Patent Description:
In the Fire Protection market, there exists a high value sub-market for data-centers. These areas are extremely valuable, and require protection from fire. Data centers have been recently found to be extremely sensitive to excessive noise, and traditional fire suppression systems produce above a desired threshold of noise which can potentially damage data center equipment. Currently available silencers greatly reduce nozzle performance but still cannot reduce the noise below <NUM>-<NUM> db without significantly reducing the coverage area.

<CIT>shows a mist generating apparatus having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second opposing surfaces which define a transport fluid nozzle between them. The apparatus has a working fluid passage having a supply passage connectable to a supply of working fluid, and an outlet on one of the first and second surfaces. The working fluid outlet communicates with the transport fluid nozzle. The transport fluid nozzle has a nozzle inlet connectable to a supply of transport fluid, a nozzle outlet, and a throat portion intermediate the nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet.

<CIT>shows an apparatus for generating a mist. The apparatus has at least one working fluid supply conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with a supply of working fluid and an outlet in fluid communication with a first mixing chamber. The apparatus also includes a plurality of transport fluid passages, each of which has an inlet adapted to receive a supply of transport fluid and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

<CIT> describes apparati for generating a mist. One apparatus is described, which has an elongate hollow body and an elongate member located within the body. A transport fluid passage and a nozzle are defined between the body and the elongate member. The transport fluid passage has a throat portion of reduced cross-sectional area and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The elongate member includes a working fluid passage and one or more communicating openings, such as for example, bores, annuli, and combinations thereof, extending radially outward from the working fluid passage. The openings permit a working fluid (e.g. water) to be passed into the transport fluid passage, whereupon the working fluid is subjected to shear forces by a high velocity transport fluid (e.g. steam). The shearing of the working fluid results in the generation of a mist formed from droplets of substantially uniform size.

While turbomachines have utilized noise reduction systems for high speed flow, no such systems exist for fire suppression. Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. For areas where fire suppression is required for safety that have a high degree of noise sensitivity, e.g., such as in data centers and other noise-sensitive applications, there is still a need for further reduction of noise with low loss of performance with respect to fire suppression.

The claimed invention is defined by nozzle body according to appended claim <NUM> and by a fire suppression nozzle according to appended claim <NUM>.

A fire suppression nozzle includes a first fluid channel configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid having a first flow velocity and a second fluid channel configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid having a second flow velocity. A mixer is disposed between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel such that the mixer is configured to induce streamwise vorticity in at least the first fluid exiting first fluid channel to cause mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to reduce a flow speed of a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.

The first fluid channel is defined by a nozzle body. The mixer includes angled holes configured to effuse the first fluid from the first fluid channel into the second fluid channel. The angled holes are angled relative to each other to cause vorticity in first fluid as it exits the first fluid channel.

The second fluid channel can be defined at least partially by an upper shroud disposed around the nozzle body. For example, the second fluid channel can be defined at least partially between the upper shroud and the nozzle body.

The upper shroud can be attached to the nozzle body by one or more ribs. In certain embodiments, the second fluid is air and the upper shroud is open to the atmosphere to allow air to be drawn in by flow entrainment from the first fluid effusing from the first fluid channel to mix air with the fluid.

The second fluid channel can be defined at least partially by a lower shroud attached to or integral with the nozzle body and/or the mixer downstream of the mixer. The lower shroud and the upper shroud can define an outlet of the second fluid channel therebetween where mixed first and second fluid effuse to the atmosphere. In certain embodiments, the outlet can include a constant flow area or an expanding flow area, for example.

In certain embodiments, the mixer can be defined by a lobe mixing shape to cause both the first fluid and the second fluid to rotate together. The mixer can be vertically oriented such that the first fluid effuses toward the lower shroud and lobe mixes with the second fluid as it exits the first fluid channel. In certain embodiments, the mixer can be horizontally oriented such that the first fluid effuses toward the outlet and lobe mixes with the second fluid as it exits the first fluid channel. Any suitable combination of both is contemplated herein.

A nozzle body for a fire suppression nozzle includes a first fluid channel configured to be connected to a first fluid source for fire suppression, and a mixer as described herein defined by or attached to the first fluid channel. The mixer is configured to induce streamwise vorticity in at least the first fluid as it exits the first fluid channel to cause mixing of the first fluid and a second fluid to reduce a flow speed of a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.

