Fan and propeller performance enhancements using outsized gurney flaps
US8764403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 1, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D29/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to enhancing performance of fans and propellers using outsized Gurney flaps. Specifically, the current invention proposes the application of ‘outsized Gurney flaps’ (OGFs) to the trailing-edges of fan blades. According to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention, the Gurney flaps are larger than 10% of the fan blade chord length. Attaching OGFs is not only non-obvious; it seems counterintuitive, because it is akin to placing a large bluff body onto a flow. Preliminary experimental data acquired at Reynolds numbers typically exist during fan operation on idealized blade profiles showed a 100% increase in the generated lift and 40% to 60% increase in aerodynamic efficiency. This translates to significant improvements in fan performance at a given rpm, and/or significant saving in power and noise reduction for the same aerodynamic performance. The current invention may increase performance, may decrease energy consumption, may decrease size, may decrease cost, and may increase performance of: computer cooling fans, personal upright and ceiling fans, refrigeration fans, air conditioning fans, automotive fans, ventilation, vacuuming, small-scale pro…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.