U.S. patent application number 17/220380 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-20 for techniques of manufacturing fans and evase devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Best Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John C. Karamanos, Herbert Willke.
Application Number | 20220018552 17/220380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005526669 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220018552 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karamanos; John C. ; et
al. |
January 20, 2022 |
TECHNIQUES OF MANUFACTURING FANS AND EVASE DEVICES
Abstract
Manufacturing techniques and architectures directed to an
improved fan device that can be integrated into an evase.
Manufacturing techniques of an improved evase device can be
designed with rounded corners that can facilitate, e.g., mitigation
of reverse flow that traditionally grows back from corners of a
transition from an axial fan to a rectangular duct.
Inventors: |
Karamanos; John C.; (San
Jose, CA) ; Willke; Herbert; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Best Technologies, Inc. |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005526669 |
Appl. No.: |
17/220380 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16930635 |
Jul 16, 2020 |
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17220380 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/20 20130101;
F24F 13/24 20130101; F24F 13/0245 20130101; F24F 2013/242 20130101;
F24F 13/08 20130101; F24F 1/0029 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/0029 20060101
F24F001/0029; F24F 13/08 20060101 F24F013/08; F24F 13/02 20060101
F24F013/02; F24F 13/24 20060101 F24F013/24; F24F 13/20 20060101
F24F013/20 |
Claims
1. A method of fabricating an evase device, comprising: forming, by
a device comprising a processor, a housing that encompasses a
channel that extends in a longitudinal direction from a first side
of the housing to a second side of the housing; forming, by the
device, a first opening in the housing that is situated at the
first side of the housing, wherein the first opening is configured
to receive a flow of a fluid discharged by a fan; forming, by the
device, a second opening in the housing that is situated at the
second side of the housing, wherein the second opening is
configured to discharge the flow of the fluid into a duct; forming,
by the device, rounded corners at the second side of the housing,
wherein the rounded corners are determined to mitigate a reverse
flow of the fluid at corners of the duct; and forming, by the
device, a central pod having a shape that is cylindrical over an
entire length from the first opening to the second opening and is
determined to reduce impact loss at the second opening.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, an intermediate baffle situated in the channel.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the rounded corners are first
rounded corners and the intermediate baffle is configured with
second rounded corners that are determined to mitigate the reverse
flow of the fluid.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, the fan situated within the housing.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, a motor of the fan that is situated within the
channel.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the fan is an axial fan.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the fan is plenum fan.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein, during the forming the first
opening, the first opening is configured to have an annular shape
with a diameter that matches an impeller hub diameter of the
fan.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein, during the forming the second
opening, the second opening is configured to interface to a
rectangular shaped duct.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the rectangular shaped duct has
squared corners.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein, during the forming the rounded
corners that are determined to mitigate the reverse flow, a shape
of the rounded corners is determined according to a Reynolds number
calculation.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein, during the forming the rounded
corners that are determined to mitigate the reverse flow, a shape
of the rounded corners is determined to reduce an impact loss in
connection with a conversion of a velocity pressure of the fluid
into a static pressure.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming or assembling
a container for the evase device that is filled with a material
that absorbs sound.
14. A method of fabricating an evase fan device, comprising:
forming, by a device comprising a processor, a housing that
encompasses a channel that extends in a longitudinal direction from
a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing;
forming, by the device, a fan device that is situated at the first
side of the housing; forming, by the device, a first opening in the
housing that is situated at the first side of the housing, wherein
the first opening is configured to receive a flow of a fluid
discharged by the fan device; forming, by the device, a second
opening in the housing that is situated at the second side of the
housing, wherein the second opening is configured to discharge the
flow of the fluid into a duct; forming, by the device, rounded
corners at the second side of the housing, wherein the rounded
corners are determined to mitigate a reverse flow of the fluid at
corners of the duct; and forming, by the device, a central pod
having a shape that is cylindrical over an entire length between
the first opening and the second opening, and is determined to
reduce impact loss at the second opening.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming or
assembling, by the device, an intermediate baffle situated in the
channel.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rounded corners are first
rounded corners and the intermediate baffle is configured with
second rounded corners that are determined to mitigate the reverse
flow of the fluid.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming or
assembling, by the device a motor of the fan device that is
situated within the channel.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming or
assembling, by the device a motor of the fan device that is
situated outside the channel.
19. A method of fabricating an evase fan device, comprising:
forming, by a device comprising a processor, a housing that
encompasses a channel that extends in a longitudinal direction from
a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing;
forming, by the device, a fan device that is situated at the first
side of the housing, wherein a motor of the fan device is situated
within the channel; forming, by the device, a first opening in the
housing that is situated at the first side of the housing, wherein
the first opening is configured to receive a flow of a fluid
discharged by the fan device; forming, by the device, a second
opening in the housing that is situated at the second side of the
housing, wherein the second opening is configured to discharge the
flow of the fluid into a duct; forming, by the device, rounded
corners at the second side of the housing, wherein the rounded
corners are determined to mitigate a reverse flow of the fluid at
corners of the duct; and forming, by the device, a central pod
having a shape that is cylindrical over an entire length from the
first opening to the second opening and is determined to reduce
impact loss at the second opening.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming or
assembling, by the device, an intermediate baffle situated in the
channel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The subject patent application is a divisional of, and
claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/930,635,
filed Jul. 16, 2020, and entitled "HVAC DEVICES WITH IMPROVED
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY," the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to manufacturing
techniques for fans or evase devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In several ways, modern evase devices or fan devices rely on
structural designs or techniques that are many decades old without
adequate improvement over that time. As such, improved designs can
provide much needed and long awaited improvements in these
domains.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a summary to provide a basic
understanding of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. This
summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or
delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of
the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later.
[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
evase device is presented. The evase device can comprise a housing
that encompasses a channel. The channel can extend in a
longitudinal direction from a first side of the housing to a second
side of the housing. The evase device can comprise a first opening
that is situated at the first side of the housing. The first
opening can be configured to receive a flow of a fluid discharged
by a fan. The evase device can comprise a second opening that is
situated at the second side of the housing. The second opening can
be configured to discharge the flow into a duct. At the second
side, the housing can have a rounded corner determined to mitigate
a reverse flow of the fluid at corners of the duct.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
intake device is presented. The intake device can be, e.g., intake
air (or another fluid) for an HVAC system (or another system), and
can operate with greatly reduced noise reduction. The intake device
can comprise an intake duct. The intake duct can comprise a first
opening by which a fluid enters the intake duct and a second
opening by which the fluid exits the intake duct. The first opening
and the second opening can be substantially circular about a
longitudinal axis of the intake duct. A first circumference of the
first opening can be larger than a second circumference of the
second opening. The intake device can further comprise a top cover.
The top cover can prevent the fluid from entering the intake duct
in a direction along the longitudinal axis (e.g., vertical).
However, the top cover can be situated a distance from the first
opening, e.g., to permit the fluid to enter the intake duct in a
radial direction that is radial about the longitudinal axis (e.g.,
horizontal). The intake device can further comprise an inner funnel
that can be situated within the inner passageway of the intake
duct. The inner funnel can comprise an upper portion that couples
to the top cover and a lower portion that extends into the
passageway. The inner funnel can comprise an outer surface that
spans the upper portion and the lower portion. The outer surface
can be sloped, causing the flow of the fluid entering the intake
duct in the radial direction to change to the direction along the
longitudinal axis.
[0007] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an
aero-acoustical fan intake device is presented. The fan intake
device can be, e.g., represent an intake for air (or another fluid)
for a fan of an HVAC system (or another system), and can operate
with greatly reduced acoustical (e.g., noise) reduction without
significant aerodynamic loss. The fan intake device can comprise an
inlet face. The inlet face can comprise an inlet opening configured
to receive a flow of a fluid. The fan intake device can further
comprise a discharge face. The discharge face can comprise a
discharge opening configured to discharge the flow of the fluid.
Further still, the fan intake device can comprise a housing. The
housing can encompass a flow channel that extends from the inlet
opening to the discharge opening. Significantly, a cross-sectional
area of the flow channel can vary between the inlet opening and the
discharge opening in a manner that is determined to cause the flow
of the fluid through the flow channel to continuously accelerate
from a first location of the channel to the discharge opening.
[0008] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, an air
handler device is presented. The air handler device can comprise a
mixing plenum. The mixing plenum can be configured to receive
multiple flows of air from multiple different ducts that feed the
mixing plenum. The air handler device can comprise a fan device.
The fan device can be configured to receive a mixing plenum flow
from the mixing plenum and to discharge a supply flow. The air
handler device can further comprise a supply plenum. The supply
plenum can be configured to receive the supply flow from the fan
device. The supply plenum can comprise a plurality of duct
interfaces. The duct interfaces can be respectively configured to
interface with a different one of a plurality of supply ducts. The
supply plenum can further comprise a plurality of thermal transfer
units comprising a first thermal transfer unit and a second thermal
transfer unit. The plurality of thermal transfer units can be
respectively situated in different ones of the plurality of duct
interfaces. Furthermore, the first thermal transfer unit can be
configured to heat a first air flow concurrently with the second
thermal transfer unit cooling a second air flow.
[0009] According to a second embodiment of this disclosure, another
air handler device is presented. This air handler device (as well
as the first air handler device) can be part of an HVAC product.
The air handler device can be configured to circulate a flow of air
within an HVAC system situated at a site the HVAC product is to be
installed. The air handler device can comprise a top surface that
is, relative to an installation at the site, on top of the air
handler device. The air handler device can have a first height that
is, relative to the installation, a height of the air handler
device. The HVAC product can further comprise a heat exchange
device that can be configured to exchange heat with the flow of
air. The heat exchange device can have a second height that is,
relative to the installation, a height of the heat exchange device.
Further, the heat exchange device can be situated on the top
surface of the air handler device, resulting in the HVAC product
having a total height that is, relative to the installation,
determined to be less than or equal to a defined height
constraint
[0010] In some embodiments, elements described in connection with
the systems and apparatuses above can be embodied in different
forms such as a computer-implemented method of fabrication, or
another form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of two example views of
an evase are depicted in accordance with certain embodiments of
this disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of two example views of
an improved evase design in accordance with certain embodiments of
this disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional graphical depiction
of a first example improved evase device is illustrated in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional graphical depiction
of a second example improved evase device is illustrated in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical depiction of a first system
that can be representative of an example exploded view of an
example improved evase device in accordance with certain
embodiments of this disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrate a graphical depiction of a second system
that can be representative of an example exploded view of an
example improved evase device with an integrated fan in accordance
with certain embodiments of this disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an evase device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can provide additional aspects or elements
in connection with fabricating an evase device in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a three-dimensional example exploded view
of an example improved intake device in accordance with certain
embodiments of this disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates graphical depictions of an example
three-dimensional view of the improved intake device and a
corresponding two-dimensional cross-section view of the improved
intake device in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a three-dimensional graphical depiction
of an example improved intake device from a lower perspective
showing a discharge of the intake device in accordance with certain
embodiments of this disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an intake device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can provide additional aspects or elements
in connection with fabricating an intake device in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a
cross-section of an a first example of a fan intake device in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a
cross-section of a second example of a fan intake device having a
bulb-shaped inlet face in accordance with certain embodiments of
this disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating a fan intake device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can provide additional aspects or elements
in connection with fabricating a fan intake device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
and
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a
cross-section of a first example air handler product in accordance
with certain embodiments of this disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates a three-dimensional representation of a
first example air handler product having three supply duct
interfaces in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates a three-dimensional representation of a
second example air handler product having multiple fans and four
supply duct interfaces in accordance with certain embodiments of
this disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a
cross-section of an a second example air handler product in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure; and
[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an air handler product in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter;
[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can provide additional aspects or elements
in connection with fabricating an air handler product in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
and
[0034] FIG. 24 illustrates a block diagram of an example,
non-limiting computing environment by which one or more embodiments
described herein can be fabricated or otherwise facilitated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The disclosed subject matter is now described with reference
to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer
to like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject
matter. It may be evident, however, that the disclosed subject
matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to facilitate describing the disclosed
subject matter.
Example Evase Apparatus
[0036] Referring now to the drawings, with initial reference to
FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 of two example views of an evase are
depicted in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure.