These and other features of the systems and methods of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

To make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure, embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:.

The present disclosure provides a solution for the need for fire suppression in applications with high noise sensitivity that require noise reduction with low or no loss of performance in fire suppression, and, in some cases possibly improving the performance.

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an embodiment of a nozzle in accordance with the disclosure is shown in <FIG> and is designated generally by reference character <NUM>. Other embodiments of this disclosure are shown in Figs. The systems and methods described herein can be used to reduce noise in fire suppression systems, and/or for any other suitable use. Referring to <FIG>, a fire suppression nozzle <NUM> can include a first fluid channel <NUM> configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid (e.g., any suitable fire suppression fluid for data centers) having a first flow velocity. The first fluid can be an inert gas agent, or any other suitable fluid for use in fire suppression.

A second fluid channel <NUM> is configured to be in fluid communication with a second <NUM> fluid (e.g., air in the atmosphere) having a second flow velocity. A mixer <NUM> can be disposed between the first fluid channel <NUM> and the second fluid channel <NUM>. The mixer <NUM> is configured to induce streamwise vorticity in at least the first fluid exiting first fluid channel <NUM> to cause efficient mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to reduce a flow speed of a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.

In certain embodiments, the first fluid channel <NUM> can be defined by a nozzle body <NUM>. As shown, the mixer <NUM> can be defined by the nozzle body <NUM>. However, in certain embodiments, the mixer <NUM> can be a separate component attached to the nozzle body <NUM> in any suitable manner.

The mixer <NUM> includes a plurality of angled holes 109a, 109b configured to effuse the first fluid from the first fluid channel <NUM> into the second fluid channel <NUM>. The angled holes 109a, 109b are angled relative to each other to cause vorticity in first fluid as it exits the first fluid channel <NUM> through the mixer <NUM>.

As shown, the angled holes 109a, 109b can include a first upstream row of circumferentially spaced angled holes 109a. The first row of angled holes 109a can be angled in a first direction (e.g., downward as shown). The angled holes 109a, 109b can also include a second, more downstream, row of angled holes 109b. As shown, the second row of angled holed 109b can be angled in a second direction (e.g., upward or sideways) that is different than the direction of the first row of angled holes. Any other suitable configuration and/or number of angled holes 109a, 109b is contemplated herein.

The second fluid channel <NUM> can be defined at least partially by an upper shroud <NUM> disposed around the nozzle body <NUM>. For example, as shown, the second fluid channel <NUM> can be defined at least partially between the upper shroud <NUM> and the nozzle body <NUM>. The upper shroud <NUM> can include any suitable shape as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.

2A-<NUM> show another embodiment of a fire suppression nozzle <NUM>. Referring additionally to Figs. 2A-<NUM>, the upper shroud <NUM> can be attached to the nozzle body <NUM> by one or more ribs <NUM>. While eight ribs <NUM> are shown, any suitable number of ribs is contemplated herein (e.g., one, four).

The one or more ribs <NUM> can allow the second fluid channel <NUM> to be open to the atmosphere. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the second fluid can be air and air can be drawn in by flow entrainment effect from the first fluid effusing from the first fluid channel <NUM> to mix air with the first fluid. Any other suitable attachment type is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the upper shroud <NUM> can be attached to a lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM> by one or more downstream struts (e.g., similar to ribs <NUM> that directly connect the upper shroud <NUM> to the lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the second fluid channel <NUM> can be defined at least partially by the lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM> attached to or integral with the nozzle body <NUM> and/or the mixer <NUM> downstream of the mixer <NUM>. The lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper shroud can define an outlet <NUM> of the second fluid channel <NUM> therebetween where mixed first and second fluid effuse to the atmosphere (e.g., for suppressing a fire). In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet <NUM> can include a constant flow mixing area and/or an expanding flow area, for example. For example, the entire outlet <NUM> can be constant in flow area. The outlet <NUM> can include a diffuser downstream of a constant flow mixing area. Any suitable outlet shape, e.g., with a constant or changing flow area is contemplated herein. As appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure, the benefit of expanding the flow area after a constant flow mixing area, is to diffuse the mixed flows which lowers the pressure at the secondary fluid inlet which in turns increased the secondary flow rate and, hence, the benefits of the ejector (reduced noise and increase thrust/area coverage).

As shown in <FIG>, the lower shroud <NUM> can be shaped to have a recess 215a. The recess 215a can include a curvature as shown, or any other suitable shape. The mixer <NUM> can connect to or extend from the lower shroud <NUM> at the recess 215a. Any other suitable shape (e.g., flat as shown in <FIG>) is contemplated herein for the lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic <NUM>-dimensional diagram of effusing flow for an example embodiment of a fire suppression nozzle is shown. For example, the angled holes 119a can allow the first fluid to exit the mixer <NUM> downward toward the lower shroud <NUM> (or <NUM>, not shown) and the angled holes 119b can effuse fluid upward. In certain embodiments, the angled holes 119b can effuse fluid in an opposite direction from angled holes 119a such that a vertical vector of flow (e.g., along the nozzle body <NUM>) of angled holes 119a, 119b are opposite (one goes up and the other down). In certain embodiments, flow effusing from the angled holes 119a can be angled toward the lower shroud <NUM> (e.g., at about <NUM> degrees) and the angled holes 119b can be angled toward the upper shroud <NUM> (e.g., at about <NUM> degrees), however, any angle for flow effusing that allows vorticity is contemplated herein. While specific dimensions are shown in <FIG>, any suitable dimensions, relative or otherwise, are contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, the range of cross-stream flow angles that can induce efficient mixing can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> degrees. The physical metal angle of the holes may differ from the actual flow angles due to interactions with the upstream flow direction in the first fluid channel, for example. As appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure, an optimal flow angle can be considered a trade between rapid mixing (e.g., highest angles cause the greatest mixing) and reduction in streamwise momentum (e.g., highest angles suffer the greatest loss in streamwise momentum). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the angled holes 119a, 119b can include suitable hole angle to cause a relative flow direction between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, or any other suitable range of angles.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in certain embodiments of fire suppression nozzle <NUM>, <NUM>, the mixer <NUM>, <NUM> can be defined by a lobe mixing shape to cause both the first fluid and the second fluid to rotate together. One having ordinary skill in the art appreciates what a lobe mixing shape is. For example, an undulating shape at an outlet can be used for lobe mixing. An example of a lobe mixing structure can be found in <CIT>. Any suitable lobe mixing shape for causing vorticity in the first and second fluid is contemplated herein.

Referring to <FIG>, the mixer <NUM> can be vertically oriented such that the first fluid effuses toward the lower shroud <NUM> and mixes, via lobe mixing, with the second fluid as it exits the first fluid channel <NUM> through the mixer <NUM>. The shape of the vertically oriented mixer <NUM> can be similar to a turbomachine lobe mixer as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art. The lower shroud <NUM> can include a peak (e.g., a pointed curved cone shape) <NUM> disposed at the exit of the mixer <NUM> to aid in guiding mixing flow with vorticity outward to the outlet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the mixer <NUM> can be horizontally oriented such that the first fluid effuses toward the outlet <NUM> and mixes, via lobe mixing, with the second fluid as it exits the first fluid channel <NUM> through the mixer <NUM>. The horizontally oriented mixer <NUM> can include any suitable shape as appreciated by those skilled in the art (e.g., a neck ruffle shape). The lower shroud <NUM> can include a peak (e.g., a rounded curved cone shape) <NUM> disposed upstream of the exit of the mixer <NUM> to divide the first fluid and guide it toward the mixer <NUM>.

<FIG> is schematic diagram of an embodiment of hole pairs positioned circumferentially on a nozzle <NUM> and configured to produce clockwise (CW) and/or counter clockwise (CCW) flow In certain embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hole angles of the hole pairs can be alternated circumferentially to produce alternating vorticity (CCW-CW-CCW-CW etc.) around the circumference of the nozzle. In certain embodiments, co-rotating vorticity patterns (CCW-CCW-. ) can be utilized, for example. Any suitable pattern that causes desired mixing and vorticity is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, referring additionally to <FIG>, hole pairs that generate a vortex can be placed at the same clock position on the circumference of the nozzle <NUM>, such that one is on top of the other. For example, the holes 109a, 109b as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> show circumferentially spaced rows of holes instead of holes that are at the same clock position, whereas the embodiment of hole position in <FIG>, and <FIG> shows on hole 609a on top of hole 609b. <FIG> also schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of holes 609a, 609b on the right side of <FIG> shown aligned with the plan view on the left side of <FIG>.

