Innovative High-Induction Air Diffuser for Enhanced Air Mixing in Vehicles and Personalized Ventilation Applications

Florin Ioan Bode, Titus Otniel Joldos, Gabriel Mihai Sirbu, Paul Danca (), Costin Cosoiu and Ilinca Nastase ()
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Florin Ioan Bode: Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanics, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Titus Otniel Joldos: Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanics, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Gabriel Mihai Sirbu: Renault Technologie Roumanie, Group Renault Romania, 062204 Bucharest, Romania
Paul Danca: Advanced Research Center for Ambiental Quality and Building Physics (CAMBI) Research Center, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania
Costin Cosoiu: Aerodynamics and Wind Engineering Laboratory “Constantin Iamandi” (LAIV), Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania
Ilinca Nastase: Advanced Research Center for Ambiental Quality and Building Physics (CAMBI) Research Center, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, 020396 Bucharest, Romania

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: Thermal comfort is very important for the well-being and safety of vehicle occupants, as discomfort can elevate stress, leading to distracted attention and slower reaction times. This creates a riskier driving environment. Addressing this, high-induction air diffusers emerge as a significant innovation, enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by efficiently mixing cool air from the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system with the cabin’s ambient air. This process ensures uniform airflow, diminishes temperature discrepancies, prevents draft sensations, and boosts overall air quality by improving air circulation. In addition to enhancing thermal comfort in vehicles, the novel air diffuser also offers significant potential for personalized ventilation systems, allowing for individualized control over airflow and temperature, thereby catering to the specific comfort needs of each occupant. This study introduces a novel air diffuser that demonstrates a 48% improvement in air entrainment compared to traditional diffusers, verified through Ansys Fluent simulations and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements. At a fresh airflow rate of 31.79 m 3 /h, the total air entrainment rate at 0.6 m for the standard air diffuser is 73.36 m 3 /h, while for the innovative air diffuser, it is 109.26 m 3 /h. This solution has the potential to increase the level of thermal comfort and air quality within vehicles, and also signals potential applications across various enclosed spaces, underscoring its importance in advancing automotive safety and environmental standards.

Keywords: high-induction air diffusers; LDV measurements; vehicle ventilation; air mixing; personalized ventilation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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