Flexible Wind Shield for Air Cooler Fan Stall Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cross winds and certain temperatures negatively impact the efficiency of air coolers by causing fan performance issues due to the Venturi effect, and existing shield systems for air coolers are mechanically unreliable, especially for larger sizes and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A shield system comprising a flexible sheet and a fixing device with pairs of elongate members that limit movement perpendicular to the sheet's plane, along with a driving device, such as an electrical motor, for adjusting the sheet's position, which can be controlled by a controller monitoring wind speed, direction, and temperature to optimize fan performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a roller-blind type mechanism is used to adjust the shield position, then the shield can be moved to different positions, but the mechanism becomes mechanically unreliable for larger sheets and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional roller-blind mechanical mechanism with an electrical motor-driven system. The motor is mounted on a track that moves along with the shield, providing reliable mechanical advantage through electrical power rather than manual operation. This substitution eliminates the mechanical unreliability of roller-blinds for large sheets while maintaining ease of operation through automated or remote-controlled motor actuation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cross winds are present, then the air cooler structure is exposed to harmful wind effects, but the existing shield systems fail to effectively mitigate these effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shield system where the flexible sheet can be actively adjusted to different positions and configurations in response to varying wind conditions. The motor-driven mechanism allows the shield to adapt its orientation and coverage area dynamically, optimizing protection against cross winds while maintaining structural reliability. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to respond to changing environmental conditions rather than relying on fixed, unreliable mechanical structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible sheet is allowed to move freely, then it can adapt to wind conditions, but it loses control over movement direction and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the flexible sheet and the environment. The motor-driven mechanism acts as a mediator that allows controlled movement of the sheet in response to wind conditions while maintaining precise positioning capability. The track-mounted motor system provides the intermediate control layer that enables both adaptability to wind variations and controlled positioning, preventing uncontrolled free movement while preserving environmental responsiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively mitigates wind-induced performance issues by guiding external wind towards the fan, enhancing air cooler efficiency and providing a robust, easy-to-use solution for larger air cooler structures.
Implementation Method 1
The jetting of air as it passes under the air cooler windwall creates a Venturi effect, often causing the air column in the fans to stall.
Data Source
AI summary
A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure.