Performance of a half‐height,innovative cooling fan

Abstract

An innovative cooling fan with distinguishing features such as ultra thinness, high performance, and quietness is proposed for notebook computers. In particular, the configuration of the proposed fan allows it to suck the largest volume of hot air from surfaces along the vertical direction and expel exhaust air onto the side surface along the horizontal direction, therefore, thinner notebook PCs can be designed. In order to achieve these characteristics, unique designs are required; a 13‐blade impeller is designed for the centrifugal fan in stead of the common conventional design for axial fans, which is a complicated centrifugal blade shape design. A flat rectangular casing for the fan is designed with external dimensions of 89 mm × 76 mm × 13 mm. The casing contains a rotor impeller and a volute; the design of curved throat of the volute is complicated. The top and bottom surfaces, each, have one circular inlet hole. The side surfaces each have a long rectangular outlet hole. In this study, we focus on the P‐Q performance curves of this centrifugal cooling fan designed for notebook PCs, the P‐Q curves are obtained by numerical analysis and tests based on the AMCA standard 210–85. When this fan is subject to real operating conditions, with regard to the maximum flow rate to the near cut‐off point, the pressure P gradually increases from the fan inlet to the fan outlet. The average percentage (%) error in the flow rate Q was determined by both numerical analysis and AMCA test. Additionally, from the result of the standard CNS‐8753 noise test, the fan noise level is 30～33 dBA and the flow field around the inlet, the outlet and the flow passage can be visualized by Particle Interference Visualization (PIV). Finally, according to the P‐Q curve, it can be inferred that this cooling fan outperforms other comparable regular products available. The noise level is satisfactory, and the heat removal is good; hence this design is proposed for application in industry.     

空调器柜机多翼离心风机扩压口的优化设计

以某型号柜机为研究对象,采用CFD模拟技术对柜机室内机的风道系统进行三维数值模拟,通过分析风道的气流组织情况、改进原机多翼离心风机扩压口的型线、优化风道内部流场达到增大整机循环风量的目的。数值模拟结果显示,改进后的风机的风量比原机的增大5.1%。根据数值模拟结果制作手板进行实验验证,通风量由1 145 m3/h增加到1 199 m^3/h,增幅为4.7%,实验结果与数值模拟结果具有较好的一致性。     

船用离心风机壳体振动噪声优化研究

当风机进出口连接长管道时,其外部辐射噪声主要是内部非定常流动诱发蜗壳振动产生的振动噪声。风机壳体的振动噪声是典型的流固干涉噪声,通常基于非定常流场获得振动激励源。为了控制此类噪声,通过振动噪声数值计算方法,并结合试验设计方法(Design of Experiment, DOE),给出了一种以壳体各板块厚度(前板TF,侧板TS,后板TB)为设计变量、以壳体振动辐射声功率为目标函数的单目标优化方法。研究表明,当保持壳体质量不变时,优化后,壳体表面辐射声功率均有不同程度降低,壳体表面基频辐射声功率降幅最大,达到6.23 dB。     

空调室内机接水盘的优化设计研究

利用CFD对空调室内机中贯流风轮内部流场进行模拟分析,研究室内机接水盘结构参数变化对风道系统流场及其性能影响的规律。对空调室内机接水盘进行优化设计,得出新的接水盘型线,并对具有新型接水盘的室内机进行试验研究,优化后室内机风量提升10.9%,数值计算结果与试验结果基本吻合。     

风机盘管离心风机的CFD降噪分析与优化

为解决某风机盘管的离心风机在运行时噪声大的问题,本文基于CFD分析方法,对风机盘管机组空气侧进行流态分析,研究离心风机的内部流动特性,并基于分析结果重新设计风轮及蜗壳。经优化后的离心风机内部流态得到明显改善。将原始方案和优化方案进行试验验证,结果显示,新设计的离心风机在相同风量下的噪声值比原始风机下降4.7dB(A)。     

倾斜蜗舌对多翼离心风机流场及噪声的影响

利用Fluent软件对常规直蜗舌多翼离心风机与倾斜蜗舌多翼离心风机进行流场和噪声的数值模拟研究。研究结果表明：倾斜蜗舌对多翼离心风机速度场的影响主要集中在蜗舌区域,对其它区域影响较小。倾斜蜗舌减小蜗舌区域的速度,同时改变蜗舌表面的流体速度矢量,减小蜗舌区域的局部旋流。在相同转速下,多翼离心式风机采用倾斜蜗舌结构虽然流量降低5.67 %,但是叶轮的功率降低9.13 %,噪声也降低12.2 dB,降低能耗和噪声效果都比较显著。     

Shape optimization of one‐chamber perforated plug/non‐plug mufflers by simulated annealing method

To economically and efficiently lower the venting noise, the development of a high‐quality muffler with compact volume has become crucial in the modern industrial field. The research work of shape optimization of straight silencers in conjunction with plug/non‐plug perforated ducts which may noticeably increase the acoustical performance is rarely addressed; therefore, the main purpose of this paper is not only to analyze the sound transmission loss (STL) of a one‐chamber plug/non‐plug perforated muffler but also to optimize the best design shape under a limited space. In this paper, on the basis of plane wave theory, the four‐pole system matrix in evaluating the acoustic performance is derived by using the decoupled numerical method. Moreover, a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm searching for the global optimum by imitating the softening process of metal has been adopted during the muffler's optimization. To assure SA's correctness, the STL's maximization of one‐chamber perforated plug mufflers at a targeted frequency of 500 Hz is exemplified first. Furthermore, a numerical case in dealing with a broadband noise emitted from a fan by using one‐chamber plug/non‐plug mufflers has been introduced and fully discussed. To achieve a better optimization in SA, various SA parameter sets of cooling rate and iteration parameter values were used. Before the SA operation can be carried out, the accuracy check of the mathematical models with respect to plug/non‐plug perforated mufflers has to be supported by experimental data. The optimal result in eliminating broadband noise reveals that the muffler with a plug acoustical mechanism has a better noise reduction than that of a non‐plug muffler. Consequently, the approach used for the optimal design of the noise elimination proposed in this study is certainly easy, economical, and quite effective. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

离心式风机蜗壳的振动与声辐射控制

迄今在处理风机的振动和噪声问题中,多数是针对风机内部的流场特性。而蜗壳的振动和噪声的辐射也是一个不容忽视的课题。为此,首先对蜗壳本身进行振动模态的分析,运用软件仿真和实验方法分别获得风机蜗壳的前六阶模态,根据风机蜗壳模态分析得到的各阶模态的振型图得出蜗壳振动强烈的部位。在这些位置处黏贴丁基阻尼材料对风机蜗壳的振动进行控制。通过软件仿真和实验方法分别对控制前和控制后的风机蜗壳进行声辐射的测量并进行分析对比。结果表明风机蜗壳的辐射噪声量已有了明显的降低。     

Design of the new guide vane for the turbo air classifier

The guide vane is a common guide part in a turbo air classifier. However, there is a lack of a theoretical design basis and an analogy method is often used to design the guide vanes. The guide vanes’ effects of improving the flow field distribution are obtained by means of comparison of the flow field of the classifiers with and without guide vanes. However, the guide vane of a 15° setting angle should be optimized due to the non-uniform airflow circumferential distribution in the annular region. To obtain a well-distributed flow field of a turbo air classifier, a design method for the guide vane is provided based on the airflow trajectory in the volute and a new guide vane of a 10° setting angle is designed under the operating condition of 12–1200. The numerical simulation results show that the standard deviation of circumferential radial and tangential velocity is decreased. Besides, the trajectories of the particles with the same size in different circumferential positions show their classification results are consistent. This guide vane design method is feasible and provides the design references for the turbo air classifiers.     

