Numerical Investigation on Aerodynamic Performance of a Centrifugal Fan with Splitter Blades

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical investigation on the aerodynamic performance according to the application of splitter blades in an impeller of a centrifugal fan used for a refuse collection system. Numerical analysis of a centrifugal fan was carried out by solving three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the shear stress transport turbulence model. A validation of numerical results was conducted by comparison with experimental data for the pressure and efficiency. From analyses of the internal flow field of the reference fan, the losses by the reverse-flows were observed in the region of the blade passage. In order to reduce these losses and enhance fan performance, two splitter blades were applied evenly between the main blades, and centrifugal impellers having the different numbers of the main blades were tested with their application. Throughout the numerical analyses of the centrifugal fan with splitter blades, it was found that the reverse-flow regions in the blade passage can be reduced by controlling the main blade numbers with splitter blades. The application of splitter blades in a centrifugal fan leads to significant improvement in the overall fan performance.