Prediction of Flow-Induced Noise in Automotive HVAC Systems Using a Combined CFD/CA Approach

Noise emission from automotive HVAC systems has become an important factor for passenger comfort. Consequently, efforts are made during the design phase to minimize noise generation, and to improve sound quality. Predictive tools for the aeroacoustic behavior of components, subsystems and whole systems early on in the design phase are therefore desirable.

In this paper a combined Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Acoustics (CA) approach for the prediction of sound generation and propagation is investigated. Three different experimental setups, ranging from a more academic example to examples relevant in the design process of climate control systems, have been devised to provide test data for the evaluation. Experimental and numerical results are presented and discussed.