Thermo -- Airflow Analysis for Heating Ducts in an HVAC system

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the highest possible average flow velocity in a heating duct of an HVAC system using a 60-W fan. The fan must raise the air pressure by 50 Pa to maintain flow through ducts with a diameter of 30 cm. By applying the flow energy equation and assuming incompressible air, the average flow velocity is determined to be 16.976 m/s. Key insights include the importance of correctly interpreting pressure values and the relationship between mass flow and velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of HVAC systems and airflow dynamics
  • Familiarity with the flow energy equation
  • Knowledge of fluid density and incompressibility assumptions
  • Basic principles of mass flow conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of the flow energy equation in HVAC systems
  • Learn about pressure drop calculations in duct systems
  • Explore the effects of fan performance curves on airflow
  • Investigate methods for measuring air velocity in ducts
USEFUL FOR

HVAC engineers, mechanical engineers, and students studying fluid dynamics who are involved in airflow analysis and duct design.

Cyrus
Messages
3,237
Reaction score
17
2-48) The 60-W fan of a central heating system is to circulate air through the ducts. The analysis of the flow shows that the fan needs to raise the pressure of air by 50Pa to maintain flow. The fan is located in a horizontal flow section where the diameter is 30cm at both inlet and outlet. Determine the highest possible average flow velocity in the duct.


Hmmm, I have this equation for flow energy on time rate basis:


\Delta \dot{E_{mec}} = \dot{m} \Delta e_{mec} = \dot{m}( \frac{P_2 - P_1}{ \rho} + \frac{V_2^2 - V_1 ^2} {2} + g(z_2 - z_1 ))

I know delta P, but I don't know delta V, and delta z is zero. Hmmmm... I guess I can assume no heat loss, and that \Delta \dot{E} = 60W, so that knocks off another unknown. The density of air is not given, and it has to be assumed incompressable. I guess I'll have to look that up in the index. The problem is I don't know \dot{m}, nor do I know the inlet or outlet flow velocity.....hmmmm more thinking to myself, perhaps I do know \dot{m} I can substitute into it \rho A_c V_{avg} Because mass flow in = mass flow out, via conservation of mass. Oh, and I was given delta P across the inlet and outlet to be 5KPa....OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...that picture is NOT for this problem. That 5kPa and the picture is for the previous problem. Strike that. AHHHHHHHHH! KEY WORD, *MAINTAIN FLOW*, which means V-in = V -out. Hence, the second fractional term goes to zero also! Yippie! Now my \rho cancel out too!

So the anwser is:

\dot{E} = \frac { \pi d^2} {4} V_{avg} \Delta P

Plug in and I get: 16.976 m/s

Seem good to you?

The devil was in the details in this problem.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
50 Pa not 5 kPa, but the approach is good - the diameter gives a way to relate the mass flow to the velocity change, so it's just one unknown in the whole equation. The fan won't change the density of air notably.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
20K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
8K