Parallel Centrifugal Blowers for Compact Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for electronic devices face challenges in achieving high performance and low noise while managing increasing heat loads in compact spaces, with axial fans often resulting in high noise and inefficiencies, and centrifugal blowers being too large for compact arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A cooling fan array using a frame with removable modules, each containing dual-opposed inlet centrifugal blowers with forward-curved impellers, arranged in sets with closely spaced inlets to operate in parallel, providing a uniform flow field and reducing noise and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If axial fans are used to cool electronic devices, then cooling performance can be achieved, but noise levels become unacceptable and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by switching from axial fan configuration to centrifugal blower configuration, operating at lower tip speeds (below 6000 ft/min compared to typical axial fan speeds) while maintaining or improving cooling performance through optimized impeller geometry and parallel blower arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple parallel centrifugal blowers (typically two or more) rather than using a single axial fan, allowing each blower to operate at lower individual speeds and noise levels while collectively providing the required cooling capacity
2Power
If centrifugal blowers are used to handle higher pressures, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but physical size becomes too large for compact arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the parallel arrangement of multiple blowers along the airflow path, effectively using a dimensional approach where blowers are positioned side-by-side rather than in series, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining the pressure-handling capabilities of centrifugal design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple centrifugal blowers into a single integrated housing structure with shared inlet and outlet plenums, creating a compact assembly that functions as one unit while leveraging the high aerodynamic efficiency of centrifugal design
3Productivity
If higher fan speeds are used to address increased flow requirements, then cooling capacity increases, but noise levels become unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total cooling capacity requirement into multiple parallel centrifugal blowers, each operating at lower speeds. For example, two blowers operating at 50% capacity each produce the same total cooling as one blower at 100% capacity, but with significantly reduced noise from each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter by operating centrifugal blowers at tip speeds below 6000 ft/min, which is lower than typical axial fans, while compensating for the reduced individual speed through parallel configuration to maintain total cooling capacity
4Stress or pressure
If multiple axial fan trays are arranged in series to handle increased system pressures, then pressure handling improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple centrifugal blowers into a single integrated housing with shared plenums and coordinated control, reducing system complexity compared to multiple separate axial fan trays while maintaining the pressure handling capability through parallel operation
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 solution enhances aerodynamic efficiency, reduces noise, and maintains performance with reduced power input, achieving equivalent aerodynamic performance to conventional centrifugal blowers while occupying a smaller volume.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the modules includes a centrifugal blower with an impeller driven by a motor and defining an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The blowers are arranged in the frame in one or more sets, with each set including at least two blowers oriented with respective inlets in facing relationship with one another drawing inlet air in opposite directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
A cooling system for an electronics chassis includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers arranged to motivate cooling air through the electronics chassis. The centrifugal blowers are arranged in one or more sets, each having blowers oriented with respective inlets in mutual facing relationship. The orientation, positioning, and alignment of the centrifugal blowers facilitates a compact arrangement of the plurality of blowers that achieves increased aerodynamic efficiencies to reduce noise output and energy consumption.