Air Handler with Rear-Mounted Motor Fan to Reduce Airflow Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air handlers with forward curved centrifugal fans obstruct airflow due to motor and control components positioned within the airflow path, reducing efficiency in distributing conditioned air.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of air handler systems utilizing backwards curved centrifugal or mixed flow fans, where the motor and control components are positioned on the backside of the fan, redirecting airflow around them, thereby minimizing obstruction and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If forward curved centrifugal fans with motor and control components positioned within the airflow path are used, then the air handler can be compact in size, but the airflow is obstructed and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the motor and control components from the traditional inline airflow path to the backside of the fan assembly, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This dimensional relocation allows components to remain integrated in the air handler while eliminating their obstruction of the primary airflow path, thereby improving airflow efficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the air handler into distinct functional zones: a front airflow path section optimized for unobstructed air movement and a backside section housing the motor and control components. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the front for airflow efficiency and the back for component integration - resolving the contradiction between compact design and airflow performance
2Ease of operation
If motor and control components are positioned within the airflow path, then installation is simplified, but airflow distribution is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By moving components to the backside of the fan assembly, the patent creates a clear separation between the airflow dimension and the component housing dimension. This allows simplified installation procedures where components are mounted in an accessible location without requiring complex integration into the airflow path, while simultaneously achieving superior airflow distribution
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
This configuration ensures minimal airflow obstruction, improving the distribution of conditioned air and increasing the efficiency of air handlers by positioning motor and control components outside the primary airflow path.
Implementation Method 1
backwards curved centrifugal fan or mixed flow fan for directing air through an air handler system. The fan may redirect airflow around a backside of the fan.
Implementation Method 2
The fan may redirect the airflow around a backside of the fan such that there is little to no airflow on the backside of the fan. The air handler system may further include a heat exchanger including coils for exchanging thermal energy with the air moving through the air handler
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an air handler system including a backwards curved centrifugal fan or a mixed flow fan with a rear mounted motor are provided. The air handler system may include a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and an airflow channel therebetween. A backwards curved centrifugal fan or a mixed flow fan may be positioned within the airflow channel and a motor may be secured to the backside of the fan such that airflow may be received from the inlet and redirected at least partially perpendicularly such that the airflow moves around the motor of the fan and out the outlet of the air handler. A fan controller and/or a fan enclosure may optionally be positioned on the backside of the fan. The air handler may further include heating systems such as heat exchanger coils and/or an electric heating system with one or more resistive coils and/or a hydronic heating coil.