US20220186737A1 - Fan having hollow vanes for cooling the motor with external air - Google Patents
Fan having hollow vanes for cooling the motor with external air Download PDFInfo
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- US20220186737A1 US20220186737A1 US17/556,116 US202117556116A US2022186737A1 US 20220186737 A1 US20220186737 A1 US 20220186737A1 US 202117556116 A US202117556116 A US 202117556116A US 2022186737 A1 US2022186737 A1 US 2022186737A1
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- motor
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- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 title abstract description 30
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 149
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 14
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000013707 sensory perception of sound Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/08—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
- F04D25/082—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation the unit having provision for cooling the motor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
- F04D25/0606—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the electric motor being specially adapted for integration in the pump
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/002—Details, component parts, or accessories especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
- F04D29/54—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
- F04D29/541—Specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/542—Bladed diffusers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
- F04D29/54—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
- F04D29/541—Specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/545—Ducts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
- F04D29/54—Fluid-guiding means, e.g. diffusers
- F04D29/541—Specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/545—Ducts
- F04D29/547—Ducts having a special shape in order to influence fluid flow
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/58—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer
- F04D29/5806—Cooling the drive system
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/58—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer
- F04D29/582—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
- F04D29/584—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer specially adapted for elastic fluid pumps cooling or heating the machine
Definitions
- Embodiments described herein generally relate to fans.
- the present application relates more specifically to hollow vanes in a fan assembly and cooling configurations and methods.
- Fans may be used for a number of end uses, including, but not limited to a general ventilation fan, a process fan, a central or jet fan for metro and tunnel ventilation, a mancooler, a drying jet fan, a wind tunnel fan, or similar applications.
- Many fan configurations utilize motors that are located within a ducted region. These motors generate significant heat while in operation, and their isolation within the ducted region can complicate heat transfer away from the motor. Examples of fan assemblies are described that address these, and other desires.
- FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a side view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross section view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5A shows a cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5B shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5C shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5D shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5E shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention
- FIG. 5F shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5G shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5H shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5I shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5J shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5K shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5L shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention
- FIG. 5M shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5N shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5O shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5P shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5Q shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5R shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 5S shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an example method of cooling a fan motor according to an example of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows one example of a fan assembly 100 .
- the fan assembly includes an inlet 114 coupled to a chamber 112 .
- impeller housing 116 is coupled to the chamber 112
- a flow housing 118 is coupled to the impeller housing 116 .
- a number of vanes 120 are located within the flow housing 118 .
- a windband 110 is further coupled above the flow housing 118 , although the invention is not so limited.
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the example fan assembly 100 from FIG. 1 .
- the fan assembly 100 includes an inlet cone 134 coupled to a side of the chamber 112 and to the impeller housing 116 .
- a first baffle 142 and a second baffle 144 are optionally included to selectively control air flow from the inlet 114 to the chamber 112 , and from the chamber 112 to the inlet cone 134 .
- FIG. 2 shows a motor housing 119 that is located within the flow housing 118 , and defining a flow space 117 located between the flow housing 118 and the motor housing 119 .
- FIG. 2 further shows the number of vanes 120 located within the flow space 117 , and bridging between an inner diameter of the flow housing 118 to an outer diameter of the motor housing 119 .
- the vanes 120 are hollow vanes, as will be discussed in more detail below.
- hollow vanes 120 may permit air to flow between the inner diameter of the flow housing 118 the motor 130 , located within the motor housing 119 .
- FIG. 3 shows a side view of the example fan assembly 100 .
- the vanes 120 are shown spaced about the flow housing 118 .
- a first vane side 124 , a second vane side 126 , and a vane tip 128 define a hollow space within the vane 120 that allows external air to enter the motor housing 119 and/or the flow space 117 .
- a portion of the motor 130 can be seen through one of the hollow vanes 120 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates yet another view of the example fan assembly 100 in cross section.
- the flow space 117 is shown between the motor housing 119 and the flow housing 118 .
- a hollow vane 120 is shown passing through the flow space 117 , and connecting the space outside the flow housing with the motor housing 119 .
- FIGS. 5A-5S show a number of examples of fan assembly configurations that utilize hollow vanes to cool a fan motor.
- any number of possible fan motors may be used in embodiments of the present invention, three types of motors are primary used to show cooling configurations in the following examples. 1) an Open Drip Proof Motor (ODP); 2) a Totally Enclosed Air Over Motor (TEAO); and 3) a Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled Motor (TEFC).
- ODP Open Drip Proof Motor
- TEAO Totally Enclosed Air Over Motor
- TEFC Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled Motor
- FIGS. 5A-5S may not include all elements of a final fan assembly, such as the example fan assembly of FIGS. 1-4 .
- the elements shown in FIGS. 5A-5S may be applied to any of a number of different fan assembly configurations, including, but not limited to the example of FIGS. 1-4 .
- FIG. 5A shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 A.
- a top view 550 A is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 A.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 A, with a fan motor 504 A located within the outer housing 502 A.
- the fan motor 504 A is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 A is defined between the fan motor 504 A and the outer housing 502 A.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 A. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 A, for example to straighten air flow.
- vanes 512 A are used to support the fan motor 504 A within the outer housing 502 A.
- An impeller 508 A is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 A of the fan motor 504 A.
- the impeller 508 A drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 A, as indicated by arrows 520 A.
- the first amount of air 520 A is driven from an upstream end 501 A towards a downstream end 503 A of the fan assembly 500 A.
- air is used for convenience in the present disclosure, other gasses or fluids may also be moved, driven, or otherwise utilized with embodiments of the present invention.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 A are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 A.
- the hollow vanes 510 A permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 A, between the fan motor 504 A and air external to the outer housing 502 A.
- the second amount of air flow 522 A moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 A, to the fan motor 504 A, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 A may flow from within the fluid passage 506 A to the fan motor 504 A, through the number of hollow vanes 510 A, and to a region external to the outer housing.
- the second amount of air flow 522 A may flow in through one or more hollow vanes 510 A, and out through one or more different hollow vanes 510 A.
- the first amount of air 520 A may be at a temperature that is too hot to effectively cool the fan motor 504 A.
- the second amount of air flow 522 A may be cooler than the first amount of air 520 A, and provide more effective motor cooling.
- a second impeller 514 A may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 A between the fan motor 504 A and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 A may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 A that drives impeller 508 A.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 A that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 A is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 A, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 A may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 A as the impeller 508 A at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 A.
- the second amount of air flow 522 A is mixed with the first amount of air 520 A within the fluid passage 506 A after cooling the fan motor 504 A.
- FIGS. 5A-5S a number of different configurations are shown in FIGS. 5A-5S .
- One common theme in the configurations shown includes hollow vanes that are used to cool a fan motor.
- FIG. 5B shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 B.
- a top view 550 B is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 B.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 B, with a fan motor 504 B located within the outer housing 502 B.
- the fan motor 504 B is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 B is defined between the fan motor 504 B and the outer housing 502 B.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 B. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 B, for example to straighten air flow.
- vanes 512 B are used to support the fan motor 504 B within the outer housing 502 B.
- An impeller 508 B is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 B of the fan motor 504 B.
- the impeller 508 B drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 B, as indicated by arrows 520 B.
- the first amount of air 520 B is driven from an upstream end 501 B towards a downstream end 503 B of the fan assembly 500 B.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 B are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 B.
- the hollow vanes 510 B permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 B, between the fan motor 504 B and air external to the outer housing 502 B.
- the second amount of air flow 522 B moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 B, to the fan motor 504 B, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 B is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 B and the impeller 508 B.
- the second amount of air flow 522 B is mixed with the first amount of air 520 B within the fluid passage 506 B after cooling the fan motor 504 B.
- FIG. 5C shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 C.
- a top view 550 C is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 C.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 C, with a fan motor 504 C located within the outer housing 502 C.
- the fan motor 504 C is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 C is defined between the fan motor 504 C and the outer housing 502 C.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 C. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 C, for example to straighten air flow.
- vanes 512 C are used to support the fan motor 504 C within the outer housing 502 C.
- An impeller 508 C is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 C of the fan motor 504 C.
- the impeller 508 C drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 C, as indicated by arrows 520 C.
- the first amount of air 520 C is driven from an upstream end 501 C towards a downstream end 503 C of the fan assembly 500 C.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 C are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 C.
- the hollow vanes 510 C permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 C, between the fan motor 504 C and air external to the outer housing 502 C.
- the second amount of air flow 522 C moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 C, to the fan motor 504 C, although the invention is not so limited.
- a second impeller 514 C may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 C between the fan motor 504 C and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 C may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 C that drives impeller 508 C.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 C that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 C is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 C, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 C may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 C as the impeller 508 C at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 C.
- the fan motor 504 C is housed within an inner housing 530 C that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 C. This configuration may enhance cooling in some circumstances and increase aerodynamic efficiency within the fluid passage 506 C.
- the second amount of air flow 522 C is mixed with the first amount of air 520 C within the fluid passage 506 C after cooling the fan motor 504 C.
- FIG. 5D shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 D.
- a top view 550 D is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 D.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 D, with a fan motor 504 D located within the outer housing 502 D.
- the fan motor 504 D is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 D is defined between the fan motor 504 D and the outer housing 502 D.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 D. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 D, for example to straighten air flow.
- vanes 512 D are used to support the fan motor 504 D within the outer housing 502 D.
- An impeller 508 D is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 D of the fan motor 504 D.
- the impeller 508 D drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 D, as indicated by arrows 520 D.
- the first amount of air 520 D is driven from an upstream end 501 D towards a downstream end 503 D of the fan assembly 500 D.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 D are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 D.
