Axial Fan Impeller Diameter Increase and Inlet Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial fans with standardized wall ring plates face challenges in improving efficiency and air output while maintaining acoustic performance, as increasing the impeller diameter to reduce dynamic outlet losses often deteriorates acoustics and is limited by installation space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The impeller diameter is increased by a factor, with adjusted inflow geometry to reduce torque requirements and dynamic outlet losses, while maintaining acoustic performance through specific geometric ratios and features like winglets and a diffuser, allowing for the use of cheaper motors with lower torque and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the impeller diameter is increased to reduce dynamic outlet losses and improve efficiency, then the efficiency and air output are improved, but the acoustic performance deteriorates and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the impeller diameter from standardized values (e.g., 501mm, 562mm) to enlarged values (e.g., 630mm, 707mm, up to 1300mm) while simultaneously optimizing the blade geometry parameters including blade number (3-13 blades), blade angle, and blade profile to achieve reduced torque requirements and improved acoustic performance despite the larger diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the impeller including the blade root area, mid-span area, and tip area with different geometric characteristics, and by providing localized features such as winglets at the blade tips and optimized inlet edge geometry to control flow patterns and reduce noise generation in critical areas
2Use of energy by moving object
If the impeller diameter is increased to reduce torque requirements and allow cheaper motors, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying impeller diameter, blade number, blade angle, and blade profile parameters to achieve optimal performance while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production methods for the enlarged impeller dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the impeller into modular components including the hub, blades, and winglets that can be manufactured separately and assembled, facilitating production of the enlarged impeller dimensions while maintaining quality standards
3Loss of energy
If the impeller diameter is increased within standardized wall ring plate dimensions, then the outlet area increases and dynamic outlet losses are reduced, but the installation space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by positioning the enlarged impeller (diameter up to 1300mm) within the standardized wall ring plate housing structure, where the impeller is nested inside the fixed external dimensions while utilizing the internal volume efficiently to achieve larger outlet area without increasing external footprint
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 approach enhances the static efficiency of the axial fan to over 58% and improves acoustics, enabling direct replacement in existing systems without increased noise, and allows for the use of interchangeable motors and optional guide vanes for further optimization.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller (20) arranged in the axial fan (1), essentially at the level of the middle section (14), with a vertical plane at the boundary between the middle section (14) and the diffuser (3) intersecting the impeller (20) in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
with a diffuser (3) arranged in one piece on the housing (10) in the outflow area (12)
Implementation Method 3
a tapered section (4) adjoined by the narrowing section (4) viewed in the axial direction of flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an axial fan for use with a wall ring plate comprising a housing having an inlet region and a rotor, said rotor having an increased rotor diameter compared to a standardised rotor diameter, wherein, on the inlet side, the inlet region has a tapered section that narrows in an arched manner in a cross-sectional view from an inlet diameter to a wall ring diameter, the axial width and radial length of which tapered section are formed in a predetermined ratio.