The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 2014
Filed:
Jan. 01, 2009
David Greenblatt, Haifa, IL;
David Greenblatt, Haifa, IL;
Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd., Haifa, IL;
Abstract
The present invention relates to enhancing performance of fans and propellers using outsized Gurney flaps. Specifically, the current invention proposes the application of 'outsized Gurney flaps' (OGFs) to the trailing-edges of fan blades. According to an exemplary embodiment of the current invention, the Gurney flaps are larger than 10% of the fan blade chord length. Attaching OGFs is not only non-obvious; it seems counterintuitive, because it is akin to placing a large bluff body onto a flow. Preliminary experimental data acquired at Reynolds numbers typically exist during fan operation on idealized blade profiles showed a 100% increase in the generated lift and 40% to 60% increase in aerodynamic efficiency. This translates to significant improvements in fan performance at a given rpm, and/or significant saving in power and noise reduction for the same aerodynamic performance. The current invention may increase performance, may decrease energy consumption, may decrease size, may decrease cost, and may increase performance of: computer cooling fans, personal upright and ceiling fans, refrigeration fans, air conditioning fans, automotive fans, ventilation, vacuuming, small-scale propellers, etc.