In the HVAC domain, an evase can operate as a duct transition. For
instance, the evase can connect a fan outlet, typically circular in
shape to match fan impeller sweep, to a supply duct that is
typically larger in size and rectangular in shape. This duct size
and shape transition can lead to undesired consequences, some of
which are discussed in connection with evase 102.
[0037] The left side of FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal axis
perspective of evase 102, for instance a view as seen from the
duct, with the longitudinal axis that extends into the page and
intersects at point 103. Evase 102 can comprise inlet 104 that is
circular in shape and can be configured to receive a flow of a
fluid discharged by a fan (not shown). Evase 102 can further
comprise outlet 108 that is rectangular in shape and can be
configured to discharge the fluid into a supply duct (see duct
112).
[0038] The right side of FIG. 1 depicts evase 102 from the
perspective of a cross-section along diagonal line 111 that runs
from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner, which can
represent a projected diagonal view. Circular inlet 104 receives a
flow of fluid from the fan, which is illustrated by fluid flow
lines 106 (dashed lines). Because outlet 108 is larger in size, the
fluid gradually expands through the interior chamber of evase 102.
This gradual expansion continues well into duct 112.
[0039] As shown, a longest distance 110 between inlet 104 and
outlet 108 is represented by some point on the circular ring of
inlet 104 to a rectangular corner of the outlet. Distance 110 can
represent a significant factor in the efficacy of evase 102 because
it can approximately represent a potentially longest path for the
flow of fluid through evase 102. Based on ordinary geometric
principles, angle 114 is a function of and therefore constrained by
evase length 116 and distance 110.
[0040] Further, due to the velocity of the fluid discharged by the
fan, a common situation arises in other evase devices such as evase
102 in which angle 114 is too large to facilitate fluid flow to
flow along longest path 110. As a result, significant reverse flow
118 arises. This reverse flow 118 leads to a number of
disadvantages.
[0041] For example, in conventional systems, a decrease in kinetic
energy between the fan discharge and larger downstream duct is
entirely lost, being converted into heat carried by the flow. The
effective fan efficiency is greatly reduced, in some cases by
nearly 50%. To account for this loss, a larger fan motor than would
otherwise be required is generally utilized and/or the fan is
operated at a higher revolutions per minute (RPM) than needed
otherwise. Generally, higher operating RPM's mean a noisier
equipment room and reduced motor lifetime.
[0042] Further, because HVAC systems are generally configured to
supply cool air to the building, the heating of the flow outlined
above requires either increasing the total flow to obtain the same
cooling effect from the warmer air or lowering heat rejection
temperature to compensate for that extra heat. In any case the
extra heat places an additional burden on the thermal rejection
system, which must also extract heat equal to the heating caused by
the evase energy loss. Poor evase efficiency is paid for by
increased operating cost for the fan and heat rejection
sections.
[0043] Further still, practical HVAC systems rarely have sufficient
space (e.g., 5 to 10 duct diameters of duct length) required for
the flow to straighten out downstream of the ineffective evase. In
practice the flow is often turned and/or divided almost immediately
following the evase. The nonuniform flow increases losses in turns
and will not follow the geometry of a split unless downstream
dampers are feathered to limit flow to the favored channel,
contributing to additional losses to the system together with
additional noise from dampers up in the ceiling space, which can
adversely affect occupants below the dampers.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 of two example
views of an improved evase design are depicted in accordance with
certain embodiments of this disclosure. In that regard, a
longitudinal axis perspective of evase 202 is illustrated on the
left side of FIG. 2, while the right side of FIG. 2 depicts a
cross-section along diagonal line 211 that runs from the top-right
corner to the bottom-left corner, which can represent a projected
diagonal view. Evase 202 can comprise housing 203 shown in dashed
lines. Housing 203 can encompass a channel that extends in a
longitudinal direction from a first side (e.g., inlet side) of
housing 203 to a second side (e.g., outlet side) of housing 203. A
length of this channel is illustrated by reference numeral 216.
[0045] Evase 202 can further comprise first opening 204 situated at
the first side of housing 203 (e.g., inlet side). First opening 204
can be configured to receive a flow 206 (e.g., indicated by dashed
lines) of a fluid discharge by a fan. As depicted, first opening
can have a circular shape that can match or scale to the fan or
impeller blades of the fan, however first opening 204 can be any
suitable shape.
[0046] Evase 202 can further comprise second opening 208. Second
opening 208 can be situated at the second side of housing 203
(e.g., outlet side). Second opening 208 can be configured to
discharge flow 206 into duct 212. Advantageously, at second opening
208, housing 203 can have rounded corners 205. Rounded corners 205
can be configured to or determined to mitigate a reverse flow
(e.g., see reverse flow 118 of FIG. 1) at corners of duct 212. In
some implementations, reverse flow 118 can be entirely prevented,
while in other cases reverse flow 118 can be significantly reduced,
resulting in much smaller effective reverse flow shown here at
reference numeral 218.
[0047] In more detail, duct 212 can have a rectangular shape and
corners of duct 212 can be squared corners. As evase 202 can be
coupled to duct 212 and/or serve as an interface to duct 212,
corners of an exterior portion of housing 203 can be rectangular
shaped that can be variably sized to correspond to or match a size
and shape of duct 212. However, an interior portion of housing 203
can exhibit rounded corners 205.
[0048] By way of comparison with evase 102 of FIG. 1, due to
rounded corners 205, length 210 is shorter than the corresponding
length 110 of FIG. 1, the latter of which extends to the corner of
duct 112. Assuming channel length 216 is approximately the same as
length 116 (which is often a physical constraint of a given system
or customer site), one result of length 210 being shorter is that
angle 214 is less than angle 114. As such, flow 206 can readily
flow through a larger volume of both the evase channel and duct 212
instead of being more inclined flow in regions not much larger than
opening 104 until much farther downstream of duct 112, as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0049] In some embodiments, a shape of rounded corners 205 is
determined or designed based on a Reynolds number calculation. It
is appreciated that the fluid discharged by the fan can have a
velocity pressure that is converted to static pressure less an
impact loss. In some embodiments, the shape of rounded corners 205
can be determined to reduce this impact loss and therefore cause a
net positive change in static pressure.
[0050] It is appreciated that the shape of rounded corners 205 in
this example is representative of a square shaped housing 203 with
a suitably sized duct 212. In other embodiments, housing 203 and/or
ducts 212 might be different shapes, for example, rectangular in
shape. In those cases, and further based on a difference between
sizes or shapes of housing 203 and duct 212, the prominence of
rounded corners 205 can differ from what is depicted in this
example. For instance, consider the case of a more rectangular
shape in which a width of the longitudinal axis perspective is
greater than the height. In that case, rounded corners 205 can have
a similar height to what is depicted, but with a greater length. At
some threshold, the rounded corners 205 may meet one of the two
neighboring rounded corners 205. For example, both of the rounded
corners 205 at the top of the figure can intersect with those at
the bottom of the figure, causing the shape of the opening to
resemble a flattened oval. In other embodiments, such as when a
given rounded corner 205 intersects with both neighboring rounded
corners 205, the shape of the opening can resemble a circle. These
different shapes, as well as other suitable shapes are considered
to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.
[0051] To continue the above description, when comparing evase 102
(e.g., comprising squared corners) to evase 202 (e.g., comprising
rounded corners 205), a change in static pressure (ASP) is expected
to be zero. In contrast, ASP for evase 202 can be a function of a
difference between a velocity pressure (VP) at first opening 204
(e.g., VP.sub.1) and a VP within the duct 212 at some defined
distance downstream of evase 202 (e.g., VP.sub.0). As one example,
ASP can equal 8*(VP.sub.1-VP.sub.0). This can reduce utilized fan
horsepower by 20-30%, sometimes allowing selection of the next
smaller motor size, which can significantly reduce costs and
overhead.
[0052] Furthermore, certain disadvantages listed above with respect
to other systems (e.g., evase 102) are reversed for improved evase
202. For instance, evase 202 can result in reduced fan RPM's and
installed horsepower, quieter equipment rooms, longer motor life,
and more even discharge flow so that elbows and splitters work more
efficiently. In addition, heat rejection load can be reduced. Both
fan and heat rejection operating costs are reduced.
[0053] While not shown here, in some embodiments, evase 202 can
further comprise an intermediate baffle that can further enhance
advantages discussed herein, which is further detailed in
connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, in some embodiments, some
portions of housing 203 or another housing or container can be
filled with a material that absorbs sound, which is also discussed
in more detail in connection with FIG. 4.
[0054] As previously noted first opening 204 can have a circular or
annular shape. In some embodiments, this circular or annular shape
can have a diameter that corresponds to or matches an impeller hub
diameter of the fan. In some embodiments, the fan can be mounted to
or embedded in housing 203, which is further detailed in connection
with FIG. 6
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 3, a three-dimensional graphical
depiction of a first example improved evase device 300 is
illustrated in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure. As illustrated, evase device 300 can comprise housing
302 that encompasses a channel (e.g., in which fluid flows) that
extends in a longitudinal direction. This longitudinal direction
can be represented by longitudinal axis 304 and the channel can
extend from first side 306 of housing 302 (e.g., right hand side)
to second side 308 of housing 302 (e.g., left hand side).
[0056] Evase device 300 can comprise first opening 310 situated at
first side 306 of housing 302. First opening 310 can be configured
to receive flow 312 of a fluid discharged by a fan. Evase device
300 can further comprise second opening 314 situated at second side
308 of housing 302. Second opening 314 can be configured to
discharge flow 312 into a duct. Beneficially, at second side 308,
housing 302 has one or more rounded corners 316. Rounded corners
316 can be determined to mitigate a reverse flow of the fluid that
might otherwise occur at corners of the duct.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4, a three-dimensional graphical
depiction of a second example improved evase device 400 is
illustrated in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure. As illustrated, evase device 400 comprises all or a
portion of example evase device 300. In this view rounded corners
316 can be seen. In addition, evase device 400 comprises an
exterior housing 402 that encloses evase device 300 and other
elements. Housing 402 can further include a material that absorbs
or mitigate sound.
[0058] In addition, evase device 400 can further include an
intermediate baffle 404. Intermediate baffle 404 can further
improve functional advantages such as improving mitigation of
reverse flow 116. Intermediate baffle 404 can operate reduce
necessary length (e.g., evase channel length 216) of the evase by
about half. For example, by including intermediate baffle 404,
evase channel length 216 can be about half the size as what might
otherwise be needed in order to effectuate proper flow with
mitigated reverse flow. Such can be a significant advantage,
particularly in implementations where there is not a lot of space
at the installation site for an evase device
[0059] Intermediate baffle 404 can operate to guide the outer
portion of the flow to expand at nearly twice the angle (e.g.,
angle 214) otherwise possible without engendering complete flow
separation from the rapidly expanding outer boundaries.
Intermediate baffle 404 can also provides superior sound
attenuation by placing additional absorption material in the middle
of the flow where the outer and inner sound absorbing materials are
least effective. As illustrated, intermediate baffle 404 can also
exhibit or comprise rounded corners 406. Rounded corners 406 of
intermediate baffle 404 can exhibit the same or a different
gradient as rounded corners 316 of evase device 300, either of
which can be based on a Reynolds number calculation.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 5, a graphical depiction illustrates
system 500 that can be representative of an example exploded view
of evase device 400 in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure. In this example, additional elements of evase device
400 can be identified. It is appreciated that evase device 400 can
contain all or only a portion of elements described in connection
with system 500, which are intended to be exemplary or
representative, but also non-limiting. For instance, other elements
may be present and certain elements discussed here may be optional
or excluded.
[0061] System 500 can include evase 502, which can be substantially
similar to evase 300. At opposing sides of evase 502, the device
can be coupled to interface elements such as annular fan interface
element 504 and rectangular duct interface element 506. Elements
504 and 506 can essentially line opposing openings (e.g., first
opening 306 and second opening 308. Hence, rectangular duct
interface element 506 can exhibit rounded corners that match or
correspond to rounded corners 316.
[0062] System 500 can include intermediate baffle 508, which can be
substantially similar to intermediate baffle 404. Likewise
intermediate baffle 508 can be coupled to interface elements 510
and 512 that are situated on opposing sides of intermediate baffle
508. When assembled, intermediate baffle 508 can fit inside evase
device 502 and a central axis (e.g., longitudinal axis 304) can be
include central pod 514. Sizing for central pod 514 can match the
impeller hub, eliminating the impact loss that otherwise occurs at
the impeller hub region, and which can be built into the fan curves
according to testing. A fan tested at, e.g., 78% efficient may
become, e.g., 83% efficient, representing a 5-10% increase in
efficiency. Central pod 514 may be conical in shape, resulting in a
smaller area at the discharge, further reducing impact losses. The
net effect of central pod 514 can translate to an 80% to 90%
recovery of the impact loss behind the impeller hub.
[0063] Support for the assembled elements at the intake side can be
provided by support elements 516, while similar support at the
opposing side can be provided by support elements 522. Rectangular
frame 518 and intake side face plate 520 can further be
assembled.
[0064] On the opposing side (e.g., discharge side), L-shaped
support elements 524 and support rod elements 526 can be assembled.
These support elements (e.g., 522, 524, and 526) can provide
support, such as support for elements fitted inside housing 528,
which can include evase 502, intermediate baffle 508, and central
pod 514. System 500 can further include discharge side rectangular
frame 530, discharge side face plate 532 and top frame 534.
[0065] With reference now to FIG. 6, a graphical depiction
illustrates system 600 that can be representative of an example
exploded view of evase device 400 with an integrated fan in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. System 600
can include all or a portion of elements detailed in connection
with system 500, including all or some portion of elements 502-534.
In addition, system 600 can further include an integrated fan.
[0066] For example, system 600 can include fan hub 602 that can
couple to all or a portion of central pod 514, interface elements
504, 510, intermediate baffle 508, and/or evase 502. As
illustrated, impeller housing 602 can include straightening vanes
and a sleeve having an impeller hub diameter to contain the motor.
System 600 can further include motor 604 and impeller 606. Hence,
in some embodiments, housing 528 of evase system 500, or elements
therein such as intermediate baffle 508 or evase 502, can operate
as a housing for certain elements of the fan, such as motor
604.
[0067] As can be observed, in some embodiments, motor 604 can be
situated within the interior channel of evase device 300 and/or
within an interior channel of intermediate baffle 508, which itself
can be situated within the interior channel of evase device 300. In
some embodiments, central pod 514 can have dimensions that match or
correspond to dimensions of motor 604. In some embodiments, central
pod 514 can contain all or portions of motor 604 such that central
pod 514 can match up right behind the impeller hub.
[0068] Advantageously, situating fan elements (e.g., motor 604,
etc.) inside the interior channel of evase device 300 can result in
significant space savings, which can further increase the efficacy
of evase devices detailed herein. For example, turning back FIG. 2,
flow 206 can be considered to begin just behind location of
impeller 606. In other systems, where the fan motor is farther
upstream, the length of the motor reduces the available length for
evase 202 because an evase channel length 216 can be constrained by
the locations of the fan and duct 212. However, by placing motor
604 within the channel of evase 202 (or other evase devices
detailed herein), evase channel length 216 can be increased by a
similar amount. As such, angle 214 can be decreased, which can
further prevent or mitigate reverse flow 218 as well as further
other advantages detailed herein.
Example Methods of Fabricating an Evase Device
[0069] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate various methodologies in accordance
with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as
a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers.
[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram 700 of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an evase device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. For
example, a device comprising a processor can perform certain
operations. Examples of said processor as well as other suitable
computer or computing-based elements, can be found with reference
to FIG. 24, and can be used in connection with implementing one or
more of the devices or components shown and described in connection
with figures disclosed herein.
[0071] At reference numeral 702, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming a housing that encompasses a
channel. The channel can extend in a longitudinal direction from a
first side of the housing to a second side of the housing. As used
herein, the term `forming` can comprise any suitable structural
manipulation of a material or element including concepts directed
to creating a material or element, structurally manipulating a
material or element, or assembling a material or element.
[0072] At reference numeral 704, the device can facilitate forming
a first opening in the housing that is situated at the first side
of the housing, wherein the first opening is configured to receive
a flow of a fluid discharged by a fan. In some embodiments, the
first opening can be sized to match or correspond to certain
elements of a fan, such as an impeller of the fan. In some
embodiments, the first side of the housing can be coupled to the
fan.
[0073] At reference numeral 706, the device can facilitate forming
a second opening in the housing that is situated at the second side
of the housing, wherein the second opening is configured to
discharge the flow of a fluid into a duct. In some embodiments, the
second opening can be sized to match or correspond to a duct. In
some embodiments, the second side can be coupled to the duct.
[0074] At reference numeral 708, the device can facilitate forming
rounded corners at the second side of the housing, wherein the
rounded corners are determined to mitigate a reverse flow of the
fluid at corners of the duct. Method 700 can proceed to insert A,
which is further detailed in connection with FIG. 8, or
terminate.
[0075] Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a flow diagram 800 of
an example, non-limiting method that can provide additional aspects
or elements in connection with fabricating an evase device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0076] At reference numeral 802, the device can facilitate forming
or assembling, by the device, an intermediate baffle situated in
the channel. In some embodiments, the intermediate baffle can
comprise rounded corners at an interface region to the duct. In
some embodiments, the intermediate baffle can comprise a central
pod situated within a baffle channel.
[0077] At reference numeral 804, the device can facilitate
assembling or forming the fan situated within the housing. As
illustrated at reference numeral 806, in some embodiments, a motor
of the fan can be situated within the channel and/or within the
baffle channel. In some embodiments, the motor can have dimensions
that match or correspond to dimensions of the central pod.
Example Intake Apparatus (e.g., Radiax)
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 9, a graphical depiction is illustrated
of an example three-dimensional exploded view of an improved intake
device 900 in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure. Intake device 900 can operate as an intake for a fluid,
such as outside air, for an HVAC system. It is common practice for
HVAC systems to mix outside air with tempered or conditioned air,
typically mixed with return air from a controlled environment.
However, conventional intake devices suffer from certain
disadvantages.
[0079] For example, conventional intake device tend to be noisy,
especially for large systems and/or large buildings. Standard inlet
bell designs tend to be wide open at the inlet or mouth, both
acoustically and aerodynamically. These designs can lead to
significant acoustical noise issues and aerodynamic losses such
that costs are increased. For instance, more energy is consumed
and/or a larger system than might otherwise be needed is selected.
In contrast, one significant advantage of certain embodiments
detailed herein is that the intake flow is not wide open and is
turned (e.g., about 90 degrees) and accelerated. This turning flow
can mitigate direct acoustic radiation and can do so without
introducing significant aerodynamic losses. Furthermore, due in
part to the disclosed design elements, the disclosed intake
apparatus can be made small enough so that an associated fan can be
placed closer to a floor or wall than is possible using a standard
inlet bell, which can mitigate potential building HVAC construction
or upgrade issues and/or open up new possibilities in that
regard.
[0080] FIG. 9 is intended to be referenced in conjunction with FIG.
10, showing graphical depictions 1000 of an example
three-dimensional view (left side of page) of an example assembled
improved intake device 900 and a corresponding two-dimensional
cross-section view (right side of page) of the improved intake
device 900 in accordance with certain embodiments of this
disclosure.
[0081] It is appreciated that intake device 900, which can be
referred to herein as a "radiax", "radiax device" or other similar
variations, and can contain all or only a portion of elements
described, which are intended to be exemplary or representative,
but also non-limiting. For instance, other elements may be present
and certain elements discussed here may be optional or
excluded.
[0082] Intake device 900 can comprise intake duct 902. Intake duct
902 can comprise first opening 904 by which a fluid enters the
intake duct and second opening 906 by which the fluid exits intake
duct 902. First opening 904 and second opening 906 can be
substantially circular or annular in shape about longitudinal axis
908 of intake duct 902. It is appreciated that a first
circumference of first opening 904 can larger than a second
circumference of second opening 906, which is best observed with
reference to the cross-section view illustrated by FIG. 10. Intake
duct 902 can further comprise interior surface 910. Interior
surface 910 can extend from first opening 904 to second opening
906, providing a passageway for a fluid to flow. That second
opening 906 is smaller than first opening 904 can be significant
for reasons further detailed below such as, for instance, fluid
flow through the passageway can undergo acceleration after entering
intake duct 902.
[0083] Intake device 900 can further comprise top cover 912. Being
situated on top, top cover 912 can prevent fluid from entering
intake duct 902 in a direction along longitudinal axis 908, which
is illustrated by reference numeral 918, showing fluid flow along
longitudinal axis 908 being blocked by top cover 912. As
illustrated by reference numeral 919, other non-radial flows can
also be block by top cover 912. On the other hand, because top
cover 912 can be situated some distance 913 away from first opening
904, such can permit the fluid to enter the intake duct 902 in a
radial direction that is radial about the longitudinal axis, as
illustrated by reference numeral 916.
[0084] Intake device 900 can further comprise inner funnel 914.
Inner funnel 914 can comprise upper portion 920 that can couple to
top cover 912. Inner funnel 914 can comprise lower portion 922 that
can extend into the passageway of intake duct 902. Inner funnel 914
can further comprise outer surface 924 that can span from upper
portion 920 to lower portion 922. This span of outer surface 924
can be sloped causing the flow entering intake device 900 in the
radial direction (e.g., flow 916) to change substantially to the
direction along longitudinal axis 908. As can be seen, the
passageway of intake duct 902, through which fluid flows, is
bounded by the regions between interior surface 910 (of intake duct
902) and outer surface 924 (of inner funnel 914).
[0085] In some embodiments, interior surface 910 of intake duct 902
can provide a smoothly tapered surface that encompasses a
substantially funnel-shaped passageway for the flow of the fluid.
Such is best illustrated by the white regions of the
two-dimensional cross-section view illustrated by FIG. 10. As
noted, such can create a gradual change in the angle of the fluid
flow. In some embodiments, the angular difference of the change in
direction of the flow, e.g., representing a difference between the
radial direction and the direction along longitudinal axis 908 can
be in a range of about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees.
[0086] As can be observed in this embodiment, a cross-sectional
area of the passageway (e.g., taking slices along longitudinal axis
908), can decrease when moving from first opening 904 to second
opening 906. In other words, the passageway narrows are fluid flows
farther into intake device 900. In some embodiments, this narrowing
can be determined to cause the flow of the fluid in the passageway
to increase in velocity and/or to accelerate when flowing toward
second opening 906, where the cross-sectional area can be the
smallest. This increase in velocity and/or acceleration can be
determined to have a damping effect on turbulence flow, which can,
inter alia, significantly decrease noise of intake device 900
relative to other intake devices known in the marketplace.
[0087] In some embodiments, geometries of outer surface 924 of
inner funnel 914 and interior surface 910 of intake duct 902 can be
determined to cause the flow to be laminar A laminar flow can be
one that has high momentum diffusion while maintaining low momentum
convection. Typically, a laminar flow occurs when the fluid flows
in parallel layers with no disruption between them (e.g., no eddies
or swirls). In some embodiments, these geometries of outer surface
924 and interior surface 910 can be determined to mitigate losses
due to flow separation along bounding surfaces of a turning flow
(e.g., the flow that is turning within intake device 900). The
turning flow can represent the flow entering in the radial
direction 916 and turning toward the longitudinal direction 908. In
some embodiments, these geometries are determined to cause at least
a portion of the flow entering intake device 900 to follow an
elliptical path when changing from radial direction 916 to the
direction along longitudinal axis 908.
[0088] In addition to elements detailed above, in some embodiments,
intake device 900 can optionally include several other elements
that are now described. For example, intake device 900 can include
angled cover support 926 that can couple to top cover 912 and can
include bottom funnel cover 928 that can attach to lower portion
922 of inner funnel 914. Intake device 900 can further include
center support structure 930 that can couple to one or both inner
funnel 914 and intake duct 902. For instance center support
structure 930 can support the positioning or orientation of inner
funnel 914 within the passageway of intake duct 902. Further,
intake device 900 can include bottom duct cover 932 that can couple
to a bottom side of intake duct 902. Support rods 934 and angled
ring 936 can also be included in intake device 900.
[0089] It is appreciated that in some embodiments, interior
portions of inner funnel 914 and interior portions of intake duct
902 can be filled with a material that absorbs or mitigates noise
or sound. For example, one or both inner funnel 914 and intake duct
902 can be filled with fiberglass or another material having sound
absorption properties.
[0090] Turning now to FIG. 11, a three-dimensional graphical
depiction of an example assembled intake device 1100 is illustrated
from a lower perspective showing a discharge of the intake device
in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. In this
example, intake duct 902 is prominent and shown from the lower
perspective. Inner funnel 914 is apparent both at the intake region
(e.g., upper portion 920) and the discharge region (e.g., lower
portion 922). Center support structures 930 that can to support
inner funnel 914 within the passageway of intake duct 902 can also
be observed from this perspective, as well as bottom duct cover 932
and bottom funnel cover 928.
Example Methods of Fabricating an Intake Device
[0091] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate various methodologies in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes
of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as
a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers.
[0092] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram 1200 of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an intake device in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. For
example, a device comprising a processor can perform certain
operations. Examples of said processor as well as other suitable
computer or computing-based elements, can be found with reference
to FIG. 24, and can be used in connection with implementing one or
more of the devices or components shown and described in connection
with figures disclosed herein.
[0093] At reference numeral 1202, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming an intake duct. The intake duct
can have a cover plate that is configured to prevent a fluid from
entering the intake duct in a longitudinal direction. Further, the
intake duct can be configured to receive, at a first end, the fluid
in a radial direction and to discharge, at a second end, the fluid
substantially in the longitudinal direction.
[0094] At reference numeral 1204, the device can facilitate forming
an inner funnel. The inner funnel can be situated between the cover
plate and the second end. In some embodiments, the inner funnel can
be coupled to the cover plate, e.g., to a bottom side of the cover
plate. Advantageously, the inner funnel can have a funnel geometry
that causes the fluid to follow an elliptical path after entering
the intake device from substantially the radial direction. In other
words, the flow of the fluid, when changing from the radial
direction to the longitudinal direction within the intake device is
determined to follow the elliptical path. Method 1200 can proceed
to insert A, which is further detailed in connection with FIG. 13,
or terminate.
[0095] Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated is a flow diagram 1300
of an example, non-limiting method that can provide additional
aspects or elements in connection with fabricating an intake device
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0096] At reference numeral 1302, the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
cause a flow of the fluid through the intake device to be
laminar.
[0097] At reference numeral 1304, the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
result in a continuously decreasing cross-sectional area when
moving along the longitudinal axis toward the second end.
[0098] At reference numeral 1306, the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
cause a flow of the fluid through the intake device to accelerate
when moving toward the second end.
Example Fan Intake Apparatus (e.g., Uniax)
[0099] Turning now to FIG. 14, a schematic diagram is illustrated
showing a cross-section of an example improved fan intake device
1400 in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. Fan
intake device 1400 can operate as an intake for a fluid, such as
air, for a fan of an HVAC system. For instance a discharge of the
fan intake device can feed into an HVAC fan or other suitable
device. Conventional fan intake devices can lead to significant
noise. Attempts by conventional fan intake devices to mitigate
noise tend to result in pressure loss and flow intake
irregularities, which can lead to a less efficient system. Designs
and techniques disclosed herein can provide a fan intake device
that can significantly reduce noise without resulting in pressure
losses and/or flow intake irregularities common to previous systems
or devices.
[0100] It is appreciated that fan intake device 1400, which can be
referred to herein as an "aero-acoustical fan intake device", a
"uniax", a "uniax device" or other similar variations, can contain
all or only a portion of elements described, which are intended to
be exemplary or representative, but also non-limiting. For
instance, other elements may be present and certain elements
discussed here may be optional or excluded, one example of which is
duct/plenum 1420.
[0101] As illustrated, aero-acoustical fan intake device 1400 can
comprise an inlet face that can broadly represent a side or face of
device 1400 that receives a fluid. This inlet face is illustrated
in FIG. 14 by element 1402 which encompasses the inlet face.
Hereinafter, this inlet face is referred to as inlet face 1402.
Inlet face 1402 can comprise an inlet opening(s), illustrated by
elements 1404 that encompass the opening(s). Hereinafter the inlet
openings are referred to as inlet opening(s) 1404, which can be
configured to receive a flow of a fluid 1406. As illustrated, fluid
1406 on the left side of FIG. 14 flows toward inlet openings 1404.
It is understood, fluid 1406 can flow toward inlet opening(2) 1404
from any suitable direction and/or point of origin, which can vary
based a size and shape of (optional) duct/plenum 1420 as well as
based on whether duct/plenum 1420 is present.
[0102] Fan intake device 1400 can further comprise a discharge
face. Moving toward the right side of FIG. 14, element 1408
encompasses the discharge face, which is hereinafter referred to as
discharge face 1408. Likewise, discharge face 1408 can comprise a
discharge opening(s) 1410 that can be configured to discharge the
flow of the fluid 1406 to a fan device. As illustrated fluid 1406
ultimately gets discharged toward a fan device (not shown), such as
toward impellers of the fan device. It is appreciated that the fan
device can be a centrifugal fan, a plenum fan, an axial fan or
another suitable type of fan, which can be selected based upon
implementation.
[0103] Fan intake device 1400 can further comprise housing 1412.
Housing 1412 can encompass flow channel 1414 that can extend from
inlet opening 1404 to discharge opening 1410. In other words, flow
channel 1414 represents a constrained path through which fluid 1406
must flow in order to reach the fan device. Based on the geometry
and/or design of fan intake device 1400, and specifically flow
channel 1414, the flow of fluid 1406 can be manipulated to provide
certain advantages detailed above and herein. It is appreciated
that although this view illustrates a cross-section of fan intake
device 1400, it can be readily visualized that inlet opening 1404
and discharge opening 1410 can have an annulus shape (e.g.,
ring-shaped).
[0104] Flow channel 1414 can be designed such that a
cross-sectional area of flow channel 1414 (e.g., a cross-sectional
area of the annulus or ring-shaped inlet opening 1404) can vary
between inlet opening 1404 and discharge opening 1410 in a manner
that is determined to cause the flow of fluid 1406 through flow
channel 1414 to continuously accelerate. For instance, the
cross-sectional area at inlet opening 1404 can be larger than the
cross-sectional area of discharge opening 1410, which can cause
acceleration in general.
[0105] More particularly, the variance in cross-sectional area can
be determined to cause the flow of fluid 1406 through flow channel
1414 to continuously accelerate from some identified point (e.g.,
first location 1416) to discharge opening 1410. The portions of
flow channel 1414 where it is determined that the flow continuously
accelerates can depend on a particularly implementation, and three
representative examples are discussed herein.
[0106] For instance, in some embodiments, first location 1416
(e.g., 1416.sub.1) can be at inlet opening 1404. As such, in this
embodiment, flow channel 1414 is designed such that continuous
acceleration of fluid 1406 occurs throughout the entire length of
flow channel 1414. In other embodiments, first location 1416 can be
at other locations along flow channel 1414, such as about one third
the distance to discharge opening 1410 (e.g., illustrated by first
location 1416.sub.2) or such as about one half the distance to
discharge opening 1410 (e.g., illustrated by first location
1416.sub.3). Other potential locations are contemplated, but it is
noted that at whatever point along flow channel 1414 that is
selected to represent first location 1416, flow of fluid 1406 is
determined to continuously accelerate thereafter at least to
discharge opening 1410.
[0107] As noted, one technique to accomplish this continuous
acceleration can be to ensure that the cross-sectional area of flow
channel 1414 continuously decreases from at least first location
1416 to discharge opening 1410. As one example, the design of fan
intake device 1440 can be such that flow channel 1414 angles (e.g.,
see angles 1418.sub.1 and 1418.sub.2) toward the center of the
device when moving from inlet opening 1404 to discharge opening
1410. It can be visualized that flow channel 1414 has an annulus or
ring shape that decreases in size as fluid 1406 flows toward
discharge opening 1410. In other words, for each cross-sectional,
ring-shaped, slice of flow channel 1414, the size of the ring
slices decrease, meaning their cross-sectional area decreases. This
decrease in cross-sectional area can exist when angles 1418.sub.1
(e.g., .alpha..sub.1) and 1418.sub.2 (e.g., .alpha..sub.2) are the
same, or even when those angles differ. For example, if
.alpha..sub.1 is greater than .alpha..sub.2, then it can be readily
observed that the cross-sectional area will decrease both as a
function of the decreasing ring size and as a function of the
height of discharge opening 1410 (e.g., a distance from the inner
surface and the outer surface of flow channel 1414).
[0108] However, it is understood that, provided the difference is
not too great between .alpha..sub.1 and .alpha..sub.2, the decrease
in cross-sectional area can exist even when .alpha..sub.1 is less
than .alpha..sub.2. In that case, the height of discharge opening
1410 can actually be greater than a height of inlet opening 1404,
even while the cross-sectional area of flow channel 1414 decreases
(e.g., due to the shrinking ring size). As one representative
example, .alpha..sub.1 can be approximately 73 degrees, while
.alpha..sub.2 can be approximately 74 degrees, resulting in a
greater opening height at discharge than inlet, yet still a smaller
cross-sectional area, which can cause the continuous acceleration
of fluid 1406 flowing through flow channel 1414.
[0109] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of flow
channel 1414 can monotonically decrease from inlet opening 1402 to
discharge opening 1410 (or at least from first location 1416 to
discharge opening 1410). The terminal monotonically decreased
cross-sectional area can be substantially at an area swept by
impellers of a fan situated proximal to discharge opening 1410.
[0110] In some embodiments, a geometry of flow channel 1414 that is
determined to cause the flow of fluid 1406 to continuously
accelerate is determined to result in a reduced energy loss across
the aero-acoustical fan intake device 1400. This can be contrasted
with conventional fan intake devices that yield a significant
energy loss and/or pressure loss, which is typically in the range
of 0.2 in. wc. to 0.5 in. wc.
[0111] In some embodiments, this reduction in energy loss provided
by the geometry of flow channel 1414 or other components of fan
intake device 1400 can be representative of a decrease in total
pressure through fan intake device 1400 that is less than about 10%
of an impeller velocity pressure. In some embodiments, the
reduction in energy loss provided by the geometry of flow channel
1414 or other components of fan intake device 1400 can be
representative of a decrease in total pressure through
aero-acoustical fan intake device 1400 that is less than about 5%
of an impeller velocity pressure.
[0112] It is further appreciated that, in some embodiments, a
cross-sectional area of flow channel 1414 at inlet opening 1404 can
be can be less than one-half of a cross sectional area of duct
1402. One advantage of such a design is that high frequency noise
will tend to intersect inlet face 1402 at locations having solid or
structural elements where that noise can be absorbed or constrained
rather than entering flow channel 1414, which is open to fluid
1406. Thus, it can be advantageous for the diameter of
flow-limiting structural elements to be greater than a fan impeller
diameter, which is further detailed in connection with FIG. 15. In
some embodiments, fan intake device 1400 can further comprise a
material determined to absorb noise, e.g., fiberglass or the like.
This material can be distributed within housing 1412 and/or around
flow channel 1414 and elsewhere. For example, regions marked with
the text "FILL" can be suitable locations for the noise-absorbing
material in certain embodiments.
[0113] With reference now to FIG. 15, a schematic diagram showing a
cross-section is illustrated of an example improved fan intake
device 1500 having a bulb or hemisphere shaped inlet face in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. For
example, inlet face 1402 can be configured as a bulb 1502 (also
referred to as hemisphere 1502) and inlet opening 1404 surround
bulb 1502. Bulb 1502 can, relative to conventional fan intake
devices, improve flow characteristics of fluid 1406 entering flow
channel 1414, which can represent an advantage of fan intake device
1500. In this embodiment, fan intake device 1500 is illustrated
without optional duct/plenum (e.g., see 1420), however it is
appreciated that a duct or plenum can exist and can be of any
suitable shape or size.
[0114] However, bulb 1502 can increase manufacturing costs of a fan
intake device, so a lower manufacturing cost can be yet another
advantage of fan intake device 1400, which is substantially similar
to fan intake device 1500 in terms of having superior flow
characteristics, but without bulb 1502.
[0115] In some embodiments, bulb 1502 can have an inlet face
diameter 1504 that is determined to less than an impeller diameter
1506 of a fan situated proximal to discharge opening 1410. It is
appreciated that greater inlet face diameter 1504 characteristic
can apply to either inlet face, whether configured as a bulb 1502
(e.g., fan intake device 1500) or otherwise (e.g., fan intake
device 1400). In some embodiments, a fan hub diameter 1508 can
correspond to or be substantially similar to an inner diameter of
flow channel.
Example Methods of Fabricating a Fan Intake Device
[0116] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate various methodologies in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes
of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as
a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers.
