British inventor Sir James Dyson has today unveiled his latest contraption in the form of the Dyson Air Multiplier - an electric fan that creates airflow without the need for blades.
The Air Multiplier, pictured below, consists of a spherical loop housed on a cylinder containing an energy-efficient motor. Using "Air Multiplier" technology, it draws in air and amplifies it 15 times - creating a smooth, uninterrupted airflow.
Like a traditional fan, the new Dyson offers tilt, 90° oscillation and a simple dial for power control.
However, without blades, the Dyson Air Multiplier is said to be easier to clean and less dangerous, and it doesn't cause "unpleasant buffeting" as associated with traditional mechanical fans.
How does it actually work? According to Dyson, it's a four-step process inspired by the design of the Dyson Airblade hand dryer:
- Air is drawn in. Up to 27 litres of air per second is drawn in by an energy-efficient, brushless motor. A combination of the technologies used in turbochargers and jet engines generates powerful airflow.
- Air is accelerated. Airflow is accelerated through an annular aperture. It passes over a 16° airfoil-shaped ramp, which channels its direction.
- Air is induced. Air behind the Dyson Air Multiplier fan is drawn into the airflow, through a process known as inducement.
- Air is entrained. Air around the machine is also drawn into the airflow, through a process known as entrainment, amplifying it 15 times.
The end result, 405 litres of smooth, uninterrupted airflow with no unpleasant buffeting every second. Sounds useful for warmer climates, but the Dyson Airflow Multiplier's £199 price tag should mean there's life in the bladed fan yet.
*Update* It looks as though some lucky owner has already picked one up and provided the customary YouTube demonstration:
