Abstract: This paper explores the effects of air curtain jet velocity and smoke collecting plate angle on the smoking effect using numerical simulation methods based on an actual kitchen model of the range hood. By analyzing the streamline distribution of smoke, the attraction and traction force of the range hood on smoke are discussed. Moreover, the influence of air curtain jet velocity and smoke collecting plate angle on smoking effect was revealed through statistical analysis of smoking capture efficiency. We found that increasing the air curtain jet velocity can improve the smoking effect of the inland range hood. When the air curtain jet velocity is 8 m/s, the smoking capture efficiency is increased by 60% compared to no air curtain of range hood. In particular, bending the smoke collecting plate of air curtain can enhance the smoking effect, because the Coanda effect and flow separation the escape of smoke is suppressed. When the curvature is 70 °, the smoking capture efficiency is increased by 30% compared to the l smoke collecting plate without bending. Our investigation provides theoretical basis and engineering guidance for the application of air curtain technology in range hoods.

Key words: Air curtain, Range hood, Smoke capture efficiency, Coanda effect