Wind tunnel testing equipment

Abstract

While maintaining the air conditioning in the test room, a wind tunnel test is performed on the test specimen in the test room. [Solution] The wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) comprises a test chamber (10) in which the object to be tested (W) is placed, an air conditioning unit (20), a first fan (30) that blows air (A) conditioned by the air conditioning unit into the test chamber, and a second fan (40) positioned downstream of the first fan (Fb) and upstream of the test chamber (Fa) that blows air into the test chamber. The first passage (70) blows air from the air conditioning unit into the test chamber by the first fan and returns air from the test chamber to the air conditioning unit. The second passage (80) blows air into the test chamber by the second fan and returns air from the test chamber to the second fan, bypassing the air conditioning unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wind tunnel test device.

Background Art

[0002] Various technologies regarding wind tunnel test devices have been disclosed. For example, the wind tunnel test device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a floor portion that supports an object, a base portion disposed below the floor portion, support columns that stand upright from the base portion and support the floor portion, a load detection portion that is attached to the support columns and detects a load acting on the support columns, and a temperature control portion that controls in a direction approaching a preset reference value with respect to a temperature change of the load detection portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in order to accurately conduct a wind tunnel test using a wind tunnel test device, not only is it necessary to send test air to a test object disposed in a test chamber, but it is also necessary to maintain air conditioning in the test chamber by sending air for air conditioning to the test chamber.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to conduct a wind tunnel test on a test object in a test chamber while maintaining air conditioning in the test chamber in a wind tunnel test device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1). This wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) comprises a test chamber (10) in which a test object (W) is placed, an air conditioning unit (20), a first fan (30) that blows air (A) conditioned by the air conditioning unit (20) into the test chamber (10), and a second fan (40) that is located downstream (Fb) of the first fan (30) and upstream (Fa) of the test chamber (10) and blows air (A) into the test chamber (10), wherein the first fan (30) A first passage (70) is provided that blows air (A) from the air conditioning unit (20) to the test chamber (10) and returns air (A) from the test chamber (10) to the air conditioning unit (20), and a second passage (80) is provided that blows air (A) to the test chamber (10) by the second fan (40) and returns air (A) from the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0007] According to the first embodiment, the conditioned air (A) sent to the test chamber (10) to air condition the test chamber (10) passes through a first passage (70), is conditioned by an air conditioning unit (20), and is blown into the test chamber (10) by a first fan (30). The test air (A) sent to the test chamber (10) to perform a wind tunnel test on the test specimen (W) in the test chamber (10) passes through a second passage (80), bypasses the air conditioning unit (20), and is blown into the test chamber (10) by a second fan (40).

[0008] In the wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), while maintaining the air conditioning of the test chamber (10) with the air conditioning air (A), a wind tunnel test can be performed on the test object (W) in the test chamber (10) using the test air (A).

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the first aspect. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), the first passage (70) includes a first outflow route (76) provided downstream (Fb) of the test chamber (10) and returning the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the air conditioning unit (20), and the second passage (80) includes a second outflow route (86) provided downstream (Fb) of the test chamber (10) and returning the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0010] According to the second embodiment, a portion of the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) is returned to the air conditioning unit (20) as air conditioning air (A) via the first outflow route (76). The remaining portion of the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) is returned to the second fan (40) via the second outflow route (86), bypassing the air conditioning unit (20) as test air (A). The air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) can be separated into air conditioning air (A) and test air (A).

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the second aspect. This wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) includes a rectifier plate (50) positioned above (Za) the test chamber (10) and extending horizontally (H), the second outflow route (86) includes a space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50), and the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) bypasses the air conditioning unit (20) and returns to the second fan (40) along the upper surface (50a) of the rectifier plate (50).

[0012] According to the third embodiment, the second outflow route (86) can be easily formed by the space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50).

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the third aspect. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), guide vanes (60) are provided at the end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40) through which air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) passes.

