Slanted Air Filter Layout for Uniform Heat Exchanger Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air conditioners, uneven air flow through the heat exchanger leads to reduced efficiency due to high flow velocity near the peripheral edge of the air introduction opening, causing unevenness in air flow and potential drops in heat exchange efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design features a filter with a slanted outer shape relative to the heat exchanger, and in some embodiments, a panel portion with slanted or convex surfaces, which alters the air flow direction and transmission ease, mitigating unevenness in air flow through the heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the filter has a parallel outer shape with respect to the heat exchanger, then the structure is simple, but uneven flow arises in the air passing through the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with a slanted outer shape relative to the heat exchanger, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry modifies the air flow pattern to reduce peripheral concentration and achieve more uniform distribution across the heat exchanger surface, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The slanted filter design creates different flow characteristics at different locations. By varying the angle of incidence of air flow across the filter surface, the design addresses local flow不均匀ity, particularly reducing the peripheral edge effect while maintaining adequate flow through the center regions.
2Reliability
If the filter outer shape is slanted with respect to the heat exchanger, then uneven flow is alleviated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The slanted filter configuration introduces controlled asymmetry to the otherwise simple rectangular filter structure. This single angular modification provides the flow distribution benefits needed for efficient heat exchange while adding minimal structural complexity compared to more elaborate flow control mechanisms.
3Speed
If air flow velocity is high near the peripheral edge of the air introduction opening, then the centrifugal fan generates sufficient flow, but unevenness arises in the air flow through the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The slanted filter design creates location-dependent flow characteristics by varying the incidence angle across the filter surface. This locally modifies the air flow velocity distribution, reducing the excessive peripheral velocity while maintaining adequate flow through central regions, thereby achieving more uniform heat exchange performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric slanted configuration redistributes the air flow velocity profile across the heat exchanger surface, transforming the peripheral-concentrated flow pattern into a more uniform distribution pattern that utilizes the entire heat exchanger area effectively.
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 design effectively alleviates uneven air flow through the heat exchanger, enhancing heat exchange efficiency by modifying the air flow pattern and ensuring consistent air transmission across different portions of the filter.
Implementation Method 1
it is easy for the flow velocity of the air to become large in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the air introduction opening, and the flow rate of the air flowing in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the air introduction opening becomes large
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger is disposed facing the filter downstream of the filter and performs heat exchange with air that passes through the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The centrifugal fan generates a flow of air that is sucked in from the suction openings, passes through the filter, the heat exchanger and the blowout passages, and is blown out from the blowout openings
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is disposed with a casing, a filter, an indoor heat exchanger, a blower, and a blowout passage. The casing includes a suction opening and a blowout opening. The filter is disposed downstream of the suction opening and transmits air. The indoor heat exchanger is disposed facing the filter downstream of the filter and performs heat exchange with air that passes through the indoor heat exchanger. The blower is disposed downstream of the indoor heat exchanger and generates a flow of air that is sucked in from the suction opening and is blown out from the blowout opening. The blowout passage includes an air introduction opening disposed facing and downstream of the indoor heat exchanger and guides air from the air introduction opening to the blowout opening. Additionally, the filter has an outer shape that is slanted with respect to the indoor heat exchanger.