, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger for the application. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the heat exchanger coil 210 is a V-Coil. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the heat exchanged is an N- Coil. Furthermore, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be made of any suitable material for the application. For example, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be made of aluminum, copper, titanium, stainless steel, cupronickel, carbon steel, composite materials, or other suitable materials.

[0044] The heat exchanger coil 210 can be in fluid communication with an outdoor coil 212 that can be configured to facilitate heat exchange between a refrigerant that is circulated through the outdoor coil 212 and air that is passed over the outdoor coil 212. Although described as being an outdoor coil 212, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the outdoor coil 212 can be located in any suitable location to facilitate heat transfer between the refrigerant and air or another fluid. For example, the outdoor coil 212 can be located outside of a building, inside of a building (e.g., an attic, a garage, etc.), under the ground (e.g., a ground source heat pump), or in any other suitable location for the application. Furthermore, although described herein as exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air, the outdoor coil 212 can be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and any suitable fluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.).

[0045] The heat exchanger coil 210 can be configured to function as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the particular application. As a non-limiting example, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be part of an air conditioning system and can be configured to perform a cooling function. Alternatively or in addition, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be part of a heat pump system and can be configured to perform both a cooling and a heating function. For example, if the temperature of the air within the ventilated space is greater than a predetermined high temperature, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be configured to function as an evaporator to absorb heat from the air passed across the heat exchanger coil 210, thereby providing cooled air to the ventilated space. On the other hand, if the temperature of the air within the ventilated space is less than a predetermined low temperature, the heat exchanger coil 210 can be configured to function as a condenser and provide heat to the air passed across the heat exchanger coil 210, thereby providing heated air to the ventilated space. The predetermined high temperature can be the same temperature as, or a greater temperature than, the predetermined low temperature.

[0046] The enclosure 202 can include a fan mount 214 that can be configured to receive and support the fan mounting deck 220 and, consequently, the axial fan 222. The fan mount 214 can be a recess formed into the wall of the enclosure 202, a railing system, a protrusion, mounting tabs or brackets, or any other suitable mount that can support the fan mounting deck 220. As will become apparent throughout this disclosure, the fan mount 214 can be configured such that the fan mounting deck 220 can be easily placed in the enclosure 202 in the first orientation or in the second orientation.

[0047] The air handling unit 200 can include a stator 224 that can be positioned in an airflow path downstream of the axial fan 222 and can be configured to reduce a turbulence and enable straightening of the air downstream of the axial fan 222. In other words, the stator 224 can be configured to cause the air moved by the axial fan 222 to straighten as it passes through the stator 224. The stator 224 can comprise a plurality of vanes that are sized and positioned to direct the air moved by the axial fan 222 such that the flow of the air becomes more laminar from a first side of the stator 224 to a second side of the stator 224. The stator 224 can be mounted separate from the axial fan 222. For example, the stator 224 can be mounted within the enclosure 202 such that the stator 224 is in an airflow path downstream of the axial fan 222. Thus, if the axial fan 222 is changed from the first orientation to the second orientation, the stator 224 can be moved within the enclosure 202 to ensure the stator 224 remains downstream from the axial fan 222. To eliminate the need to move the stator 224, the air handling unit 200 can include two or more stators 224, one positioned downstream and another positioned upstream of the axial fan 222 when in the first orientation. Thus, if the axial fan 222 is flipped from the first orientation to the second orientation, the air will still be passed through a stator 224 in the second orientation. In this way, if the axial fan 222 is changed from the first position to the second position, the stators 224 do not need to be moved. Alternatively, or in addition, the stator 224 can be mounted to the fan mounting deck 220 along with the axial fan 222 such that the stator is moved along with the axial fan 222 from the first orientation to the second orientation (as will be described in greater detail herein).

