Trane International Inc.

Stephen John Lind

Dustin Eric Jason Meredith

David Edward Edmonds

Thomas A Ley

Yahia Abdelhamid

Jay E Grotelueschen

Randy Monroe Murphy

Robert Lee Coleman

Dustin E J Meredith

A centrifugal fan assembly including fan wheel, a primary inlet bell, a secondary inlet bell, and a flow grid. The primary inlet bell and secondary inlet bell direct air into an inlet of the fan wheel of the centrifugal fan. Also disclosed is a sound reduction assembly for reducing the sound produced by a centrifugal fan or centrifugal compressor. A method of directing air flowing into a centrifugal fan or a centrifugal compressor is also disclosed.

Combined secondary inlet bell and flow grid for a centrifugal fan or centrifugal compressor

A system and method for controlling the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment so as to achieve a desired range of a sound pressure level and/or a sound power level is described. The system and method can lead to a desired range of a sound pressure level and/or a sound power level for a zone using equipment that is typically included in HVAC systems. Such control of equipment can be important for privacy and comfort requirements.

System and method for controlling HVAC equipment so as to obtain a desired range of a sound pressure level and/or sound power level

Methods and apparatus to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence of an airflow of a HVAC system are described. The method may include positioning an airflow moderating zone in an airflow passage to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. Apparatuses to create the airflow moderating zone are also provided. The apparatus may be configured to have a plurality of openings and an airflow resistance structure so as to provide airflow resistance to instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. The airflow moderating zone may be, for example, a sheet-like material including a plurality of openings.

Methods and apparatuses to moderate an airflow

A plenum with features to disperse acoustic energy in an airflow while maintaining a relatively small pressure drop in the airflow is disclosed. A general structure of the plenum may include a perforated airflow passage surrounded by a substantially large space enclosed between the airflow passage and a plenum. The perforated airflow passage has a perforated wall that may allow the acoustic energy to be dispersed into the substantially large space when flowing through the airflow passage. Acoustic energy dispersing materials may also be disposed in the substantially large space and/or on the perforated wall to help disperse acoustic energy by, for example, absorbing the acoustic energy. The plenum can help disperse the acoustic energy while helping minimize the pressure drop in the airflow.

Acoustic dispersing airflow passage

A plenum fan comprising a fan wheel disposed within a box-like enclosure includes a secondary inlet cone, a primary inlet cone, and a flexible duct. The two inlet cones convey air to the mouth of the fan wheel. A frame supports the fan wheel and the primary inlet cone such that the frame, the fan wheel and the primary inlet cone comprise a fan assembly. If the fan assembly shifts due to fan thrust or vibration, the fan assembly moves as a unit. The flexible duct connects the primary inlet cone to an inlet of the enclosure while isolating the fan assembly's vibration from the enclosure. The secondary inlet cone extends from the inlet of the enclosure, protrudes into or toward the primary inlet cone and provides a smooth airflow path over the abrupt shape of the flexible duct.

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Onalaska, WI, United States of America

Stephen John Lind