- the hollow vanes 510 D permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 D, between the fan motor 504 D and air external to the outer housing 502 D.
- the second amount of air flow 522 D moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 D, to the fan motor 504 D, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 D is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 D and the impeller 508 D.
- the fan motor 504 D is housed within an inner housing 530 D that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 D. This configuration may enhance cooling in some circumstances and increase aerodynamic efficiency within the fluid passage 506 D.
- the second amount of air flow 522 D is mixed with the first amount of air 520 D within the fluid passage 506 D after cooling the fan motor 504 D.
- FIG. 5E shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 E.
- a top view 550 E is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 E.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 E, with a fan motor 504 E located within the outer housing 502 E.
- the fan motor 504 E is an ODP motor.
- a fluid passage 506 E is defined between the fan motor 504 E and the outer housing 502 E.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 E. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 E, for example to straighten air flow.
- vanes 512 E are used to support the fan motor 504 E within the outer housing 502 E.
- An impeller 508 E is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 E of the fan motor 504 E.
- the impeller 508 E drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 E, as indicated by arrows 520 E.
- the first amount of air 520 E is driven from an upstream end 501 E towards a downstream end 503 E of the fan assembly 500 E.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 E are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 E.
- the hollow vanes 510 E permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 E, between the fan motor 504 E and air external to the outer housing 502 E.
- the second amount of air flow 522 E moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 E, to the fan motor 504 E, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 E is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 E and the impeller 508 E.
- the fan motor 504 E is housed within an inner housing 530 E that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 E.
- the fan motor 504 E further includes a number of internal passages 532 E that allow a portion of the second amount of air flow 522 E to flow through the fan motor 504 E itself. Such a configuration may further enhance motor cooling.
- the second amount of air flow 522 E is mixed with the first amount of air 520 E within the fluid passage 506 E after cooling the fan motor 504 E.
- FIG. 5F shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 F.
- a top view 550 F is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 F.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 F, with a fan motor 504 F located within the outer housing 502 F.
- the fan motor 504 F is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 F is defined between the fan motor 504 F and the outer housing 502 F.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 F. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 F, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 F is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 F of the fan motor 504 F.
- the impeller 508 F drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 F, as indicated by arrows 520 F.
- the first amount of air 520 F is driven from an upstream end 501 F towards a downstream end 503 F of the fan assembly 500 F.
- a number of inlet hollow vanes 510 F are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 F.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 F permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 F, between the fan motor 504 F and air external to the outer housing 502 F.
- a number of outlet hollow vanes 534 F are further shown in FIG. 5F .
- the outlet hollow vanes 534 F permit the second amount of air flow 522 F to flow away from the fan motor 504 F after heat exchange. As shown in the Figure, the second amount of air flow 522 F flows back through the fluid passage 506 E to a location external to the outer housing 502 F.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 F are spaced apart axially from the outlet hollow vanes 524 F, although the invention is not so limited. Other arrangements of inlet hollow vanes 510 F and outlet hollow vanes 534 F are discussed in more detail below.
- the second amount of air flow 522 F is kept completely separate from the first amount of air 520 F.
- a second impeller 514 F may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 F between the fan motor 504 F and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 E may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 F that drives impeller 508 F.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 E that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 F is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 F, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 F may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 E as the impeller 508 F at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 F.
- FIG. 5G shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 G.
- a top view 550 G is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 G.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 G, with a fan motor 504 G located within the outer housing 502 G.
- the fan motor 504 G is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 G is defined between the fan motor 504 G and the outer housing 502 G.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 G. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 G, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 G is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 G of the fan motor 504 G.
- the impeller 508 G drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 G, as indicated by arrows 520 G.
- the first amount of air 520 G is driven from an upstream end 503 G towards a downstream end 501 G of the fan assembly 500 G.
- a number of inlet hollow vanes 510 G are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 G.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 G permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 G, between the fan motor 504 G and air external to the outer housing 502 G.
- a number of outlet hollow vanes 534 G are further shown in FIG. 5G .
- the outlet hollow vanes 534 G permit the second amount of air flow 522 G to flow away from the fan motor 504 G after heat exchange.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 G are spaced apart axially from the outlet hollow vanes 524 G, although the invention is not so limited. Other arrangements of inlet hollow vanes 510 G and outlet hollow vanes 534 G are discussed in more detail below.
- the second amount of air flow 522 G flows back through the fluid passage 506 G to a location external to the outer housing 502 G.
- the second amount of air flow 522 G is kept completely separate from the first amount of air 520 G.
- a second impeller 514 G may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 G between the fan motor 504 G and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 G may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 G that drives impeller 508 G.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 G that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 G is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 G, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 G may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 G as the impeller 508 G at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 G.
- FIG. 5H shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 H.
- a top view 550 H is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 H.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 H, with a fan motor 504 H located within the outer housing 502 H.
- the fan motor 504 H is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 H is defined between the fan motor 504 H and the outer housing 502 H.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 H. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 H, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 H is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 H of the fan motor 504 H.
- the impeller 508 H drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 H, as indicated by arrows 520 H.
- the first amount of air 520 H is driven from an upstream end 503 H towards a downstream end 501 H of the fan assembly 500 H.
- a number of inlet hollow vanes 510 H are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 H.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 H permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 H, between the fan motor 504 H and air external to the outer housing 502 H.
- a number of outlet hollow vanes 534 H are further shown in FIG. 5H .
- the outlet hollow vanes 534 H permit the second amount of air flow 522 H to flow away from the fan motor 504 H after heat exchange.
- the inlet hollow vanes 510 H are on a same level axially as the outlet hollow vanes 524 H but spaced apart radially, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 H flows back through the fluid passage 506 H to a location external to the outer housing 502 H.
- the second amount of air flow 522 H is kept completely separate from the first amount of air 520 H.
- a second impeller 514 H may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 H between the fan motor 504 H and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 H may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 H that drives impeller 508 H.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 H that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 H is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 H, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 H may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 H as the impeller 508 H at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 H.
- FIG. 5I shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 I.
- a top view 550 I is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 I.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 I, with a fan motor 504 I located within the outer housing 502 I.
- the fan motor 504 I is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 I is defined between the fan motor 504 I and the outer housing 502 I.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 I. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 I, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 I is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 I of the fan motor 504 I.
- the impeller 508 I drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 I, as indicated by arrows 520 I.
- the first amount of air 520 I is driven from an upstream end 503 I towards a downstream end 501 I of the fan assembly 500 I.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 I are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 I.
- the hollow vanes 510 I permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 I, between the fan motor 504 I and air external to the outer housing 502 I.
- the second amount of air flow 522 I moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 I, to the fan motor 504 I, although the invention is not so limited.
- a second impeller 514 I may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 I between the fan motor 504 I and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 I may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 I that drives impeller 508 I.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 I that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 I is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 I, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 I may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 I as the impeller 508 I at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 I.
- the fan motor 504 I is housed within an inner housing 530 I that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 I.
- the second amount of air flow 522 I is exhausted into a hub 537 I of the impeller 508 I.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 I in FIG. 5I is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 I and the hub 537 I, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 I is directed through one or more openings 536 I in the hub 537 I, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 I within the fluid passage 506 I.
- the second amount of air flow 522 I is mixed with the first amount of air 520 I at the upstream end 503 I.
- FIG. 5J shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 J.
- a top view 550 J is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 J.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 J, with a fan motor 504 J located within the outer housing 502 J.
- the fan motor 504 J is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 J is defined between the fan motor 504 J and the outer housing 502 J.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 J. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 J, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 J is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 J of the fan motor 504 J.
- the impeller 508 J drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 J, as indicated by arrows 520 J.
- the first amount of air 520 J is driven from an upstream end 503 J towards a downstream end 501 J of the fan assembly 500 J.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 J are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 J.
- the hollow vanes 510 J permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 J, between the fan motor 504 J and air external to the outer housing 502 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 J moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 J to the fan motor 504 J, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 J is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 J and the impeller 508 J.
- the fan motor 504 J is housed within an inner housing 530 J that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 J is exhausted into a hub 537 J of the impeller 508 J.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 J in FIG. 5J is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 J and the hub 537 J, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 J is directed through one or more openings 536 J in the hub 537 J, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 J within the fluid passage 506 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 J is mixed with the first amount of air 520 J at the upstream end 503 J.
- FIG. 5K shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 K.
- a top view 550 K is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 K.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 K, with a fan motor 504 K located within the outer housing 502 K.
- the fan motor 504 K is an ODP motor.
- a fluid passage 506 K is defined between the fan motor 504 K and the outer housing 502 K.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 K. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 K, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 K is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 K of the fan motor 504 K.
- the impeller 508 K drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 K, as indicated by arrows 520 K.
- the first amount of air 520 K is driven from an upstream end 503 K towards a downstream end 501 K of the fan assembly 500 K.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 K are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 K.
- the hollow vanes 510 K permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 K, between the fan motor 504 K and air external to the outer housing 502 K.
- the second amount of air flow 522 K moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 K, to the fan motor 504 K, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 K is moved through pressure differentials created b the first amount of air 520 K and the impeller 508 K.
- the fan motor 504 K is housed within an inner housing 530 K that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 K.
- the second amount of air flow 522 K is exhausted into a hub 537 K of the impeller 508 K.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 K in FIG. 5K is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 K and the hub 537 K, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 K is directed through one or more openings 536 K in the hub 537 K, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 K within the fluid passage 506 K.In the configuration of FIG. 5K , the second amount of air flow 522 K is mixed with the first amount of air 520 K at the upstream end 503 K.
