Adjustable Guide Vanes for Blower Airflow Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blowers used in computer systems often deliver airflow non-uniformly, leading to reduced efficiency and thermal performance of heat sinks and hardware components due to insufficient flow development length and recirculation, which can result in decreased performance and potential damage from excessive heat.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable guide vanes affixed to the blower at pivot points in the outlet, which adjust based on the rotational speed of the impeller to optimize airflow distribution, using mechanisms like actuators and tachometers to ensure uniform airflow across the blower outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cool air is delivered through a blower outlet, then heat sinks and hardware components are cooled, but airflow distribution becomes non-uniform causing reduced thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vanes are made adjustable and pivotable about pivot points, allowing their position to be dynamically changed to optimize airflow distribution. The vanes can be positioned at different angles to redirect airflow patterns, transforming a static airflow system into a dynamic one that can adapt to achieve uniform cooling across heat sinks and hardware components.
2Volume of moving object
If heat sinks are placed close to the blower outlet, then space is saved, but insufficient flow development length prevents proper flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vanes perform a preliminary action by pre-conditioning and directing the airflow before it reaches the heat sinks. By adjusting the vanes, the airflow is organized and distributed uniformly in advance, eliminating the need for extended flow development length and allowing heat sinks to be positioned closer to the blower outlet while maintaining proper flow distribution.
3Productivity
If the blower operates at high speed, then cooling capacity increases, but flow recirculation occurs reducing total airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects airflow conditions and provides signals to a controller, which then adjusts the guide vane positions accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to optimize airflow distribution and prevent recirculation by continuously monitoring and adjusting vane angles based on actual airflow conditions, maintaining high cooling capacity while minimizing energy losses from recirculation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for improving the airflow exiting a blower that has one or more adjustable guide vanes that are affixed to the blower at one or more pivot points located in an outlet of the blower that include: determining a rotational speed of an impeller in the blower and adjusting a position of at least one of the adjustable guide vanes in dependence upon the rotational speed of the impeller.