What Are the True Power Requirements for My Wind Tunnel Design?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the power requirements for a wind tunnel design, specifically for an open loop system. The user has identified the need to account for individual pressure losses throughout the tunnel, determining that total power required is the product of pressure loss and flow rate. Additionally, the user questions whether the power needed to maintain airflow without losses should be included in the total power calculation. The wind tunnel features a 12"x12" test section designed for a wind speed of 25 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, specifically pressure loss calculations.
  • Familiarity with wind tunnel design concepts, including open and closed loop systems.
  • Knowledge of dynamic pressure and its role in airflow calculations.
  • Basic mechanical engineering principles related to fan selection and performance.
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  • Research the calculation of total pressure loss in wind tunnel systems.
  • Study the impact of dynamic pressure on airflow in open loop wind tunnels.
  • Learn about fan performance curves and how to select appropriate fans for specific applications.
  • Explore methods for measuring and validating airflow in wind tunnel experiments.
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Mechanical engineering students, wind tunnel designers, and professionals involved in aerodynamic testing and airflow analysis.

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I am designing a wind tunnel for my final year project. I am am now a little lost at the power requirements area. To select a fan, i understand that i have to overcome the pressure drops through out the tunnel by choosing a fan that has a higher pressure rise. So far i have figured out that i have to calculate individual pressure losses through out the various sections of the tunnel and the total loss should be the sum of the individual section losses. And therefore the power required should be pressure loss x flow rate.

Now what i want to know is, is that really the total power required? Dont i have to be bothered about the power required to maintain the flow if there were no losses? (ie, Power = actual power required + power required to over come losses)

My wind tunnel has a 12"x12" test section and i am designing it for a 25m/s wind speed.

Could someone assist me regarding this? Also I am a mechanical engineering student and a aviation is a new field to me.
 
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Depends: is this an open or closed loop wind tunnel? In an open wind tunnel, the fan also has to accelerate the air. In a closed one, it just has to keep it moving.
 
Its an open loop one. So about the acceleration, i have calculated the loss coefficients.
And then i got the pressure drop using K=\frac{\DeltaP}{q}
Where q is dynamic pressure. Does this dynamic pressure stand for the pressure required for the flow?
Its Pstatic + P dynamic = P total right?
 

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