多翼离心风机气动噪声计算与降噪设计研究

以船用空调通风系统中多翼离心式风机为对象,建立风机内部流体三维建模,采用CFD软件进行稳态与非稳态计算.将得到的风机内部流场结果导入LMS Virtual.Lab声学软件中进行噪声预估,同时与实验结果对比,验证风机气动噪声计算的准确性.根据分析得知,风机气动噪声主要噪声源位于叶轮处并且与其内部流场分布和自身结构密切相关...     

Optimum Patch Repair Shapes for Cracked Members

In the present paper the problem of finding the optimal patch repair shape in a cracked structural component with respect to a given objective function, is investigated by using a biological-based procedure known as Genetic Algorithm (GA) in conjunction with a penalty constraint. The search for an optimal patch shape, which can be regarded also as an optimal topology problem, is obtained by determining the corresponding patch’s continuous material’s density distribution: the design optimisation considered in the present study takes into account the minimisation of some mechanical desired performance of the structure’s while keeping constant the total available patched area (optimal constrained problem). The proposed optimisation model is implemented in a F.E. code and some numerical simulations are performed in order to assess its reliability in optimal topology design of patch repairs, applied to mode I cracked members, with respect to some expected performances. For the considered problems, the optimisation algorithm allows a quite important improvement (in reducing the stress intensity factor) with respect to cracked components repaired with simple shape (i.e. rectangular) bonded patches.     

Optimal design for additive manufacturing of heterogeneous objects using ultrasonic consolidation

Rapid prototyping (RP) technologies, such as Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENS®) and Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC), can be used to fabricate heterogeneous objects composed of more than one material, wherein spatially varied microscopic structural details produce continuously or discretely changing mechanical or thermal properties on a macroscopic scale. These objects are engineered to achieve a potentially enhanced functional performance. Past research on the design of such objects has focused on representation, modeling, and desired functional performance. However, the inherent constraints in RP processes, such as system capability, size and shape of raw materials, and processing time, lead to fabricated objects that may not meet the designer's original intent. To overcome this situation, the research presented in this paper focuses on developing an approach— Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)—to implement identified manufacturing constraints into the design process. Previous work has applied DfAM to the design of heterogeneous objects fabricated using the LENS® process. Two manufacturing constraints for this process, namely the achievable volume fractions and the processing time, were identified and incorporated into the DfAM. In this paper, the DfAM approach is extended to the design and manufacture of heterogeneous objects for the UC process. Constraints on the possible volume fraction values and on the gradient material direction are two identified manufacturing limitations, which are incorporated into the design process. An element-based finite element (FE) representation is extended to model layered heterogeneous objects. Each element is composed of metal foils of different materials according to specific design parameters. An evolutionary-based optimizer is used for its ability to handle the type of multi-modal problems encountered in the design of heterogeneous objects. The multi-criteria design problem, consisting of finding the optimal material composition along the build direction, that satisfies the functions of minimum weight and structural deformation, is implemented and solved. A three-dimensional I-beam made of two materials—aluminum for lightweight and steel for better strength characteristics—is used to illustrate the DfAM approach and its implementation for the design of heterogeneous objects using the UC process.     

Design of electrospayed non-spherical poly (l-lactide-co-glicolide) microdevices for sustained drug delivery

Polymer chain entanglements in organic solvents can be considered a key parameter in the formation of non-spherical beads when electrospraying is employed. The shape of micro/nanometric drug delivery systems plays a major role since it can affect circulation, extravasation, distribution and in vivo clearance of the devices. In this frame, we investigated the influence of polymer processing parameters on the design of polylactic-co-glycolic acid non-spherical microdevices loaded with triamcinolone acetonide (TrA), a sparingly water soluble corticosteroid, prepared by electrospraying technique through a one-step process. In particular, we verified that the formation of non-spherical MDs is related to the presence of entanglements among polymer chains to select the optimal solution to be sprayed. The addition of TrA did not substantially affect the particle morphology in terms of size, size distribution and circularity at all the tested drug loadings. Furthermore, the drug could be released for a prolonged period, with controlled and reproducible kinetics for over 3 weeks. The mathematical modeling of release profiles highlighted that the release is mainly driven by degradation, at a higher extent in the case of low drug loading.     

