Experimental analysis of flow fields inside intake heads of a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The flow structure inside the intake head greatly affects the working efficiency of a vacuum cleaner such as suction power and aero-acoustic noise. In this study, the flow inside intake heads of a vacuum cleaner was investigated using qualitative flow visualization and quantitative PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) techniques. The aerodynamic power, suction efficiency and noise level of the intake heads were also measured. In order to improve the performance of the vacuum cleaner, inner structure of the flow paths of the intake head, such as trench height and shape of connection chamber were modified. The flow structures of modified intake heads were compared with that of the original intake head. The aero-acoustic noise caused by flow separation was reduced and the suction efficiency was also changed due to flow path modification of intake head. In this paper, the variations of flow fields for different intake heads are presented and discussed together with results of aerodynamic power, suction efficiency and noise level.