The Design of a Portable Air-Circulating Unit

Citation

Masser, Harry Lascelles, Jr. (1950) The Design of a Portable Air-Circulating Unit. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/b4sv-ss25. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07012025-203143475

Abstract

A portable electric air-circulating and heating unit has been developed for home or office use. The problem was approached through evaluation of the atmospheric factors relating to human comfort, and included a basic reconsideration of the means by which control of these factors might be achieved. Study of competitive products on the home appliance market, and of the requirements and desires of both the trade and the consumer, indicated the practical scope of such a device.

The design combines, in a single attractive unit, the functions of both straight and diffused-flow fans with a forced-convection heater. A propeller of special design, driven by an adjustable-speed reversible motor, operates at optimum efficiency ln either direction of rotation. Its housing provides, in one direction of flow, an injector inlet with axial discharge; with flow reversed, radially diffused air at low velocity gives draft-free direct circulation. The maximum capacity is equivalent to that of the best conventional twelve-inch fans. Any required directional setting may be obtained with the unit on the floor, table or wall.

Increased flexibility of operation, with modification of the seasonal aspects of manufacture, distribution, and use, are thus offered, in a unit which ls fully effective in each of its functions.

Thesis Files