Multi-Stage Fan Assembly with Fixed Vanes to Reduce Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face challenges in maintaining high cooling efficiency while being compact, as they often require larger fan assemblies to increase air volume, which can make them bulky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fan assembly with multiple rotating fans and fixed fans, where the fixed fans are positioned between adjacent rotating fans to enhance air flow without increasing the overall size, utilizing a single fan motor for the rotating fans and separate motors for each fixed fan, and optimizing blade angles and shapes for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large fan is used to increase air volume, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the device size increases making it non-compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large fan into multiple smaller rotating fans (typically 2-4 fans) that rotate simultaneously. Each fan has a diameter of 50-150mm and they are arranged in parallel, collectively providing the required air volume while maintaining a compact overall structure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity without increasing device volume.
2Productivity
If multiple rotating fans are used to increase air volume, then cooling efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fixed fans (stationary vanes) as intermediary elements positioned between the rotating fans and the outlet, and also between adjacent rotating fans. These fixed fans guide and straighten the airflow, reducing turbulence and pressure loss. The fixed fans act as mediators that optimize the airflow path, allowing multiple rotating fans to work together efficiently without excessive pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various geometric parameters including the stagger angle of rotating fan blades (10°-45°), the inlet angle of fixed fan blades (10°-30°), and the spacing between fans. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high air volume while minimizing pressure loss through optimized airflow patterns and reduced turbulence.
3Loss of energy
If fixed fans are added between rotating fans to reduce pressure loss, then airflow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixed fans and rotating fans into a single integrated fan assembly unit. The fixed fans are positioned in the gaps between rotating fans, and both types of fans share common mounting structures and drive mechanisms. This merging approach reduces overall structural complexity compared to having separate fan units, while still providing the pressure loss reduction benefits of the fixed fans.
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 increases air volume and wind speed, enhancing cooling efficiency while maintaining a compact structure by minimizing pressure loss and allowing for adjustable rotational speeds, thus improving the performance of air conditioners without enlarging their physical footprint.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the rotating fan and the fixed fan may include a fan frame and a plurality of blades which radially extend from the fan frame. The blade provided in the rotating fan or the fixed fan may be provided in an arc fan shape or an airfoil fan shape.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a fan assembly having improved cooling and heating performance and an air conditioner having the same. The fan assembly provided in an air conditioner includes a plurality of rotating fans provided to be rotatable about the same rotating shaft and at least one fixed fan fixed between adjacent two rotating fans of the plurality of rotating fans.