3/13/2012

DYSON AIR MULTIPLIER: THE BLADELESS FAN

Eric Kachel

Scope
The purpose of this document is to describe the Dyson Air Multiplier. We will examine the main components, how it works, features, and distinct advantages. When most people see this product their first question is how it works. This document works to demystify the process the Dyson Air Multiplier uses, as well as describing the features and advantages. The target audience for this document is someone with little to no knowledge of fluid mechanics that is curious about the Air Multiplier and wants more information on how it works, the features, and the advantages over a conventional fan. While this document is intended for anyone a background in basic scientific concepts would be helpful in understanding. Difficult technical terms and concepts were simplified to more common language.

Introduction
The Dyson Air Multiplier is in the simplest definition a fan with no visible blades. Not having blades on a fan can have many distinct advantages. Here the theory behind the technology will be presented along with the Multipliers features and advantages.

Description
The best way to examine the Air Multiplier is to break it apart into two distinct sections. These are the base, and the ring. An image of the Air Multiplier with these two main components labeled can be seen in Figure 1.

Ring

Base

Figure 1: Main Components of Dyson Air Multiplier

Base
The term bladeless fan is often used to describe the Air Multiplier. Although there are no external blades that does not mean it is bladeless. In fact the blades, along with all the necessary electronics, are located in the base. These blades are not like conventional fan blades; instead they are blades on an impeller. The purpose of the impeller is to pressurize the air it draws in from small holes located around the circumference of the base. This pressurized air travels up to the circular manifold where it is released. The impeller has nine blades and is designed to generate the high pressure and flow needed in order for the air multiplier to work. The impeller is powered by an energy efficient brushless electric motor that Dyson also developed.

Figure 2: Dysons Impeller

Ring
The most distinctive feature of the Air Multiplier is the large ring at the top. The compressed air from the base is pumped up into this ring. The ring serves as the area that the air is blown through. The ring is really an airfoil that has been formed into a full circle. This can be seen by examining the cross section in Figure 3. The air compressed by the impeller into the ring escapes through a small aperture in the front of the airfoil. As the air escapes it accelerates over the curved surface of the airfoil. As the air accelerates its pressure must decrease, as described by Bernoullis Principle. Since the ring is an airfoil curved into a Figure 3: full circle a low pressure pocket is Airfoil Cross Section of formed in the ring. The air in the room is Dyson Air Multiplier now at a higher pressure than that of the air in the ring. Just like in a weather system this high pressure air is drawn in toward the low pressure air. As the air is drawn in, it is accelerated over the airfoils curved surface, this amplifies its effect by creating even lower pressure, which draws in more air. This process, which is due to the pressure differential paired with the air being shot out of the airfoil, is responsible for the stream of air through the ring. In Figue 4 a simulation of the flow around the airfoil shaped cross section is shown. In this image the red and yellow colors represent higher velocity flow, while the blue and green represents slower air velocity. This makes it easier to visualize how the air will flow out of the ring and cause the neccasary low pressure, by accelerating the air.

Figure 4: Simulated Flow Analysis of Ring Cross Section

When it comes to generating flow the Dyson Air Multiplier doesnt stop at the ring. As the cylinder of air leaves the ring it comes into contact with stagnant air along its edges. Through a fluid property known as viscous shearing some of this stagnant air is pushed forward, increasing the flow rate. Viscous shearing is basically air friction that drags air into the flow. This effect causes the flow that comes from the ring to become a wider ranged conical shape. Figure 5 shows a cross section of the Air Multipliers ring. As in Figure 4 dark blue represents stagnant air and red represents high velocity flow. From this image the effect of viscous shearing can be easily seen. The flow pans out into a wider region, bringing more air into the flow, as it propagates downstream.

Figure 5: Simulated Flow Analysis Showing Shearing Effects The Dyson Air Multiplier gets its name because it takes a small amount of air into the base and the result is a larger stream of air. The Air Multiplier is so effective it can multiply the amount of flow by fifteen times. Through the airfoil geometry and use of some clever fluid mechanics the Air Multiplier finds a unique way to move air without the use of visible blades. An annotated diagram of the various flows that lead to the Air Multipliers success can be seen in Figure 6.

