Aerodynamic Characteristics and Noise Analysis of a Low-Speed Axial Fan

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Luo ◽  
Wuli Chu ◽  
Wei Dong ◽  
Xiangyi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Noise Analysis ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Tonal Noise ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Optimum Choice ◽  
Aerodynamic Performances ◽  
Axial Fans

Axial fans are widely used in modern industry and new regulations and stringent environmental concerns are prompting manufacturer to design efficient low-noise axial fans. This paper is focused on improving the aerodynamic performances and reducing the tonal noise at BPF and its harmonics by the optimum choice of lean-swept blade and the stacking line for the low-speed axial fan. The aerodynamic characteristics of the axial fan with a shroud are explored by CFD with ANASYS CFX. A hybrid method, SST turbulence model for flow and FW-H equation for acoustics, is chosen to predict the radiated noise. The accuracy and reliability of predicted aerodynamic and aeroacoustics results are verified by comparing both computation and experimental data. A number of modified blades with different leaned angle, swept angle and the stacking lines are modeled and analyzed, and the investigation into the optimum choice of lean-swept blade and the stacking line is conducted according to aerodynamic performances and tonal noise. Q-criterion which can visualize the major flow disturbances is applied for the purpose of identification of acoustic sources. The turbulent flow structures on the leading edge, tip and suction side of the blade are main noise sources. An optimal modification is determined through the analysis of the aerodynamic performances and noise, which is to achieve the desired performances by blade sweep and lean and adjusting the stacking line. The results show that aerodynamic and acoustic performances of the optimized fan are better than that of the original fan and the improvement is more obvious to change the stacking line with centre of gravity compare to blade sweep and lean for the low-speed axial fan.

Combined Aerodynamic and Phased Array Microphone Studies on Basic Models of Low-Speed Axial Fan Blade Sections

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esztella Balla ◽  
János Vad
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Low Reynolds

The paper presents comparative aerodynamic and aeroacoustic studies on basic models of blade sections of low-speed, low-Reynolds-number axial fans. The wind tunnel experiments incorporated representative cambered plate and airfoil blade profiles. The aerodynamic measurements revealed that, for low Reynolds numbers, cambered plate blade sections may perform aerodynamically better than airfoil sections. A phased array microphone system, combined with a dipole beamforming and spatial filtering technique, offered a potential for localizing the noise sources in both streamwise and transversal direction. The acoustic studies focused on the profile vortex shedding noise. The results were qualitatively evaluated and compared with the semi-empirical noise prediction model developed by Brooks, Pope, and Marcolini. The measurements are considered as preparation of a dataset contributing to the background for designing high-efficiency, low-noise axial fans operating at low Reynolds number.

An Analysis of the Loss Mechanisms in Low-Speed Axial Fans Using Scaling Arguments and Their Effects on a Proposed New Definition of Efficiency

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R. Neal
Keyword(s):  
Energy Equation ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Static Efficiency ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Integral Energy ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Scaling Arguments ◽  
Ventilation Fan

Low-speed axial fans are used extensively for ventilation purposes in industrial and commercial buildings. In agricultural applications, such as a greenhouse, the ventilation is critical, since entire crops can be damaged or destroyed if a clean air supply is not maintained. The cost-marginal nature of these businesses demand that operating costs be kept to a minimum, hence there is a strong motivation to develop higher efficiency ventilation fans. An analysis of a low-speed axial fan has been developed using a control volume-based energy balance. The specific fan is an axial ventilation fan that is commonly found on agricultural facilities such as green-houses or livestock buildings. These fans induce an airflow from a large building into the open atmosphere at very low (or often effectively zero) system restriction or pressure rise. The definition for static efficiency, which is commonly used by the axial fan community, is examined and its implications are discussed. Since static efficiency yields a zero-percent efficient fan at a zero pressure rise operating condition, the ventilation fan industry has developed an alternate definition of efficiency. This alternate definition of efficiency, along with other proposed definitions, are described and their limitations are discussed. A new definition of efficiency is introduced and its basis in the integral energy equation is identified. The primary loss mechanisms of low-speed axial turbomachinery are discussed and scaling arguments are developed and used in the integral energy equation analysis. The results of this analysis yield an expanded expression of efficiency in which the loss mechanism terms can be empirically determined. When analyzed with values for a particular fan system, these results can further be used as the basis for an optimization study of that fan system.