- FIG. 5L shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 L.
- a top view 550 L is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 L.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 L, with a fan motor 504 L located within the outer housing 502 L.
- the fan motor 504 L is an ODP motor.
- a fluid passage 506 L is defined between the fan motor 504 L, and the outer housing 502 L.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 L. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 L, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 L is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 L of the fan motor 504 L.
- the impeller 508 L drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 L, as indicated by arrows 520 L.
- the first amount of air 520 L is driven from an upstream end 503 L towards a downstream end 501 L of the fan assembly 500 L.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 L are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 L.
- the hollow vanes 510 L permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 L, between the fan motor 504 L and air external to the outer housing 502 L.
- the second amount of air flow 522 L moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 L, to the fan motor 504 L, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 L is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 L and the impeller 508 L.
- the fan motor 504 L includes a number of internal passages 532 L that allow a portion of the second amount of air flow 522 L to flow through the fan motor 504 L itself.
- only an amount of the second amount of air flow 522 L that passes through the internal passages 532 L provides cooling to the fan motor 504 L.
- This configuration provides a larger fluid passage 506 L than configuration with inner housings as described above, and may improve fan performance.
- the second amount of air flow 522 L is exhausted into a hub 537 L of the impeller 508 L.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 L in FIG. 5L is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 L and the hub 537 L, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 L is directed through one or more openings 536 L in the hub 537 L, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 L within the fluid passage 506 L.
- the second amount of air flow 522 L is mixed with the first amount of air 520 L at the upstream end 503 L.
- FIG. 5M shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 M.
- a top view 550 M is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 M.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 M, with a fan motor 504 M located within the outer housing 502 M.
- the fan motor 504 M is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 M is defined between the fan motor 504 M and the outer housing 502 M.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 M. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 M, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 M is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 M of the fan motor 504 M.
- the impeller 508 M drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 M, as indicated by arrows 520 M.
- the first amount of air 520 M is driven from an upstream end 503 M towards a downstream end 501 M of the fan assembly 500 M.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 M are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 M.
- the hollow vanes 510 M permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 M, between the fan motor 504 M and air external to the outer housing 502 M.
- the second amount of air flow 522 M moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 M, to the fan motor 504 M, although the invention is not so limited.
- a second impeller 514 M may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 M between the fan motor 504 M and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 M may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 M that drives impeller 508 M.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 M that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 M is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 M, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 M may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 M as the impeller 508 M at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 M.
- the fan motor 504 M is housed within an inner housing 530 M that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 M is exhausted into a hub 537 M of the impeller 508 M.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 M in FIG. 5M is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 M and the hub 537 M, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 M is directed through one or more openings 536 M in the hub 537 M, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 M within the fluid passage 506 M.
- the second amount of air flow 522 M is mixed with the first amount of air 520 M at the upstream end 503 M.
- FIG. 5N shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 N.
- a top view 550 N is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 N.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 N, with a fan motor 504 N located within the outer housing 502 N.
- the fan motor 504 N is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 N is defined between the fan motor 504 N and the outer housing 502 N.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 N. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 N, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 N is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 N of the fan motor 504 N.
- the impeller 508 N drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 N, as indicated by arrows 520 N.
- the first amount of air 520 N is driven from an upstream end 503 N towards a downstream end 501 N of the fan assembly 500 N.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 N are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 N.
- the hollow vanes 510 N permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 N, between the fan motor 504 N and air external to the outer housing 502 N.
- the second amount of air flow 522 N moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 N, to the fan motor 504 N, although the invention is not so limited.
- the fan motor 504 N is housed within an inner housing 530 N that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 J on one side creating a swirling path for the second amount of air flow 522 N around the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 N is exhausted into a hub 537 N of the impeller 508 N.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 N in FIG. 5N is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 N and the hub 537 N, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 N is directed through one or more openings 536 N in the hub 537 N, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 N within the fluid passage 506 N.
- the second amount of air flow 522 N is mixed with the first amount of air 520 N at the upstream end 503 N.
- FIG. 5O shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 O.
- a top view 550 O is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 O.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 O, with a fan motor 504 O located within the outer housing 502 O.
- the fan motor 504 O is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 O is defined between the fan motor 504 O and the outer housing 502 O.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 O. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 O, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 O is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 O of the fan motor 504 O.
- the impeller 508 O drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 O, as indicated by arrows 520 O.
- the first amount of air 520 O is driven from an upstream end 503 O towards a downstream end 501 O of the fan assembly 500 O.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 O are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 O.
- the hollow vanes 510 O permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 O, between the fan motor 504 O and air external to the outer housing 502 O.
- the second amount of air flow 522 O moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 O, to the fan motor 504 O, although the invention is not so limited.
- the fan motor 504 O is housed within an inner housing 530 O that extends along a length of the fan motor 504 J on one side creating a swirling path for the second amount of air flow 522 O around the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 O is exhausted into a hub 537 O of the impeller 508 O.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 O in FIG. 5O is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 O and the hub 537 O, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 O is directed through one or more openings 536 O in the hub 537 O, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 O within the fluid passage 506 O.
- the second amount of air flow 522 O is mixed with the first amount of air 5200 at the upstream end 503 O.
- FIG. 5P shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 P.
- a top view 550 P is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 P.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 P, with a fan motor 504 P located within the outer housing 502 P.
- the fan motor 504 P is an ODP motor.
- a fluid passage 506 P is defined between the fan motor 504 P and the outer housing 502 P.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 P. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 P, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 P is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 P of the fan motor 504 P.
- the impeller 508 P drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 P, as indicated by arrows 520 P.
- the first amount of air 520 P is driven from an upstream end 503 P towards a downstream end 501 P of the fan assembly 500 P.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 P are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 P.
- the hollow vanes 510 P permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 P, between the fan motor 504 P and air external to the outer housing 502 P.
- the second amount of air flow 522 P moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510 P, to the fan motor 504 P, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 P is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 P and the impeller 508 P.
- the fan motor 504 P is housed within an inner housing 530 P that extends at least partially around the fan motor 504 P.
- the fan motor 504 P further includes a number of internal passages 532 P that allow a portion of the second amount of air flow 522 P to flow through the fan motor 504 P itself.
- the second amount of air flow 522 P is exhausted into a hub 537 P of the impeller 508 P.
- An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522 P in FIG. 5P is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508 P and the hub 537 P, and hearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled.
- the second amount of air flow 522 P is directed through one or more openings 536 P in the hub 537 P, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520 P within the fluid passage 506 P.
- the second amount of air flow 522 P is mixed with the first amount of air 520 P at the upstream end 503 P.
- FIG. 5Q shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 Q.
- a top view 550 Q is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 Q.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 Q, with a fan motor 504 Q located within the outer housing 502 Q.
- the fan motor 504 Q is a TEFC motor.
- a fluid passage 506 Q is defined between the fan motor 504 Q and the outer housing 502 Q.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 Q. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 Q, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 Q is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 Q of the fan motor 504 Q.
- the impeller 508 Q drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 Q, as indicated by arrows 520 Q.
- the first amount of air 520 Q is driven from an upstream end 503 Q towards a downstream end 501 Q of the fan assembly 500 Q.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 Q are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 Q.
- the hollow vanes 510 Q permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 Q, between the fan motor 504 Q and air external to the outer housing 502 Q.
- the second amount of air flow 522 Q moves in a direction from inside the fluid passage 506 Q, to the fan motor 504 Q, then through the hollow vanes 510 Q to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited.
- a second impeller 514 Q may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522 Q between the fan motor 504 Q and air external to the outer housing.
- the second impeller 514 Q may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504 Q that drives impeller 508 Q.
- Other examples may include a second impeller 514 Q that is driven separately by a different motor.
- the second impeller 514 Q is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504 Q, although the invention is not so limited.
- the second impeller 514 Q may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504 Q as the impeller 508 Q at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504 Q.
- the fan motor 504 Q is housed within an inner housing 530 Q that extends around at least a portion of the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 Q is directed from within the fluid passage 506 Q, through one or more openings 538 Q in a back fairing 539 Q, and is expelled though hollow vanes 510 Q after cooling the fan motor 504 Q.
- FIG. 5R shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 R.
- a top view 550 R is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 R.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 R, with a fan motor 504 R located within the outer housing 502 R.
- the fan motor 504 R is a TEAO motor.
- a fluid passage 506 R is defined between the fan motor 504 R and the outer housing 502 R.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 R. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 R, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 R is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 R of the fan motor 504 R.
- the impeller 508 R drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 R, as indicated by arrows 520 R.
- the first amount of air 520 R is driven from an upstream end 503 R towards a downstream end 501 R of the fan assembly 500 R.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 R are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 R.
- the hollow vanes 510 R permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 R, between the fan motor 504 R and air external to the outer housing 502 R.
- the second amount of air flow 522 R moves in a direction from inside the fluid passage 506 R, to the fan motor 504 R, then through the hollow vanes 510 R to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 R is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 R and the impeller 508 R.
- the fan motor 504 R is housed within an inner housing 530 R that extends around at least a portion of the fan motor 504 J.
- the second amount of air flow 522 R is directed from within the fluid passage 506 R, through one or more openings 538 R in a back fairing 539 R, and is expelled though hollow vanes 510 R after cooling the fan motor 504 R.
- FIG. 5S shows a side view of a fan assembly 500 S.
- a top view 550 S is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500 S.
- a conduit is formed by an outer housing 502 S, with a fan motor 504 S located within the outer housing 502 S.
- the fan motor 504 S is an ODP motor.
- a fluid passage 506 S is defined between the fan motor 504 S and the outer housing 502 S.
