Mixed-Flow Blower AHU Layout for Uniform Coil Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air handling units (AHUs) with traditional blower assemblies often experience inefficiencies due to localized pressure variations within the cabinet, leading to non-homogeneous airflow through refrigeration coils, increased power consumption, and decreased airflow rates, particularly when a portion of the refrigeration coil is near the blower output.
Innovation Solution
The AHU incorporates a mixed-flow blower assembly with a backwards curved blade design and a V-type refrigeration coil configuration, where the vertex of the coil is positioned closer to the blower assembly than the open end, promoting more uniform cabinet pressurization and efficient airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional blower assembly is used with the refrigeration coil positioned near the blower output, then the AHU can achieve compact design, but localized pressure variations occur leading to non-homogeneous airflow and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the refrigeration coil assembly in a specific location within the cabinet where it receives relatively homogeneous pressurized air. The coil is configured with a V-type arrangement where the vertex is closer to the blower assembly, creating localized optimal flow conditions that reduce energy consumption while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed-flow blower assembly creates a relatively homogeneous pressure distribution throughout the cabinet, eliminating localized low-pressure zones. This equipotential pressure field ensures uniform airflow through the refrigeration coil, reducing the work required by the blower and decreasing overall power consumption.
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional blower assembly is used with the refrigeration coil positioned near the blower output, then the AHU can achieve compact design, but non-homogeneous airflow through the refrigeration coil occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration coil is positioned in a specific location within the cabinet where the airflow characteristics are optimized. The V-type configuration with the vertex closer to the blower ensures the coil receives homogeneous pressurized air, creating a localized zone of stable and uniform airflow for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed-flow blower assembly generates a relatively uniform pressure distribution throughout the cabinet, creating an equipotential field that ensures homogeneous airflow through the refrigeration coil. This eliminates localized variations in airflow composition and maintains stable flow conditions.
3Device complexity
If a traditional blower assembly is used, then the AHU can be simpler in design, but airflow rate through the refrigeration coil decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mixed-flow blower assembly that dynamically balances axial and radial airflow components. This dynamic flow pattern allows the blower to efficiently move air through the refrigeration coil at higher rates while maintaining relatively simple mechanical construction, achieving both productivity and simplicity goals.
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
This configuration enhances airflow homogeneity and efficiency by maintaining consistent air pressure across the refrigeration coil, reducing power consumption and improving heat transfer, resulting in a more optimized air path and increased overall efficiency of the AHU.
Implementation Method 1
a mixed-flow blower assembly configured to provide airflow through the duct
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration coil assembly disposed within the cabinet and downstream of the mixed-flow blower assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit has a cabinet forming a duct, a mixed-flow blower assembly configured to provide airflow through the duct, and a refrigeration coil assembly disposed within the cabinet and downstream of the mixed-flow blower assembly. Another air handling unit has a cabinet forming a duct having a generally downstream direction and a blower assembly to provide airflow through the duct. The blower assembly may have an axis of rotation generally parallel to the downstream direction and the blower assembly may be configured to primarily expel air in a direction that has a directional component that extends radially away from the axis of rotation.