Abstract: A blower assembly for advancing the flow of air in an air flow device at a selected one of a plurality of air flow rates. The blower assembly includes a blower housing defining a body thereof and a wall of the blower housing moveably secured to the body, a blower wheel rotatably mounted to the blower housing and a motor for rotating the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. The blower assembly further includes a motion device secured to the body and to the wall. The motion device moves the wall relative to the body to a selected one of a plurality of distinct wall positions. The motor rotates the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. A controller calculates an optimum wall position and rotational speed to provide for minimal energy usage rate.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower assembly includes a scroll wall and at least one sidewall. The scroll wall is coupled to the at least one sidewall such that the scroll wall and the at least one sidewall at least partially define a blower chamber. The centrifugal blower assembly also includes an air stream splitter coupled to the scroll wall. The air stream splitter includes a base member fixedly coupled to the scroll wall and positioned within the blower chamber and a spline member extending a varying distance from the scroll wall and perpendicularly from the base member. An outer surface of the airstream splitter contacts an inner surface of the scroll wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower assembly includes a scroll wall and at least one sidewall. The scroll wall is coupled to the at least one sidewall such that the scroll wall and the at least one sidewall at least partially define a blower chamber. The centrifugal blower assembly also includes an air stream splitter coupled to the scroll wall. The air stream splitter includes a base member fixedly coupled to the scroll wall and positioned within the blower chamber and a spline member extending a varying distance from the scroll wall and perpendicularly from the base member. An outer surface of the airstream splitter contacts an inner surface of the scroll wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower assembly comprises a scroll wall and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The scroll wall is positioned between the pair of opposing sidewalls such that the scroll wall and opposing sidewalls together define a blower chamber and a blower outlet. A baffle element is positioned within the blower chamber and adjacent the blower outlet such that the baffle element is configured to facilitate uniform distribution of airflow downstream of the blower assembly. An air stream splitter is coupled to the scroll wall. The air stream splitter includes a spline member extending a varying distance from the scroll wall. The air stream splitter is positioned within the blower chamber to facilitate uniform airflow distribution within the blower assembly.

Abstract: According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a housing and a stator. The stator is fixedly secured to the housing. The machine also includes a rotor. The rotor is rotatably secured to the housing. At least one of the housing, the stator and the rotor include an inner wall defining a passageway adapted for improved fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower system includes a centrifugal blower assembly for generating airflow. The centrifugal blower assembly includes a housing, a motor coupled to the housing, and at least one impeller coupled to the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the motor. The motor controller is configured to receive at least one feedback parameter and to transmit instructions to the motor to control an operation of the motor based on the at least one feedback parameter. The operation of the motor is configured to reduce noise in the centrifugal blower system.

Abstract: A blower assembly for advancing the flow of air in an air flow device at a selected one of a plurality of air flow rates is provided. The blower assembly includes a blower housing defining a body thereof and a wall of the blower housing moveably secured to the body, a blower wheel rotatably mounted to the blower housing and a motor for rotating the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. The blower assembly further includes a motion device secured to the body and to the wall. The motion device moves the wall relative to the body to a selected one of a plurality of distinct wall positions. The motor rotates the blower wheel at a selected one of a plurality of rotational speeds. A controller calculates optimum wall position and rotational speed to provide for minimal energy usage rate.

Abstract: An electric motor for use with a power supply includes a housing and a stator fixedly secured to the housing. The stator has a plurality of coils secured to the stator. The motor also includes a first rotor secured to the stator and having a first number of poles and a second rotor secured to the stator and having a second number of poles. The second number being different than the first number. The plurality of coils cooperates with the first rotor to rotate the first rotor at a first rotor rotational speed and the plurality of coils cooperates with the second rotor to rotate the second rotor at a second rotor rotational speed. The second rotor rotational speed is substantially different than the first rotor rotational speed.

Abstract: An air handling system comprises a housing and a fan configured to circulate air. The housing comprises at least one wall defining a passageway for the air and at least one vortex generator coupled to the at least one wall. The at least one vortex generator extends partially into the passageway.

