Multi-point aerodynamic optimization of a backward-curved impeller fan
Motamedi Zoka, H; Tabor, G; Moxey, D; et al.Page, M; Stokes, M
Date: 2024
Conference paper
Publisher
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Abstract
Centrifugal fans find widespread application in building
ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Nonetheless, they face
challenges in meeting the growing need for energy efficiency,
better performance, and reduced noise levels. These limitations
stem from the inherent constraints imposed by the circular arc
blade design. In this ...
Centrifugal fans find widespread application in building
ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Nonetheless, they face
challenges in meeting the growing need for energy efficiency,
better performance, and reduced noise levels. These limitations
stem from the inherent constraints imposed by the circular arc
blade design. In this paper, aerodynamic optimization of a
backward-curved centrifugal fan was carried out. For this
purpose, 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of
the initial fan were first validated against test data. Then, using
five geometric design parameters, the blade flow angle
distribution, from leading edge (LE) to trailing edge (TE), was
optimized within its operating range by means of a surrogate-
based optimization technique. Efficiencies at different operating
points of the fan were selected as objectives while the constraints
of the optimization practice include flowrates as well as blade
thicknesses of the initial geometry. The suggested optimum
geometry generated from this process was independently
simulated by CFD to assess the meta-model predictions. The
computed results demonstrated up to a 1.7% increase in
efficiency in its operating range compared to the initial model.
Moreover, studying the features of the flow passing through the
blades indicated an improved aerodynamic behavior with
reduced separation zones for the optimized geometry compared
with the initial one. Geometric comparison of initial and
optimized geometries also revealed a curvature redistribution in
the fan blades.
Engineering
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
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