Prediction of fan assisted flow in a duct/pipe network

The commonly used fan+duct model is usually based on a table generated by matching the fan and system characteristic curves with the applied pressure drop across the fan+duct/pipe network and using linear or polynomial interpolation for intermediate values. However, this empirical approach can only handle a single system configuration for each table. If this approach is replaced by an algebraic formulation a general and flexible model can be developed. The algebraic model will be able to account for failure of resistances in the duct/pipe system as well as the failure of duct/pipe at an intermediate location. This paper presents the development of an algebraic model for fan+duct/pipe systems. (author)