Title: Numerical simulations of a low-speed radial fan

Authors: Marlene Sanjose; Stéphane Moreau

Addresses: GAUS, Mechanical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke QC J1K 2R1, Canada. ' GAUS, Mechanical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke QC J1K 2R1, Canada

Abstract: Steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations have been achieved on a 3D centrifugal blower, typical of residential ventilation systems, installed in a volute including both tip clearance and flow leakages. The grid topology is found critical to predict global performances accurately and to preserve unsteady flow features necessary for future accurate acoustic predictions. A grid density larger than ten million cells is also required to correctly predict torque and static efficiency and to resolve flow recirculation and pressure losses in the blade passage. The turbulence model has a minor effect on the global performances of the machine. Both fluent and CFX yield similar overall performances even though local flow features differ and more asymmetry are obtained in the scroll with CFX. Finally, significant differences are observed between steady and unsteady simulations. Only URANS can provide a realistic fan interaction with the volute tongue.

Keywords: centrifugal fans; computational fluid dynamics; CFD; turbomachinery; unsteady flow; low speed fans; radial fans; simulation; centrifugal blowers; residential ventilation systems; clearance; flow leakages; turbulence modelling; URANS; fan interaction; volute tongue; torque; static efficiency; flow recirculation; pressure losses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESMS.2012.044843

International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation, 2012 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.47 - 58

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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