A Parametric Approach of IP Duct Vane Articulation Study for Enhanced Cabin Cool Down Performance

The cabin cool down performance is influenced by heat load, AC system components and Air handling components. The air handling components are AC duct, vane and vent. Design of AC duct vane plays a crucial role in the airflow directivity in cabin which enhances the cabin cool down performance. Simulations are carried out by rotating the vanes manually and requires post process for every iteration. It leads to more time consuming and more number of simulations to achieve the target value. Research articles focusing on automation and optimization of vane articulation studies are scanty. Thus, the objective of this work is to execute the vane articulation study with less manual intervention. A parametric approach is developed by integrating ANSA and ANSYS FLUENT tools. With Direct Fit Morphing and DoE study approach from ANSA delivers the surface mesh model for the different vane angle configurations. This surface mesh model is executed in ANSYS FLUENT for volume meshing, case set-up and post processing. By using journal file manual intervention can be reduced drastically for setting up the volume meshing and case file. A case study is demonstrated in this work for vane articulation exercise with less manual intervention. Further, the analysis can be extended for optimization analysis. This approach helps the designer to freeze the IP duct vane design during the concept phase itself. The same methodology can be extended to freeze the demist/defrost duct vanes.