Developing a large axial fan requires a balance between volumetric flow rate, pressure rise, efficiency, noise and mechanical constraints. The blade geometry has to deliver the required aerodynamic loading over the full radius without creating excessive losses.
FlowMotion used CFD during the development of a 1300 mm axial fan. The simulations resolved the three-dimensional flow through the rotor and provided the local pressure and velocity distributions around the blades.
Blade twist, chord distribution, local angle of attack and tip-clearance flow all influence the aerodynamic performance. CFD made it possible to identify regions of separation and loss and to compare design variants before manufacturing.
Prototype measurements were then used to assess the actual fan performance and compare it with the numerical predictions. The combination of CFD and experiment provided a practical development route from blade concept to validated fan design.
