Multi-layer inlet diffuser for a terminal unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC terminal units are expensive to manufacture and install, and they operate inefficiently, leading to high costs and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC system incorporates a terminal unit design featuring a fan with an inlet diffuser comprising multiple layers of perforated material, an integral electrical enclosure, and an integral sound attenuator, which reduces pressure load on the fan and air balancing valve, improves airflow distribution, and minimizes noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional terminal units are used, then manufacturing and installation costs are high, but airflow performance and efficiency are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet diffuser is segmented into multiple layers (first layer and second layer of perforated material) positioned at different locations upstream of the fan. This segmentation allows each layer to independently contribute to airflow distribution, improving overall airflow performance while using simple, inexpensive perforated materials that are easy to manufacture and install.
2Reliability
If traditional fan inlet design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but pressure load on fan and air balancing valve is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet diffuser acts as an intermediary component between the airflow source and the fan. The first and second layers of perforated material distribute airflow more evenly before it reaches the fan, reducing pressure peaks and load on the fan and air balancing valve, thereby extending component lifespan without requiring complex mechanical modifications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional terminal unit design is used, then device complexity is lower, but noise levels are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal unit incorporates multiple functional segments including the inlet diffuser with perforated layers, sound attenuator, and integral electrical enclosure. This segmentation allows each component to address specific issues (airflow distribution, noise reduction, electrical protection) independently, achieving noise reduction without requiring a complete redesign of the entire terminal unit.
4Use of energy by moving object
If traditional airflow distribution method is used, then system is simpler, but power consumption is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet diffuser performs preliminary airflow distribution and conditioning before the air reaches the fan. The perforated layers pre-distribute and smooth the airflow, reducing turbulence and the work required by the fan to move air, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining effective airflow distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal unit of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a fan configured to provide an airflow through the HVAC unit by drawing the airflow into a fan inlet and expelling the airflow out of a fan outlet. The terminal unit also includes an inlet diffuser disposed upstream of the fan inlet relative to a direction of the airflow, wherein the inlet diffuser includes a first layer of perforated metal and a second layer of perforated metal disposed between the first layer of perforated metal and the fan inlet.