[0014] According to the fourth embodiment, turbulence of the air (A) flowing out from the test chamber (10) can be suppressed.

[0015] A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the third or fourth aspect. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), the end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40) is located further from the second fan (40) than the area (G) in the test chamber (10) where the object under test (W) is placed.

[0016] According to the fifth embodiment, turbulence of the air (A) flowing out from the test chamber (10) can be suppressed.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), the first passage (70) includes a first inflow route (71) provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10) and allowing air (A) supplied from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) without passing through the second fan (40), and the second passage (80) includes a second inflow route (81) provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10) and allowing air (A) supplied from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) via the second fan (40).

[0018] According to the sixth embodiment, a portion of the air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) flows into the test chamber (10) as air conditioning air (A) through the first inflow route (71) without passing through the second fan (40). The remaining portion of the air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) flows into the test chamber (10) via the second fan (40) through the second inflow route (81) as test air (A). The air (A) flowing into the test chamber (10) can be divided into air conditioning air (A) and test air (A).

[0019] A seventh aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the sixth aspect. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), the first inlet (71a) to the test chamber (10) in the first inlet route (71) is positioned above (Za) the second inlet (81a) to the test chamber (10) in the second inlet route (81).

[0020] According to the seventh embodiment, in the test chamber (10), the air for air conditioning (A) can be flowed at a position above (Za) the test air (A).

[0021] An eighth aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to the sixth or seventh aspect. This wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) includes a flow rate distribution mechanism (100) that changes the distribution ratio between the amount of air (A) flowing through the first inlet route (71) and the amount of air (A) flowing through the second inlet route (81).

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the balance between the amount of air for air conditioning (A) and the amount of air for testing (A) can be adjusted by the flow rate distribution mechanism (100).

[0023] A ninth aspect of this disclosure relates to a wind tunnel testing apparatus (1) according to any one of the first to eight aspects. In this wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), the second fan (40) is flow-adjustable, and when the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is greater than the first flow rate (Q1) of the first fan (30), air (A) flows through the second passage (80).

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, when the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is excessive, the test air (A) is blown into the test chamber (10) by the second fan (40) through the second passage (80), and the air (A) can be returned from the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0025] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the wind tunnel test apparatus (1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. This wind tunnel test apparatus (1) includes a sensor (120) that measures the fan temperature (T2) which is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the second fan (40), and a control unit (130) that controls the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) which is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the air conditioning unit (20) based on the difference (ΔT) between the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) and the measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) measured by the sensor (120).

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) corresponding to the temperature of the test air (A) can be made close to the temperature condition of the test chamber (10) in the wind tunnel test.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 schematically shows a wind tunnel test apparatus (1). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a control flowchart.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0029] (Wind tunnel testing equipment) Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the wind tunnel testing apparatus (1). In the wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), air (A) is flowed around a fixed test object (W) to simulate the movement of the test object (W) through the atmosphere, and the forces acting on the test object (W) and the airflow around it are measured. In this example, the test object (W) is a vehicle.

[0030] In the following explanation, the upstream side is sometimes simply referred to as the upstream side (Fa) and the downstream side as the downstream side (Fb), based on the direction in which air (A) flows.

[0031] The wind tunnel test apparatus (1) includes a lower floor (1a) and an upper floor (1b). A partition wall (1c) is provided between the lower floor (1a) and the upper floor (1b). The partition wall (1c) separates the lower floor (1a) and the upper floor (1b). The partition wall (1c) extends in the horizontal direction (H). The horizontal direction (H) intersects with the vertical direction.

[0032] The wind tunnel test apparatus (1) comprises a test chamber (10), an air conditioning unit (20), a first fan (30), a second fan (40), a rectifier plate (50), guide vanes (60), a first passage (70), a second passage (80), a flow distribution mechanism (100), a first sensor (110), a second sensor (120), and a control unit (130).

