Centrifugal Fan Impeller Splitter Wall for Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fans in road cleaning machines experience significant pressure losses due to secondary vortices, leading to reduced efficiency and increased power consumption, which is particularly problematic in electrical vehicles where energy efficiency is critical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a splitter wall in the impeller to divide it into first and second blade chambers, reducing the size of secondary vortices and thereby minimizing pressure losses by directing fluid flow more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional centrifugal fan is used, then the road cleaning machine can operate, but pressure losses are significant due to secondary vortices, reducing efficiency and increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller is segmented into multiple blade chambers by splitter walls extending from the axis of rotation. This segmentation divides the fluid flow path into separate chambers, preventing the formation of large secondary vortices and reducing energy losses associated with turbulent flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter walls are positioned at specific locations within the impeller to create localized flow control. By strategically placing these dividing structures, the patent optimizes fluid distribution in specific regions, reducing vortices where they would cause the most energy loss while maintaining overall fan performance.
2Loss of energy
If the impeller is divided into multiple blade chambers with splitter walls, then pressure losses are reduced and efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller is segmented into multiple blade chambers by splitter walls extending from the axis of rotation. This segmentation divides the fluid flow path into separate chambers, preventing the formation of large secondary vortices and reducing energy losses associated with turbulent flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the impeller into separate blade chambers, guide fluid flow between chambers, reduce vortex formation, and maintain structural integrity of the impeller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate 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 solution improves the efficiency of the centrifugal fan by reducing pressure losses, enhancing performance while maintaining a compact design and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller mounted in the fan casing and rotatable about an axis of rotation for drawing fluid from the casing inlet and directing the fluid to the casing outlet
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a splitter wall in the impeller to divide it into first and second blade chambers, reducing the size of secondary vortices and thereby minimizing pressure losses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a road cleaning machine including a centrifugal fan assembly that includes a fan casing including a casing inlet and a casing outlet and an impeller mounted in the fan casing and rotatable about an axis of rotation for drawing fluid from the casing inlet and directing the fluid to the casing outlet, the impeller includes a splitter wall extending outwardly from the axis of rotation to define first and second blade chambers extending from first and second faces of the splitter wall respectively, the splitter wall including a splitter wall aperture, a plurality of blades being mounted in the first and second blade chambers the impeller being configured to, during rotation about the axis of rotation, direct fluid from the casing inlet through the first and second blade chambers to the fan casing outlet, the fluid being directed into the second blade chamber via the splitter wall aperture.