Optimal design for additive manufacturing of heterogeneous objects using ultrasonic consolidation

Rapid prototyping (RP) technologies, such as Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENS®) and Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC), can be used to fabricate heterogeneous objects composed of more than one material, wherein spatially varied microscopic structural details produce continuously or discretely changing mechanical or thermal properties on a macroscopic scale. These objects are engineered to achieve a potentially enhanced functional performance. Past research on the design of such objects has focused on representation, modeling, and desired functional performance. However, the inherent constraints in RP processes, such as system capability, size and shape of raw materials, and processing time, lead to fabricated objects that may not meet the designer's original intent. To overcome this situation, the research presented in this paper focuses on developing an approach— Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)—to implement identified manufacturing constraints into the design process. Previous work has applied DfAM to the design of heterogeneous objects fabricated using the LENS® process. Two manufacturing constraints for this process, namely the achievable volume fractions and the processing time, were identified and incorporated into the DfAM. In this paper, the DfAM approach is extended to the design and manufacture of heterogeneous objects for the UC process. Constraints on the possible volume fraction values and on the gradient material direction are two identified manufacturing limitations, which are incorporated into the design process. An element-based finite element (FE) representation is extended to model layered heterogeneous objects. Each element is composed of metal foils of different materials according to specific design parameters. An evolutionary-based optimizer is used for its ability to handle the type of multi-modal problems encountered in the design of heterogeneous objects. The multi-criteria design problem, consisting of finding the optimal material composition along the build direction, that satisfies the functions of minimum weight and structural deformation, is implemented and solved. A three-dimensional I-beam made of two materials—aluminum for lightweight and steel for better strength characteristics—is used to illustrate the DfAM approach and its implementation for the design of heterogeneous objects using the UC process.     

Optimal fan speed and compression ratio of an air-condensed vapor-compression ammonia recycling system

In the technology of liquid ammonia modification, the ammonia is recycled by compression and condensation. To minimize the energy-consumption of ammonia recycling system, compression ratio and fan speed are optimized. Thermodynamic models for the compressor and evaporative condenser are developed respectively. Mathematical equations are given to determine the optimal compression ratio and the corresponding fan speed ratio. To solve the equations, a numerical algorithm is proposed. By controlling the fan speed, the matching of ammonia mass flow rate and air flow rate can be optimized, which brings about the minimal energy-consumption. When the wet-bulb temperature is 22 °C, the system energy-consumption could be saved by 10.8–12.9% under optimal compression ratio and fan speed.     

Airflow blockage and guide technology on energy saving for spiral quick-freezer

The effect of airflow blockage and guide technology on energy saving for spiral quick-freezers were investigated by simulating and analyzing the airflow field and measuring of the velocity distribution in the freezing zone for different designs. The k– turbulence model was used. The velocities and temperatures of the air in the freezing zone for different designs of airflow blockage and guide boards were measured. The study shows that the airflow pattern plays a key role on energy efficiency, freezing time, and production rate. In the study case, through the optimization of the airflow blocking boards and the guide boards, the average air velocity in the freezing zone would be enhanced to 2.5–2.7 times compared with the original design. Correspondingly for bean curds in a stationary condition, the freezing time would be shortened by 78–85%, energy efficiency and the production rate would be increased by approximately 18–28% individually.     

