Flow Capacity Optimization of a Squirrel Cage Fan with a New Rounded Rectangle Volute under Size Limitation

Abstract

Squirrel cage fans (SCFs) are widely used in a variety of household appliances. Due to the restriction on installation size, the design of high-efficiency SCFs with high flow capacities is an important topic. In this study, we proposed a novel rounded rectangle volute profile (RRVP) for the design of compact high-flow SCFs. At first, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the aerodynamic performances of three SCFs having the same impeller but different volutes, which were the common logarithmic-spiral volute profile, the cutting volute profile, and the RRVP volute at the maximum flow rate working condition. The CFD simulations indicate that the fan with RRVP volute has the highest flow rate at the maximum flow rate working condition. Then, we proposed a parameterization method for the RRVP with 16 control variables. The multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) and Kriging model was used to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the compact SCF with an RRVP volute. Twenty-three control variables were used in the multiobjective optimization process, including the optimization of the blade angles and the impeller position. Optimization results show that the maximum volumetric flow rate of the optimal SCF with an RRVP volute increases from 147.1 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to 191.1 CFM, and the fan efficiency also increases from 32.21% to 33.5%, compared with the original SCF with the common logarithmic-spiral volute. Two main factors were found to increase the flow capacity and efficiency of the optimal SCF under strict size constrains. First, the RRVP became smooth and large, which reduced the flow loss and increased the flow cross-section; second, the eccentrically mounted impeller of the optimal fan enlarged the flow section near the outlet of the volute.