Radial Fan Differential Pressure Measurement via Axial Strut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fans lack an efficient and cost-effective method for measuring volume flow at constant fan wheel speed, with existing solutions experiencing poor measuring accuracy due to complex and expensive assembly of pressure measurement systems, especially for small volume flows.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a differential pressure sensor within the axial strut of a centrifugal fan, which directly measures pressure differences between the suction and pressure sides, eliminating the need for ring lines and pressure hoses, and utilizing a hot-film sensor to calculate volume flow with improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ring line and hose line assembly is used for pressure measurement, then pressure measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure measurement function directly into the axial strut structure by integrating a differential pressure sensor within a hollow channel that extends from the suction side to the pressure side. This eliminates the need for separate ring lines and hose lines, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial strut serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fan wheel and simultaneously houses the differential pressure sensor for volume flow measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Productivity
If conventional pressure measurement systems are used, then volume flow determination is possible, but measuring accuracy deteriorates for small volume flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a differential pressure sensor as an intermediary measurement device that directly measures the pressure difference between the suction and pressure sides. This intermediary approach provides a linear relationship with volume flow, improving measurement accuracy especially at small volume flows where conventional methods fail.
3Measurement precision
If differential pressure sensor is placed in hollow channel of axial strut, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential pressure sensor is merged with the axial strut structure by placing it within a hollow channel that is an integral part of the strut. This integration approach improves measurement accuracy while avoiding the need for additional external components, thus not increasing overall device 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
This solution provides a cost-effective and accurate method for determining volume flow, even at low flow rates, without affecting the fan's efficiency or noise performance, and can be scaled for various fan sizes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one differential pressure sensor is arranged in the hollow channel, which directly detects or measures a pressure difference of the respective static air pressure on the suction side and the pressure side
Implementation Method 2
the differential pressure sensor is designed as a hot-film sensor. Due to the pressure difference on the suction side and the pressure side during operation of the centrifugal fan, air flows through the hollow channel of the axial strut and consequently over the hot-film sensor. The air flow influences the temperature at the hot-film sensor depending on the pressure difference
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a radial ventilator (1) comprising a ventilator wheel (2), a motor which drives the ventilator wheel, and a ventilator housing (3). The radial ventilator (1) has a suction side (S), which is on the suction side when viewed in the flow direction, and a pressure side (D), which lies axially opposite the suction side. The ventilator housing (3) is made of a suction-side front part (4) and a pressure-side rear part (5), between which the ventilator wheel (3) is arranged when viewed in the axial direction. The front part (4) and the rear part (5) are connected by at least one axial brace (6) that has a hollow channel (7) which is open towards the suction side (S) and the pressure side (D) and in which at least one differential pressure sensor (8) is arranged, said differential pressure sensor directly detecting a pressure difference of the respective static air pressure on the suction side (S) and the pressure side (D) of the radial ventilator (1) during the operation of the radial ventilator (1).