Promotion of Turbulent Thermal Mixing of Hot and Cold Airflows in T-junction

An experimental study has been conducted on the promotion and control of turbulent thermal mixing of hot and cold airflows in a T-junction with rectangular cross sections, which simulates the HVAC unit for automobile air-conditioning system. In order to promote the turbulent thermal mixing, small jets have been blown into the main channel at the upstream edge of the T-junction in the direction of 45° against the main flow. Turbulence intensity in the upper part of the thermal mixing layer can be increased with these jets, and consequently the turbulent mixing of hot and cold airflows is promoted effectively. Moreover, it has been found that the degree of thermal mixing can be controlled by changing the jet velocity.