[0048] FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of a fan mounting deck 320, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology. FIGs. 3B and 3C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck 320 of FIG. 3 A taken along line A-A. The fan mounting deck 320 is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 3B and in a second orientation in FIG. 3C. The fan mounting deck 320 can include a fan mounting deck frame 330 that can support the axial fan 222 and the stator 224. In other words, the axial fan 222 and the stator 224 can be attached to the fan mounting deck frame 330 to form an assembled fan mounting deck 320. As illustrated in FIGs. 3B and 3C, the axial fan 222 can be attached to the fan mounting deck frame 330 on a first side of the fan mounting deck frame 330 and the stator can be attached to the fan mounting deck frame 330 on a second side of the fan mounting deck frame 330.

[0049] The axial fan 222 can be configured to direct air through the axial fan 222 and then through the stator 224 as illustrated by the arrows indicating airflow direction in FIGs. 3B and 3C. In this way, the axial fan 222 and the stator 224 can deliver air to the various components of the air handling unit 200 with an approximately laminar flow.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3C, the fan mounting deck 320 can include a mount extension 332 that can extend outwardly from the fan mounting deck frame 330. The mount extension 332 can be positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan 222 and the stator 224. In other words, the mount extensions 332 can be attached to the fan mounting deck 320 such that the axial fan 222 can be on a first side of the mount extension 332 and the stator 224 can be on a second side of the mount extension 332.

[0051] The mount extension 332 can be configured to interface with the fan mount 214 such that the fan mounting deck 320 can be easily installed in the enclosure 202 of the air handling unit 200. For example, the mount extension 332 can be a protrusion extending outwardly from the fan mounting deck frame 330, and the fan mount 214 can be a recess, groove, or channel formed in the side of the enclosure 202 of the air handling unit 200. In this way, and as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the mount extensions 332 can be slid into the recess of the fan mount 214 such that the fan mounting deck 320 can slide in and out of the enclosure 202 (e.g., slideable in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the general direction of airflow through the air handling unit 200). Thus, if the air handling unit 200 is to be converted from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa), the fan mounting deck 320 can be slid out of the enclosure 202, flipped 180 degrees (flipped over), and re-inserted into the enclosure 202. As will be appreciated, such a configuration can substantially reduce the complexity and the time required to convert an air handling unit 200 from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa).

[0052] As another example illustrated in FIG. 4B, the fan mount 214 can be a protrusion or tab extending outwardly from the wall of the enclosure 202 such that the fan mounting deck 320 can rest directly on the fan mount 214 (with or without the mount extension 332). The fan mount 214 can include one or more pins, fasteners, buckles, or other restraint devices to help secure the fan mounting deck 320 in place. [0053] As yet another example illustrated in FIG. 4C, the fan mount 214 can include a railing system and the mount extension 332 can be configured to interface with the railing system (only a portion of the fan mounting deck 320 is illustrated of the sake of simplicity). For example, the fan mount 214 can include a first portion 331 of the railing system and the mount extension 332 can include a second portion 333 of a railing system such that the fan mount 214 can receive the mount extension 332 but the mount extension 332 can be pulled out of, or otherwise removed from, the mount extension 332. The fan mount 214, the mount extension 332, or both, can include one or more bearings, wheels, rollers, or other similar components to make it easier to remove the fan mounting deck 320 from the fan mount 214. [0054] FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom view of another fan mounting deck 520, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology. FIGs. 5B and 5C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck 520 of FIG. 5A taken along line B-B. The fan mounting deck 520 is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 5B and in a second orientation in FIG. 5C. As illustrated in FIGs. 5A-5C, the fan mounting deck 520 can be configured such that the axial fan 222 and the mount extension 532 can be connected to the stator 224. A fan attachment 526 can attach the axial fan 222 to the stator 224. In other words, the axial fan 222 can be attached directly to the stator 224, and the stator 224 can support the axial fan 222 in the enclosure 202 via the mount extensions 532.

