An evaluation of a design method for mixed flow fans

Date
2002-03
Authors
Du Toit, Jacques H. (Jacques Hendrik)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mixed flow fans find application in an operating region between that of axial flow and centrifugal fans. The candidate investigated the working of these mixed flow fans and formulated a design algorithm. The algorithm was based on work done by previous authors, most of which have tried to modify existing axial flow fan design methods to suit the mixed flow case. A fan was designed, built and tested. Tests showed that the fan did not perform as designed, producing a lower pressure rise at a lower flow rate. A five hole probe was used to measure the exit flow vector and the results showed that most of the work was done by the lower half of the blade. Based on this discrepancy between the designed and actual fan performance, a number of changes to the design procedure were recommended. Amongst other things: the use of numerical blade modelling procedures instead of modified cascade correlations and the disregard of the Coriolis work in the design of the blade shape.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gemengde vloei waaiers bevredig die behoefte aan 'n waaier in 'n spesifieke werksgebied waar aksiaal en sentrifugale waaiers minder effektief is. Die projek ondersoek die werking van gemengde vloei waaiers en formuleer 'n ontwerp-algoritme. Die algoritme is gebaseer op bestaande navorsing, waarvan die meeste 'n poging is om aksiaalvloeiwaaiermetodes aan te pas vir die gemengde vloei geval. 'n Waaier is ontwerp, gebou en getoets. Toetsresultate toon dat die waaier 'n laer drukstyging by 'n laer volume vloei gee as wat die ontwerp voorspel. 'n Vyfgat-anemometer is gebruik om die uitlaatvloei-vektor te meet en die resulate het bewys dat die gedeelte van die rotorlem naaste aan die naaf meeste van die werk doen. Hierdie afwyking van die ontwerptoestand is ondersoek en 'n aantal veranderings aan die ontwerp algoritme is voorgestel, naamlik: die gebruik van numeriese lemprofiel simulasie, instede van die glip- en deviasie- modelle, en die ontwerp van die lemprofiel deur die Coriolis werk te Ignoreer.
Description
Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
Keywords
Air flow, Fans (Machinery) -- Performance, Dissertations -- Mechanical engineering, Theses -- Mechanical engineering
Citation