[0117] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram 1600 of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating a fan intake device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter. For example, a device comprising a processor can perform
certain operations. Examples of said processor as well as other
suitable computer or computing-based elements, can be found with
reference to FIG. 24, and can be used in connection with
implementing one or more of the devices or components shown and
described in connection with figures disclosed herein.
[0118] At reference numeral 1602, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming an inlet face. The inlet face can
be surrounded by an inlet opening. The inlet opening can be
configured to receive a flow of a fluid. In some embodiments, the
inlet opening can be representative of an annulus or ring about the
inlet face. In some embodiments, the inlet face can have a shape
characterized as a bulb or hemisphere.
[0119] At reference numeral 1604, the device can facilitate forming
a discharge face. The discharge face can be surrounded by a
discharge opening. The discharge opening can be configured to
discharge the flow of the fluid. The flow of the fluid can be
discharged toward a proximally situated fan device and/or toward
impellers of the fan device. In some embodiments, the discharge
opening can be representative of an annulus or ring about the
discharge face.
[0120] At reference numeral 1606, the device can facilitate forming
a housing. The housing can encompass a channel that extends from
the inlet opening to the discharge opening. A cross-sectional area
of the channel can vary between the inlet opening and the discharge
opening in a manner that is determined to cause the flow of the
fluid through the channel to continuously accelerate. Continuous
acceleration for the fluid can occur from a first location of the
channel to the discharge opening. Selection of the first location
can be a function of a particular implementation. Method 1600 can
proceed to insert A, which is further detailed in connection with
FIG. 17, or terminate.
[0121] Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrated is a flow diagram 1700
of an example, non-limiting method that can provide additional
aspects or elements in connection with fabricating a fan intake
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0122] At reference numeral 1702, the forming the housing can
further comprise determining, by the device, that the
cross-sectional area of the channel at the first opening is less
than one-half of a cross-sectional area of the inlet opening.
[0123] At reference numeral 1704, the forming the housing can
further comprise determining, by the device, that the
cross-sectional area of the channel monotonically decreases from
the inlet opening to the discharge opening at substantially an area
swept by the fan impellers. In some embodiments, it can be
determined that the cross-sectional area of the channel
monotonically decreases from the first location to the discharge
opening at substantially an area swept by the fan impellers.
[0124] At reference numeral 1706, the forming the housing can
further comprise determining, by the device, that a geometry of the
flow causes a reduced energy loss across the fan intake device.
Example Air Handler Apparatuses and/or Products (e.g., Aircube)
[0125] Turning now to FIG. 18, a schematic diagram is illustrated
showing a cross-section of a first example air handler product in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. Air handler
device 1800 (also referred to as air handler product 1800) can
operate to supply both heated and cooled air that can be
independently selected based on the supply duct. Thus, for
instance, cooled air can be provided to a first supply duct that
serves one portion of a building (e.g., a south facing portion in
direct sunlight) concurrently with heated air being provided to a
second supply duct that serves a different portion or zone of the
building (e.g. north facing portion). Such an advantage can be
provided at a low cost, using only a single air handler device,
which is distinct from conventional air handler devices that do not
allow for concurrent deliver of both heated and cooled air. Another
advantage can be observed in operational costs, since diverse
heating or cooling needs can be satisfied during the same duty
cycle rather than by multiple sequential duty cycles, which can
reduce operational costs and increase equipment lifecycle.
[0126] It is appreciated that air handler device 1800, which can be
referred to herein as an "aircube", an "aircube device/product" or
other similar variations, can contain all or only a portion of
elements described, which are intended to be exemplary or
representative, but also non-limiting. Air handler device 1800 can
comprise mixing plenum 1802, which can also be referred to as a
mixing chamber or central chamber. Mixing plenum 1802 can receive
multiple air flows 1804 from multiple different ducts 1808 that
feed mixing plenum 1802 as well as in some cases directly from the
surrounding area (e.g., non-ducted intake). In conventional
literature, the term `mixing` usually refers to combining air flows
of different temperatures such as outside air and return air. As
used herein, mixing plenum 1802 is intended to refer to a plenum or
other structure (upstream from a fan) that receives air from
multiple flows, inclusive of cases where the multiple flows are not
of substantially different temperatures.
[0127] Reference numeral 1806 illustrates an encircled area
conceptually representing mixing plenum interfaces that couple
mixing plenum 1802 to surrounding air or to ducts 1808, referred to
herein as mixing plenum interfaces 1806. In other words, as used
herein, ducts 1808 can represent structural ductwork, as depicted,
or another exposure to air flow 1804 such as from outside air. In
some embodiments, air handler device 1800 can be located against an
outside wall with outside air louvers and dampers placed in that
outside wall, such as at mixing plenum interface 1806. In that case
the mixing plenum interface 1806 can contain dampers enabling
control of mixed air temperature, e.g., when outside air is cool
and control of a minimum percentage of outside air, e.g., when
outside air is hot. As further detailed below, mixing plenum
interface 1806 can comprise air filters 1822 as well as dampers and
louvers or other suitable elements.
[0128] Air handler device 1800 can comprise fan device 1810. Fan
device 1810 can be configured to receive a mixing plenum flow
(e.g., flow 1804) from mixing plenum 1802 and to discharge a supply
flow 1818. Fan device 1810 can be embodied as, for example, a
centrifugal fan, a plenum fan, an axial fan, or any other suitable
type of fan, whereas embodiments described herein with respect to
air handler device 1800 generally assume a centrifugal fan
embodiment. Air handler device 1800 can further comprise supply
plenum 1812. Supply plenum 1812 can be configured to receive supply
flow 1818 from fan device 1810 and to discharge supply flow 1818 as
explained below. It is appreciated that, as used herein, the term
"supply plenum" can also refer to a region comprising vanes such as
straightening vanes, which is typically more appropriate in cases
where fan device 1810 is an axial fan, such as the generally
presumed case with respect to FIG. 21. In other words, "supply
plenum" can refer to what is conventionally considered a supply
plenum (e.g., in embodiments that employ a centrifugal fan) as well
as a vane section (e.g., in embodiments that employ an axial
fan).
[0129] For example, supply plenum 1812 can comprise a plurality of
duct interfaces 1814, which are conceptually illustrated by the
encircled region where supply ducts 1816 intersect with supply
plenum 1812. Hence, duct interfaces 1814 can be configured to
interface with a different one of a plurality of supply ducts 1816.
Supply plenum 1812 can further comprise a plurality of thermal
transfer units (TTUs) 1820. For instance, the plurality of TTUs
1820 can comprise first TTU 1820.sub.1 and second TTU 1820.sub.2
that are respectively situated in different ones of the plurality
of duct interfaces 1814. Advantageously, first TTU 1820.sub.1
affecting a first air flow 1818 can be configured to a first
temperature concurrently with second TTU 1820.sub.2 affecting a
second air flow 1818 can be configured to a second temperature that
differs from the first temperature.
[0130] In the present embodiment, two TTUs 1820 are depicted, but
it is appreciated that any suitable number of TTUs 1820 can be
employed. For instance, for each supply duct 1816 and/or duct
interface 1814, a different TTU 1820 can be employed, which can
effectively allow individual (e.g., per-supply duct 1816) of
heating versus cooling versus neutral or matching (e.g., neither
heating nor cooling) as well as individually controlling
temperature gradients on a per-duct basis. For example, air handler
device 1800 can be configured as a two-TTU design (e.g., FIG. 18),
a three-TTU design (e.g., FIG. 19), a four-TTU design (e.g., FIG.
20), or more. TTU 1820 can comprise coils that operate according to
direct expansion, water-type, or any other suitable techniques for
thermal transfer. The heat transfer medium of TTU 1820 can be any
suitable fluid such as water, gas, refrigerant, CO2, O2, etc., that
flows through pipe connecting an evaporative coil array to
condensing coil arrays. Such can be used in any suitable
configuration and in connection with heat pumps, air conditioners,
compressors, or the like.
[0131] For example, in some embodiments, air handler device 1800
can be equipped with six-way valve water coils that can
independently heat or cool supply flows 1818. In some embodiments,
valve packages can be factory installed such that air handling
device 1800 can be fully assembled prior to delivery at an
installation site, which can significantly reduce costs.
[0132] Further, either draw-through or blow-through configurations
can be provided, or in some embodiments both concurrently. For
example, mixing plenum interfaces 1806 as well as duct interfaces
1814 can comprise either or both TTUs 1820 or filters 1822. As
depicted, coils of a TTU 1820 can be situated in a slanted
configuration, which can increase the thermal transfer between TTU
1820 and supply flow 1818.
[0133] Although a single fan device 1810 is illustrated, it is
appreciated that any suitable number of fan devices 1810 can be
employed. For example, depending on size or implementation, some
embodiments can provide for two, three, four, six or more fans
situated between mixing plenum 1802 and supply plenum 1812 (for
instance see FIG. 20, showing four fan devices).
[0134] In some embodiments, fan device 1810 can comprise or be
operatively coupled to fan intake device 1824 at an upstream
location. Fan intake device 1824 can operate to straighten or
improve air flow 1804 and/or to significantly reduce noise without
significant pressure loss. In that regard, fan intake device 1824
employ designs or techniques detailed herein in connection with fan
intake device 1400 or fan intake device 1500, of which advantages
described herein with respect to those devices can be incorporated
into air handler device 1800 (as well as embodiments of air handler
product 2100 detailed in connection with FIG. 21).
[0135] In some embodiments, fan device 1810 can comprise or be
operatively coupled to an evase device (not shown, but see evase
device 2124 of FIG. 21) at a downstream location (e.g., toward
supply plenum 1812). Such an evase device can be substantially
similar to any of the evase devices detailed herein (e.g., evase
device 400, evase device(s) 202, 302). As explained, the evase
device can therefore operate to efficiently convert velocity
pressure to static pressure. Hence, the evase device can be
particularly advantages in cases where fan device 1820 is an axial
fan (e.g., see FIG. 21), which tends to generate significantly more
velocity pressure than centrifugal or plenum fans. In some
embodiments, either or both of the evase device or the fan intake
device 1824 can be built into fan device 1810 and/or can share a
common housing.
[0136] Further, fan device(s) 1810 can be configured to discharge
supply flow 1818 in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction,
or some angle in between. Likewise, air handler devices or products
disclosed herein can be configured to blow air upward (e.g., a
floor unit such as air handler device 1800) or blow air downward
(e.g., a rooftop unit an example of which is provided in connection
with FIG. 21). It is to be further appreciated that an aspect ratio
of various coils and/or TTUs 1820 can vary and/or be
non-symmetrical. For instance, one side can be longer than other
sides. In other words, coils of various TTUs 1820 can be configured
to any suitable height, width, length specification. Such can
provide better coil performance, such as, e.g., lower APD,
additional face area, etc., and any TTU 1820 can be tailored
specifically to a given duct or zone requirement.
[0137] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 18, supply flows
1818 can flow in different directions, that is one supply flow 1818
is flowing toward the right of the page, while the other supply
flow is flowing toward the left side of the page. In other
embodiments, at least two supply flows 1818 can flow into two of
supply ducts 1816 in a same direction. For example, two adjacent
supply ducts 1816 might carry air in a parallel direction (e.g.,
out of the page or into the page), while two other supply ducts
1816 can carry air in different directions such as to the right of
the page and the left of the page, as depicted. In any case, each
supply duct 1816 can have an individually controllable TTU 1820
that can independently heat or cool corresponding supply flows
1818.
[0138] Turning now to FIG. 19, illustrated is a three-dimensional
representation of a first example air handler product 1900 having
three supply duct interfaces in accordance with certain embodiments
of this disclosure. Return air and/or a combination of return air
and fresh air (e.g., air flow 1804) can be received via mixing
plenum interface 1806, which can in some embodiments, include TTU
1820 and/or filter 1822. Air flow 1804 can be controlled by dampers
or another suitable mechanism or technique. Likewise, supply duct
interface 1814 can also be configured to include TTU 1820 and/or
filter 1822. Supply flow 1818 can be received, via mixing plenum
interface 1806, by fan device 1810 (e.g., a centrifugal fan or
another suitable type of fan) and discharged via supply duct
interface 1814. Supply duct interface 1814 can also be configured
with dampers to control supply flow 1818 at any given supply duct
interface 1814. The illustrated embodiment represents a three-way
supply duct design, but other suitable designs are
contemplated.
