Installation effects on fan acoustic and aerodynamic performance

Timothy A. Brungart, Gerald C. Lauchle, Ryan K. Ramanujam

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    10 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Sound power measurements were performed on an upright vacuum cleaner in order to identify predominant noise generating mechanisms and to recommend corrective noise control modifications that would cause no increase in production costs. These modifications were then implemented and their effectiveness quantified. In general, the noise radiated by the vacuum cleaner is dominated by aerodynamic sources. Aerodynamic interactions occur between the electric motor cooling fan and nearby motor mounting fixtures resulting in intense tones at blade rate and harmonic frequencies. These tones are reduced by as much as 15 dB in level, to the broadband sound power level of the unit, by eliminating certain flow obstructions, and mounting the motor in an alternative fashion. Motor cooling performance is also dramatically improved by the new mounting arrangement resulting in a 26 °C reduction in steady-state operating temperature.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)3-7
    Number of pages5
    JournalNoise Control Engineering Journal
    Volume47
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 1999

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Building and Construction
    • Automotive Engineering
    • Aerospace Engineering
    • Acoustics and Ultrasonics
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
    • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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