- a number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506 S. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506 S, for example to straighten air flow.
- An impeller 508 S is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509 S of the fan motor 504 S.
- the impeller 508 S drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506 S, as indicated by arrows 520 S.
- the first amount of air 520 S is driven from an upstream end 503 S towards a downstream end 501 S of the fan assembly 500 S.
- a number of hollow vanes 510 S are shown, located within the fluid passage 506 S.
- the hollow vanes 510 S permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522 S, between the fan motor 504 S and air external to the outer housing 502 S.
- the second amount of air flow 522 S moves in a direction from inside the fluid passage 506 S, to the fan motor 504 S, then through the hollow vanes 510 S to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited.
- the second amount of air flow 522 S is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount of air 520 S and the impeller 508 S.
- the fan motor 504 S is housed within an inner housing 530 S that extends around at least a portion of the fan motor 504 J.
- the fan motor 504 S further includes a number of internal passages 532 S that allow a portion of the second amount of air flow 522 S to flow through the fan motor 504 S itself.
- the second amount of air flow 522 S is directed from within the fluid passage 506 S, through one or more openings 538 S in a back fairing 539 S, and is expelled though hollow vanes 510 S after cooling the fan motor 504 S.
- FIG. 6 shows an example method of cooling a fan motor according to an embodiment of the invention.
- a first amount of air is moved through a fluid passage that is defined between an outer housing, and a fan motor located within the outer housing.
- a second amount of air flows through one or more hollow vanes through the fluid passage between a region external to the outer housing and the fan motor, wherein the second amount of air cools the fan motor.
- Example configurations shown above in FIGS. 5A-5S are capable of performing the example method of FIG. 6 .
- Example 1 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, and a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow between the fan motor and air external to the outer housing.
- a fan assembly including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, and a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow between the fan motor and air external to the outer housing.
- Example 2 includes the fan assembly of example 1 wherein the impeller is located at a downstream end of the conduit.
- Example 3 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the impeller is located at an upstream end of the conduit.
- Example 4 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from external to the outer housing, through the number of hollow vanes, to the fan motor.
- Example 5 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the fan assembly is configured to further move the second amount of air from the fan motor and to mix with the first amount of air in the fluid passage.
- Example 6 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the fan assembly is configured to mix the second amount of air with the first amount of air at a downstream end of the fluid passage.
- Example 7 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the fan assembly is configured to mix the second amount of air with the first amount of air at an upstream end of the fluid passage.
- Example 8 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from external to the outer housing, through inlet hollow vanes, to the fan motor, and back out through outlet hollow vanes.
- Example 9 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from within the fluid passage to the fan motor, through the number of hollow vanes, and to a region external to the outer housing.
- Example 10 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) type motor with a second impeller to drive the second amount of air flow.
- TEFC totally enclosed fan cooled
- Example 11 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes an open drip proof (ODP) type motor.
- ODP open drip proof
- Example 12 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed air over (MAO) type motor.
- the fan motor includes a totally enclosed air over (MAO) type motor.
- Example 13 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow to move from external to the outer housing to the fan motor, and an exhaust passage for the second amount of air flow to move from the fan motor to a hollow portion within a hub of the impeller.
- a fan assembly including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow to move from external to the outer housing to the fan motor, and an exhaust passage for the second amount of air flow to move from the fan motor to a hollow portion within a hub of the impeller.
- Example 14 includes the fan assembly of example 13, wherein the hub further includes exhaust openings to exhaust the second amount of air flow from within the hub and into the first amount of air.
- Example 15 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, a first set of inlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow from external to the outer housing into the fan motor, and a second set of outlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit the second amount of air flow from the fan motor back through the fluid passage, separated from the first amount of air.
- Example 16 includes the fan assembly of example 15, wherein inlet hollow vanes are spaced axially apart from outlet hollow vanes.
- Example 17 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 15-16, wherein inlet hollow vanes are located on one side of the fan assembly, and outlet hollow vanes are located on a different side of the fan assembly.
- Example 18 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 15-16, further including a second impeller to drive the second amount of air.
- Example 19 includes a method of cooling a fan motor including, moving a first amount of air through a fluid passage that is defined between an outer housing, and a fan motor located within the outer housing, and flowing a second amount of air through one or more hollow vanes through the fluid passage between a region external to the outer housing and the fan motor, wherein the second amount of air cools the fan motor.
- Example 20 includes the method of example 19, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes actively driving a second amount of air using an impeller.
- Example 21 includes the method of any one of examples 18-19, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes flowing the second amount of air back through one or more hollow vanes to the region external to the outer housing after cooling the fan motor.
- Example 22 includes the method of any one of examples 18-20, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes flowing the second amount of air into the fluid passage and mixing the second amount of air with the first amount of air after cooling the fan motor.
Abstract
A fan assembly and associated methods are shown. Fan assemblies and methods include a fluid passage region defined between a fan motor and an outer housing. Example assemblies and methods include a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit an air flow between the fan motor and air external to the outer housing. In selected examples, fan motor cooling is facilitated using configurations described.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/172,471, filed Jun. 3, 2016, which application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 62/170,435, filed on Jun. 3, 2015, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- Embodiments described herein generally relate to fans. In selected examples, the present application relates more specifically to hollow vanes in a fan assembly and cooling configurations and methods.
- Fans may be used for a number of end uses, including, but not limited to a general ventilation fan, a process fan, a central or jet fan for metro and tunnel ventilation, a mancooler, a drying jet fan, a wind tunnel fan, or similar applications. Many fan configurations utilize motors that are located within a ducted region. These motors generate significant heat while in operation, and their isolation within the ducted region can complicate heat transfer away from the motor. Examples of fan assemblies are described that address these, and other desires.
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FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross section view of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5A shows a cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5B shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5C shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5D shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5E shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention, -
FIG. 5F shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5G shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5H shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5I shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5J shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5K shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5L shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention, -
FIG. 5M shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5N shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5O shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5P shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5Q shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5R shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 5S shows another cross section and top view of selected portion of a fan assembly according to an example of the invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of an example method of cooling a fan motor according to an example of the invention. - In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, or logical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 shows one example of afan assembly 100. The fan assembly includes aninlet 114 coupled to achamber 112. Inimpeller housing 116 is coupled to thechamber 112, and aflow housing 118 is coupled to theimpeller housing 116. A number ofvanes 120 are located within theflow housing 118. In the example ofFIG. 1 , awindband 110 is further coupled above theflow housing 118, although the invention is not so limited. -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of theexample fan assembly 100 fromFIG. 1 . Thefan assembly 100 includes aninlet cone 134 coupled to a side of thechamber 112 and to theimpeller housing 116. Afirst baffle 142 and asecond baffle 144 are optionally included to selectively control air flow from theinlet 114 to thechamber 112, and from thechamber 112 to theinlet cone 134. - An
impeller 132 is shown that is coupled to amotor 130. In the example shown, themotor 130 is housed within an interior space of theflow housing 118.FIG. 2 shows amotor housing 119 that is located within theflow housing 118, and defining aflow space 117 located between theflow housing 118 and themotor housing 119.FIG. 2 further shows the number ofvanes 120 located within theflow space 117, and bridging between an inner diameter of theflow housing 118 to an outer diameter of themotor housing 119. - In one example, the
vanes 120 are hollow vanes, as will be discussed in more detail below. In selected examples,hollow vanes 120 may permit air to flow between the inner diameter of theflow housing 118 themotor 130, located within themotor housing 119. -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of theexample fan assembly 100. Thevanes 120 are shown spaced about theflow housing 118. Afirst vane side 124, asecond vane side 126, and avane tip 128 define a hollow space within thevane 120 that allows external air to enter themotor housing 119 and/or theflow space 117. InFIG. 3A , a portion of themotor 130 can be seen through one of thehollow vanes 120. -
FIG. 4 illustrates yet another view of theexample fan assembly 100 in cross section. Theflow space 117 is shown between themotor housing 119 and theflow housing 118. Ahollow vane 120 is shown passing through theflow space 117, and connecting the space outside the flow housing with themotor housing 119. -
FIGS. 5A-5S show a number of examples of fan assembly configurations that utilize hollow vanes to cool a fan motor. Although any number of possible fan motors may be used in embodiments of the present invention, three types of motors are primary used to show cooling configurations in the following examples. 1) an Open Drip Proof Motor (ODP); 2) a Totally Enclosed Air Over Motor (TEAO); and 3) a Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled Motor (TEFC). - The configurations shown in
FIGS. 5A-5S may not include all elements of a final fan assembly, such as the example fan assembly ofFIGS. 1-4 . The elements shown inFIGS. 5A-5S may be applied to any of a number of different fan assembly configurations, including, but not limited to the example ofFIGS. 1-4 . -
FIG. 5A shows a side view of afan assembly 500A. Atop view 550A is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500A. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502A, with afan motor 504A located within theouter housing 502A. In one example, thefan motor 504A is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506A is defined between thefan motor 504A and theouter housing 502A. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506A. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506A, for example to straighten air flow. In one example,vanes 512A are used to support thefan motor 504A within theouter housing 502A. - An
impeller 508A is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509A of thefan motor 504A. In the example shown, theimpeller 508A drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506A, as indicated byarrows 520A. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520A is driven from anupstream end 501A towards adownstream end 503A of thefan assembly 500A. Although the term “air” is used for convenience in the present disclosure, other gasses or fluids may also be moved, driven, or otherwise utilized with embodiments of the present invention. - A number of
hollow vanes 510A are shown, located within thefluid passage 506A. Thehollow vanes 510A permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522A, between thefan motor 504A and air external to theouter housing 502A. In the example ofFIG. 5A , the second amount ofair flow 522A moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510A, to thefan motor 504A, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples described below, the second amount ofair flow 522A may flow from within thefluid passage 506A to thefan motor 504A, through the number ofhollow vanes 510A, and to a region external to the outer housing. In other examples, the second amount ofair flow 522A may flow in through one or morehollow vanes 510A, and out through one or more differenthollow vanes 510A. - It may be desirable in a number of circumstances to cool the
fan motor 504A with air from external to theouter housing 502A. For example, the first amount ofair 520A may be at a temperature that is too hot to effectively cool thefan motor 504A. In such a circumstance, the second amount ofair flow 522A may be cooler than the first amount ofair 520A, and provide more effective motor cooling. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5A , asecond impeller 514A may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522A between thefan motor 504A and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514A may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504A that drivesimpeller 508A. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514A that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5A , thesecond impeller 514A is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504A, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514A may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504A as theimpeller 508A at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504A. - In the example of
FIG. 5A , the second amount ofair flow 522A is mixed with the first amount ofair 520A within thefluid passage 506A after cooling thefan motor 504A. - As stated above, a number of different configurations are shown in
FIGS. 5A-5S . One common theme in the configurations shown includes hollow vanes that are used to cool a fan motor. -