[0139] Referring now to FIG. 20, illustrated is a three-dimensional
representation of a second example air handler product 2000 having
multiple fans and four supply duct interfaces in accordance with
certain embodiments of this disclosure. Return air and/or a
combination of return air and fresh air can be received via mixing
plenum interface 1806, which can in some embodiments, include TTU
1820 and/or filter 1822. Air flow 1804 can be controlled by dampers
or another suitable mechanism or technique. Likewise, supply duct
interface 1814 can also be configured to include TTU 1820 and/or
filter 1822. Supply flow 1818 can be received, via mixing plenum
interface 1806, by fan device 1810 (e.g., a centrifugal fan or
another suitable type of fan) and discharged via supply duct
interface 1814. Supply duct interface 1814 can also be configured
with dampers to control supply flow 1818 at any given supply duct
interface 1814. The illustrated embodiment represents a four-way
supply duct design, but other suitable designs are
contemplated.
[0140] Turning now to FIG. 21, a schematic diagram is illustrated
showing a cross-section of a second example air handler product in
accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure. Air handler
device 2100 (also referred to as air handler product 2100 or HVAC
product 2100) is illustrated in the context of a rooftop unit, but
it is appreciated that floor units are also contemplated. As such,
air handler device 2100 is configured to blow air downward (as
opposed to upward as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20). Air handler
device 2100 can be factory-assembled and/or shipped to an
installation site fully assembled, in some cases including valve
packages or the like.
[0141] One difficulty associated with factory-assembled air handler
devices is that the size of the unit typically makes shipping and
fabrication more expensive. For example, transportation codes,
which can be based on the height of highway overpasses or the like
typically have a height constraint. Likewise, building codes can
also impose a height constraint for rooftop units. In order to meet
these constraints, conventional HVAC devices are manufactured to be
wide and short. That is, all the ordinary components (e.g., duct
interfaces, mixing chambers and other plenums, fan, heat rejection
and/or thermal transfer unit, filters, etc.) are not stacked on top
of one another, but rather situated side-by-side. This conventional
design allows the unit to meet building codes, but due to the large
width (and potentially weight), can increase shipping costs as only
one unit might fit on a single truck at a time. The large size of
the unit is also more costly in terms of materials and
fabrication.
[0142] Due in part to advantageous designs disclosed above, and
herein, the inventors have discovered a way to stack air handler
components on top of one another, which can greatly decrease width
2101 of the unit, while meeting height code constraints. In
particular, a heat rejection section can be placed on top, whereas
conventional designs are unable to situate the heat rejection
section on top and therefore place that component on the side of
other air handler components. As a result, fewer units of
conventional designs can be shipped per truck, which increases
transportation costs as well as other costs, some noted herein.
[0143] HVAC product 2100 can comprise mixing plenum 2102, fan
device 2106, and supply plenum 2108 (collectively referred to
hereinafter as an air handler component). Collectively, these
components can be configured to circulate flows of air within an
HVAC system situated at a site HVAC product 2100 is to be
installed. It is appreciated that air flow 2104 (e.g., return air
and/or fresh air) follows a substantially "S" or "Z" shaped path to
arrive at mixing plenum 2102 (also referred to as central chamber
2102) before entering fan device 2106. This design can
significantly reduce noise and can also improve aerodynamic
properties (e.g., reduce turbulence or shear flows, etc), which
might otherwise damage fan device 2106.
[0144] In some embodiments, fan device 2106 can be an axial fan,
which typically generates a much greater velocity pressure than
plenum or centrifugal fans. By utilizing an axial fan in this
design, the rating of the unit can be much greater than
conventional units of similar dimensions. However, several
difficulties can arise with the use of axial fans. A first
difficulty is that the fan impellers can break when confronted with
shear flows, turbulence, or the like. This difficulty can be
substantially mitigated by the "S" or "Z" shaped path of air flow
2104, as detailed above as well as implementation of a fan intake
device (not shown, but see fan intake device 1824 of FIG. 18).
[0145] A second difficulty associated with axial fans is they
produce a very large velocity pressure that tends to be
inefficiently converted to static pressure in the remainder of the
system. Thus, in conventional designs, the total pressure loss can
be significant with axial fans. In order to mitigate this
difficulty, evase device 2124 can be placed downstream of fan
device 2106 in some embodiments. Evase device 2124 can be
substantially similar to any of the devices detailed herein (e.g.,
evase device 400, evase device(s) 202, 302). As explained
previously, evase device 2124 can therefore operate to efficiently
convert velocity pressure to static pressure. Hence, the second
difficulty of using axial fans can be mitigated.
[0146] Because of the efficient, space-saving design, a top surface
2112 of the air handler component can have a significantly smaller
height (e.g., first height 2114) than other systems or products. As
such, a heat exchange device 2116 can be situated on top surface
2112. Heat exchange device 2116 can be configured to exchange heat
with air flow 2104 and can include coils 2117 and/or filters, etc.
situated in the path of air flow 2104. In some embodiments, coils
2117 can be slanted as illustrated and discussed in connection with
coils 1820. Further, coils 2117 can be configured to heat, cool, or
neither (e.g., provide neutral air) independently from other coils
2117 as discussed in connection with coils 1820.
[0147] Heat exchange device 2116 can have a second height 2118
that, when combined with first height 2114, represents a total
height 2120 of HVAC product 2100. Total height 2120, which reflects
heat exchange device 2116 being situated on top (rather than on the
side), can be determined to be less than or equal to a defined
height constraint 2122. In some embodiments, the defined height
constraint 2122 can be determined to satisfy a local building code
of the installation site. In some embodiments, the defined height
constraint 2122 can be determined to satisfy a transportation code
applicable to a transportation route between a manufacturing site
of HVAC product 2100 and the installation site. By way of example,
the defined height constraint 2122 can be, e.g., 14 feet, or 10
feet, or some other suitable value. Further, in some embodiments, a
weight of HVAC product 2100 can be determined to satisfy a defined
weight constraint.
[0148] Moreover, it is appreciated that the described HVAC product
2100 can be designed to discharge according to an overhead
configuration or an under floor configuration. Hence, in some
embodiments, heat exchange device 2116 can be situated on a bottom
surface of the air handler component. For example, if HVAC product
2100 is rotated 180 degrees, for instance to accommodate a floor
unit versus a rooftop unit, top surface 2112 would then be
descriptive of a bottom surface, below which can be situated heat
exchange device 2116. In either embodiment, it can be seen that
such is distinct from conventional designs in which heat rejection
sections are situated side-by-side with other components.
Example Methods of Fabricating an Air Handler Product
[0149] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate various methodologies in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes
of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as
a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers.
[0150] FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram 2200 of an example,
non-limiting method for fabricating an air handler product in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter. For example, a device comprising a processor can perform
certain operations. Examples of said processor as well as other
suitable computer or computing-based elements, can be found with
reference to FIG. 24, and can be used in connection with
implementing one or more of the devices or components shown and
described in connection with figures disclosed herein.
[0151] At reference numeral 2202, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming a mixing plenum. The mixing plenum
can be configured to receive multiple flows of air from multiple
different ducts. In some embodiments, the multiple flows of air can
be from multiple different directions.
[0152] At reference numeral 2204, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming a fan device. The fan device can
be configured to receive a mixing plenum flow from the mixing
plenum and to discharge a supply flow. At reference numeral 2206,
the device comprising the processor can facilitate forming a supply
plenum. The supply plenum can be configured to receive the supply
flow from the fan device.
[0153] At reference numeral 2208, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming a plurality of duct interfaces.
The plurality of duct interfaces can be respectively configured to
interface with a different one of a plurality of supply ducts. In
some embodiments, the plurality of supply ducts can be configured
to transport air in multiple different directions. In some
embodiments, at least two of the plurality of supply ducts can be
configured to transport air in a same direction.
[0154] At reference numeral 2210, the device comprising the
processor can facilitate forming a plurality of thermal transfer
units. The plurality of thermal transfer units can comprise a first
thermal transfer unit and a second thermal transfer unit that can
be, respectively, situated in different ones of the plurality of
duct interfaces. The first thermal transfer unit can be configured
to heat a first air flow concurrently with the second thermal
transfer unit cooling a second air flow. Method 2200 can proceed to
insert A, which is further detailed in connection with FIG. 23, or
terminate.
[0155] Turning now to FIG. 23, illustrated is a flow diagram 2300
of an example, non-limiting method that can provide additional
aspects or elements in connection with fabricating an air handler
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0156] At reference numeral 2302, the device can facilitate
configuring the mixing plenum to receive return air and fresh air
from the multiple different ducts. Said configuring can be
accomplished in connection with the forming the mixing plenum that
is detailed above in connection with reference numeral 2202 of FIG.
22.
[0157] At reference numeral 2304, and potentially in connection
with the forming the fan device discussed at reference numeral 2204
of FIG. 22, the device can facilitate forming multiple fan devices
situated between the mixing plenum and the supply plenum.
[0158] At reference numeral 2306, the device can facilitate forming
a filter device situated at an interface. The interface can be at
least one of a mixing plenum interface or a supply plenum
interface. In other words, the filter can be situated at either one
of or both of the mixing plenum interface or the supply plenum
interface.
Example Operating Environments
[0159] In order to provide additional context for various
embodiments described herein, FIG. 24 and the following discussion
are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
computing environment 2400 in which the various embodiments of the
embodiment described herein can be implemented, for example, a
device or product fabrication environment.
[0160] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, distributed
computing systems, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0161] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0162] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media, machine-readable
storage media, and/or communications media, which two terms are
used herein differently from one another as follows.
Computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media
can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the
computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media,
removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not
limitation, computer-readable storage media or machine-readable
storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable or
machine-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0163] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, solid state drives
or other solid state storage devices, or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0164] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0165] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
includes any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0166] With reference again to FIG. 24, the example environment
2400 for implementing various embodiments of the aspects described
herein includes a computer 2402, the computer 2402 including a
processing unit 2404, a system memory 2406 and a system bus 2408.
The system bus 2408 couples system components including, but not
limited to, the system memory 2406 to the processing unit 2404. The
processing unit 2404 can be any of various commercially available
processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor
architectures can also be employed as the processing unit 2404.
[0167] The system bus 2408 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 2406 includes ROM 2410 and RAM 2412. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 2402,
such as during startup. The RAM 2412 can also include a high-speed
RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
[0168] The computer 2402 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 2414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), one or more external storage
devices 2416 (e.g., a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 2416, a
memory stick or flash drive reader, a memory card reader, etc.) and
an optical disk drive 2420 (e.g., which can read or write from a
CD-ROM disc, a DVD, a BD, etc.). While the internal HDD 2414 is
illustrated as located within the computer 2402, the internal HDD
2414 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown). Additionally, while not shown in environment 2400, a
solid state drive (SSD) could be used in addition to, or in place
of, an HDD 2414. The HDD 2414, external storage device(s) 2416 and
optical disk drive 2420 can be connected to the system bus 2408 by
an HDD interface 2424, an external storage interface 2426 and an
optical drive interface 2428, respectively. The interface 2424 for
external drive implementations can include at least one or both of
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 2494 interface technologies. Other
external drive connection technologies are within contemplation of
the embodiments described herein.
[0169] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
2402, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to respective types of
storage devices, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, whether presently existing or developed in the future,
could also be used in the example operating environment, and
further, that any such storage media can contain
computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0170] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 2412, including an operating system 2430, one or more
application programs 2432, other program modules 2434 and program
data 2436. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 2412. The
systems and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing
various commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0171] Computer 2402 can optionally comprise emulation
technologies. For example, a hypervisor (not shown) or other
intermediary can emulate a hardware environment for operating
system 2430, and the emulated hardware can optionally be different
from the hardware illustrated in FIG. 24. In such an embodiment,
operating system 2430 can comprise one virtual machine (VM) of
multiple VMs hosted at computer 2402. Furthermore, operating system
2430 can provide runtime environments, such as the Java runtime
environment or the .NET framework, for applications 2432. Runtime
environments are consistent execution environments that allow
applications 2432 to run on any operating system that includes the
runtime environment. Similarly, operating system 2430 can support
containers, and applications 2432 can be in the form of containers,
which are lightweight, standalone, executable packages of software
that include, e.g., code, runtime, system tools, system libraries
and settings for an application.
[0172] Further, computer 2402 can be enable with a security module,
such as a trusted processing module (TPM). For instance with a TPM,
boot components hash next in time boot components, and wait for a
match of results to secured values, before loading a next boot
component. This process can take place at any layer in the code
execution stack of computer 2402, e.g., applied at the application
execution level or at the operating system (OS) kernel level,
thereby enabling security at any level of code execution.
