Beltless high velocity air blower

Abstract

A direct drive, single stage, centrifugal compressor air blower assembly for increasing air pressure and air flow for industrial process air applications. The blower assembly consists of a scroll-shaped, single stage, centrifugal compressor air blower housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. The centrifugal air compressor housing contains an impeller that is mounted on an end of a drive shaft of a high speed asynchronous AC induction motor shaft. The drive shaft extends from the asynchronous AC induction motor into the centrifugal compressor blower housing. The compressor blower housing is rotatably attached to the motor housing which enables the direction of the air flow to be changed without repositioning the motor. A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is used to control motor RPM and hence blower output. The VFD and asynchronous AC induction motor combination provides 5 to 50 horsepower over an operating RPM range of 10,000 to 30,000 RPM.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10 / 376,661, filed Feb. 27, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a single stage centrifugal compressor air blower, and, more particularly, to a direct drive single stage centrifugal air compressor controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD) suitable for various industrial process applications including, but not limited to: forced air cleaning, rapid drying of wet items, blowing dust or fine particles off items, providing a vacuum, an exhauster or as an aeration device. [0004] 2. Prior Art [0005] A centrifugal fan in accordance with the current art includes a motor and a motor-driven impeller comprising a plurality of fan blades arranged at a predetermined pitch around a rotation axis. By rotating the plurality of the blades on the rotation axis, air is taken in the direction of the rotation axi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a direct-drive centrifugal fan that can rotate at high speeds. The fan includes an efficient, low-noise impeller and is suitable for a variety of industrial applications such as forced air cleaning, rapid drying, and as a vacuum or exhaust device. The fan is mounted on a motor and can be rotated to change the direction of air output flow. The technical effects of this invention include improved air pressure and flow for industrial applications, as well as improved efficiency and reduced noise."

Problems solved by technology

Noise is a common problem with centrifugal fans.

One source of noise is the impeller.

In summary, the disadvantages of the prior art belt-drive blowers include:

The mechanical complexity of belts, pulleys, and belt tensioner assemblies.

Alignment of these components is essential, yet difficult to maintain over time, resulting in a misaligned belt, tensioner, and pulleys that have historically resulted in accelerated wear of the belt with ensuing premature failure.

The high radial loads produced by the belt-drive transmission and the required belt tension on the impeller bearing result in rapid bearing wear and ensuing premature failure.

The mechanical inefficiencies inherent in the belt-driven transmission linking the impeller with the AC motor.

These mechanical inefficiencies result in greater power consumption and higher operating costs.

The excessive weight, bulkiness, and overall size of the blower.

For example, a prior art 20 HP blower may weigh up 350 lbs and is often too large to fit into assembly line conveyor systems.

The danger inherent with the belt-drive transmission, including multiple pinch points and possible injury resulting from belt disintegration.

A drive belt and pulley assembly interposed between the output drive shaft of the motor and the impeller, which is in accordance with the prior art fan assemblies operating at rotational velocities above 15,000 rpm, is yet another source of both mechanical failure and noise.

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