[0055] Similar to the fan mounting deck 320, the fan mounting deck 520 can be configured to be removed from the enclosure 202, flipped 180 degrees, and reinserted into the enclosure 202 to convert the air handling unit 200 from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa). For example, the fan mounting deck 520 can include mount extensions 532 configured to interface with the fan mount 214 to facilitate conversion of the fan mounting deck 520 from the first orientation to the second orientation. Similar to the mount extensions 332, the mount extensions 532 can be sized to be slid into a recess of the wall of the enclosure 202, forming the fan mount 214. Alternatively, the mount extensions 532 can be configured to rest on a protrusion extending outwardly from the wall of the enclosure 202 forming the fan mount 214. As another example, the mount extensions 532 and the fan mount 214 can be a railing system configured to support the fan mounting deck 520. As yet another example, the mount extensions 532 can be attached to the enclosure 202 rather than the stator 224 and the stator 224 can be placed on the mount extensions 532 to support the fan mounting deck 520. [0056] Although the fan attachment 526 is shown as being a single piece of material extending between the axial fan 222 and the stator 224, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the fan attachment 526 can be or include a bracket, a rod, a fastener, or any component or combination of components configured to attach the axial fan 222 to the stator 224. The fan attachment 526 can be a rigid component or a combination of rigid and non-rigid components configured to help reduce vibrations induced by the axial fan 222.

[0057] FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom view of another fan mounting deck 620, in accordance with an example of the disclosed technology. FIGs. 6B and 6C illustrate side cutaway views of the fan mounting deck 620 of FIG. 6A taken along line C-C. The fan mounting deck 620 is shown in a first orientation in FIG. 6B and in a second orientation in FIG. 6C. Similar to the fan mounting deck 320 and fan mounting deck 520, the fan mounting deck 620 can be configured to facilitate easily moving the fan mounting deck 620 from a first orientation to a second orientation (or vice-versa) and, therefore, easily converting the air handling unit 200 from an upflow unit to a downflow unit (or vice-versa).

[0058] The fan mounting deck 620 can be configured to facilitate converting the fan mounting deck 620 from the first orientation to the second orientation (or vice-versa) without removing the fan mounting deck 620 from the enclosure 202 of the air handling unit 200. To illustrate, the fan mounting deck 620 can include a rotation interface 634 that can allow the fan 222 and the stator 224 to be flipped together within the fan mounting deck frame 330 without moving the fan mounting deck 620. The fan mounting deck 620 can include an aperture 635 having a shape that is complementary to the shape of the axial fan 222 and/or stator 224, and the size of the aperture 635 can be approximately equal to, or greater than, the size of the fan 222 and/or stator 224, which can help facilitate rotation of the fan 222 and/or stator 224.

[0059] The axial fan 222 and the stator 224 can be attached together. As illustrated, the stator 224 can have a circular shape that is sized similarly to (e.g., approximately equal to) the axial fan 222. The rotation interface 634 can extend from the fan mounting deck frame 330 to a subassembly of the fan 222 and stator 224 at two points such that the fan 222 and the stator 224 can be rotated along an axis extending between the rotation interfaces 634 on either side of the subassembly of the axial fan 222 and stator 224 (e.g., an axis extending substantially in line with section line C-C shown in FIG. 6A).

[0060] The rotation interface 634 can be any type of component or combination of components configured to allow the subassembly of the axial fan 222 and the stator 224 to be rotated independently of the fan mounting deck frame 330. For example, and not limitation, the rotation interface 634 can be an axle that passes through the subassembly of the axial fan 222 and stator 224 (e.g., an aperture of the fan 222, an aperture of the stator 224, or an aperture of a component attaching the fan 222 to the stator 224). As another nonlimiting example, each rotation interface 634 can comprise at least two concentric components having bearings placed therebetween to facilitate rotation of the fan 222 and stator 224 in relation to the fan mounting deck frame 330. The fan mounting deck 620 can further include a lock tab 636 that can be configured to prevent the axial fan 222 and the stator 624 from being rotated between the first orientation and the second orientation. The lock tab 636 can be spring-loaded. Alternatively, the rotation interface 634 can be configured to lock to prevent the axial fan 222 and the stator 624 from being rotated between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0061] Embodiment 1 may include an air handling unit for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the air handling unit comprising: a heat exchanger coil configured to (i) receive a refrigerant circulated through the heat exchanger coil and (ii) facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and air directed across the heat exchanger coil; an axial fan configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil; and an enclosure configured to house the heat exchanger coil and the axial fan, the enclosure comprising: a first port configured to facilitate passage of air between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure; a second port configured to facilitate passage of air between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure; and a fan mount configured to receive and support the axial fan when the axial fan is in (1) a first orientation configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil in a first direction such that air enters the enclosure via the first port and exits the enclosure via the second port and (2) a second orientation configured to direct the air across the heat exchanger coil in a second direction such that air enters the enclosure via the second port and exits the enclosure via the first port.

[0062] Embodiment 2 may include Embodiment 1, wherein the axial fan further comprises a fan mounting deck configured to support the axial fan, the fan mounting deck being configured to interface with the fan mount.

[0063] Embodiment 3 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, wherein: the fan mounting deck comprises a mount extension, and the fan mount comprises a recess configured to slideably receive at least a portion of the mount extension when the axial fan is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0064] Embodiment 4 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a stator positioned in an airflow path downstream from the axial fan, the stator being configured to straighten an air flow path of the air.

[0065] Embodiment 5 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the fan mounting deck is further configured to support the stator.

[0066] Embodiment 6 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the mount extension is positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan and the stator.

[0067] Embodiment 7 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the mount extension is attached to the stator.

[0068] Embodiment 8 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein: the fan mounting deck comprises a mount extension, and the fan mount comprises a railing configured to receive at least a portion of the mount extension when the axial fan is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

[0069] Embodiment 9 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising a stator positioned in an airflow path downstream from the axial fan, the stator configured to straighten an air flow path of the air.

[0070] Embodiment 10 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the fan mounting deck is further configured to support the stator.

[0071] Embodiment 11 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the mount extension is positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan and the stator.

[0072] Embodiment 12 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the stator is configured to support the axial fan.

[0073] Embodiment 13 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the fan mounting deck comprises a rotation interface configured to rotatably attach the axial fan to the fan mounting deck and facilitate rotation of the axial fan between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0074] Embodiment 14 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein: the fan mounting deck includes an aperture, and the rotation interface is configured to facilitate rotation of the axial fan at least partially within the aperture. [0075] Embodiment 15 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising a stator positioned in an airflow path downstream from the axial fan, the stator configured to straighten an air flow path of the air.

[0076] Embodiment 16 may include any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein: the stator is attached to the axial fan, and the rotation interface is further configured to facilitate rotation of the stator at least partially within the aperture.

[0077] Embodiment 17 may include A fan mounting deck assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the fan mounting deck assembly comprising: an axial fan configured to (1) direct air across a heat exchanger coil in a first direction when the axial fan is in a first orientation and (2) direct air across the heat exchanger coil in a second direction when the axial fan is in a second orientation; and a fan mounting deck configured to support the axial fan and comprising a mount extension extending from a peripheral surface of the fan mounting deck, the mount extension configured to extend at least partially into a recess of a fan mount of an HVAC system such that the mount extension can slide into, and slide out of, the fan mount.

[0078] Embodiment 18 may include Embodiment 17, further comprising a stator configured to straighten an air flow path of the air downstream from the axial fan.

[0079] Embodiment 19 may include any one of Embodiments 17 to 18, wherein the mount extension is positioned on a plane that extends between the axial fan and the stator.

[0080] Embodiment 20 may include any one of Embodiments 17 to 19, wherein the mount extension is attached to the stator.

[0081] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described subject matter for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. In this disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. But other equivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.