Volumetric resistance blower

Abstract

This paper reports on a new low-noise blower rotor technology developed by Intel Corporation (patents pending). The new approach replaces the traditional centrifugal blower rotor with a block of continuous porous media. The porous media can be as simple as a low-cost, block of open-cell foam and has no blades or macroscale structure. As the porous media rotor rotates, viscous and inertial forces from the volumetric resistance of the porous media cause the air within the rotor to rotate with it, creating centrifugal forces that overwhelm the flow resistance in the radial direction and create a flow pattern similar to that achieved in a traditional blower. However, because of the lack of distinct blades, the porous-media generates nearly zero aerodynamic tonal noise and significantly reduced broadband noise. This allows the rotor to be operated at significantly higher RPM and reduced clearances relative to the traditional rotor design for further improved performance. This paper will discuss numerical modeling and experimental development of the new blower type. An iso-flow comparison of porous-media and traditional rotors with the same motor and housing demonstrate a 5 dBA reduction in broadband noise and a factor of two reduction in tonality while maintaining comparable overall efficiency. Impact of porosity and different rotor support structures are also discussed.