Air handler panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC&R air handlers generate excessive noise due to fan operation and heat exchange equipment, which is not effectively reduced by existing noise reduction methods that compromise air pressure and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sound-attenuating panels or walls within the air handler plenum that absorb sound waves while allowing air to flow, with the panels arranged to prevent unimpeded air passage and potentially offsetting pressure drops through fan power adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sound-attenuating panels are added to reduce noise, then noise transmission is reduced, but air pressure and system efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized sound attenuation zones using panels positioned at specific locations within the plenum where sound generation occurs (near fans and heat exchangers). The panels are not uniformly distributed but strategically placed to target noise sources while minimizing impact on overall air flow paths, thus reducing noise without significantly compromising air pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound-attenuating panels serve as intermediary elements that absorb and dampen sound waves generated by fans and heat exchangers before these sounds propagate through the plenum. The panels act as a mediator between the noise sources and the surrounding air, converting acoustic energy into minimal thermal energy through absorption, thereby reducing noise transmission while allowing air to flow around and through the panel structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sound-attenuating panels are added to reduce noise, then noise transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound-attenuating panels are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide sound absorption, act as structural support elements within the plenum, and can be configured to guide or distribute air flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated noise control components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving effective noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sound attenuation function into multiple discrete panels rather than using a single large complex structure. Each panel is a simple, standardized component that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation allows for modular installation and maintenance while achieving distributed sound attenuation throughout the plenum, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Effectively reduces noise transmission to building spaces without lowering air pressure, offering a cost-effective solution for both new and existing air handlers, with the ability to be retrofitted and designed for specific sound reduction levels.
Implementation Method 1
sound-attenuating panels or walls 216, 218 are located in plenum 202... The interaction between the sound-attenuating panel and the air results in sound absorption
Implementation Method 2
The fan has a pressure side and a suction side... the fan having a suction side to draw air from a building space... and a pressure side to move air out of the supply side of the plenum
Data Source
AI summary
An air handler that provides for noise reduction without reducing the pressure of air supplied to a space below minimum levels. The air handler includes a plenum, which forms a passageway for air through the air handler; the plenum having a return side and a supply side, a fan positioned in the plenum to move air through the plenum, the fan having a suction side and a pressure side, and a conditioning apparatus in the plenum for conditioning air passing through the plenum. The air handler further includes a sound-attenuating panel, which has a first side and an opposed second side and is positioned in the plenum so that the panel extends at least partially across the plenum. The panel is configured and positioned to interact with the flow of air in the plenum to attenuate sound. The fan provides a pressure boost to air flowing through the plenum to counteract a pressure drop resulting from interaction between the air and the panel in the plenum and the conditioning apparatus.