An important class of types is axial fans with a diameter of around 1,300 mm, which are primarily used in the agricultural sector.
In 1997, FlowMotion designed the first 1,300 mm fan. The performance of this fan brought Vostermans back to the top of the global market. The geometry of the blades and housing was based on methods that were viable at the time. Between then and now, much has happened, particularly in the field of computer simulations. Due to the enormous computational capacity of today’s computers, flow simulations, known as CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculations, have become established in research and development. These are primarily used to analyse flows in all their areas of application.
In recent years, FlowMotion has carried out a great deal of development work to make CFD applicable in the development of fans. To achieve an accurate analysis and development tool, countless calculations were compared with measurements.
For the initial design of a fan, FlowMotion employs a self-developed method to determine the profile and ‘twist’ of the blade. These new analysis and development methods were also utilised in the development of the latest 1,300 mm axial fan. The design goal was to outperform market competitors in terms of pumping capacity and efficiency. FlowMotion developed an entirely new profile and a new ‘twist’. With the help of CFD, the 3D flow around the blade was subsequently analysed and further modifications were carried out.
Based on the simulated virtual geometry, a model was manufactured and tested in a wind tunnel. These measurements confirmed that the new fan fulfilled all design goals; high volume flow with high efficiency. Consequently, this fan once again ranks among the world’s best.