Viscous Shearing

High Pressure Air Drawn Forward

Flow Multiplied 15X

Air into Base

5

Figure 6: Air Multiplier Flow Diagram

Features
Just as conventional fans have different settings so does the Air Multiplier. The Dyson Air Multiplier comes equipped with a variety of features designed for the user to customize their experience: Power Control- The Air Multiplier is equipped with a dial that allows you to fine tune the flow to your specific preference. Oscillation- The Air Multiplier can rotate around its base just like a conventional fan in order to cool a larger area. Tipping- The Air Multiplier can also tip forward and backward to provide another level of customization. Heating- Some Air Multipliers also contain a heating element to better heat rooms in the winter using the same principles. Dyson heaters more efficiently heat a room without the burning smell that most heaters produce. Variety- Air Multipliers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and sizes so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Figure 7 shows some of the varieties of Air Multiplier available.

Figure 7: Air Multiplier Varieties

Advantages
Through the use of technology, innovation, and a sound understanding of fluid dynamics the Air Multiplier gains some distinct advantages over conventional fans. These advantages are more than just its aesthetic appeal. Some of these advantages include: Efficiency The Air Multiplier is more efficient than a conventional fan in two ways. First the Air Multiplier uses a much more efficient brushless motor than other types of fans. This type of fan has reduced friction and saves energy. Secondly the multipliers unique geometric design means you can get the same amount of flow with less energy. Cleaning - Since the blades are not exposed you dont have to worry about them getting dirty. It is much easier to wipe the ring of the Air Multiplier clean when compared to having to clean the blades and grates on a conventional fan. Safety- Since all move parts are enclosed the Air Multiplier is safer. You can stick your hand or even head through the ring without sustaining any injuries. Noise- Since it uses a smaller quieter motor the Multiplier produces less noise than conventional fans. Steady Flow- Due to the unique way that the Air Multiplier works it outputs a steady stream of air. This steady stream is more like a natural breeze than the pulsing air you would get from conventional fan blades chopping through the air.
6

Conclusion
The Dyson Air Multiplier uses a distinctly innovative design in order to improve the traditional fan design. To review flow is generated through the following process: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Air is taken in by the impeller and pressurized. Pressurized air accelerates out of openings in the ring and along the air foil shape. This high velocity air causes a low pressure pocket in the ring. Higher pressure air is sucked into the Air Multiplier. This new air also flows along the airfoil causing even lower pressure, which draws in more air. The flow is enhanced further by viscous shearing effects.

The features of the Air Multiplier allow the user to have many degrees of customization. The use of basic fluid mechanics on the Air Multiplier offers several distinct advantages when compared a conventional fan.

Works Cited
Dyson fan - Air Multiplier technology | Dyson.com. Dyson, 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/technology/airmultiplier.asp>. Dyson fans and fan heaters | Dyson.com. Dyson, 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/fans/>. Cover Image: Dyson AM01 Table Fan 10 inch. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/store/productFan.asp?product=AM01-WHITESIL>. Introduction Image: Sanderson, Vicky. It's been a long week, folks. 2011. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://thestar.blogs.com/onthehouse/2011/03/rather-than-several-shorter-blog-entries-thisweek-dear-reader-you-get-one-lengthy-entry-how-and-why-did-i-fall-so-sadly-b.html>. Figure 1: Dyson Air Multiplier. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/fans/default.asp?gclid=CIzU37isva4CFUdN4AodZDiRWw>. Figure 2: Mixed Flow Impeller. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/fans/default.asp?gclid=CIzU37isva4CFUdN4AodZDiRWw>. Figure 3: AM01 Table Fan 12 inch. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/store/productFan.asp?product=AM01-IRONSIL>. Figure 4: Air Multiplier technology development. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/insideDyson/article.asp?aID=Air_Mult_Tech_Dev&imgID=Air_Mu lt_Tech_Dev_01.jpg&asset=Air_Mult_Tech_Dev_01.jpg&at=Image&hf=&js=>. Figure 5: Air Multiplier technology development. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/insideDyson/article.asp?aID=Air_Mult_Tech_Dev&imgID=Air_Mu lt_Tech_Dev_02.jpg&asset=Air_Mult_Tech_Dev_02.jpg&at=Image&hf=&js=>. Figure 6: Air Multiplier technology. 2012. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/fans/>. Figure 7: Air Multiplier Varieties. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp>.