[0173] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
2402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 2438, a touch screen 2440, and a pointing device, such as
a mouse 2442. Other input devices (not shown) can include a
microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a radio frequency (RF)
remote control, or other remote control, a joystick, a virtual
reality controller and/or virtual reality headset, a game pad, a
stylus pen, an image input device, e.g., camera(s), a gesture
sensor input device, a vision movement sensor input device, an
emotion or facial detection device, a biometric input device, e.g.,
fingerprint or iris scanner, or the like. These and other input
devices are often connected to the processing unit 2404 through an
input device interface 2444 that can be coupled to the system bus
2408, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel
port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR
interface, a BLUETOOTH.RTM. interface, etc.
[0174] A monitor 2446 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 2408 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 2448. In addition to the monitor 2446, a computer typically
includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as
speakers, printers, etc.
[0175] The computer 2402 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 2450.
The remote computer(s) 2450 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically includes many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 2402, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 2452 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted include
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 2454
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 2456. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0176] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 2402
can be connected to the local network 2454 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 2458. The
adapter 2458 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 2454, which can also include a wireless access point (AP)
disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 2458 in a
wireless mode.
[0177] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 2402
can include a modem 2460 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 2456 via other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 2456, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 2460, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 2408 via the
input device interface 2444. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 2402 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 2452. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0178] When used in either a LAN or WAN networking environment, the
computer 2402 can access cloud storage systems or other
network-based storage systems in addition to, or in place of,
external storage devices 2416 as described above. Generally, a
connection between the computer 2402 and a cloud storage system can
be established over a LAN 2454 or WAN 2456 e.g., by the adapter
2458 or modem 2460, respectively. Upon connecting the computer 2402
to an associated cloud storage system, the external storage
interface 2426 can, with the aid of the adapter 2458 and/or modem
2460, manage storage provided by the cloud storage system as it
would other types of external storage. For instance, the external
storage interface 2426 can be configured to provide access to cloud
storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to
the computer 2402.
[0179] The computer 2402 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, store shelf, etc.), and
telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0180] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"system," "platform," "interface," and the like, can refer to
and/or can include a computer-related entity or an entity related
to an operational machine with one or more specific
functionalities. The entities disclosed herein can be either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
server and the server can be a component. One or more components
can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a
component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In another example, respective
components can execute from various computer readable media having
various data structures stored thereon. The components can
communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance
with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one
component interacting with another component in a local system,
distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet
with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component
can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by
mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry,
which is operated by a software or firmware application executed by
a processor. In such a case, the processor can be internal or
external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the
software or firmware application. As yet another example, a
component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality
through electronic components without mechanical parts, wherein the
electronic components can include a processor or other means to
execute software or firmware that confers at least in part the
functionality of the electronic components. In an aspect, a
component can emulate an electronic component via a virtual
machine, e.g., within a cloud computing system.
[0181] In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to
mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X
employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs
A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
Moreover, articles "a" and "an" as used in the subject
specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to
mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context
to be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms
"example" and/or "exemplary" are utilized to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration and are intended to be
non-limiting. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter
disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
aspect or design described herein as an "example" and/or
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to
preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0182] As it is employed in the subject specification, the term
"processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing
unit or device comprising, but not limited to, single-core
processors; single-processors with software multithread execution
capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with
software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors
with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and
parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a
processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor
(DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Further, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures
such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based
transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage
or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor can also be
implemented as a combination of computing processing units. In this
disclosure, terms such as "store," "storage," "data store," data
storage," "database," and substantially any other information
storage component relevant to operation and functionality of a
component are utilized to refer to "memory components," entities
embodied in a "memory," or components comprising a memory. It is to
be appreciated that memory and/or memory components described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of
illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include
read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically
programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), flash
memory, or nonvolatile random-access memory (RAM) (e.g.,
ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM). Volatile memory can include RAM, which
can act as external cache memory, for example. By way of
illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms
such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM),
direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM).
Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or
computer-implemented methods herein are intended to include,
without being limited to including, these and any other suitable
types of memory.
[0183] What has been described above include mere examples of
systems and computer-implemented methods. It is, of course, not
possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or
computer-implemented methods for purposes of describing this
disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that
many further combinations and permutations of this disclosure are
possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes,"
"has," "possesses," and the like are used in the detailed
description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms are
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim. The descriptions of the various
embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration but
are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used
herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the
embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement
over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed
herein.
Example Aspects
[0184] Aspects denoted with the letter "A" generally relate to an
evase device, aspects denoted with the letter "B" generally relate
to a fluid intake device, aspects denoted with the letter "C"
generally relate to a fan intake device, and aspects denoted with
the letter "D" generally relate to an air handler device. It is
appreciated that aspects denoted with a same letter can generally
be combined with together in any suitable combination. In some
cases, if relevant, any aspect noted below can be combined with any
other aspect. In some cases aspects of different letters can be
combined to produce a combined device or product such as, for
example, an aspect having the letter D (e.g., an air handler
device) can be combined with suitable any combination of aspects
having letters A-C (e.g., an air handler device further improved by
an evase device, a fluid intake device, and/or a fan intake
device).
[0185] Aspect A1. An evase device, comprising: a housing that
encompasses a channel that extends in a longitudinal direction from
a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing; a
first opening, situated at the first side of the housing,
configured to receive a flow of a fluid discharged by a fan; and a
second opening, situated at the second side of the housing,
configured to discharge the flow into a duct, wherein, at the
second side, the housing has a rounded corner determined to
mitigate a reverse flow of the fluid at corners of the duct.
[0186] Aspect A2. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A1, wherein a shape of the rounded corners is designed based on a
Reynolds number calculation.
[0187] Aspect A3. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the fan is an axial
fan.
[0188] Aspect A4. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the fan is an axial
fan.
[0189] Aspect A5. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the corners of the duct
are squared corners.
[0190] Aspect A6. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the fluid discharged by
the fan flows in the longitudinal direction from the first opening
to the second opening.
[0191] Aspect A7. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the fluid discharged by
the fan has a velocity pressure that is converted to static
pressure less an impact loss.
[0192] Aspect A8. The system or device in accordance with aspect A7
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the fluid discharged by
the fan has a velocity pressure that is converted to static
pressure less an impact loss.
[0193] Aspect A9. The system or device in accordance with aspect A1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the first opening has an
annular shape having a diameter that matches an impeller hub
diameter of the fan.
[0194] Aspect A10. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A1 or any suitable previous aspect, further comprising the fan,
wherein the fan is mounted to the housing at the first opening.
[0195] Aspect A11. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A10 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the housing operates
as a fan housing for the fan.
[0196] Aspect A12. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A10 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein a motor of the fan is
situated outside the channel.
[0197] Aspect A13. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A10 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein a motor of the fan is
situated within the channel.
[0198] Aspect A14. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A1 or any suitable previous aspect, further comprising an
intermediate baffle situated in the channel.
[0199] Aspect A15. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A14 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the intermediate
baffle has rounded corners at an end that discharges the fluid into
the channel.
[0200] Aspect A16. The system or device in accordance with aspect
A1 or any suitable previous aspect, further comprising a container
for the evase device that is filled with a material that absorbs
sound.
[0201] Aspect A17. A method of fabricating an evase device,
comprising: forming, by a device comprising a processor, a housing
that encompasses a channel that extends in a longitudinal direction
from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing;
forming, by the device, a first opening in the housing that is
situated at the first side of the housing, wherein the first
opening is configured to receive a flow of a fluid discharged by a
fan; forming, by the device, a second opening in the housing that
is situated at the second side of the housing, wherein the second
opening is configured to discharge the flow of a fluid into a duct;
and forming, by the device, rounded corners at the second side of
the housing, wherein the rounded corners are determined to mitigate
a reverse flow of the fluid at corners of the duct.
[0202] Aspect A18. The method in accordance with aspect A17 or any
suitable previous aspect, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, an intermediate baffle situated in the channel.
[0203] Aspect A19. The method in accordance with aspect A17 or any
suitable previous aspect, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, the fan situated within the housing.
[0204] Aspect A20. The method in accordance with aspect A19 or any
suitable previous aspect, further comprising forming or assembling,
by the device, a motor of the fan that is situated within the
channel.
[0205] Aspect B1. An intake device, comprising: an intake duct
comprising: a first opening by which a fluid enters the intake duct
and a second opening by which the fluid exits the intake duct,
wherein the first opening and the second opening are substantially
circular about a longitudinal axis of the intake duct, and wherein
a first circumference of the first opening is larger than a second
circumference of the second opening; and an interior surface that
extends from the first opening to the second opening, providing a
passageway for a flow of the fluid; the intake device further
comprising: a top cover, situated a distance from the first
opening, that prevents the fluid from entering the intake duct in a
direction along the longitudinal axis, and that permits the fluid
to enter the intake duct in a radial direction that is radial about
the longitudinal axis; and an inner funnel, comprising: an upper
portion that couples to the top cover; a lower portion extends into
the passageway; and an outer surface, spanning the upper portion
and the lower portion, that is sloped, causing the flow of the
fluid entering the intake device in the radial direction to change
to the direction along the longitudinal axis.
[0206] Aspect B2. The system or device in accordance with aspect B1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the interior surface of
the intake duct provides a smoothly tapered surface that
encompasses a substantially funnel-shaped passageway for the flow
of the fluid.
[0207] Aspect B3. The system or device in accordance with aspect B1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein an angular difference of
the change in direction of the flow, representing a difference
between the radial direction and the direction along the
longitudinal axis, is between about 80 degrees and 100 degrees.
[0208] Aspect B4. The system or device in accordance with aspect B1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein an angular difference of
the change in direction of the flow, representing a difference
between the radial direction and the direction along the
longitudinal axis, is approximately 90 degrees.
[0209] Aspect B5. The system or device in accordance with aspect B1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein a cross-section of the
passageway of the intake duct has an area that is a difference
between a first area of the interior surface of the intake duct at
the cross-section and a second area of the outer surface of the
inner funnel at the cross-section.
[0210] Aspect B6. The system or device in accordance with aspect B5
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the area of the
cross-section of the passageway decreases when moving along the
longitudinal axis from the first opening to the second opening.
[0211] Aspect B7. The system or device in accordance with aspect B6
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the area that decreases
when moving from the first opening to the second opening is
determined to cause the flow of the fluid in the passageway to
increase in velocity while flowing toward the second opening.
[0212] Aspect B8. The system or device in accordance with aspect B7
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the increase in velocity
is determined to have a damping effect on turbulence of the
flow.
[0213] Aspect B9. The system or device in accordance with aspect B1
or any suitable previous aspect, wherein geometries of the outer
surface of the inner funnel and the interior surface of the intake
duct are determined to cause the flow to be laminar.
[0214] Aspect B10. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B9 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the geometries are
determined to mitigate losses due to flow separation along bounding
surfaces of a turning flow, and wherein the turning flow represents
the flow entering in the radial direction and turning toward the
longitudinal direction.
[0215] Aspect B11. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B9 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the geometries are
determined to cause at least a portion of the flow entering the
intake device to follow an elliptical path when changing from the
radial direction to the direction along the longitudinal axis.
[0216] Aspect B12. An intake device, comprising: an intake duct,
having a cover plate that is configured to prevent a fluid from
entering the intake duct in a longitudinal direction, wherein the
intake duct is configured to receive, at a first end, the fluid in
a radial direction and to discharge, at a second end, the fluid
substantially in the longitudinal direction; and an inner funnel
situated between the cover plate and the second end, wherein the
inner funnel has a funnel geometry that causes the fluid to follow
an elliptical path when changing from the radial direction to the
longitudinal direction.
[0217] Aspect B13. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B12 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein an area of a
cross-section of an inner chamber of the intake duct, through which
the fluid flows, decreases when moving along the longitudinal axis
from the first end to the second end.
[0218] Aspect B14. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B12 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the intake duct has a
duct geometry configured to reduce a surface area normal to a flow
of the fluid as the fluid flows from the first end to the second
end.
[0219] Aspect B15. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B14 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the duct geometry is
determined to cause the flow to be laminar.
