Annular Fluid Flow Augmenting Device for Entrainment-Based Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid circulation systems, such as HVAC systems and cooling towers, face challenges in enhancing fluid flow efficiency, which limits their operational capacity and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow augmenting device is introduced, featuring an annular body with a fluid inlet and outlet, and including first and second fluid directing structures. The device receives a first fluid flow and induces a second fluid flow, combining them to generate an augmented fluid flow with a higher rate than either individual flow, without increasing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid circulation systems operate with standard fan assemblies and heat transfer systems, then the systems can maintain simple structure and ease of manufacture, but the fluid flow rate and cooling capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow augmenting device is nested within the existing fan assembly structure. The annular body is positioned around the fan blades, and the internal volume contains fluid directing structures that guide the fluid flow. This nesting approach allows the augmenting device to integrate with the existing system without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby increasing fluid flow rate while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a new spatial dimension for fluid flow by creating an internal volume within the annular body that redirects fluid through a different path. The fluid directing structures arrange fluid flows in specific directions within this internal volume, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to augment the overall fluid flow rate without simply scaling up existing two-dimensional components.
2Productivity
If the fluid flow rate through the heat transfer system is increased to enhance cooling capacity, then the operational efficiency improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow augmenting device utilizes the existing fan assembly to generate the fluid flow through its internal volume. The fan assembly, which is already operating in the system, provides the driving force for the augmented flow without requiring an additional independent power source. This self-service approach allows the system to increase cooling capacity while avoiding proportional increases in energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the fluid flow paths by combining the flow through the heat transfer system with the flow through the internal volume of the annular body. The fluid directing structures arrange these flows to work together, creating an augmented overall flow that achieves higher cooling capacity without the energy cost of operating separate systems independently.
3Productivity
If existing components such as fan blades and motors are improved to enhance system performance, then the operational efficiency increases, but the fluid flow efficiency remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow augmenting device acts as an intermediary component between the fan assembly and the heat transfer system. Rather than modifying the fan blades or motors directly, the device introduces a new element (the annular body with internal volume) that mediates the fluid flow, arranging and directing it to achieve higher flow efficiency through the heat transfer system without complex modifications to existing components.
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 device effectively increases the fluid flow rate through the system, enhancing its cooling capacity and operational efficiency while reducing energy usage, with demonstrated airflow increases of up to 60% and power consumption increases of less than 1%.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid directing structure is adapted to receive a first fluid flow with a first fluid flow rate from a fluid source via the fluid inlet and direct the received first fluid flow into the internal volume of the fluid flow augmenting device
Implementation Method 2
The second fluid directing structure is adapted to induce a second fluid flow with a second fluid flow rate from around the fluid flow augmenting device
Implementation Method 3
The second fluid flow combines with the first fluid flow to generate an augmented fluid flow having an augmented fluid flow rate to be exhausted via the fluid outlet. The augmented fluid flow rate is greater than each of the first and second fluid flow rates
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fluid flow augmenting device to augment a fluid flow in any fluid circulation system without significant additional power consumption. The device includes an annular body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an internal volume. The annular body includes a fluid inlet on one longitudinal end and a fluid outlet on another end and a first and second fluid directing structures. The first fluid directing structure receives a first fluid flow with a first fluid flow rate from a fluid source via the fluid inlet while the second fluid directing structure induces a second fluid flow with a second fluid flow rate from around the device to combine with the first fluid flow and generate an augmented fluid flow having an augmented fluid flow rate to be exhausted via the fluid outlet.