High Efficiency Fans for Underhood Cooling of Military Vehicles

Mechanical Solutions, Incorporated (MSI) proposes to use a series of proven aerodynamic and aero-acoustic optimization techniques coupled to the latest Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to evaluate advanced underhood engine fan cooling concepts. Additional design and optimization work will form the basis for down-selecting to preferred fan arrangements that analytically demonstrate meeting efficiency, flow, pressure, and other requirements within geometric and other constraints. The focus is on fan designs for the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) vehicle and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Variant C. The design optimization techniques and Phase II prototype testing will produce a fan design that achieves a minimum of 85% static efficiency, that is, supplies the desired static pressure rise and volume flow while minimizing work input. There is synergy between the proposed effort and a current Phase II SBIR contract awarded to MSI by the Marine Corp Systems Command. MSI is currently in Month 6 of a 24 month project entitled"Low Noise Axial Fan Optimization for the Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)". The Phase II SBIR deliverable to Marine Corp Systems Command is a high efficiency/low noise fan retrofit kit for the EFV.