Horizontal Wind Tunnel Layout for Compact Realistic Wind Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind tunnels are either too large or compromise effectiveness when designed to be compact, and they do not accurately simulate real-life wind conditions, posing safety risks for users.
Innovation Solution
A compact horizontal wind tunnel design with a recirculating airflow channel, featuring a low compression ratio, a horizontal simulator chamber with access points, and a unique arrangement of fans and turning members to ensure safety and effectiveness, including a diffusor and contraction member within the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If wind tunnel size is reduced to achieve compactness, then installation space is improved, but wind flow effectiveness and simulation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compression ratio parameter from conventional high values (4:1 or above) to a low value range (2.5:1 to 1.25:1). This parameter change allows the wind tunnel to maintain effective wind flow simulation in a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between compactness and effectiveness. The low compression ratio design enables sufficient wind pressure and flow characteristics to be achieved without requiring large tunnel dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional vertical wind tunnel configuration to a horizontal configuration with the simulator chamber positioned at the inlet side. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and allows for more efficient airflow path design within a compact footprint, maintaining simulation effectiveness while reducing overall volume.
2Measurement precision
If conventional high compression ratio is used to ensure wind flow effectiveness, then wind simulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the compression ratio parameter from conventional high values (4:1 or above) to a low value range (2.5:1 to 1.25:1). This parameter change simplifies the contraction member design and reduces space requirements while maintaining or improving wind simulation accuracy through optimized airflow control in the horizontal chamber configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If simulator chamber is positioned at outlet side to improve safety, then user safety is improved, but access and egress difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the simulator chamber from the conventional outlet side to the inlet side of the airflow channel, and changes the overall configuration from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional and positional change allows access points to be located at the inlet end where space is more accessible, improving ease of entry and exit while maintaining safety through the horizontal low-speed zone design.
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 allows for a safer and more effective simulation of wind conditions, enabling users to experience realistic wind scenarios while ensuring compactness and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
The contraction member is fitted in the proximity or at the inlet side of the first horizontal side member. The compression ratio of the contraction member is in the range of 2.5:1 (inlet cross section:outlet cross section) to 1.25:1
Implementation Method 2
The first horizontal side member also comprises a diffusor. The diffusor is mounted on the outlet side of the first horizontal side member
Implementation Method 3
A fan is mounted in the return side member and configured to generate an air flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to horizontal wind tunnels for simulating a wind force. The simulator comprises a recirculating airflow channel (1) comprising a first horizontal side member (2), a first airflow turning member (3), a return side member (4), and a second airflow turning member (5). The first horizontal side member (2) comprises a horizontal simulator chamber (6) capable of accommodating at least one human during normal use. The simulator comprises a fan (7) mounted in the return side member (4) for providing an air flow. The simulator further comprises a contraction member (9) fitted at the inlet side of the first horizontal side member (2). The length (A) of the horizontal simulator chamber (6) is longer than the length (B) of any of the turning members (3; 5) and the same length (A) is 0.7 to 1.0 from the length (C) of the first horizontal side member (2).