Abstract: A housing for coupling to a motor having an axis of rotation is provided. The housing includes an end cap having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing also includes a plurality of first heat fins coupled to the outer surface. Each first heat fin of the plurality of first heat fins includes a first portion extending radially from the axis of rotation. In addition, the housing includes a second portion coupled to first portion and extending parallel to the axis of rotation. The housing further includes a second heat fin coupled to the second portion.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan is described. The fan uses a blade that is tapered across the span of the blade. The taper can be larger towards the end opposite of the inlet or larger at the inlet. The blade may be backwardly inclined and/or curved. The fan may also include a turning vane.

Abstract: In one aspect, a centrifugal blower assembly is provided. The centrifugal blower assembly includes a housing defining an interior space and an impeller configured to channel an airflow within the interior space. A motor is coupled to the impeller and configured to rotate the impeller about an axis. The centrifugal blower also includes a plurality of mounting arms. Each mounting arm of the plurality of mounting arms includes a first end coupled to the housing and a second end coupled to the motor. Each mounting arm of the plurality of mounting arms has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a portion of an airfoil shape.

Abstract: A calibration system for a climate system utilizing closed loop feedback and a phase change cell includes controlling a transfer rate of energy between a phase change cell and a thermal mass based on at least a temperature of the thermal mass. The transfer rate is controlled in order to control the temperature of the thermal mass and selectively move a material in the phase change cell through a phase change with transferred energy. In particular, the temperature of the thermal mass is controllable when the material is maintained in the phase change. A thermal sensor in the thermal mass may also be calibrated based on the temperature of a thermal sensor in the phase change cell during a predetermined portion of the phase change.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower assembly includes a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the housing defines in part an interior space. The centrifugal blower also includes a first portion of texture applied to at least a first portion of at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the housing. The first portion of texture has a first height based at least in part on a local boundary layer height of an airflow moving across at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface respectively. The first portion of texture is configured to generate a turbulent flow within the airflow moving across the first portion of texture.

Abstract: A motor assembly is provided that includes a fan housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a motor coupled to the fan housing and positioned within the air inlet. The motor includes a first end, a second end, and a shaft. The motor assembly further includes a fan coupled to the shaft proximate the motor second end. The motor first end includes a contoured surface having a stagnation point and a plurality of points along the contoured surface downstream of the stagnation point. Each point of the plurality of points has a coefficient of pressure less than 1, and the contoured surface is configured to direct air around the motor and to reduce airflow restriction and flow disturbance within the fan housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a flexible fan blade for use in a centrifugal fan impeller having at least one of a rear plate and a front plate with an air inlet is provided. The flexible fan blade comprises a fixed central portion fixedly coupled to at least one of the front plate and the rear plate of the centrifugal fan impeller. The flexible fan blade also includes a trailing edge extending from the fixed central portion and being moveable between a first position and a second position. The trailing edge is fabricated from a compliant material. Furthermore, the trailing edge is flexible in relation to the fixed central portion between a first position and a second position. The flexible fan blade also includes a leading edge extending from the fixed central portion in opposed relation to the trailing edge.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a support structure, a stator secured to the support structure, and a rotor rotatably secured to the support structure. The machine also includes a circuit board positioned at least partially within the support structure. The circuit board is adapted for controlling an electromagnetic field produced by the stator. The machine also includes a potting material in contact with a first surface of the circuit board and a barrier for at least partially containing the potting material.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower system includes a centrifugal blower assembly for generating airflow. The centrifugal blower assembly includes a housing, a motor coupled to the housing, and at least one impeller coupled to the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the motor. The motor controller is configured to receive at least one feedback parameter and to transmit instructions to the motor to control an operation of the motor based on the at least one feedback parameter. The operation of the motor is configured to reduce noise in the centrifugal blower system.

Abstract: According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a housing and a stator. The stator is fixedly secured to the housing. The machine also includes a rotor. The rotor is rotatably secured to the housing. At least one of the housing, the stator and the rotor include an inner wall defining a passageway adapted for improved fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan is described. The fan uses a blade that is tapered across the span of the blade. The taper can be larger towards the end opposite of the inlet or larger at the inlet. The blade may be backwardly inclined and/or curved. The fan may also include a turning vane.