CFD Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of the Axial Fan Parameters

CFD Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of the Axial Fan Parameters

Axial fans are widely used in many areas to provide necessary air and heat and mass transfer, especially in HVAC industry. These fans are designed according to their cooling, heating and drying needs. In this optimization study, the performance of the 16-blade novel design axial fan CVS-AJ-R 1000 is analyzed in 3D using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique. First, forward skewed 3D CAD geometry of axial fan is drawn and normalized for CFD pre-processing step. Then volumetric flow rates, pressures, energy consumptions and air velocities were evaluated in inlet and outlet region optimizing blade angle, shroud angle and other design parameters. Results are agreed with experimental studies. Optimized results are discussed and reported comparing with literature studies.

___

  • Amano R.S, Lee.E.K, Xu c, Xie J. Investigation of Unsteady Flow Generated by an Axial Fan: Experimental Testing and Simulations. International Journal of Rotating Machinery. 2003; 3, 256-263.
  • Bleier FP. Fan Handbook Selection Application and Design, McGraw Hill Publications, 1997.
  • Bredell J.R, Kroger D.G, Thiart G.D. Numerical investigation of Fan Performance in a Forced Draft Air-Cooled Steam Condenser. J Applied Thermal Engineering. 2005; 26, 846-852.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards, Centrifugal Fans, Standard No. IS-4894-1987, 1988.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards, Propeller Type Ac Ventilation Fans, Standard No. IS-2312-1967, 1967.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards, Electric Pedestal Type Fans and Regulations, Standard No. IS-1169-1967, 1968.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards, Electric Ceiling Type Fans and Regulations, Standard No. IS-174-1979, 1980.
  • Culham, R. G. Fans Reference Guide, 4th Edition, Ontario Power Generation, Canada, 2001.
  • Downie R. J, Thompson M. C, R, Wallis R. A. An Engineering Approach to Blade Design for Low to Medium Pressure Rise - Only Axial Flow Fans, J. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 1993; 6, 376- 401.
  • Dunn M. F, Kendorski F. S, Bhattacharya S, Rajaram V. Reverse Performance Characteristics of Main Mine Fans. 1983; 1, 59-68.
  • Estevadeordal J, Gogineni S, Copenhaver W, Bloch G, Brendel M. Flow Field in a Low-Speed Axial Fan: A DPIV Investigation, J. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2000; 23, 11-21.
  • Jang C M, Sato D, Fukano T. Experimental Analysis on Tip Leakage and Wake Flow in Axial Flow Fan According to the Flow Rates, J. Fluids Engineering, 2005; 127, 322-329.
  • Kergourlay Gerald, KouidriSmaıne, Rankin Gary W, Rey R. Experimental Investigation of 3D Unsteady Flow Field Downstream of Axial Fans. J. Flow Measurement and Instrumentation. 2006; 17, 303-314.
  • Kokturk T. Design and Performance Analysis of Reversible Axial Flow Fan. M.Sc. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Turkey, 2005.
  • Kroger D.G. Fan Performance in Air –Cooled Steam Condenser. 1993; 14, 391-399.
  • Kwon E-Y. Beak K-W, Chow N-H, Kim, H-K, Jung I-J. Some aerodynamic Aspects of Centrifugal Fan Characteristics of an Automotive HAVC Blower, SAE Technical Paper Series. 2001; 1, 283-291.
  • Lin S.Huang C. An Integrated Experimental and Numerical Study of Forward–Curved Centrifugal Fan. J. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science. 2001; 26, 421-434.
  • Morris SC, Good JJ, and Foss JF. Velocity Measurements in the Wake of an Automotive Cooling Fan, J. Exp. Thermal Fluid Science. 1998; 17, 100–106.
  • Oro J M F, Díaz K M A, Morros C S, Marigorta E B. Unsteady Flow and Wake Transport in a Low-Speed Axial Fan with Inlet Guide Vanes, J. Fluids Engineering. 2007; 129, 1015-1029.
  • Yang CX, Ai Q, Zhou J. Design and numerical simulation of small axial fan. J Electron Dev. 2007; 30(5), 1846–1851.
  • Peng S. The Kinematic Analysis of 3-D Swept Shock Surfaces in Axial Flow Compressors, J. Turbomacinery. 2001; 123, 490-500.
  • Ramtekkar R. Performance of NACA and JOUKOWSKI Bladed Axial Flow Fans With Variable Inlet Guide Vanes. MSc, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati India, 2008.
  • Ravindranath, V., and Lakshminarayana, B. Mean velocity and Decay Characteristics of the Near and Far-Wake of a Compressor Rotor Blade of Moderate Loading, J. Engineering Power. 1980; 102, 535–548.
  • Reynolds, B., and Lakshminarayana, B. Blade Loading and Span Wise Effects on Wake Characteristics of Compressor Rotor Blades, J. Aircraft. 1980; 19, 97-103.
  • Roy B, Chouhan M, Sivadas P. M. Aerodynamics Studies on Swept Blades for Axial Flow Fan/Compressor, IEI Journals. 2005; 85, 47- 53.
  • Schmidt K, and Patterson DJ. Performance Results for a High Efficiency Tropical Ceiling Fan and Comparison with Conventional Fans-Demand Side Management via Small Appliance Efficiency, Renewable Energy. 2001; 22, 169-176.
  • Sears WR. Some Aspects of Non-Stationary Airfoil Theory and its Practical Application. J. Aeronautical Science, 1941; 8, 104–108.
  • Singh K. Development of a Test Facility to Study the Aerodynamic Performance of Axial Flow Fans, MSc, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, India, 2005.
  • Tsai B.J, Wu C.L. Investigation of a Miniature Centrifugal fan. J. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2006; 27, 229-239.
  • Votari N. Aerodynamic Performance of Axial Flow Fans with NACA and Joukowski Blade Profiles, MSc, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, India, 2007.
  • Wallis R. A. Axial Flow Fans and Ducts, John-Wiley Publication, Canada, 1983.
  • Wilcox D.C. Turbulence Modeling for CFD. DWC Industries, Inc. La Canada, California, 1994.