Application of Numerical Optimization Technique to Design of Forward-Curved Blades Centrifugal Fan

Abstract

This paper presents the response surface optimization method using three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis to optimize the shape of a forward-curved blades centrifugal fan. For numerical analysis, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with k-ε turbulence model are discretized with finite volume approximations. In order to reduce huge computing time due to a large number of blades in forward-curved blades centrifugal fan, the flow inside of the fan is regarded as steady flow by introducing the impeller force models. Three geometric variables, i.e., location of cut off, radius of cut off, and width of impeller, and one operating variable, i.e., flow rate, were selected as design variables. As a main result of the optimization, the efficiency was successfully improved. And, optimum design flow rate was found by using flow rate as one of design variables. It was found that the optimization process provides reliable design of this kind of fans with reasonable computing time.

Aerodynamics Optimization of Multi-Blade Centrifugal Fan Based on Extreme Learning Machine Surrogate Model and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

“…Xu et al [1] Groove width, groove depth, groove center distance, groove number, different groove shapes CFD simulation design method Ye et al [2] Inner diameter, bevel-cutting blade CFD technology, test Li et al [3] Vortex characteristics CFD technology Wei et al [4] Clearance, the inclination angle, the volute tongue CFD technology, test Zhou et al [5][6][7] Multi-blade centrifugal fan blade airfoil parameter The scroll cut-off angle, the scroll diffuser expansion angle, the diameter ratio of the impeller, the blade exit angle The main research methods for rotating machinery are based on CFD and the surrogate model. For example, among the above literature about multi-blade centrifugal fans, references [1][2][3]11] are based on CFD research and references [5][6][7]12] are based on CFD and surrogate model research.…”

“…Le et al [11] used ANSYS 15.0 software (ANSYS Inc., USA) to research the optimal operating conditions for the multi-blade centrifugal fan performance and flow characteristics. Kim et al [12] used the numerical analysis and response surface optimization method to optimize the location of cutoff, radius of cutoff, width of the impeller, and flow coefficient. Table 1 shows the above optimization research on the multi-blade centrifugal fan, including optimization parameters and specific research methods.…”

Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of Forward-Curved Blade Centrifugal Fans Using CFD and Neural Networks

“…Forward-Curved (FC) blades centrifugal fans or squirrel cage fans are the one of the prime group of the centrifugal fans, which is used industrially in large scales. Kim and Seo [3] presented a response surface method using three dimensional Navier-Stokes analyses to optimize the shape of a forward-curved blades centrifugal fan and finally improved the efficiency of fan.…”

An integrated blade optimization approach based on parallel ANN and GA with hierarchical fair competition dynamic-niche

“…Afterward, the response surface method [5,6], as a global optimization method, had been proposed over the gradient-based method. Then, the response surface method with three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis had been applied well for the design of blade section of axial compressor rotor [7], low speed axial fans [8] and forward-curved blades centrifugal fans [9] respectively. Han S. Y. and Maeng J. S. [10] had studied the characteristics of the inactive zone, and optimized the shape of cutoff by using a two-dimensional RANS analysis and response surface method.…”