[0033] (Examination room) The test chamber (10) is located on the lower floor (1a) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The test chamber (10) is partitioned by a vertical wall (11) that constitutes the upstream (Fa) wall, guide vanes (60) described later that constitute the downstream (Fb) wall, a floor (12) that constitutes the lower (Zb) wall, and a straightening plate (50) described later that constitutes the upper (Za) wall.

[0034] The test specimen (W) is placed in the test room (10). The test specimen (W) is placed on the floor (12) of the test room (10).

[0035] (Air conditioning unit) The air conditioning unit (20) is located on the upper floor (1b) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The air conditioning unit (20) harmonizes the air (A). The air conditioning unit (20) adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air (A). The air conditioning unit (20) includes a cooler (21), a heater (22), a humidifier (23), and a case (24). The cooler (21), heater (22), and humidifier (23) are arranged in that order from the upstream side (Fa) to the downstream side (Fb).

[0036] The cooler (21) cools the air (A) to lower its temperature. The heater (22) heats the air (A) to raise its temperature. The humidifier (23) humidifies the air (A) to increase its humidity. The case (24) houses the cooler (21), the heater (22), and the humidifier (23).

[0037] (First fan) The first fan (30) is located on the upper floor (1b) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The first fan (30) is positioned downstream (Fb) of the humidifier (23) of the air conditioning unit (20). In this example, the first fan (30) is housed in the case (24) of the air conditioning unit (20). In this example, the first fan (30) is integrated with the air conditioning unit (20). The first fan (30) blows air (A), which is conditioned by the air conditioning unit (20), into the test chamber (10).

[0038] (Second fan) The second fan (40) is located on the lower floor (1a) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The second fan (40) is positioned downstream (Fb) of the first fan (30) and upstream (Fa) of the test chamber (10). The second fan (40) blows air (A) into the test chamber (10). The second fan (40) is positioned outside the test chamber (10) on the lower floor (1a) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1) at approximately the same height as the floor (12) of the test chamber (10).

[0039] The discharge section of the second fan (40) penetrates the vertical wall (11) of the test chamber (10). The outlet of the discharge section of the second fan (40) faces into the test chamber (10) as the second inlet (81a), which will be described later.

[0040] The first fan (30) and the second fan (40) are placed separately from each other.

[0041] (straightening plate) The rectifier plate (50) is installed on the lower floor (1a) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The rectifier plate (50) is plate-shaped with its thickness in the vertical direction. The rectifier plate (50) extends in the horizontal direction (H). The rectifier plate (50) is positioned above (Za) the test chamber (10). The rectifier plate (50) constitutes the upper (Za) wall of the test chamber (10). A space (E) is formed between the partition wall (1c) (ceiling of the lower floor (1a)) and the upper surface (50a) of the rectifier plate (50). The space (E) is formed above (Za) the rectifier plate (50) and below (Zb) the partition wall (1c).

[0042] The base end (51) of the rectifier plate (50) is connected to the upper end of the vertical wall (11). The tip end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) is positioned horizontally (H) away from the vertical wall (11). As described above, the discharge duct (41) of the second fan (40) penetrates the vertical wall (11) of the test chamber (10). The tip end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) is the end of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40).

[0043] The tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50) is located further from the second fan (40) than the area (G) in the test chamber (10) where the specimen (W) is placed. Area (G) is marked, for example, on the floor (12) of the test chamber (10). Figure 1 shows the end of area (G) furthest from the second fan (40).

[0044] (Guide vane) Guide vanes (60) are provided at the tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50). Guide vanes (60) are vanes installed in the flow path to guide air (A) in the desired direction with minimal loss. Guide vanes (60) extend in the vertical direction. The upper end (61) of guide vanes (60) is connected to the tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50). The lower end (62) of guide vanes (60) is in contact with the floor (12) of the test chamber (10). Guide vanes (60) constitute the downstream (Fb) wall of the test chamber (10).

[0045] The guide vane (60) is rotatable around its upper end (61) (the point of connection with the tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50)). When the guide vane (60) rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1, the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) is closed. When the guide vane (60) rotates clockwise in Figure 1, the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) is opened. With the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) open, the test specimen (W) can be inserted into and removed from the test chamber (10).

[0046] Air (A) flowing out from the test chamber (10) passes through the guide vane (60).

[0047] (1st aisle) The wind tunnel test apparatus (1) is provided with a first passage (70). The first passage (70) includes a first inlet route (71) and a first outlet route (76).

[0048] The first inflow route (71) is provided so as to span the lower floor (1a) and upper floor (1b) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The first inflow route (71) is provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10). The first inflow route (71) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the air conditioning unit (20). The first inflow route (71) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the first fan (30).

[0049] The first inflow route (71) includes an inflow duct (90) and a first branch duct (91). The inflow duct (90) extends from the downstream side (Fb) of the first fan (30) to the upstream side (Fa) (foreground) of the second fan (40). The inflow duct (90) passes through a bulkhead (1c) along its length.

[0050] The first branch duct (91) branches off from the inlet duct (90) midway and penetrates the vertical wall (11) of the test chamber (10). The outlet of the first branch duct (91) faces into the test chamber (10) as the first inlet (71a).

[0051] The first inflow route (71) allows air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) without passing through the second fan (40). In the first inflow route (71), the air (A) does not pass through the flow path inside the second fan (40).

[0052] The first outflow route (76) is provided to span the lower floor (1a) and upper floor (1b) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The first outflow route (76) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10). More specifically, the first outflow route (76) is located on the downstream side (Fb) of the guide vane (60). The first outflow route (76) includes an outflow duct (93).

[0053] The outflow duct (93) extends from the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) (specifically, the downstream side (Fb) of the guide vane (60)) to the upstream end of the air conditioning unit (20). The outflow duct (93) penetrates a bulkhead (1c) along its length. The inlet of the outflow duct (93) faces the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) (specifically, the downstream side (Fb) of the guide vane (60)). The outlet of the outflow duct (93) faces into the case (24) of the air conditioning unit (20).

[0054] The first outflow route (76) returns the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the air conditioning unit (20).

[0055] The first passage (70) uses the first fan (30) to blow air (A) from the air conditioning unit (20) to the test room (10) and return air (A) from the test room (10) to the air conditioning unit (20).

[0056] (2nd aisle) The wind tunnel test apparatus (1) is provided with a second passage (80). The second passage (80) includes a second inlet route (81) and a second outlet route (86).

[0057] The second inflow route (81) is provided so as to span the lower floor (1a) and upper floor (1b) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The second inflow route (81) is provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10). The second inflow route (81) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the air conditioning unit (20). The second inflow route (81) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the first fan (30).

[0058] The second inflow route (81) includes the aforementioned inflow duct (90), the second branch duct (92), and the second fan (40). The inflow duct (90) extends from the downstream side (Fb) of the first fan (30) to the upstream side (Fa) (foreground) of the second fan (40). The inflow duct (90) passes through a partition wall (1c) along its length.

[0059] The second branch duct (92) constitutes the downstream end of the inlet duct (90). The outlet of the second branch duct (92) faces the inlet of the second fan (40).

[0060] As described above, the discharge section of the second fan (40) penetrates the vertical wall (11) of the test chamber (10). The outlet of the discharge section of the second fan (40) faces into the test chamber (10) as the second inlet (81a).

[0061] The second inflow route (81) allows air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) via the second fan (40). In the second inflow route (81), the air (A) passes through the flow path within the second fan (40).

[0062] The second outflow route (86) is located on the lower floor (1a) of the wind tunnel test apparatus (1). The second outflow route (86) is located on the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10). More specifically, the second outflow route (86) is located on the downstream side (Fb) of the guide vane (60).

[0063] The second outflow route (86) includes a space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50). More specifically, the space (E) is formed above (Za) the rectifier plate (50) and below (Zb) the bulkhead (1c). The second outflow route (86) is also called the return route.

[0064] The second outlet route (86) returns the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40), bypassing the air conditioning unit (20). More specifically, in the second outlet route (86), the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) bypasses the air conditioning unit (20) and returns to the inlet of the second fan (40) along the upper surface (50a) of the rectifier plate (50).

[0065] The second passage (80) uses a second fan (40) to blow air (A) into the test chamber (10), and also returns air (A) from the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0066] (First inlet and second inlet) The second inlet (81a) (outlet of the second fan (40)) to the test chamber (10) in the second inlet route (81) is positioned at approximately the same height as the floor (12) of the test chamber (10). The first inlet (71a) (outlet of the first branch duct (91)) to the test chamber (10) in the first inlet route (71) is positioned above (Za) the second inlet (81a) (outlet of the second fan (40)) to the test chamber (10) in the second inlet route (81). The first inlet (71a) (outlet of the first branch duct (91)) to the test chamber (10) in the first inlet route (71) is positioned below (Zb) the rectifier plate (50).

[0067] (Flow rate distribution mechanism) The flow distribution mechanism (100) includes a first damper (101) and a second damper (102). The first damper (101) is installed in the first branch duct (91) of the first inflow route (71). The first damper (101) opens and closes the first inflow route (71). When the first damper (101) is closed, air (A) does not flow into the first inflow route (71). When the first damper (101) is opened, air (A) flows into the first inflow route (71).

[0068] The second damper (102) is installed in the second branch duct (92) of the second inlet route (81). The second damper (102) opens and closes the second inlet route (81). When the second damper (102) is closed, air (A) does not flow into the second inlet route (81). When the second damper (102) is open, air (A) flows into the second inlet route (81).

[0069] The flow distribution mechanism (100) changes the distribution ratio between the amount of air (A) flowing through the first inlet route (71) and the amount of air (A) flowing through the second inlet route (81).

[0070] (Air conditioning airflow and test airflow) The first fan (30) blows air (A) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "conditioned air (A1)") conditioned by the air conditioning unit (20) into the test room (10). The conditioned air (A1) is the flow of air (A) for air conditioning, and is sent into the test room (10) to air condition the test room (10).

[0071] The second fan (40) blows air (A) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "test air (A2)") into the test chamber (10) for conducting experiments on the test specimen (W). The test air (A2) is a flow of test air (A) that is sent into the test chamber (10) to conduct wind tunnel tests on the test specimen (W) in the test chamber (10). The test air (A2) is, for example, a vehicle speed wind that simulates the wind flowing through a vehicle. The vehicle speed wind corresponds to the vehicle's speed.

[0072] The first fan (30) blows air (A) at a first flow rate (Q1). The first flow rate (Q1) is fixed. The second fan (40) blows air (A) at a second flow rate (Q2). The second flow rate (Q2) is variable. The flow rate of the second fan (40) is adjustable.

[0073] When the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is greater than the first flow rate (Q1) of the first fan (30) (Q2>Q1), opening both the first damper (101) and the second damper (102) allows air (A) (air-conditioned air (A1)) to flow through the first passage (70) and air (A) (test air (A2)) to flow through the second passage (80).

[0074] The conditioned airflow (A1) flows through the first passage (70) at the first flow rate (Q1). The test airflow (A2) flows through the second passage (80) at the second flow rate (Q2).

[0075] The first flow rate (Q1) of conditioned air (A1) passes through the first passage (70) and is blown from the air conditioning unit (20) to the test room (10) by the first fan (30), and is also returned from the test room (10) to the air conditioning unit (20).

[0076] The test airflow (A2) at the second flow rate (Q2) is blown through the second passage (80) to the test chamber (10) by the second fan (40), and then returned to the second fan (40) from the test chamber (10) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20). In particular, The excess flow rate (Q2-Q1), obtained by subtracting the first flow rate (Q1) from the second flow rate (Q2), is returned to the second fan (40) by passing through the space (E) above the rectifier plate (50) (second outflow route (86)), bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0077] (First sensor, second sensor, control unit) The first sensor (110) is a temperature sensor. The first sensor (110) is located downstream (Fb) of the air conditioning unit (20). In this example, the first sensor (110) is located in the inlet duct (90) of the first inlet route (71). The first sensor (110) measures the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) as the first measured value (T1p). The air conditioning temperature (T1) is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the air conditioning unit (20).

[0078] The second sensor (120) is an example of a sensor. The second sensor (120) is a temperature sensor. The second sensor (120) is located near the second fan (40). In this example, the second sensor (120) is located on the outer wall of the discharge section of the second fan (40). The second sensor (120) measures the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) as the second measured value (T2p). The fan temperature (T2) is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the second fan (40). The second measured value (T2p) is an example of a measured value.

[0079] The control unit (130) consists of hardware such as a processor, memory, and interface, and software such as a database and control program. The control unit (130) is electrically connected to the first sensor (110) and the second sensor (120) by wire or wireless means.

[0080] The control unit (130) sets the first set value (T1s) for the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) and the second set value (T2s) for the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40). Basically, at the start of the test, the first set value (T1s) and the second set value (T2s) are set to the same value.

[0081] Basically, the first measured value (T1p) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) measured by the first sensor (110) will be the same as the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20).

[0082] On the other hand, the second measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) measured by the second sensor (120) may differ from the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40). The second set value (T2s) is determined based on the temperature conditions of the test chamber (10) in the wind tunnel test. The second measured value (T2p) is brought closer to the second set value (T2s) by the method described later.

[0083] The control unit (130) calculates the difference (ΔT) between the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) and the second measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) measured by the second sensor (120). Based on the difference (ΔT), the control unit (130) controls the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20). The control unit (130) controls the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) so that the difference (ΔT) becomes smaller.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit (130) is electrically connected to the first damper (101) and the second damper (102) in the flow distribution mechanism (100) by wire or wireless means. The control unit (130) controls the opening and closing of the first damper (101) and the second damper (102) in the flow distribution mechanism (100).

[0085] (flowchart) Figure 2 shows the control flowchart. Note that this example illustrates the case where the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) is higher than the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20).

[0086] Starting from the beginning, in the first step (S1), the control unit (130) sets the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) and the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40).

[0087] In the second step (S2), the control unit (130) determines whether there is an operation command for the wind tunnel test device (1) (Is there an operation command?). If there is an operation command, it proceeds to the third step (S3). If there is no operation command, it reaches the end. In the third step (S3), the first sensor (110) measures the first measured value (T1p) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20). The first measured value (T1p) is basically almost equal to the first set value (T1s).

[0088] In the fourth step (S4), the second sensor (120) measures the second measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40).

[0089] In the fifth step (S5), the control unit (130) calculates the difference (ΔT) between the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) and the second measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) measured by the second sensor (120). The difference (ΔT) is obtained by subtracting the second set value (T2s) from the second measured value (T2p) (ΔT = T2p - T2s).

[0090] In the sixth step (S6), the control unit (130) determines whether the difference (ΔT) is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Ta) (ΔT≧Ta?). The threshold value (Ta) is, for example, 3°C. If the difference (ΔT) is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Ta) (ΔT≧Ta), it proceeds to the seventh step (S7). If the difference (ΔT) is less than the threshold value (Ta) (ΔT<Ta), it returns to the second step (S2).

[0091] In the seventh step (S7), the control unit (130) decreases the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20). For example, it decreases by 2°C from the current first set value (T1s). When the seventh step (S7) ends, it returns to the second step (S2).

