Noise reduction of Automotive HVAC systems is a hard task because of the highly complicated and very sensitive turbulent flow in the blower fan unit. First, we identified the location of noise sources by the Sound Intensity (SI) method, then we investigated the flow pattern by the oil-mist method. As a result, two main noise generation mechanisms have been identified. One mechanism is generated by the interaction of the strong steady flow of air in the unit with the fan wheel, and the other is from the turbulent flow between the fan blades.
Results:
A new fan blade design was developed that had improved control of the turbulent flow, and which configuration caused a noise reduction of 2 dB-A over current blown fan systems.
