HVAC Duct Vortex Generators for Noise and Turbulence Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems generate unfavorable flow structures such as swirling vortices and turbulence, leading to noise and decreased efficiency, which existing solutions like acoustic wave modulators and active sound controls do not fully address without compromising system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating vortex generators into the air handling system, which are coupled to walls and vanes within the ductwork, extending partially into the airflow path to break up large flow structures by introducing a momentum component that hinders their formation, thereby reducing noise and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal fans push large amounts of air through ductwork systems, then air circulation is achieved, but unfavorable flow structures such as large swirling vortexes are generated causing noise and decreased efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large unfavorable flow structures into smaller segments by introducing vortex generators that create small counter-rotating vortexes. These smaller vortexes interact with and break up the larger swirling vortexes generated by centrifugal fans, thereby reducing noise and improving efficiency while maintaining air circulation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If acoustic wave modulators are placed in duct assemblies to reduce turbulence, then noise is reduced, but the solution is limited to use only adjacent the fan and does not reduce all sound
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator design is universal and can be applied at multiple locations throughout the HVAC system, not just adjacent to the fan. The same vortex generator structure can be installed in ductwork systems, plenums, and other air handling components, making the solution versatile and applicable to reduce noise throughout the entire system rather than at a single location.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If active sound controls and filter media are placed in duct systems to reduce sound, then noise is reduced, but efficiency of the HVAC system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using filter media or active sound controls that obstruct airflow, the patent converts the harmful turbulent flow structures into beneficial small-scale vortexes through vortex generators. These small vortexes actually improve mixing and heat transfer while reducing noise, transforming the harmful turbulence into a useful flow pattern that enhances rather than reduces system efficiency.
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 use of vortex generators effectively decreases noise levels by 1.9 dB and increases efficiency by 1.5% CFM/watt by generating small flow structures that dissipate larger unfavorable structures, resulting in smoother airflow and improved system performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vortex generator coupled to the at least one wall. The at least one vortex generator extends partially into the passageway
Implementation Method 2
The vortex generators effectively decreases noise levels by 1.9 dB and increases efficiency by 1.5% CFM/watt by generating small flow structures that dissipate larger unfavorable structures
Implementation Method 3
which are coupled to walls and vanes within the ductwork, extending partially into the airflow path to break up large flow structures by introducing a momentum component that hinders their formation
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling system comprises a housing and a fan configured to circulate air. The housing comprises at least one wall defining a passageway for the air and at least one vortex generator coupled to the at least one wall. The at least one vortex generator extends partially into the passageway.