Inline Centrifugal Mixed Flow Fan System Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centrifugal and axial fans have limitations in efficiency and noise levels, and there is a need for a system that combines the advantages of both while improving static pressures and reducing ambient noise.
Innovation Solution
An inline centrifugal mixed flow fan system with a wheel assembly comprising a hub cone, fan blades, and a shroud, designed to receive air flow axially, redirect it radially and circumferentially, and then straighten it using guide vanes, optimizing air movement and static pressures while minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional centrifugal fans are used to accelerate air radially outward, then air flow direction control is improved, but efficiency and noise levels worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radial acceleration capability of centrifugal fans with the axial flow efficiency of axial fans by configuring the wheel assembly to perform both functions simultaneously - accelerating air radially outward while maintaining axial flow components, thus achieving improved efficiency without sacrificing flow direction control
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly design allows dynamic air flow redirection where the wheel redirects air flow axially downstream, circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis, and radially outward, creating a mixed flow pattern that adapts to optimize both efficiency and noise performance
2Shape
If conventional centrifugal fans are used to accelerate air radially outward, then air flow direction control is improved, but noise levels worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radial acceleration capability of centrifugal fans with the axial flow efficiency of axial fans by configuring the wheel assembly to perform both functions simultaneously - accelerating air radially outward while maintaining axial flow components, thus achieving improved efficiency without sacrificing flow direction control
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly design allows dynamic air flow redirection where the wheel redirects air flow axially downstream, circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis, and radially outward, creating a mixed flow pattern that adapts to optimize both efficiency and noise performance
3Productivity
If a hub cone with optimized axial length to outer diameter ratio is used, then air movement efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the hub cone (axial length to outer diameter ratio between 0.31 and 0.44) and shroud (axial length to outer diameter ratio between 0.16 and 0.30) to optimize air movement efficiency while providing clear manufacturing guidelines that balance performance with manufacturability
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 system achieves efficient air movement with higher static pressures and lower ambient noise, surpassing the performance of conventional centrifugal and axial fan systems by combining their benefits in a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
conventional centrifugal fans are generally used to intake air parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the fan, and to accelerate the air radially outward from the central longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
conventional axial fans are generally used to intake air parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the fan, and to accelerate the air axially along the central longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an inline centrifugal mixed flow fan system that includes a wheel assembly disposed within an outer housing and comprising a hub cone, a plurality of fan blades directly coupled to and extending radially outward from the hub cone, and a shroud directly coupled to and at least partially radially surrounding the plurality of fan blades. The wheel assembly is configured to receive an air flow at an inlet axial end of the outer housing axially upstream of the wheel assembly, and to redirect the air flow axially downstream relative to a central longitudinal axis, circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis, and radially outward from the central longitudinal axis.