FIG. 5B shows a side view of afan assembly 500B. Atop view 550B is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500B. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502B, with afan motor 504B located within theouter housing 502B. In one example, thefan motor 504B is a TEAO motor. Afluid passage 506B is defined between thefan motor 504B and theouter housing 502B. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506B. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506B, for example to straighten air flow. In one example,vanes 512B are used to support thefan motor 504B within theouter housing 502B. - An
impeller 508B is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509B of thefan motor 504B. In the example shown, theimpeller 508B drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506B, as indicated byarrows 520B. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520B is driven from anupstream end 501B towards adownstream end 503B of thefan assembly 500B. - A number of
hollow vanes 510B are shown, located within thefluid passage 506B. Thehollow vanes 510B permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522B, between thefan motor 504B and air external to theouter housing 502B. In the example ofFIG. 5B , the second amount ofair flow 522B moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510B, to thefan motor 504B, although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5B , the second amount ofair flow 522B is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520B and theimpeller 508B. In the example ofFIG. 5B , the second amount ofair flow 522B is mixed with the first amount ofair 520B within thefluid passage 506B after cooling thefan motor 504B. -
FIG. 5C shows a side view of a fan assembly 500C. Atop view 550C is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500C. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502C, with afan motor 504C located within theouter housing 502C. In one example, thefan motor 504C is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506C is defined between thefan motor 504C and theouter housing 502C. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506C. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506C, for example to straighten air flow. In one example,vanes 512C are used to support thefan motor 504C within theouter housing 502C. - An
impeller 508C is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509C of thefan motor 504C. In the example shown, theimpeller 508C drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506C, as indicated byarrows 520C. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520C is driven from anupstream end 501C towards adownstream end 503C of the fan assembly 500C. - A number of
hollow vanes 510C are shown, located within thefluid passage 506C. Thehollow vanes 510C permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522C, between thefan motor 504C and air external to theouter housing 502C. In the example ofFIG. 5C , the second amount ofair flow 522C moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510C, to thefan motor 504C, although the invention is not so limited. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5C , asecond impeller 514C may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522C between thefan motor 504C and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514C may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504C that drivesimpeller 508C. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514C that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5C , thesecond impeller 514C is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504C, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514C may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504C as theimpeller 508C at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504C. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5C , thefan motor 504C is housed within aninner housing 530C that extends along a length of thefan motor 504C. This configuration may enhance cooling in some circumstances and increase aerodynamic efficiency within thefluid passage 506C. In the example ofFIG. 5C , the second amount ofair flow 522C is mixed with the first amount ofair 520C within thefluid passage 506C after cooling thefan motor 504C. -
FIG. 5D shows a side view of afan assembly 500D. Atop view 550D is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500D. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502D, with afan motor 504D located within theouter housing 502D. In one example, thefan motor 504D is a TEAO motor. Afluid passage 506D is defined between thefan motor 504D and theouter housing 502D. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506D. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506D, for example to straighten air flow. In one example,vanes 512D are used to support thefan motor 504D within theouter housing 502D. - An
impeller 508D is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509D of thefan motor 504D. In the example shown, theimpeller 508D drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506D, as indicated byarrows 520D. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520D is driven from anupstream end 501D towards adownstream end 503D of thefan assembly 500D. - A number of
hollow vanes 510D are shown, located within thefluid passage 506D. Thehollow vanes 510D permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522D, between thefan motor 504D and air external to theouter housing 502D. In the example ofFIG. 5D , the second amount ofair flow 522D moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510D, to thefan motor 504D, although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5D , the second amount ofair flow 522D is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520D and theimpeller 508D. In the example shown inFIG. 5D , thefan motor 504D is housed within aninner housing 530D that extends along a length of thefan motor 504D. This configuration may enhance cooling in some circumstances and increase aerodynamic efficiency within thefluid passage 506D. In the example ofFIG. 5D , the second amount ofair flow 522D is mixed with the first amount ofair 520D within thefluid passage 506D after cooling thefan motor 504D. -
FIG. 5E shows a side view of afan assembly 500E. Atop view 550E is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500E. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502E, with afan motor 504E located within theouter housing 502E. In one example, thefan motor 504E is an ODP motor. Afluid passage 506E is defined between thefan motor 504E and theouter housing 502E. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506E. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506E, for example to straighten air flow. In one example,vanes 512E are used to support thefan motor 504E within theouter housing 502E. - An
impeller 508E is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509E of thefan motor 504E. In the example shown, theimpeller 508E drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506E, as indicated byarrows 520E. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520E is driven from anupstream end 501E towards adownstream end 503E of thefan assembly 500E. - A number of
hollow vanes 510E, are shown, located within thefluid passage 506E. Thehollow vanes 510E permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522E, between thefan motor 504E and air external to theouter housing 502E. In the example ofFIG. 5E , the second amount ofair flow 522E moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510E, to thefan motor 504E, although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5E , the second amount ofair flow 522E is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520E and theimpeller 508E. In the example shown inFIG. 5E , thefan motor 504E is housed within aninner housing 530E that extends along a length of thefan motor 504E. In the example ofFIG. 5E , thefan motor 504E further includes a number ofinternal passages 532E that allow a portion of the second amount ofair flow 522E to flow through thefan motor 504E itself. Such a configuration may further enhance motor cooling. In the example ofFIG. 5E , the second amount ofair flow 522E is mixed with the first amount ofair 520E within thefluid passage 506E after cooling thefan motor 504E. -
FIG. 5F shows a side view of afan assembly 500F. Atop view 550F is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500F. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502F, with afan motor 504F located within theouter housing 502F. In one example, thefan motor 504F is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506F is defined between thefan motor 504F and theouter housing 502F. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506F. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506F, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508F is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509F of thefan motor 504F. In the example shown, theimpeller 508F drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506F, as indicated byarrows 520F. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520F is driven from anupstream end 501F towards adownstream end 503F of thefan assembly 500F. - A number of inlet
hollow vanes 510F are shown, located within thefluid passage 506F. The inlethollow vanes 510F permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522F, between thefan motor 504F and air external to theouter housing 502F. A number of outlethollow vanes 534F are further shown inFIG. 5F . The outlethollow vanes 534F permit the second amount ofair flow 522F to flow away from thefan motor 504F after heat exchange. As shown in the Figure, the second amount ofair flow 522F flows back through thefluid passage 506E to a location external to theouter housing 502F. In the example shown, the inlethollow vanes 510F are spaced apart axially from the outlet hollow vanes 524F, although the invention is not so limited. Other arrangements of inlethollow vanes 510F and outlethollow vanes 534F are discussed in more detail below. In one example, the second amount ofair flow 522F is kept completely separate from the first amount ofair 520F. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5F , asecond impeller 514F may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522F between thefan motor 504F and air external to the outer housing. In one example the second impeller 514E may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504F that drivesimpeller 508F. Other examples may include a second impeller 514E that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5F , thesecond impeller 514F is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504F, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514F may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504E as theimpeller 508F at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504F. -
FIG. 5G shows a side view of afan assembly 500G. Atop view 550G is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500G. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502G, with afan motor 504G located within theouter housing 502G. In one example, thefan motor 504G is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506G is defined between thefan motor 504G and theouter housing 502G. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506G. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506G, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508G is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509G of thefan motor 504G. In the example shown, theimpeller 508G drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506G, as indicated byarrows 520G. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520G is driven from anupstream end 503G towards adownstream end 501G of thefan assembly 500G. - A number of inlet
hollow vanes 510G are shown, located within thefluid passage 506G. The inlethollow vanes 510G permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522G, between thefan motor 504G and air external to theouter housing 502G. A number of outlethollow vanes 534G are further shown inFIG. 5G . The outlethollow vanes 534G permit the second amount ofair flow 522G to flow away from thefan motor 504G after heat exchange. In the example shown, the inlethollow vanes 510G are spaced apart axially from the outlet hollow vanes 524G, although the invention is not so limited. Other arrangements of inlethollow vanes 510G and outlethollow vanes 534G are discussed in more detail below. As shown in the Figure, the second amount ofair flow 522G flows back through thefluid passage 506G to a location external to theouter housing 502G. In one example, the second amount ofair flow 522G is kept completely separate from the first amount ofair 520G. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5G , asecond impeller 514G may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522G between thefan motor 504G and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514G may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504G that drivesimpeller 508G. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514G that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5G , thesecond impeller 514G is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504G, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514G may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504G as theimpeller 508G at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504G. -
FIG. 5H shows a side view of afan assembly 500H. Atop view 550H is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500H. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502H, with afan motor 504H located within theouter housing 502H. In one example, thefan motor 504H is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506H is defined between thefan motor 504H and theouter housing 502H. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506H. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506H, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508H is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509H of thefan motor 504H. In the example shown, theimpeller 508H drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506H, as indicated byarrows 520H. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520H is driven from anupstream end 503H towards adownstream end 501H of thefan assembly 500H. - A number of inlet
hollow vanes 510H are shown, located within thefluid passage 506H. The inlethollow vanes 510H permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522H, between thefan motor 504H and air external to theouter housing 502H. A number of outlethollow vanes 534H are further shown inFIG. 5H . The outlethollow vanes 534H permit the second amount ofair flow 522H to flow away from thefan motor 504H after heat exchange. In the example shown, the inlethollow vanes 510H are on a same level axially as the outlet hollow vanes 524H but spaced apart radially, although the invention is not so limited. As shown in the Figure, the second amount ofair flow 522H flows back through thefluid passage 506H to a location external to theouter housing 502H. In one example, the second amount ofair flow 522H is kept completely separate from the first amount ofair 520H. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5H , asecond impeller 514H may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522H between thefan motor 504H and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514H may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504H that drivesimpeller 508H. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514H that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5H , thesecond impeller 514H is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504H, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514H may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504H as theimpeller 508H at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504H. -
FIG. 5I shows a side view of a fan assembly 500I. A top view 550I is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500I. A conduit is formed by an outer housing 502I, with a fan motor 504I located within the outer housing 502I. In one example, the fan motor 504I is a TEFC motor. A fluid passage 506I is defined between the fan motor 504I and the outer housing 502I. A number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506I. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506I, for example to straighten air flow. - An impeller 508I is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509I of the fan motor 504I. In the example shown, the impeller 508I drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506I, as indicated by arrows 520I. In the example shown, the first amount of air 520I is driven from an upstream end 503I towards a downstream end 501I of the fan assembly 500I.