[0220] Aspect B16. The system or device in accordance with aspect
B14 or any suitable previous aspect, wherein the duct geometry is
determined to mitigate losses due to flow separation along bounding
surfaces of a turning flow, and wherein the turning flow represents
the flow entering in the radial direction and turning toward the
longitudinal direction.
[0221] Aspect B17. A method of fabricating an intake device,
comprising: forming, by a device comprising a processor, an intake
duct, having a cover plate that is configured to prevent a fluid
from entering the intake device in a longitudinal direction,
wherein the intake device is configured to receive, at a first end,
the fluid in a radial direction and to discharge, at a second end,
the fluid substantially in the longitudinal direction; and forming,
by the device, an inner funnel situated between the cover plate and
the second end, wherein the inner funnel has a funnel geometry that
causes the fluid to follow an elliptical path when changing from
the radial direction to the longitudinal direction.
[0222] Aspect B18. The method in accordance with aspect B17 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises, determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
cause a flow of the fluid through the intake device to be
laminar.
[0223] Aspect B19. The method in accordance with aspect B17 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises, determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
result in a continuously decreasing cross-sectional area when
moving along the longitudinal axis toward the second end.
[0224] Aspect B20. The method in accordance with aspect B17 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the intake duct and
the forming the inner funnel further comprises, determining, by the
device, that geometries of the intake duct and the inner funnel
cause a flow of the fluid through the intake device to accelerate
when moving toward the second end.
[0225] Aspect C1. An aero-acoustical fan intake device, comprising:
an inlet face comprising an inlet opening configured to receive a
flow of a fluid; a discharge face comprising a discharge opening
configured to discharge the flow of the fluid; and a housing that
encompasses a flow channel that extends from the inlet opening to
the discharge opening, wherein a cross-sectional area of the flow
channel varies between the inlet opening and the discharge opening
in a manner that is determined to cause the flow of the fluid
through the flow channel to continuously accelerate from a first
location of the channel to the discharge opening.
[0226] Aspect C2. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the inlet
opening has an annulus shape.
[0227] Aspect C3. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the discharge
opening has an annulus shape.
[0228] Aspect C4. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the first
location is at the inlet opening.
[0229] Aspect C5. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the first
location is about midway between the inlet opening and the
discharge opening.
[0230] Aspect C6. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the first
location is about one third of a distance between the inlet opening
and the discharge opening.
[0231] Aspect C7. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the inlet
opening receives the flow of the fluid from an inlet duct or
plenum.
[0232] Aspect C8. The system or device in accordance with aspect C7
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
cross-sectional area of the flow channel at the first opening is
less than one-half of a cross-sectional area of the inlet face.
[0233] Aspect C9. The system or device in accordance with aspect C1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, further comprising a
material determined to absorb noise that is distributed within the
housing around the flow channel.
[0234] Aspect C10. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
cross-sectional area of the flow channel monotonically decreases
from the inlet opening to the discharge opening at substantially an
area swept by impellers of a fan situated proximal to the discharge
opening.
[0235] Aspect C11. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the inlet
face is shaped as a bulb and the inlet opening surrounds the
bulb.
[0236] Aspect C12. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C11 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the bulb
has a bulb diameter that is determined to be greater than an
impeller diameter of a fan.
[0237] Aspect C13. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a geometry
of the flow channel that is determined to cause the flow of the
fluid to continuously accelerate is determined to result in a
reduced energy loss across the aero-acoustical fan intake
device.
[0238] Aspect C14. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C13 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
reduced energy loss across the aero-acoustical fan intake device is
representative of a decrease in total pressure through the
aero-acoustical fan intake device that is less than about 10% of an
impeller velocity pressure.
[0239] Aspect C15. The system or device in accordance with aspect
C13 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
reduced energy loss across the aero-acoustical fan intake device is
representative of a decrease in total pressure through the
aero-acoustical fan intake device that is less than about 50% of an
impeller velocity pressure.
[0240] Aspect C16. A method of fabricating a fan intake device,
comprising: forming, by a device comprising a processor, an inlet
face surrounded by an inlet opening configured to receive a flow of
a fluid; forming, by the device, a discharge face surrounded by a
discharge opening configured to discharge the flow of the fluid;
and forming, by the device, a housing that encompasses a channel
that extends from the inlet opening to the discharge opening,
wherein a cross-sectional area of the channel varies between the
inlet opening and the discharge opening in a manner that is
determined to cause the flow of the fluid through the channel to
continuously accelerate from a first location of the channel to the
discharge opening.
[0241] Aspect C17. The method in accordance with aspect C16 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the housing comprises
determining that the cross-sectional area of the channel at the
first opening is less than one-half of a cross-sectional area of
the inlet opening.
[0242] Aspect C18. The method in accordance with aspect C16 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the housing comprises
determining that the cross-sectional area of the channel
monotonically decreases from the inlet opening to the discharge
opening at substantially an area swept by the fan impellers.
[0243] Aspect C19. The method in accordance with aspect C16 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the housing comprises
determining that a geometry of the flow causes a reduced energy
loss across the fan intake device.
[0244] Aspect D1. An air handler device, comprising: a mixing
plenum configured to receive multiple flows of air from multiple
different ducts or intakes that feed the mixing plenum; a fan
device configured to receive a mixing plenum flow from the mixing
plenum and to discharge a supply flow; and a supply plenum
configured to receive the supply flow from the fan device, wherein
the supply plenum comprises: a plurality of duct interfaces
respectively configured to interface with a different one of a
plurality of supply ducts; and a plurality of thermal transfer
units comprising a first thermal transfer unit and a second thermal
transfer unit that are respectively situated in different ones of
the plurality of duct interfaces, wherein the first thermal
transfer unit affecting a first flow is configured to a first
temperature concurrently with the second thermal transfer affecting
a second air flow being configured to a second temperature that
differs from the first temperature.
[0245] Aspect D2. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a first flow
of the multiple flows comprises return air of a heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
[0246] Aspect D3. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a second flow
of the multiple flows comprises fresh air.
[0247] Aspect D4. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a duct of the
multiple different ducts that feed the mixing plenum comprises at
least one of a group comprising: a thermal transfer device
configured to exchange heat with a corresponding flow through the
duct and a filter device configured to filter the corresponding
flow.
[0248] Aspect D5. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the fan is a
centrifugal fan.
[0249] Aspect D6. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, further comprising
multiple fan devices situated between the mixing plenum and the
supply plenum.
[0250] Aspect D7. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of thermal transfer units are individually configured to heat,
cool, or match in temperature a flow of air independently of other
members of the plurality of thermal transfer units.
[0251] Aspect D8. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of duct interfaces comprise four duct interfaces.
[0252] Aspect D9. The system or device in accordance with aspect D1
or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the plurality
of duct interfaces comprise three duct interfaces.
[0253] Aspect D10. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a plurality
of supply air flows that flow into the plurality of duct interfaces
flow in different directions.
[0254] Aspect D11. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein at least
two of a plurality of supply air flows that flow into two of the
plurality of duct interfaces flow in a same direction.
[0255] Aspect D12. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) product, comprising: an air handler component configured to
circulate a flow of air within an HVAC system situated at a site
the HVAC product is to be installed, wherein the air handler device
comprises a top surface that is, relative to an installation at the
site, on top of the air handler component and has a first height
that is, relative to the installation, a height of the air handler
component; and a heat exchange device configured to exchange heat
with the flow of air, wherein the heat exchange device has a second
height that is, relative to the installation, a height of the heat
exchange device, and wherein the heat exchange device is situated
on the top surface of the air handler component, resulting in the
HVAC product having a total height that is, relative to the
installation, determined to be less than or equal to a defined
height constraint.
[0256] Aspect D13. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
defined height constraint is determined to satisfy a local building
code of the installation site.
[0257] Aspect D14. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
defined height constraint is determined to satisfy a transportation
code applicable to a transportation route between a manufacturing
site of the HVAC product and the installation site.
[0258] Aspect D15. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
defined height constraint is 14 feet.
[0259] Aspect D16. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
defined height constraint is 10 feet.
[0260] Aspect D17. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the air
handler component comprises an evase device, wherein the evase
device comprises a housing configured to couple, at an interface,
to a duct or plenum at the site, and wherein the housing of the
evase has rounded corners at the interface that are determined to
mitigate a reverse flow of the flow of air at corners of the
duct.
[0261] Aspect D18. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D17 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
rounded corners have a shape that is determined based on a Reynolds
number calculation.
[0262] Aspect D19. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D18 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a height
of the evase device is determined to facilitate the total height
satisfying the defined height constraint based on the shape of the
rounded corners that, by mitigating the reverse flow, reduce
turbulence in the flow of air over a shorter distance represented
by the height of the evase device.
[0263] Aspect D20. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D17 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, further comprising
a fan that is integrated into the housing of the evase.
[0264] Aspect D21. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D20 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a height
of the evase device is determined to be reduced in response to
situating a motor of the fan on a downstream side of an impeller of
the fan.
[0265] Aspect D22. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D17 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, further comprising
a fan that is integrated into the housing of the evase.
[0266] Aspect D23. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the air
handler component comprises a mixing plenum that receives the flow
of air, wherein the mixing plenum comprises multiple intake
openings, comprising: a first opening that receives into the mixing
plenum a first portion of the flow of air from a first direction;
and a second opening that receives into the mixing plenum a second
portion of the flow of air from a second direction that differs
from the first direction.
[0267] Aspect D24. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D23 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the heat
exchange device comprises a separate coil array unit for each of
the multiple intake openings.
[0268] Aspect D25. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D24 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the heat
exchange device comprises: a first coil array unit that exchanges
heat with the first portion of the flow prior to entering the
mixing plenum from the first direction; and a second coil array
unit that exchanges heat with the second portion of the flow prior
to entering the mixing plenum from the second direction.
[0269] Aspect D26. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D24 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the
separate coil array unit further comprises a filter that filters
contaminants from the flow of air.
[0270] Aspect D27. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein a total
weight of the HVAC product is determined to satisfy a defined
weight constraint.
[0271] Aspect D28. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the mixing
plenum comprises a single, axial fan that feed the supply flow to a
vane.
[0272] Aspect D29. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D12 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, wherein the HVAC
product is shipped to the site fully assembled as a single
unit.
[0273] Aspect D30. A method of fabricating an air handler device,
comprising: forming, by a device comprising a processor, a mixing
plenum that is configured to receive multiple flows of air from
multiple different ducts; forming, by the device, a fan device
configured to receive a mixing plenum flow from the mixing plenum
and to discharge a supply flow; forming, by the device, a supply
plenum configured to receive the supply flow from the fan device;
forming, by the device, a plurality of duct interfaces respectively
configured to interface with a different one of a plurality of
supply ducts; and forming, by the device, a plurality of thermal
transfer units comprising a first thermal transfer unit and a
second thermal transfer unit that are respectively situated in
different ones of the plurality of duct interfaces, wherein the
first thermal transfer unit is configured to a first temperature
concurrently with the second thermal transfer unit being configured
to a second temperature that differs from the first
temperature.
[0274] Aspect D31. The method in accordance with aspect D30 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the mixing plenum
comprising configuring the mixing plenum to receive return air and
fresh air.
[0275] Aspect D32. The method in accordance with aspect D30 or any
suitable previous aspect, wherein the forming the fan device
comprises forming multiple fan devices situated between the mixing
plenum and the supply plenum.
[0276] Aspect D33. The method in accordance with aspect D30 or any
suitable previous aspect, further comprising forming, by the
device, a filter device situated at an interface, wherein the
interface is at least one of a mixing plenum interface or a supply
plenum interface.
[0277] Aspect D34. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, that is configured
according to a blowthrough configuration or a drawthrough
configuration.
[0278] Aspect D35. The system or device in accordance with aspect
D1 or any suitable previous aspect, of claim 1, that is configured
according to an overhead discharge configuration or an under floor
configuration.
[0279] Aspect D36. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) product, comprising: an air handler component configured to
circulate a flow of air within an HVAC system situated at a site
the HVAC product is to be installed, wherein the air handler device
comprises a bottom surface that is, relative to an installation at
the site, on bottom of the air handler component and has a first
height that is, relative to the installation, a height of the air
handler component; and an air handler component configured to
circulate a flow of air within an HVAC system situated at a site
the HVAC product is to be installed, wherein the air handler device
comprises a bottom surface that is, relative to an installation at
the site, on bottom of the air handler component and has a first
height that is, relative to the installation, a height of the air
handler component.
* * * * *