AMCA 200-95 (R2007)

5.3 Conservation of energy

The well known Bernoulli Theorem, frequently used in the flow of fluids, states the law of conservation of energy for fluid systems. In its simpler form for airflow: (V12/2g) + (P1/g) + Z1 = (V22/2g) + (P2/g) + Z2 + losses1,2 Where: Vx2/2g = Kinetic energy or velocity pressure (Pv) Px/g = Potential energy or static pressure (Ps) Zx = The elevation (normally ignored in fan systems with minimal changes in elevation) may need to be evaluated when the system elevation change causes a noticeable change in air density.

Therefore, to simplify Bernoulli's Theorem: Ps1 + Pv1 = Ps2 + Pv2 + losses1,2 Eq. 5.3-1

Simply stated, the sum of static pressure and velocity pressure at any point in a flow system is equal to the sum of static pressure and velocity pressure at any other point in the system, plus any losses in pressure occurring between the two points. Although it is very important to recognize that the sum of static and velocity pressure remains constant at any point in the system when disregarding losses, it is the losses that are of real importance in the design and function of air moving systems. To illustrate Bernoulli's Theorem, Figure 5D shows a typical venturi system commonly used to measure fluid flow.

Pt

PS

PV

Pt

PS

PV

Pt

PS

PV

PT. #1

PT. #2

PT. #3

AIRFLOW

Pt PRESSURE Pa (INCHES W.G.) PS PV

Pt PS PV

Figure 5D - Venturi System 17

AMCA 200-95 (R2007) For the purposes of illustration, assume this is a perfect device with no losses. The velocity pressure, static pressure, and total pressure at each point in the system are shown on the gauges as well as on the lower portion of the illustration. Part of the static at point 1 is converted to velocity pressure as the fluid is accelerated in the contracted flow area in the neck of the venturi. At point 2, in the neck of the venturi, the velocity pressure reaches its maximum and the static pressure is reduced, but the total pressure remains constant. As the flow area is gradually increased to point 3, the velocity is slowed down to the original velocity and the velocity pressure is reduced to its original value. The static pressure increases back to its original value also, while the total pressure remains constant. In this illustration, part of the static pressure at point 1 is converted to increased velocity pressure at point 2 and the velocity pressure is then converted back into static pressure at point 3. The conversion of the velocity pressure into static pressure by reducing the velocity is known as static regain and it is very important to understand this phenomenon in the design of flow systems. In air systems, changes in velocity often occur as the air flows through the various elements comprising the system. Some total pressure loss will occur any time the velocity in the system is increased or decreased. The magnitude of these losses is dependent on the physical characteristics of the system element in which the velocity change takes place. Decreases in velocity occurring at abrupt enlargements in area result in total pressure losses approaching one velocity pressure. Figure 5E illustrates air flowing from a large plenum through a long radius flow nozzle and discharging to atmosphere. If the plenum is very large relative to the nozzle diameter, the velocity in the plenum will approach zero, so the total pressure at point 1 (Pt1) will be equal to the static pressure (Ps1). Assuming a perfect fluid and no losses occurring in the nozzle, the static pressure in the plenum (point 1) is totally converted to velocity pressure at the discharge of the nozzle (point 2). At point 2, just beyond the discharge end of the nozzle, the static pressure (Ps2) will be zero (at atmospheric pressure) and the total pressure (Pt2) will be equal to the velocity pressure of the air stream. Applying Bernoulli's Equation for points 1 and 2 gives: Ps1 + Pv1 = Ps2 + Pv2 Since Pv1 is equal to 0 and Ps2 is equal to 0, the equation reduces to: Ps1 = Pv2 In this case, the energy of the static pressure in the plenum is totally converted to the velocity energy at the discharge of the nozzle. It should also be noted that the velocity pressure is totally lost as the airstream discharges to atmosphere. Using Equation 5.1-2A (as reduced above) the relationship between static pressure and the throat velocity can be established in the above example. Using this in Equation 5.1-2A gives: V2 = (2Ps1/2)0.5 V2 = 1096(Ps1/2)0.5 Or where: Ps1 = Pv2 Then for standard air, the equations would be: V2 = 1.29(Ps1)0.5 V2 = 4005(Ps1)0.5 The throat velocity pressure would be:
POINT 1 POINT 2

Eq. 5.3-2A SI Eq. 5.3-2A I-P

Eq. 5.3-2B SI Eq. 5.3-2B I-P

Pv2 = 0.52V22 Pv2 = (V2/1096)22 Where: Ps1 = Pv2

Eq. 5.3-3A SI Eq. 5.3-3A I-P

Figure 5E - Airflow Through a Nozzle

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