The ultra-low specific speed centrifugal blower is widely used in energy industries due to its features such as low flow rate, high pressure and low manufacturing cost. However, the width-to-diameter ratio of the above blower becomes relatively small to satisfy the needed operation condition and its performances are considerably degraded as a result of relatively high leakage, disc friction and passage friction loss consequently. The purpose of this paper is to improve its performance through the optimization design of the blade's profile properly. Based on artificial neural networks (ANN) and hierarchical fair competition genetic algorithms with dynamic niche (HFCDN-GAs), the optimization design approach is established. By conjoining Bezier parameterization and FINE/TURBO solver, the optimized blade is designed by adjusting the profile gradually. An industrial ultra-low specific speed centrifugal blower with parallel hub and shroud has been selected as a reference case for optimization design. The performance investigations of the centrifugal blowers with different types of blades are conducted. The conclusions of the performance improvement of the optimized blade provide positive evidences in the application of the optimization design of the above blower blade.
ultra-low specific speed, centrifugal blower, blade optimization design, ANN, HFCDN-Gas, performances investigations
Citation:Zhang B, Wang T, Gu C G, et al. Blade optimization design and performance investigations of an ultra-low specific speed centrifugal blower. Sci