Vortex generator of an hvac unit

Abstract

A vortex generator for installation in a passage defined by heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is configured to mix air flow through the passage. The vortex generator includes a proximal end configured to extend from a support defining the passage. The proximal end includes a first width dimension configured to extend transverse to a flow direction through the passage. The vortex generator includes a distal end opposing the proximal end. The distal end includes a second width dimension configured to extend transverse to the flow direction through the passage, where the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension. The vortex generator includes a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The body includes a third width dimension configured to extend transverse to the flow direction through the passage, where the third width dimension is less than the second width dimension.

1 . A vortex generator for installation in a passage defined by heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, wherein the vortex generator is configured to mix air flow through the passage and the vortex generator comprises:
 a proximal end configured to extend from a support defining the passage, wherein the proximal end comprises a first width dimension configured to extend transverse to a flow direction through the passage;   a distal end opposing the proximal end, wherein the distal end comprises a second width dimension configured to extend transverse to the flow direction through the passage, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension; and   a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the body comprises a third width dimension configured to extend transverse to the flow direction through the passage, and wherein the third width dimension is less than the second width dimension.   
     
     
         2 . The vortex generator of  claim 1 , comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the first width dimension, the second width dimension, or the third width dimension is constant from the leading edge to the trailing edge. 
     
     
         3 . The vortex generator of  claim 2 , wherein the first width dimension is constant from the leading edge to the trailing edge, the second width dimension is constant from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and the third width dimension is constant from the leading edge to the trailing edge. 
     
     
         4 . The vortex generator of  claim 1 , wherein the first width dimension is equal to the third width dimension such that the proximal end, the body, and the distal end form a T-shaped cross-sectional profile of the vortex generator. 
     
     
         5 . The vortex generator of  claim 1 , wherein a ratio between the first width dimension and the second width dimension is between 1:20 and 1:6. 
     
     
         6 . The vortex generator of  claim 1 , comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein a first height dimension of the vortex generator at the leading edge is less than a second height dimension of the vortex generator at the trailing edge. 
     
     
         7 . The vortex generator of  claim 6 , wherein a ratio between the first height dimension and the second height dimension is between 1:4 and 1:2. 
     
     
         8 . The vortex generator of  claim 6 , wherein the distal end comprises a plate having a curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge. 
     
     
         9 . A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
 a housing;   a mixing plate disposed in the housing and having a surface defining a passage through the mixing plate; and   a vortex generator configured to mix air flows through the passage, the vortex generator comprising:
 a proximal end disposed at the surface of the mixing plate, wherein the proximal end comprises a first width dimension extending transverse to a flow direction through the passage; 
 a distal end opposing the proximal end, wherein the distal end comprises a second width dimension extending transverse to the flow direction through the passage, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension; and 
 a body extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the body comprises a third width dimension extending transverse to the flow direction through the passage, and wherein the third width dimension is less than the second width dimension. 
   
     
     
         10 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein the vortex generator comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, and wherein at least one of the first width dimension, the second width dimension, or the third width dimension is constant from the leading edge to the trailing edge. 
     
     
         11 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein the proximal end, the body, and the distal end form a T-shaped cross-sectional profile of the vortex generator. 
     
     
         12 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein the vortex generator comprises a plate defining the distal end of the vortex generator between a leading edge of the vortex generator and a trailing edge of the vortex generator, such that a first height dimension of the vortex generator at the leading edge is less than a second height dimension of the vortex generator at the trailing edge. 
     
     
         13 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein a ratio of the first width dimension to the second width dimension is between 1:20 and 1:6 
     
     
         14 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , wherein the housing comprises:
 a first air flow inlet configured to receive a return air flow; and   a second air flow inlet configured to receive an outside air flow, wherein the vortex generator is configured to mix the return air flow and the outside air flow to generate a mixed air flow.   
     
     
         15 . The HVAC system of  claim 9 , comprising a plurality of vortex generators including the vortex generator, wherein the plurality of vortex generators is configured to mix the air flows through the passage. 
     
     
         16 . An air handling unit (AHU), comprising:
 a housing configured to receive an outside air flow via a first inlet and a return air flow via a second inlet;   a mixing plate disposed in the housing and comprising a surface defining a boundary of a passage through the mixing plate, the passage being configured to receive the outside air flow and the return air flow; and   a plurality of vortex generators extending from the surface of the mixing plate and into the passage, wherein the plurality of vortex generators is configured to mix the outside air flow and the return air flow to generate a mixed air flow, and wherein each vortex generator of the plurality of vortex generators comprises:
 a proximal end connected to the surface of the mixing plate and having a first width dimension; 
 a body connected to the proximal end; and 
 a distal end connected to the body opposite to the proximal end, wherein the distal end extends into the passage and comprises a second width dimension that is greater than the first width dimension of the proximal end, the first width dimension and the second width dimension being oriented transverse to a flow direction through the passage. 
   
     
     
         17 . The AHU of  claim 16 , wherein the distal end of each vortex generator of the plurality of vortex generators comprises an untethered distal end. 
     
     
         18 . The AHU of  claim 16 , wherein each vortex generator of the plurality of vortex generators comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge having a first height dimension that is less than a second height dimension of the trailing edge. 
     
     
         19 . The AHU of  claim 16 , wherein each vortex generator of the plurality of vortex generators comprises a curvilinear plate defining the distal end of the vortex generator and extending between a leading edge of the vortex generator and a trailing edge of the vortex generator. 
     
     
         20 . The AHU of  claim 16 , wherein a ratio of the first width dimension to the second width dimension is between 1:20 and 1:6.