Design of an Automobile Cabin Ventilation System

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Design of an Automobile Cabin Ventilation System
ME 414 Thermal Fluid System Design Mechanical
Engineering, IUPUIProfessor Dr. ToksoyFall 2006

• Krista Cowan
• John Fearncombe
• Nathaniel Greene
• Brad Holtsclaw
• Katie Iaizzo

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Design Parameters

• Satisfy space constraints dictated by other
  system components
• Minimize pressure drops in each of the three
  sections of the system
• Equalize these pressure drops
• Minimize cost of the system

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System Modeling

• Flow evaluation performed within AFT Fathom
  software based upon geometry constraints
• Evaluated potential materials based on price,
  density, and cost
• Utilized fluid properties dictated by the given
  fluid and operating temperature

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Summary Table
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Analysis Tools

• AFT Fathom for flow distribution and flow rate
  analysis
• Microsoft Excel orifice diameter analysis

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Design Parameters

• 3D Pipes with 1D Analysis
• Create 3 separate models with constant pressure
• No Elevation
• Define cross-sectional area
• No pump
• Verify reasonable flow rate and velocity
• K3.42 at system vents

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Initial Model
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Design Process

• Optimized bend dimensions to reduce pressure
  losses
• Selected an appropriate orifice diameter
• Experimented with sudden vs. conical contractions
• Experimented with venturi

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Selection of Orifice Diameter
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Bill of Materials
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Final Model
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Conclusion

• Total Material Costs 12.43
• Equalized flow distribution
• Equalized pressure drops
• Side Branches 0.01265 Pa
• Center Branch 0.01259 Pa
• Difference 0.49
• Minimized weight

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Sources

• Class Notes and Handouts
• Idelchik, I.E. (1989). Flow Resistance A Design
  Guide for Engineering
• www.mcmaster.com

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Questions