Fixed Vane Stator Development for Axial Fan Performance Improvement in Electronics Cooling

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin D. Stanley
Keyword(s):  
Design Of Experiments ◽  
Acoustic Noise ◽  
Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Electronics Cooling ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Development Method ◽  
Stator Vane ◽  
Axial Fans

An analysis and development method for augmenting flow and pressure performance of electronic cooling axial fans using a fixed vane stator is established using classical hand calculations, 2-dimensional (2D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, data from a design of experiments, and 3-dimensional (3D) CFD modeling. Where the size of electronic enclosures may disallow an increase in diameter of axial fans but allow for an increase in depth; a fixed vane stator is implemented to recapture lost dynamic pressure associated with swirl and radial flow vectors from the axial fan blades thus augmenting the pressure/flow curve of the unit. Stator blade effectiveness is evaluated and optimized first using data associated with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) airfoil shapes and then using 2-dimensional (2D) CFD analyses on both the impeller and stator blades. CFD modeling approaches and solving methods are discussed. A Design of Experiments (DOE) is utilized to verify and optimize the performance of the stator vanes and identifies the effectiveness of the stator vane angle, curvature of the stator leading edge, and number of stator vanes. At a constant back pressure the best performing DOE geometry delivered a 22% improvement in flow at constant electrical power input and a 41% improvement in flow at constant acoustic noise. This result was confirmed using a 3D CFD modeling. This analysis and development method provides a good baseline for evaluating and choosing proper stator vane geometries for flow improvement in axial fans.

scholarly journals Experiment-Based Preliminary Design Guidelines for Consideration of Profile Vortex Shedding From Low-Speed Axial Fan Blades

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Daku ◽  
János Vad
Keyword(s):  
Vortex Shedding ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Preliminary Design ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Blade Vibration ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Blunt Trailing Edge ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Semi Empirical

Abstract This paper presents hot-wire measurements in a wind tunnel, close downstream of basic models of blade sections being representative for low-speed, low-Reynolds number axial fans, in order to explore the signatures of vortex shedding (VS) from the blade profiles. Using the Rankine-type vortex approach, an analytical model was developed on the velocity fluctuation represented by the vortex streets, as an aid in evaluating the experimental data. The signatures of profile VS were distinguished from blunt trailing-edge VS based on Strouhal numbers obtained from the measurements in a case-specific manner. Utilizing the experimental results, the semi-empirical model available in the literature for predicting the frequency of profile VS was extended to low-speed axial fan applications. On this basis, quantitative guidelines were developed for the consideration of profile VS in preliminary design of axial fans in the moderation of VS-induced blade vibration and noise emission.

Blade Sweep for Low-Speed Axial Fans

1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Wright ◽  
William E. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Volume Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Excess Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Selection Of

The available literature on aerodynamic and acoustic properties of axial fans with swept blades is presented and discussed with particular emphasis on noise mechanisms and the influence of high-intensity inlet turbulence on “excess” noise. The acoustic theory of Kerschen and Envia for swept cascades is applied to the problem of axial fan design. These results are compared to available data and a provisional model for specifying sweep angles is presented. The aerodynamic performance theory for swept-bladed rotors of Smith and Yeh is adapted for use in designing low speed axial fans. Three prototype fans were designed using the resultant computer codes. One is a baseline fan with blade stacking lines radially oriented, and two are fans having swept blades of increasingly greater forward sweep. Aerodynamic testing shows that performance of the fans lie within a band width of about ± two percent of volume flow rate and pressure rise predictions in the region of design performance, effectively validating the design procedure for selection of the blading parameters. Noise testing of the fans was carried out and the results show an average noise reduction for the swept-bladed fans of about 7 dBA overall, and a reduction of pure tone noise at blade-pass frequency of about 10 dB compared to the zero-sweep baseline model in close agreement with the theory of Kerschen and Envia.

Development of Bio-Inspired Low-Noise Propeller for a Drone

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryusuke Noda ◽  
Toshiyuki Nakata ◽  
Teruaki Ikeda ◽  
Di Chen ◽  
Yuma Yoshinaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Efficiency ◽  
Noise Type ◽  
Wing Structures ◽  
Aerodynamic Performances ◽  
Immense Potential

Multicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicles, called drones, have been attracting wide attention because of their immense potential for use in various missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and delivery service. For the application of drones, however, their noise will be a serious issue especially when operating in urban areas, and to our knowledge, it has not been resolved yet. In this study, inspired by the unique wing structures of insects and birds, we have developed new low-noise-type propellers for drones. The various bio-inspired attachments of drones such as the serrations at the leading edge, velvet-like surface, and fringes at the trailing edge were tested, and their acoustic and aerodynamic performances were evaluated experimentally and numerically. Our results indicate that an attachment at the trailing edge can suppress the noise level while maintaining the aerodynamic efficiency of the proposed propeller close to that of the basic propeller.

Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Reynolds Number on the Efficiency of Single-Stage Axial Fans

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Masi ◽  
Stefano Castegnaro ◽  
Andrea Lazzaretto
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Single Stage ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Surface Finishes ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
The Many ◽  
Testing Standards

Uncertainties surrounding the influence of Reynolds number on the performance of air handling turbomachines are as old as the study of turbomachinery fluid dynamics. In particular, all low-speed turbomachines and most axial-flow fans feature Reynolds numbers that are often lower than the critical value, above which the literature states a limited dependency of blades cascade aerodynamics on Reynolds number. Testing standards already account for this well-known issue, which arises mainly in the case of geometrically similar fans of different size and/or operating conditions. On the other hand, one of the main practical issues in the design of low-speed machines is the disagreement among the most authoritative sources on the value of the critical Reynolds number for axial fans. The many definitions of Reynolds number, which are suited to either fan design purposes or fan performance assessment, introduce additional problems, as the corresponding values may differ by orders of magnitude depending on the chosen definition. A less debated issue deals with the effect of Reynolds number on global performance and efficiency parameters for different axial-flow fan configurations. This paper reports pressure and efficiency data measured at several rotational speeds of four axial fans that feature different configurations, hub-to-tip ratios, sizes and surface finishes. In particular, the tests consider two 315mm and one 630mm tube-axial fans, and one 800mm vane-axial fan with preswirler blading. Data on two vane-axial fans with straightener, and one preswirler-rotor-stator stage, available in the literature, widen the discussion on the Reynolds number effect on the entire category of single-stage axial fans.

Blade Sweep for Low-Speed Axial Fans

1990 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wright ◽  
W. E. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Volume Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Excess Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Selection Of

The available literature on aerodynamic and acoustic properties of axial fans with swept blades is presented and discussed with particular emphasis on noise mechanisms and the influence of high-intensity inlet turbulence on “excess” noise. The acoustic theory of Kerschen and Envia for swept cascades is applied to the problem of axial fan design. These results are compared to available data and a provisional model for specifying sweep angles is presented. The aerodynamic performance theory for swept-bladed rotors of Smith and Yeh is adapted for use in designing low-speed axial fans. Three prototype fans were designed using the resultant computer codes. One is a baseline fan with blade stocking lines radially oriented, and two are fans having swept blades of increasingly greater forward sweep. Aerodynamic testing shows that performance of the fans lies within a band width of about ± 2 percent of volume flow rate and pressure rise predictions in the region of design performance, effectively validating the design procedure for selection of the blading parameters. Noise testing of the fans was carried out and the results show an average noise reduction for the swept-bladed fans of about 7 dBA overall, and a reduction of pure tone noise at blade-pass frequency of about 10 dB compared to the zero-sweep baseline model, in close agreement with the theory of Kerschen and Envia.

scholarly journals Experiment-Based Preliminary Design Guidelines for Consideration of Profile Vortex Shedding From Low-Speed Axial Fan Blades

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Daku ◽  
János Vad
Keyword(s):  
Vortex Shedding ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Preliminary Design ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Blade Vibration ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Blunt Trailing Edge ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Semi Empirical

Abstract The paper presents hot wire measurements in a wind tunnel, close downstream of basic models of blade sections being representative for low-speed, low-Reynolds-number axial fans, in order to explore the signatures of vortex shedding (VS) from the blade profiles. Using the Rankine-type vortex approach, an analytical model was developed on the velocity fluctuation represented by the vortex streets, as an aid in evaluating the experimental data. The signatures of profile VS were distinguished from blunt-trailing-edge VS based on Strouhal numbers obtained from the measurements in a case-specific manner. Utilizing the experimental results, the semi-empirical model available in the literature for predicting the frequency of profile VS was extended to low-speed axial fan applications. On this basis, quantitative guidelines were developed for consideration of profile VS in preliminary design of axial fans in moderation of VS-induced blade vibration and noise emission.

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