[0092] The above describes a simple flowchart, but a more complex control flow may be adopted. For example, multiple thresholds may be set, and the manner in which the setpoint is reduced (such as the amount of reduction in the setpoint per unit of time) may differ for each threshold. The third step (S3) is optional. If the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) is lower than the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20), the first setpoint (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) is increased, contrary to the above.

[0093] (Effects and Benefits) The conditioned air (A) sent to the test room (10) to provide air conditioning to the test room (10) passes through the first passage (70), is conditioned by the air conditioning unit (20), and is then blown into the test room (10) by the first fan (30). The test air (A) sent to the test room (10) to perform a wind tunnel test on the test specimen (W) in the test room (10) passes through the second passage (80), bypasses the air conditioning unit (20), and is then blown into the test room (10) by the second fan (40).

[0094] In the wind tunnel testing apparatus (1), while maintaining the air conditioning of the test chamber (10) with the air conditioning air (A), a wind tunnel test can be performed on the test object (W) in the test chamber (10) using the test air (A).

[0095] A portion of the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) is returned to the air conditioning unit (20) as air conditioning air (A) via the first outflow route (76). The remaining portion of the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) is returned to the second fan (40) via the second outflow route (86), bypassing the air conditioning unit (20) as test air (A). The air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) can be separated into air conditioning air (A) and test air (A).

[0096] The second outflow route (86) can be easily formed by the space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50).

[0097] A guide vane (60) is provided at the tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40), through which the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) passes. This suppresses turbulence in the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10).

[0098] The tip (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40) is located further from the second fan (40) than the area (G) in the test chamber (10) where the test specimen (W) is placed. This suppresses turbulence in the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10).

[0099] A portion of the air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) flows into the test chamber (10) as air conditioning air (A) via the first inflow route (71) without passing through the second fan (40). The remaining portion of the air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) flows into the test chamber (10) via the second fan (40) via the second inflow route (81) as test air (A). The air (A) flowing into the test chamber (10) can be divided into air conditioning air (A) and test air (A).

[0100] The first inlet (71a) to the test chamber (10) in the first inlet route (71) is positioned above (Za) the second inlet (81a) to the test chamber (10) in the second inlet route (81). In the test chamber (10), the air for air conditioning (A) can be flowed above (Za) the air for testing (A). Typically, the second inlet (81a) (the outlet of the second fan (40)) is positioned at approximately the same height as the floor (12) of the test chamber (10). Positioning the first inlet (71a) above (Za) the second inlet (81a) makes it easier to lay out the wind tunnel test apparatus (1).

[0101] The balance between the amount of air for air conditioning (A) and the amount of air for testing (A) can be adjusted by the flow distribution mechanism (100).

[0102] When the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is greater than the first flow rate (Q1) of the first fan (30), air (A) flows through the second passage (80). When the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is excessive, the second fan (40) can blow test air (A) into the test chamber (10) through the second passage (80), and the air (A) can be returned from the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20).

[0103] The control unit (130) controls the first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1) of the air conditioning unit (20) based on the difference (ΔT) between the second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) and the second measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40) measured by the second sensor (120). The fan temperature (T2) of the second fan (40), which corresponds to the temperature of the test air (A), can be brought closer to the temperature conditions of the test chamber (10) in the wind tunnel test.

[0104] Since the first fan (30) and the second fan (40) are installed separately, the wind tunnel test device (1) can be made smaller compared to the case where a large fan combining the functions of both the first fan (30) and the second fan (40) is installed.

[0105] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the first fan (30) is housed in the case (24) of the air conditioning unit (20), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first fan (30) may be located on the upstream side (Fa) of the air conditioning unit (20) (e.g., the outflow duct (93)) or the downstream side (Fb) of the air conditioning unit (20) (e.g., the inflow duct (90)).

[0106] The second outflow route (86) is not limited to the space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50). The second outflow route (86) may also include the space within the duct.

[0107] The test subject (W) is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the test subject (W) may be a model of an airplane or a model of a building.

