Iterative process for achieving uniform wind profile in a fan array wind facility

One of the parameters that define the quality of a wind tunnel is the uniformity of the wind profile in the test section. While improving this parameter in a regular wind tunnel is a challenging process, doing so in a fan array wind facility is facilitated by the high degree of control over the generated wind. In this study, an iterative process for optimizing the uniformity of the wind profile in an array of 162 fans is elaborated. For each iteration, the local mean flow velocity is measured over the whole cross-section using a motor-actuated multi-hole pressure probe. The measured profile then serves to modify the fan input for the next step of the iteration process. The process is repeated until a desired degree of uniformity is reached.