Numerical simulation of gas-dynamic processes in the centrifugal radial fan of seeding machines

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of crop production, where a significant place belongs to row crops (such as corn, sunflower, soybean, sorghum, sugar beet, etc.), is inextricably linked with the introduction of energy- and resource-saving technologies to ensure quality and timely implementation of production processes. Sowing is an important technological process. To increase the speed, as a consequence, productivity and, most importantly, quality of field works, at present, precision seeding seeders with pneumatic systems with improved characteristics of vacuum generators are used. In this case, the vacuum systems of such seeders are most often based on the use of a radial centrifugal fan. Therefore, an important task is to design the fan, taking into account the matching of its parameters with the parameters of the seeder as a whole, which requires a large number of tests and checks. The use of natural models (test tables) requires considerable time and resource expenses. On the basis of numerical simulation of gas-dynamic processes there is an opportunity to significantly reduce the number of full-scale experiments, and more accurately determine the rational form of the centrifugal radial fan. The purpose of this paper is to consider the method of numerical simulation of gas dynamic processes in a centrifugal centrifugal radial fan using computer-aided design (CAD) packages. The application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to discretize the solutions of differential equations taking into account the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. Numerical modeling of turbulence based on k-ε models, k-ω models, and shear stress transfer (SST) models. The results of calculation of three-dimensional field of velocities and pressures in the fan working zone are presented, the rational geometrical characteristics and aerodynamic characteristics (dependence of pressure drop on the air consumption) are determined. Such approach to centrifugal fan design allows to unify significantly its parameters at the stage of development and to reduce the terms of new projects.