[0108] Although embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The above embodiments, modifications, and elements of other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0109] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] As described above, this disclosure is useful for wind tunnel testing equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] W Test specimen A air Fa upstream side Fb downstream side H horizontal direction Za upper Zb downward E space G Area Q1 1st flow rate Q2 2nd flow rate T1 Air conditioning temperature T2 Fan Temperature T1s First setting value T2s Second setting value T2p Second measurement value (measured value) ΔT difference 1. Wind tunnel testing apparatus 10 Test Rooms 20 Air conditioning units 30 First Fan 40 Second Fan 50 rectifier plate 50a top 52 Tip (end) 60 guide vanes 70 1st aisle 71. First Inflow Route 71a 1st inlet 76. First Outflow Route 80 2nd aisle 81 Second Inflow Route 81a 2nd inlet 86 Second Outflow Route 100 Flow distribution mechanism 120 Second sensor (sensor) 130 Control Unit

Claims

1. A test room (10) in which the test specimen (W) is placed, Air conditioning unit (20), A first fan (30) blows the air (A) conditioned by the air conditioning unit (20) into the test chamber (10), A second fan (40) is positioned downstream (Fb) of the first fan (30) and upstream (Fa) of the test chamber (10), and blows air (A) into the test chamber (10). Equipped with, A first fan (30) blows air (A) from the air conditioning unit (20) to the test chamber (10), and a first passage (70) is provided to return air (A) from the test chamber (10) to the air conditioning unit (20). The second fan (40) blows air (A) into the test chamber (10), and a second passage (80) is provided to return the air (A) from the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40) by bypassing the air conditioning unit (20). Wind tunnel testing equipment.

2. The first passage (70) is provided on the downstream side (Fb) of the test chamber (10) and includes a first outflow route (76) that returns the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the air conditioning unit (20), The second passage (80) is located downstream (Fb) of the test chamber (10) and includes a second outflow route (86) that bypasses the air conditioning unit (20) and returns the air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) to the second fan (40). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The test chamber (10) is provided with a rectifier plate (50) positioned above (Za) and extending horizontally (H), The second outflow route (86) includes the space (E) above (Za) the rectifier plate (50), The air (A) flowing out of the test chamber (10) bypasses the air conditioning unit (20) and returns to the second fan (40) along the upper surface (50a) of the rectifier plate (50). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A guide vane (60) is provided at the end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40), through which the air (A) flowing out from the test chamber (10) passes. The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The end (52) of the rectifier plate (50) opposite to the second fan (40) is located further from the second fan (40) than the area (G) in the test chamber (10) where the test specimen (W) is placed. The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The first passage (70) is provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10) and includes a first inflow route (71) that allows air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) without passing through the second fan (40). The second passage (80) is provided on the upstream side (Fa) of the test chamber (10) and includes a second inflow route (81) that allows air (A) blown from the air conditioning unit (20) by the first fan (30) to flow into the test chamber (10) via the second fan (40). A wind tunnel testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first inlet (71a) to the test chamber (10) in the first inflow route (71) is positioned above (Za) the second inlet (81a) to the test chamber (10) in the second inflow route (81). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The system includes a flow rate distribution mechanism (100) that changes the distribution ratio between the amount of air (A) flowing through the first inflow route (71) and the amount of air (A) flowing through the second inflow route (81). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The second fan (40) is flow-adjustable, When the second flow rate (Q2) of the second fan (40) is greater than the first flow rate (Q1) of the first fan (30), air (A) flows through the second passage (80). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A sensor (120) measures the fan temperature (T2), which is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the second fan (40), The system includes a control unit (130) that controls a first set value (T1s) of the air conditioning temperature (T1), which is the temperature of the air (A) blown out from the air conditioning unit (20), based on the difference (ΔT) between a second set value (T2s) of the fan temperature (T2) and a measured value (T2p) of the fan temperature (T2) measured by the sensor (120). The wind tunnel testing apparatus according to claim 1.

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