- A number of hollow vanes 510I are shown, located within the fluid passage 506I. The hollow vanes 510I permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522I, between the fan motor 504I and air external to the outer housing 502I. In the example of
FIG. 5I , the second amount of air flow 522I moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510I, to the fan motor 504I, although the invention is not so limited. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5I , a second impeller 514I may be included to drive the second amount of air flow 522I between the fan motor 504I and air external to the outer housing. In one example the second impeller 514I may be driven by a common motor shaft by the same fan motor 504I that drives impeller 508I. Other examples may include a second impeller 514I that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5I , the second impeller 514I is located on an opposite end of the fan motor 504I, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, the second impeller 514I may be located on the same end of the fan motor 504I as the impeller 508I at a different axial spacing from the fan motor 504I. In the example shown inFIG. 5I , the fan motor 504I is housed within an inner housing 530I that extends along a length of the fan motor 504I. - In the example of
FIG. 5I , after cooling the motor 504I, the second amount of air flow 522I is exhausted into a hub 537I of the impeller 508I. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522I inFIG. 5I is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508I and the hub 537I, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount of air flow 522I into the low pressure interior of the hub 537I, the second amount of air flow 522I is directed through one or more openings 536I in the hub 537I, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520I within the fluid passage 506I. In the configuration ofFIG. 5I , the second amount of air flow 522I is mixed with the first amount of air 520I at the upstream end 503I. -
FIG. 5J shows a side view of afan assembly 500J. Atop view 550J is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500J. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502J, with afan motor 504J located within theouter housing 502J. In one example, thefan motor 504J is a TEAO motor. Afluid passage 506J is defined between thefan motor 504J and theouter housing 502J. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506J. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506J, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508J is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509J of thefan motor 504J. In the example shown, theimpeller 508J drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506J, as indicated byarrows 520J. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520J is driven from anupstream end 503J towards adownstream end 501J of thefan assembly 500J. - A number of
hollow vanes 510J are shown, located within thefluid passage 506J. Thehollow vanes 510J permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522J, between thefan motor 504J and air external to theouter housing 502J. In the example ofFIG. 5J , the second amount ofair flow 522J moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510J to thefan motor 504J, although the invention is not so limited. - in the example shown in
FIG. 5J the second amount ofair flow 522J is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520J and theimpeller 508J. In the example shown inFIG. 5J , thefan motor 504J is housed within aninner housing 530J that extends along a length of thefan motor 504J. - In the example of
FIG. 5J , after cooling themotor 504J, the second amount ofair flow 522J is exhausted into ahub 537J of theimpeller 508J. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522J inFIG. 5J is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508J and thehub 537J, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522J into the low pressure interior of thehub 537J, the second amount ofair flow 522J is directed through one ormore openings 536J in thehub 537J, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520J within thefluid passage 506J. In the configuration ofFIG. 5J , the second amount ofair flow 522J is mixed with the first amount ofair 520J at theupstream end 503J. -
FIG. 5K shows a side view of afan assembly 500K. Atop view 550K is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500K. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502K, with afan motor 504K located within theouter housing 502K. In one example, thefan motor 504K is an ODP motor. Afluid passage 506K is defined between thefan motor 504K and theouter housing 502K. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506K. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506K, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508K is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509K of thefan motor 504K. In the example shown, theimpeller 508K drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506K, as indicated byarrows 520K. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520K is driven from anupstream end 503K towards adownstream end 501K of thefan assembly 500K. - A number of
hollow vanes 510K are shown, located within thefluid passage 506K. Thehollow vanes 510K permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522K, between thefan motor 504K and air external to theouter housing 502K. In the example ofFIG. 5K , the second amount ofair flow 522K moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510K, to thefan motor 504K, although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5K , the second amount ofair flow 522K is moved through pressure differentials created b the first amount ofair 520K and theimpeller 508K. In the example shown inFIG. 5K , thefan motor 504K is housed within aninner housing 530K that extends along a length of thefan motor 504K. - In the example of
FIG. 5K , after cooling themotor 504K, the second amount ofair flow 522K is exhausted into ahub 537K of theimpeller 508K. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522K inFIG. 5K is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508K and thehub 537K, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522K into the low pressure interior of thehub 537K, the second amount ofair flow 522K is directed through one ormore openings 536K in thehub 537K, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520K within the fluid passage 506K.In the configuration ofFIG. 5K , the second amount ofair flow 522K is mixed with the first amount ofair 520K at theupstream end 503K. -
FIG. 5L shows a side view of afan assembly 500L. Atop view 550L is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500L. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502L, with afan motor 504L located within theouter housing 502L. In one example, thefan motor 504L is an ODP motor. Afluid passage 506L is defined between thefan motor 504L, and theouter housing 502L. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506L. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506L, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508L is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509L of thefan motor 504L. In the example shown, theimpeller 508L drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506L, as indicated byarrows 520L. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520L is driven from anupstream end 503L towards adownstream end 501L of thefan assembly 500L. - A number of
hollow vanes 510L are shown, located within thefluid passage 506L. Thehollow vanes 510L permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522L, between thefan motor 504L and air external to theouter housing 502L. In the example ofFIG. 5L , the second amount ofair flow 522L moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510L, to thefan motor 504L, although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5L , the second amount ofair flow 522L is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520L and theimpeller 508L. In the example ofFIG. 5L , thefan motor 504L includes a number ofinternal passages 532L that allow a portion of the second amount ofair flow 522L to flow through thefan motor 504L itself. In the example ofFIG. 5L , only an amount of the second amount ofair flow 522L that passes through theinternal passages 532L provides cooling to thefan motor 504L. This configuration provides alarger fluid passage 506L than configuration with inner housings as described above, and may improve fan performance. - in the example of
FIG. 5L , after cooling themotor 504L the second amount ofair flow 522L is exhausted into ahub 537L of theimpeller 508L. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522L inFIG. 5L is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508L and thehub 537L, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522L into the low pressure interior of thehub 537L, the second amount ofair flow 522L is directed through one ormore openings 536L in thehub 537L, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520L within thefluid passage 506L. In the configuration ofFIG. 5L , the second amount ofair flow 522L is mixed with the first amount ofair 520L at theupstream end 503L. -
FIG. 5M shows a side view of afan assembly 500M. Atop view 550M is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500M. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502M, with afan motor 504M located within theouter housing 502M. In one example, thefan motor 504M is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506M is defined between thefan motor 504M and theouter housing 502M. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506M. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506M, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508M is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509M of thefan motor 504M. In the example shown, theimpeller 508M drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506M, as indicated byarrows 520M. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520M is driven from anupstream end 503M towards adownstream end 501M of thefan assembly 500M. - A number of
hollow vanes 510M are shown, located within thefluid passage 506M. Thehollow vanes 510M permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522M, between thefan motor 504M and air external to theouter housing 502M. In the example ofFIG. 5M , the second amount ofair flow 522M moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510M, to thefan motor 504M, although the invention is not so limited. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5M , asecond impeller 514M may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522M between thefan motor 504M and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514M may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504M that drivesimpeller 508M. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514M that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5M , thesecond impeller 514M is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504M, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514M may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504M as theimpeller 508M at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504M. Ire the example shown inFIG. 5M , thefan motor 504M is housed within aninner housing 530M that extends along a length of thefan motor 504J. - in the example of
FIG. 5M , after cooling themotor 504M, the second amount ofair flow 522M is exhausted into ahub 537M of theimpeller 508M. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522M inFIG. 5M is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508M and thehub 537M, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522M into the low pressure interior of thehub 537M, the second amount ofair flow 522M is directed through one ormore openings 536M in thehub 537M, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520M within thefluid passage 506M. In the configuration ofFIG. 5M , the second amount ofair flow 522M is mixed with the first amount ofair 520M at theupstream end 503M. -
FIG. 5N shows a side view of afan assembly 500N. Atop view 550N is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500N. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502N, with afan motor 504N located within theouter housing 502N. In one example, thefan motor 504N is a TEAO motor. Afluid passage 506N is defined between thefan motor 504N and theouter housing 502N. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506N. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506N, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508N is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509N of thefan motor 504N. In the example shown, theimpeller 508N drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506N, as indicated byarrows 520N. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520N is driven from anupstream end 503N towards adownstream end 501N of thefan assembly 500N. - A number of
hollow vanes 510N are shown, located within thefluid passage 506N. Thehollow vanes 510N permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522N, between thefan motor 504N and air external to theouter housing 502N. In the example ofFIG. 5N , the second amount ofair flow 522N moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510N, to thefan motor 504N, although the invention is not so limited. In the example shown inFIG. 5N , thefan motor 504N is housed within aninner housing 530N that extends along a length of thefan motor 504J on one side creating a swirling path for the second amount ofair flow 522N around thefan motor 504J. - In the example of
FIG. 5N , after cooling themotor 504N, the second amount ofair flow 522N is exhausted into ahub 537N of theimpeller 508N. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522N inFIG. 5N is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508N and thehub 537N, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522N into the low pressure interior of thehub 537N, the second amount ofair flow 522N is directed through one ormore openings 536N in thehub 537N, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520N within thefluid passage 506N. In the configuration ofFIG. 5N , the second amount ofair flow 522N is mixed with the first amount ofair 520N at theupstream end 503N. -
FIG. 5O shows a side view of a fan assembly 500O. A top view 550O is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500O. A conduit is formed by an outer housing 502O, with a fan motor 504O located within the outer housing 502O. In one example, the fan motor 504O is a TEAO motor. A fluid passage 506O is defined between the fan motor 504O and the outer housing 502O. A number of vanes are shown within the fluid passage 506O. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through the fluid passage 506O, for example to straighten air flow. - An impeller 508O is shown coupled to a motor shaft 509O of the fan motor 504O. In the example shown, the impeller 508O drives a first amount of air through the fluid passage 506O, as indicated by arrows 520O. In the example shown, the first amount of air 520O is driven from an upstream end 503O towards a downstream end 501O of the fan assembly 500O.