Experimental investigations and optimization of forming force in incremental sheet forming

Incremental sheet forming process has been proved to be quiet suitable and economical for job and batch type production, which exempts expensive and complex tooling for sheet forming. Investigation of forming forces becomes important for selecting the appropriate hardware and optimal process parameters in order to assure perfection and precision of process. Moreover, lack of available knowledge regarding the process parameters makes the process limited for industrial applications. This research paper aims at finding out effects of different input factors on forming forces in single-point incremental forming (SPIF) process. For operation sustainability and hardware safety, it becomes critical to optimize forming forces for a given set of factors to form a particular shape. In this study, optimization of input factors has been performed to produce conical frustums with helical tool path using Taguchi analysis as design of experiment (DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal experimental conditions for forming forces have been calculated as sheet thickness (0.8 mm), step size (0.2 mm), tool diameter (7.52 mm), tool shape (hemispherical), spindle speed (1000 rpm), feed rate (1000 mm/min) and wall angle (50^o). Effects of tool shape and viscosity of lubricants have also been investigated. An intensive understanding of the mechanism of forming forces has been presented, which shows that force trend after peak values depends upon instant input factors that can be categorized as a safe, severe and crucial set of parameters.     

Conceptual Design of a Field Coil for 5 MW HTS Synchronous Machine

Compared with a conventional rotating machine, a superconducting rotating machine fabricated by High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) tape has superior performance and efficiency due to the HTS field coil for the rotor which can generate high magnetic flux intensity. The two primary factors for the design of the HTS rotational machine are how to construct the optimal magnetic field path through the air gap located between the rotor and the stator and how to enhance the linkage magnetic flux density between the armature coil in the stator and the field coil in the rotor. A 5 MW HTS motor for ship propulsion is planned for development in early 2011 by a Korean collaboration group of KERI and DOOSAN Heavy Industry. As a part of this R&D efforts, we designed and analyzed the field coil for a 5 MW HTS synchronous motor. In this paper, the computational results of the magnetic field distribution on the whole winding regions of the HTS field coil of the superconducting rotating machine will be also presented and discussed.     

Mechanical characteristics of glass fibre reinforced polymer made of furfuryl alcohol bio-resin

Conventional fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) require polymers such as epoxies that are not biodegradable, which have a significant impact on the environment. This study aims at replacing conventional polymers with bio-polymers which are more sustainable. The study investigates the tensile mechanical properties of glass-FRP (GFRP) laminates fabricated by wet layup using two types of organic furfuryl alcohol bio-resins extracted renewable resources, such as corncobs. Results are compared to control specimens fabricated using conventional epoxy resin. The study investigates the effects of catalyst type and dosage as well as the curing time on the tensile strength and modulus of the GFRP. The study also investigates the optimal overlap splice of the laminates. It was shown that by careful selection of viscosity of bio-resin, and type and dosage of catalyst similar mechanical properties to epoxy-GFRP can be achieved. The optimal catalyst proportion was 3 % by weight. Full strength occurred after 13 days curing but 84 % occurred in 2 days. The optimal lap splice length was 200 mm, however, the maximum strength was only 68 % of the full ultimate tensile strength as bond failure always governs at the splice.     

Optimization of spark plasma sintering parameters for NiTiCu shape memory alloys

Nanostructured nickel titanium copper-shape memory alloys (NiTiCu-SMAs) were fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) by varying the significant process parameters. The NiTiCu elements with different particle size were consolidated in a temperature range of 700–900°C and pressure from 20 to 40 MPa with 5 min of soaking time. The sintered products were subjected to mechanical analysis such as density and microhardness. Genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques were used with integrated artificial neural network (ANN) to optimize the SPS process parameters to obtain better mechanical characteristics. The results indicate that the density and microhardness can be enhanced by the reduction of particle size and increase in pressure and temperature. A maximum density of 6.21 g/cc and Vickers hardness of 766 Hv were obtained the optimal for process parameters of temperature, pressure, and particle size of ~ 800°C, ~ 26 MPa and ~ 6 µm, respectively, in case of NiTiCu nanostructured SMAs.