HVAC Air Flow Amplifier Ring for Fan Efficiency and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC system fans consume a significant amount of power, reducing operational efficiency and are susceptible to performance degradation due to exposure to environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
An air flow amplifier is introduced, comprising a ring with annular cavities and outlets that utilize a primary air flow to generate a pressure differential, drawing in a secondary air flow and enhancing the air moving capacity of the fan, while shielding moving components from environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fans are used to direct air flow across heat exchangers, then air moving function is achieved, but power consumption is high and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An air flow amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between the fan and the environment. The amplifier includes a pressure chamber that receives primary air flow from the fan, and multiple outlet conduits that distribute this air flow to create multiple secondary air currents. This intermediary system amplifies the overall air moving capacity without requiring the fan itself to consume more power, as the primary air flow acts as a driving force for the secondary air currents through pressure differentials.
2Productivity
If conventional fans are exposed to environmental elements, then air moving function is maintained, but performance degradation occurs and operational life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into protected and exposed components. The fan and motor are housed within a protected environment inside the HVAC unit, isolated from direct environmental exposure. The air flow amplifier acts as an interface that allows the protected fan to influence the external environment through controlled air flow outlets. This segmentation protects sensitive moving components from environmental degradation while maintaining air moving functionality.
3Productivity
If fan size is increased to improve air moving capacity, then more air can be moved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow amplifier introduces a new spatial dimension to the air moving system. Instead of simply increasing fan size in one dimension, the amplifier uses a pressure chamber with multiple outlet conduits distributed in different directions. This creates multiple air flow paths and utilizes three-dimensional space more effectively, amplifying air moving capacity without proportionally increasing the fan's physical size or 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 air flow amplifier increases the operational efficiency of the HVAC system by amplifying the air moving capacity without increasing fan size or power consumption, and extends the operational life of fan components by protecting them from environmental elements.
Implementation Method 1
utilize a primary air flow to generate a pressure differential, drawing in a secondary air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) unit includes an air flow amplifier coupled to a fan deck of the HVAC unit. The air flow amplifier includes a ring having an annular cavity and an air flow inlet formed in the ring. The air flow inlet is configured to direct an air flow into the annular cavity. The air flow amplifier also includes a first annular air flow outlet formed in the ring and configured to direct a first portion of the air flow out of the annular cavity and along an inner diameter of the ring. The air flow amplifier further includes a second annular air flow outlet formed in the ring and configured to direct a second portion of the air flow out of the annular cavity and along the inner diameter of the ring.