Recirculating vertical wind tunnel

Abstract

A vertical wind tunnel for indoor skydiving has at least one recirculating airflow plenum. The airflow plenum includes a first vertical member housing a flight chamber, a top horizontal member, a second vertical member, and a bottom horizontal member. The bottom horizontal member has a first section and a second section. A corner section connects the second section of the bottom horizontal memberwith the first vertical member. The second section of the bottom horizontal member contracts the airflow travelling through the bottom horizontal member between the first section and its exit to the corner section. The corner section further contracts the airflow exiting the second section of the bottom horizontal member towards the first vertical member.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to recirculating vertical wind tunnels, and more particularly to wind tunnels for indoor skydiving. Background technique

[0002] These wind tunnels recreate the experience of skydiving outside in a safe and controlled indoor environment. However, recirculation vertical wind tunnels are generally expensive to construct and operate, and require a large amount of space to generate an airflow strong enough to levitate one or more persons within acceptable noise and energy consumption levels, while A constant airflow quality is also maintained. It is generally desired that the airflow through the flight compartment be substantially uniform and low in turbulence. Moving in the direction of the airflow, a recirculating vertical wind tunnel typically includes a flight chamber, a diffuser above the flight chamber, a first corner or turn, an upper horizontal plenum, a second corner or turn, a vertical return plenum, The third c...

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