Heat Pump Grille Louvers for Low-Noise Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air heat pump heat source units generate noise due to vortex creation caused by the depth of traditional grilles, which obstruct airflow and are not aesthetically pleasing when viewed from an angle.
Innovation Solution
The heat source unit incorporates a grille with longitudinally inclined louvers that guide airflow, reducing vortex generation and noise by matching the angle of inclination with the air flow direction, allowing for lower fan RPM operation while maintaining airflow and hiding the fan visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the grille has significant depth to hide the fan visually, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the air flow is obstructed and vortexes are created causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the louvers by introducing an inclination angle relative to the center axis of the fan. This parameter modification allows the louvers to align with the natural airflow direction, reducing turbulence and vortex formation while preserving the visual hiding function of the grille.
Solution Approach 2:
The louvers are designed with asymmetric inclination angles rather than being parallel to the center axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes airflow guidance by matching the radial outward flow pattern generated by the fan, thereby reducing noise while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If the grille has significant depth to hide the fan visually, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the airflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the louver inclination angle parameter, the patent optimizes the balance between visual hiding and airflow efficiency. The inclined louvers guide air smoothly through the grille, reducing obstruction effects while maintaining the depth necessary for aesthetic appearance.
3Productivity
If the fan operates at higher RPM to maintain airflow with inclined louvers, then the airflow rate is preserved, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the louver geometry parameters (inclination angle) to compensate for the reduced fan RPM. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain required airflow rates at lower speeds by improving airflow guidance and reducing turbulence-induced noise.
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 results in a quieter operation with minimal noise and improved airflow, achieving a balance between airflow efficiency and aesthetic appeal by reducing vortex formation and allowing for lower fan RPM without compromising airflow rates.
Implementation Method 1
the significant depth results in more obstructions to the air flow induced by the fan and consequently more vortexes being created
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(A)~5(C)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit (1) of an air heat pump, having a casing (10), a fan accommodated in the casing (10) and being rotatable about a center axis (30), a bell mouth (32) having an opening (32) centered on the center axis (30) of the fan (22) for allowing an air flow induced by the fan (22) to pass, and a grille (40, 42) covering the opening (32). The grille (40, 42) comprises a plurality of longitudinal first louvers (46) having a first end (60), a second end opposite to the first end (60) and a center (64) between the first end (60) and the second end (62), wherein each of the first louvers (46) has an entry portion (66) facing the fan (22) and at least the entry portion (66) is inclined relative to the center axis (30) of the fan (22), wherein the angle of inclination (a) changes in the longitudinal direction of the respective first louver (46), wherein the angle of inclination (α), in a first portion (70) between the first end (60) and the center (64), decreases from a positive maximum angle towards the first end (60) and the center (64), and, in a second portion (72) between the center (64) and the second end (62), increases from a negative maximum angle towards the center (64) and the second end (62).