Fan Wheel Equal Cross-Section Channels Reduce Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan assemblies used in aviation for heating, cooling, and ventilation are energy-consuming and noisy, with a need for improved efficiency and reduced noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A fan assembly design featuring a fan wheel with channels having equal cross-sectional areas at the inlet and outlet, achieved by varying the distances between the inner and outer peripheries, and curved wings that form channels with constant cross-sectional areas, reducing energy consumption and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional fan designs with varying channel cross-sectional areas are used, then the fan can move air, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by maintaining a constant cross-sectional area of the channels throughout their length, from inlet to outlet. This geometric parameter optimization ensures uniform air velocity and pressure distribution, eliminating energy losses associated with abrupt area changes, thereby improving both energy efficiency and productivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional fan designs are used, then air flow is generated, but noise levels are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidair flow speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the channel cross-sectional area to remain constant along the channel length. This design prevents turbulence and flow separation that occur in conventional designs with varying areas, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining the required air flow speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the distance between inner and outer peripheries is varied to create channels, then air can be moved, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidair movement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the spatial parameters by setting the distance between the inner periphery of the second side and the first side to be substantially constant throughout. This creates uniform channels that move air efficiently with minimal energy loss, while fully maintaining the air movement capability required for fan operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design significantly increases efficiency and reduces noise levels, leading to lower energy consumption and improved working environments.

Implementation Method 1

fans comprise rotating wings acting on the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP3359821B1Fan assembly comprising fan wheel with inlet and outlet of equal cross section area
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 NORDIC HEATER AB
  • EP3359821B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3359821B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP3359821B1 patent drawingFigure 2d

AI summary

The present specification relates to a fan assembly 1 comprising a fan wheel 100 rotatably arranged around an axis A in a fan duct 200. The fan wheel comprises a first side 130, a second side 140 comprising an inner periphery 141 forming a fan wheel inlet, and an outer periphery 142 and at least four curved wings 150. The at least four wings extend between the inner and outer periphery of the second side and between the first side and the second side, such that channels C are formed between the wings and the first and second side. The inner periphery of the second side is arranged at a first distance Hi from the second side and the outer periphery of the second side is arranged at a second distance Ho from the first side, such that the cross sectional area of the channels at the inlet and the cross sectional area of the channels at the outlet are substantially equal. The present specification further relates to a heater comprising such a fan assembly.