As further shown in <FIG> the holes 609a, 609b can be described as angled relative to each other in two dimensions, φ and θ. In certain embodiments, as shown, φ can be described as the angle of flow effusing in the plane of the opening of each hole 609a, 609b, for example. In the certain embodiments, θ can be described as the angle relative to the upper shroud <NUM> and/or the angle relative to the lower shroud <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the angle relative to the normal vector to the surface of the nozzle body <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the angle φ for each hole can be about <NUM> degrees opposite so that flow effuses in an opposite direction (e.g., such that hole 609a has φ=<NUM> degrees and hole 609b has φ=<NUM> degrees from the line shown). In certain embodiments, the angle θ each hole can be selected to be converging (e.g., such that hole 609a has θ=<NUM> down from the horizontal and hole 609b has θ=<NUM> degree up from the horizontal as shown). Any other suitable hole placement, position, effusing direction, and/or pattern, relative to one or more other holes that is configured to induce a desired vorticity and/or mixing is contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, hole pairs may be placed such that jets impinge and generate a different pattern (e.g., such that each hole pair would generate two counter-rotating pairs). In certain embodiments, the nozzle cross section may be octagonal or any other suitable polygonal shape to allow each hole pair to be placed on a flat surface of the mixer <NUM> (e.g., as best shown in <FIG>). Any suitable shape for the nozzle and/or any suitable placement of the hole pairs for producing a desired vorticity and/or mixing is contemplated herein.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this invention, a nozzle body <NUM> for a fire suppression nozzle (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes a first fluid channel <NUM> configured to be connected to a first fluid source for fire suppression (e.g., an inert gas source), and a mixer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as described hereinabove. Any suitable shape for the nozzle body <NUM> (e.g., tubular such as cylindrical) and/or the mixer <NUM> is contemplated herein.

Embodiments can be made in any suitable manner (e.g., machining, additive manufacturing) and of any suitable material configured to allow the device to be used as a fire suppression nozzle (e.g., for data center fire suppression). Any mixing of a first fluid and a second fluid for fire suppression to reduce noise using vorticity and/or lobe mixing is contemplated herein. Any added components are contemplated herein (e.g., an attachable diffuser that is used with fire suppression systems as appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art).

As appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, lobe mixing can bring an inner flow and an outer flow together (e.g., such as bypass air and hot high speed core flow of a turbomachine) at different angles to reduce flow speed of a faster flow. Embodiments of this disclosure utilize lobe mixing and/or vorticity for reducing the noise of fire suppression nozzles in operation (e.g., for data centers that are noise sensitive).

Traditional solutions reduced flow speed and area coverage with reduction of noise. However, mixing as disclosed herein above allows reduction of noise with low loss of performance, and in some cases increased performance.

Low-loss and rapid mixing can help to achieve a high-efficiency, compact fluid ejector. The greater the mixing with low-loss, the greater the entrained secondary fluid will be and the greater noise reduction. In addition, the net thrust of the jet of fluid from the ejector can be increased thereby not compromising and possibly even improving the area coverage of the fire suppression.

Although there has been use of lobe mixers in turbomachines to reduce noise, there has been long felt need in sprinklers for noise suppression. The concept of a fluid ejector using streamwise vorticity (induced by a lobed mixer) to reduce the jet noise has been successfully applied to turbomachine engine exhaust systems. Use of this phenomenon, let alone structure capable of inducing such mixing, does not exist for fire-suppression systems.

Claim 1:
A nozzle body (<NUM>) for a fire suppression nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a first fluid channel (<NUM>) configured to be connected to a first fluid source for fire suppression; and
a mixer (<NUM>) defined by or attached to the first fluid channel (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the mixer (<NUM>) includes angled holes (109a, 109b) which are angled in a first direction, the angled holes (109a, 109b) being configured to effuse the first fluid from the first fluid channel into a second fluid channel (<NUM>); and the angled holes (109a,109b) are angled relative to each other to cause vorticity in at least the first fluid as it exits the first fluid channel, so that
the mixer (<NUM>) is configured to induce streamwise vorticity in at least the first fluid as it exits the first fluid channel (<NUM>) to cause mixing of the first fluid and a second fluid to reduce a flow speed of a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid.