Condensate flow control in portable air conditioning units

A portable air conditioner unit comprising:

• a first heat exchanger;
• a second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger positioned above the second heat exchanger;
• a valve defining a first outlet port and a second outlet port;
• and
• a controller, the controller configured to:
• determine a mode of operation;
• check a water level switch to determine a water level indicated by the water level switch;
• activate a pump based on the water level indicated by the water level switch;
• and
• switch to one of the first outlet port and the second outlet port based on the mode of operation and the water level indicated by the water level switch,
• wherein the first outlet port of the valve directs fluid to a spray pipe positioned above the second heat exchangers, and
• wherein the second outlet port of the valve directs fluid to an exterior of the portable air conditioner unit.

A portable air conditioner unit comprising:

• a first heat exchanger;
• a second heat exchanger positioned below the first heat exchanger;
• a spray pipe positioned above the second heat exchangers, the spray pipe comprising a plurality of holes configured to spray fluid onto the second heat exchanger;
• a valve comprising an inlet port, a first outlet port configured to direct fluid to the spray pipe, and a second outlet port configured to direct fluid to an exterior of the portable air conditioner unit;
• a base pan defining a bottom reservoir within the portable air conditioner unit;
• a water level switch positioned in the base pan,
• a controller;
• and
• a pump positioned in the base pan, the pump connected to the inlet port of the valve, whereby the pump is operable to flow fluid from the base pan to the inlet port of the valve,
• wherein, the controller is configured to:
• determine a mode of operation;
• check the water level switch to determine a water level indicated by the water level switch;
• activate the pump based on the water level indicated by the water level switch;
• and
• switch to one of the first outlet port and the second outlet port based on the mode of operation and the water level indicated by the water level switch.