Control of axial fan loss using numerical simulation method

Abstract

The airflow passing through the fan can be divided into two components: the main flow passing through the blades will be powered and the flow loss at the gap between the fan and the casing. This airflow is in the opposite direction of the main flow and is a source of energy loss and noise. The numerical simulations presented in this study provide an in-depth look at this phenomenon. CFD fluid dynamics simulation and computational tools allow access to the flow structure in the space between the blades and casing, which is not easily done by experimental methods. This study presents CFD results performed on a hollow fan fabricated by centrifugal casting technology. Thanks to this hollow nature, compressed air is pumped into the middle of the fan and the compressed air escapes through holes arranged around the fan circumference. This allows active control of loss flow and allows improved fan aerodynamic characteristics.