- A number of hollow vanes 510O are shown, located within the fluid passage 506O. The hollow vanes 510O permit a second amount of air flow, indicated by arrows 522O, between the fan motor 504O and air external to the outer housing 502O. In the example of
FIG. 5O , the second amount of air flow 522O moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through the hollow vanes 510O, to the fan motor 504O, although the invention is not so limited. In the example shown inFIG. 5O , the fan motor 504O is housed within an inner housing 530O that extends along a length of thefan motor 504J on one side creating a swirling path for the second amount of air flow 522O around thefan motor 504J. - In the example of
FIG. 5O , after cooling the motor 504O, the second amount of air flow 522O is exhausted into a hub 537O of the impeller 508O. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount of air flow 522O inFIG. 5O is that a sub-assembly of the impeller 508O and the hub 537O, and bearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount of air flow 522O into the low pressure interior of the hub 537O, the second amount of air flow 522O is directed through one or more openings 536O in the hub 537O, and is mixed with the first amount of air 520O within the fluid passage 506O. In the configuration ofFIG. 5O , the second amount of air flow 522O is mixed with the first amount ofair 5200 at the upstream end 503O. -
FIG. 5P shows a side view of afan assembly 500P. Atop view 550P is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500P. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502P, with afan motor 504P located within theouter housing 502P. In one example, thefan motor 504P is an ODP motor. Afluid passage 506P is defined between thefan motor 504P and theouter housing 502P. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506P. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506P, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508P is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509P of thefan motor 504P. In the example shown, theimpeller 508P drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506P, as indicated byarrows 520P. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520P is driven from anupstream end 503P towards adownstream end 501P of thefan assembly 500P. - A number of
hollow vanes 510P are shown, located within thefluid passage 506P. Thehollow vanes 510P permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522P, between thefan motor 504P and air external to theouter housing 502P. In the example ofFIG. 5P , the second amount ofair flow 522P moves in a direction from external to the outer housing, through thehollow vanes 510P, to thefan motor 504P, although the invention is not so limited. - in the example shown in
FIG. 5P , the second amount ofair flow 522P is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520P and theimpeller 508P. In the example shown inFIG. 5P , thefan motor 504P is housed within aninner housing 530P that extends at least partially around thefan motor 504P. In the example ofFIG. 5P , thefan motor 504P further includes a number ofinternal passages 532P that allow a portion of the second amount ofair flow 522P to flow through thefan motor 504P itself. - In the example of
FIG. 5P , after cooling themotor 504P, the second amount ofair flow 522P is exhausted into ahub 537P of theimpeller 508P. An additional advantage of the routing of the second amount ofair flow 522P inFIG. 5P is that a sub-assembly of theimpeller 508P and thehub 537P, and hearings associated with the sub-assembly are more effectively cooled. After exhausting the second amount ofair flow 522P into the low pressure interior of thehub 537P, the second amount ofair flow 522P is directed through one ormore openings 536P in thehub 537P, and is mixed with the first amount ofair 520P within thefluid passage 506P. In the configuration ofFIG. 5P , the second amount ofair flow 522P is mixed with the first amount ofair 520P at theupstream end 503P. -
FIG. 5Q shows a side view of a fan assembly 500Q. Atop view 550Q is further shown to better illustrate the example fan assembly 500Q. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502Q, with afan motor 504Q located within theouter housing 502Q. In one example, thefan motor 504Q is a TEFC motor. Afluid passage 506Q is defined between thefan motor 504Q and theouter housing 502Q. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506Q. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506Q, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508Q is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509Q of thefan motor 504Q. In the example shown, theimpeller 508Q drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506Q, as indicated byarrows 520Q. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520Q is driven from anupstream end 503Q towards adownstream end 501Q of the fan assembly 500Q. - A number of
hollow vanes 510Q are shown, located within thefluid passage 506Q. Thehollow vanes 510Q permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522Q, between thefan motor 504Q and air external to theouter housing 502Q. In the example ofFIG. 5Q , the second amount ofair flow 522Q moves in a direction from inside thefluid passage 506Q, to thefan motor 504Q, then through thehollow vanes 510Q to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited. - In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5Q , asecond impeller 514Q may be included to drive the second amount ofair flow 522Q between thefan motor 504Q and air external to the outer housing. In one example thesecond impeller 514Q may be driven by a common motor shaft by thesame fan motor 504Q that drivesimpeller 508Q. Other examples may include asecond impeller 514Q that is driven separately by a different motor. In the example ofFIG. 5Q , thesecond impeller 514Q is located on an opposite end of thefan motor 504Q, although the invention is not so limited. In other examples, thesecond impeller 514Q may be located on the same end of thefan motor 504Q as theimpeller 508Q at a different axial spacing from thefan motor 504Q. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5Q , thefan motor 504Q is housed within aninner housing 530Q that extends around at least a portion of thefan motor 504J. In the example ofFIG. 5Q , the second amount ofair flow 522Q is directed from within thefluid passage 506Q, through one ormore openings 538Q in aback fairing 539Q, and is expelled thoughhollow vanes 510Q after cooling thefan motor 504Q. -
FIG. 5R shows a side view of afan assembly 500R. Atop view 550R is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500R. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502R, with afan motor 504R located within theouter housing 502R. In one example, thefan motor 504R is a TEAO motor. Afluid passage 506R is defined between thefan motor 504R and theouter housing 502R. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506R. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506R, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508R is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509R of thefan motor 504R. In the example shown, theimpeller 508R drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506R, as indicated byarrows 520R. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520R is driven from anupstream end 503R towards adownstream end 501R of thefan assembly 500R. - A number of
hollow vanes 510R are shown, located within thefluid passage 506R. Thehollow vanes 510R permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522R, between thefan motor 504R and air external to theouter housing 502R. In the example ofFIG. 5R , the second amount ofair flow 522R moves in a direction from inside thefluid passage 506R, to thefan motor 504R, then through thehollow vanes 510R to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5R , the second amount ofair flow 522R is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520R and theimpeller 508R. In the example shown inFIG. 5R , thefan motor 504R is housed within an inner housing 530R that extends around at least a portion of thefan motor 504J. In the example ofFIG. 5R , the second amount ofair flow 522R is directed from within thefluid passage 506R, through one ormore openings 538R in aback fairing 539R, and is expelled thoughhollow vanes 510R after cooling thefan motor 504R. -
FIG. 5S shows a side view of afan assembly 500S. Atop view 550S is further shown to better illustrate theexample fan assembly 500S. A conduit is formed by anouter housing 502S, with afan motor 504S located within theouter housing 502S. In one example, thefan motor 504S is an ODP motor. Afluid passage 506S is defined between thefan motor 504S and theouter housing 502S. A number of vanes are shown within thefluid passage 506S. Vanes may be used to tune a flow of air moving through thefluid passage 506S, for example to straighten air flow. - An
impeller 508S is shown coupled to amotor shaft 509S of thefan motor 504S. In the example shown, theimpeller 508S drives a first amount of air through thefluid passage 506S, as indicated byarrows 520S. In the example shown, the first amount ofair 520S is driven from anupstream end 503S towards adownstream end 501S of thefan assembly 500S. - A number of
hollow vanes 510S are shown, located within thefluid passage 506S. Thehollow vanes 510S permit a second amount of air flow, indicated byarrows 522S, between thefan motor 504S and air external to theouter housing 502S. In the example ofFIG. 5S , the second amount ofair flow 522S moves in a direction from inside thefluid passage 506S, to thefan motor 504S, then through thehollow vanes 510S to the outer housing although the invention is not so limited. - In the example shown in
FIG. 5S , the second amount ofair flow 522S is moved through pressure differentials created by the first amount ofair 520S and theimpeller 508S. In the example shown inFIG. 5S , thefan motor 504S is housed within aninner housing 530S that extends around at least a portion of thefan motor 504J. In the example ofFIG. 5S , thefan motor 504S further includes a number ofinternal passages 532S that allow a portion of the second amount ofair flow 522S to flow through thefan motor 504S itself. In the example ofFIG. 5S , the second amount ofair flow 522S is directed from within thefluid passage 506S, through one ormore openings 538S in aback fairing 539S, and is expelled thoughhollow vanes 510S after cooling thefan motor 504S. -
FIG. 6 shows an example method of cooling a fan motor according to an embodiment of the invention. Inoperation 602, a first amount of air is moved through a fluid passage that is defined between an outer housing, and a fan motor located within the outer housing. Inoperation 604, a second amount of air flows through one or more hollow vanes through the fluid passage between a region external to the outer housing and the fan motor, wherein the second amount of air cools the fan motor. Example configurations shown above inFIGS. 5A-5S are capable of performing the example method ofFIG. 6 . - To better illustrate the method and apparatuses disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided here:
- Example 1 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, and a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow between the fan motor and air external to the outer housing.
- Example 2 includes the fan assembly of example 1 wherein the impeller is located at a downstream end of the conduit.
- Example 3 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the impeller is located at an upstream end of the conduit.
- Example 4 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from external to the outer housing, through the number of hollow vanes, to the fan motor.
- Example 5 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-4, wherein the fan assembly is configured to further move the second amount of air from the fan motor and to mix with the first amount of air in the fluid passage.
- Example 6 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the fan assembly is configured to mix the second amount of air with the first amount of air at a downstream end of the fluid passage.
- Example 7 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the fan assembly is configured to mix the second amount of air with the first amount of air at an upstream end of the fluid passage.
- Example 8 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from external to the outer housing, through inlet hollow vanes, to the fan motor, and back out through outlet hollow vanes.
- Example 9 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the fan assembly is configured to move the second amount of air from within the fluid passage to the fan motor, through the number of hollow vanes, and to a region external to the outer housing.
- Example 10 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) type motor with a second impeller to drive the second amount of air flow.
- Example 11 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes an open drip proof (ODP) type motor.
- Example 12 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed air over (MAO) type motor.
- Example 13 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, a number of hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow to move from external to the outer housing to the fan motor, and an exhaust passage for the second amount of air flow to move from the fan motor to a hollow portion within a hub of the impeller.
- Example 14 includes the fan assembly of example 13, wherein the hub further includes exhaust openings to exhaust the second amount of air flow from within the hub and into the first amount of air.
- Example 15 includes a fan assembly, including a conduit defined by an outer housing, a fan motor located within the outer housing, an impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing, a first set of inlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow from external to the outer housing into the fan motor, and a second set of outlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit the second amount of air flow from the fan motor back through the fluid passage, separated from the first amount of air.
- Example 16 includes the fan assembly of example 15, wherein inlet hollow vanes are spaced axially apart from outlet hollow vanes.
- Example 17 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 15-16, wherein inlet hollow vanes are located on one side of the fan assembly, and outlet hollow vanes are located on a different side of the fan assembly.
- Example 18 includes the fan assembly of any one of examples 15-16, further including a second impeller to drive the second amount of air.
- Example 19 includes a method of cooling a fan motor including, moving a first amount of air through a fluid passage that is defined between an outer housing, and a fan motor located within the outer housing, and flowing a second amount of air through one or more hollow vanes through the fluid passage between a region external to the outer housing and the fan motor, wherein the second amount of air cools the fan motor.
- Example 20 includes the method of example 19, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes actively driving a second amount of air using an impeller.
- Example 21 includes the method of any one of examples 18-19, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes flowing the second amount of air back through one or more hollow vanes to the region external to the outer housing after cooling the fan motor.
- Example 22 includes the method of any one of examples 18-20, wherein flowing the second amount of air includes flowing the second amount of air into the fluid passage and mixing the second amount of air with the first amount of air after cooling the fan motor.
- The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
- In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” in this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
- The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims (18)
1. A fan assembly, comprising:
a conduit defined by an outer housing;
a fan motor located within the outer housing;
a first impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing;
a first set of inlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow from external to the outer housing into the fan motor; and
a second set of outlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit the second amount of air flow from the fan motor back through the fluid passage, separated from the first amount of air.
2. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein inlet hollow vanes are spaced axially apart from outlet hollow vanes.
3. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein inlet hollow vanes are located on one side of the fan assembly, and outlet hollow vanes are located on a different side of the fan assembly.
4. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) type motor with a second impeller to drive the second amount of air flow.
5. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan motor includes an open drip proof (ODP) type motor.
6. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed air over (TEAO) type motor.
7. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the impeller is orated at a downstream end of the conduit.
8. The fan assembly of claim 1 , wherein the impeller is located at an upstream end of the conduit.
9. A fan assembly, comprising:
a conduit defined by an outer housing;
a fan motor located within the outer housing;
a first impeller coupled to the fan motor to drive a first amount of air through a fluid passage region defined between the fan motor and the outer housing;
a first set of inlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit a second amount of air flow from external to the outer housing into the fan motor;
a second set of outlet hollow vanes located within the fluid passage region to permit the second amount of air flow from the fan motor back through the fluid passage, separated from the first amount of air; and
a second impeller to drive the second amount of air through the hollow vanes.
10. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first set of inlet hollow vanes includes two or more inlet hollow vanes.
11. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the second set of outlet hollow vanes includes two or more outlet hollow vanes.
12. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein inlet hollow vanes are spaced axially apart from outlet hollow vanes.
13. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein inlet hollow vanes and outlet hollow vanes are spaced radially apart around the conduit at different radial locations.
14. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the impeller is located at a downstream end of the conduit.
15. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the impeller is located at an upstream end of the conduit.
16. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) type motor with a second impeller to drive the second amount of air flow.
17. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the fan motor includes an open drip proof (ODP) type motor.
18. The fan assembly of claim 9 , wherein the fan motor includes a totally enclosed air over (MAO) type motor.
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US17/556,116 US20220186737A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2021-12-20 | Fan having hollow vanes for cooling the motor with external air |
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US201562170435P | 2015-06-03 | 2015-06-03 | |
US15/172,471 US20160356278A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-03 | Hollow vane fan and cooling method |
US17/556,116 US20220186737A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2021-12-20 | Fan having hollow vanes for cooling the motor with external air |
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US15/172,471 Continuation US20160356278A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-03 | Hollow vane fan and cooling method |
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US20220186737A1 true US20220186737A1 (en) | 2022-06-16 |
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US15/172,471 Abandoned US20160356278A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-03 | Hollow vane fan and cooling method |
US17/556,116 Pending US20220186737A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2021-12-20 | Fan having hollow vanes for cooling the motor with external air |
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US15/172,471 Abandoned US20160356278A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-03 | Hollow vane fan and cooling method |
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Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10465704B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2019-11-05 | Twin City Companies, Ltd. | Media concentration device and method |
US10054130B1 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2018-08-21 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Rotary seal for an industrial fan assembly |
US10935040B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2021-03-02 | The Boeing Company | Radial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10605262B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Axial blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10605258B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2020-03-31 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Forward curved blade impeller for an industrial fan assembly |
US10356943B2 (en) | 2017-06-19 | 2019-07-16 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Industrial fan assembly |
US11374458B2 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2022-06-28 | Dekalb Blower Inc. | Electric motor with fluid cooling |
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US2294586A (en) * | 1941-08-04 | 1942-09-01 | Del Conveyor & Mfg Company | Axial flow fan structure |
US3229896A (en) * | 1963-11-05 | 1966-01-18 | American Agile Co | Vaneaxial fan |
RU2063556C1 (en) * | 1993-04-13 | 1996-07-10 | Научно-исследовательское, испытательное и проектное предприятие вентиляторостроения "Турмаш" | Fan for motion of explosive gas-and-air mixture |
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US2969908A (en) * | 1953-04-27 | 1961-01-31 | Garrett Corp | Impulse axial-flow compressor |
US3117770A (en) * | 1961-04-19 | 1964-01-14 | Crom B Campbell | Combination air warming and centrifugal fan unit for transmitting heated air |
US3199774A (en) * | 1963-11-29 | 1965-08-10 | Acme Ind Inc | In-duct fan |
US7443063B2 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2008-10-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Cooling fan with motor cooler |
EP2612038A4 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2018-07-04 | Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd | Tubular inline exhaust fan assembly |
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2016
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2021
- 2021-12-20 US US17/556,116 patent/US20220186737A1/en active Pending
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US1487766A (en) * | 1919-11-13 | 1924-03-25 | Ilg Electric Ventilating Compa | Protective device for ventilating fans |
US2294586A (en) * | 1941-08-04 | 1942-09-01 | Del Conveyor & Mfg Company | Axial flow fan structure |
US3229896A (en) * | 1963-11-05 | 1966-01-18 | American Agile Co | Vaneaxial fan |
RU2063556C1 (en) * | 1993-04-13 | 1996-07-10 | Научно-исследовательское, испытательное и проектное предприятие вентиляторостроения "Турмаш" | Fan for motion of explosive gas-and-air mixture |
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US20160356278A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
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