Flow Guide Device for Radial Blower Axial Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blower arrangements with radial blower wheels face challenges in efficiently converting radial flow into axial flow for downstream components like heat exchangers, leading to inefficiencies and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A flow guide device comprising an outer housing and inner diffuser forms an axial flow channel that converts dynamic pressure energy into static pressure energy, featuring a tapered inner diffuser and optional perforations or vanes to reduce noise and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radial blower wheel is used to generate flow, then the flow can be generated efficiently, but the flow direction is radial and not suitable for downstream components requiring axial flow
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide device is divided into distinct functional zones: an inlet section for receiving radial flow, a diffuser section for flow redirection, and an outlet section for axial flow discharge. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while working together to transform the flow direction from radial to axial.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide device employs curved and tapered surfaces, particularly in the diffuser section, to gradually redirect the flow from radial to axial direction. The curved geometry enables smooth flow transition and minimizes turbulence, maintaining efficiency while changing flow direction.
2Productivity
If the flow channel cross-section is increased to improve flow capacity, then more flow can be handled, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide device utilizes the radial dimension by positioning the diffuser radially outward from the blower wheel axis. This allows the flow channel cross-section to increase in the radial direction rather than extending axially, thereby increasing flow capacity without proportionally increasing the overall device length.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide device is arranged concentrically around the blower wheel, with the diffuser nested in the radial space between the wheel and the outer housing. This nested configuration efficiently utilizes the available space and increases flow capacity without requiring a proportional increase in device volume.
3Strength
If the inner diffuser is solid to maintain structural integrity, then the device is strong, but noise is generated and flow uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner diffuser is designed with a perforated structure featuring multiple openings distributed across its surface. This porous configuration allows the diffuser to maintain structural integrity while reducing noise through acoustic absorption and improving flow uniformity by distributing the flow more evenly across the outlet.
4Productivity
If flow guide vanes are added to improve flow guidance, then static efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide vanes are integrated with the inner diffuser structure, merging the flow guidance function with the existing diffuser component. This integration improves static efficiency by providing flow guidance while avoiding the need for separate, additional components, thereby limiting the increase in 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
The flow guide device enhances static efficiency and reduces noise by effectively redirecting radial flow into axial flow, improving energy conversion and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
The flow channel, formed downstream in the direction of flow via the outer casing and the inner diffuser, converts the dynamic pressure energy into static pressure energy in the flow
Implementation Method 2
the cross-sectional area of the flow channel increases diffuser-like towards the outlet. This is achieved, for example, by having the inner diffuser taper towards the outlet
Implementation Method 3
the inner diffuser has a perforated outer surface. The flow can pass completely or partially through the perforations of the outer surface of the inner diffuser, thereby reducing acoustic sound radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow guide device for use on a blower arrangement with a motor-driven radial blower wheel rotating about an axis of rotation, comprising an outer housing and an inner diffuser between which a flow channel extending along an axial flow direction is formed, the outer housing forming a receiving space adjacent to the inner diffuser in the axial direction for the integral reception of the radial blower wheel, which in operation draws in a flow axially and blows out radially into the flow channel, wherein the flow channel is designed to redirect the flow from a radial to an axial direction.