Testing - Airflow Through Modules
- Micah Black
We tested the airflow through our prototype module, inside a cardboard tube with some 3D printed adapters, using a UNI-T UT363 BT wind speed sensor.
Pictures of our module and airflow testing rig:
Air speed measurements were taken as the average over about 1 minute (average computed on the device).
Fan Specs and Measurements:
| Fan Type | Qualtek FAD1-12025CBMW12 | Noctua NF-F12 iPPC 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage (V) | 12 | 12 |
| Current Draw (A) | 0.166 | 0.311 |
| Power Usage (W) | 1.992 | 3.732 |
| Rated Static Pressure (mm H2O) | 2.87 | 7.63 |
| Rated Airflow (CFM) | 81.0 | 109.9 |
| Spec Link | https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/qualtek/FAD1-12025CBMW12/Q640-ND/2600110 | https://noctua.at/en/nf-f12-industrialppc-3000-pwm/specification |
| Purchase Link | https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/qualtek/FAD1-12025CBMW12/Q640-ND/2600110 | https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KFCRATC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
| Air Speed Measured Through Module (m/s) | 3.8 | 6.1 |
| Air Speed Measured In Free Air (m/s) | 6.5 | 10.6 |
Calculations:
The diameter of the tube that the airspeed was measured through was 30mm. This method of determining airflow is commonly used in HVAC duct air flow measurements.
Area of circle = (30mm / 2)2 x pi = 706.86mm2
Volume of air through module = 706.86mm2 x 6.1m/s = 15.52 m3/h
Volume of air through module = 706.86mm2 x 3.8m/s = 9.67 m3/h
Volume of air through fan duct = 706.86mm2 x 6.5m/s = 16.54 m3/h
Volume of air through fan duct = 706.86mm2 x 10.6m/s = 26.97 m3/h
Results:
| Fan | Volume of air through module (m3/h) | Volume of air in free air (m3/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Noctua NF-F12 iPPC 3000 | 15.52 | 26.97 |
| Qualtek FAD1-12025CBMW12 | 9.67 | 16.54 |
We will use these results to calculate how much heat we are actually removing from the module after we modify the test rig to have thermistors in the input and output air paths.