Optimal operation of turbo blowers serially connected using inlet vanes

Abstract

Optimal operation of the turbo blowers having an inlet vane has been studied to understand the blowers’ operating performance. To analyze three-dimensional flow field in the turbo blowers serially connected, general analysis code, CFX, is introduced in the present work. SST turbulence model is employed to estimate the eddy viscosity. Throughout the numerical analysis, it is found that the flow rates of the turbo blowers can be controlled at the vane angle between 90 (full open condition) degrees and 60 degrees effectively, because pressure loss rapidly increases below 60 degree of a vane angle. Efficiency also has almost the same values from 90 degrees to 60 degrees of a vane angle. It is noted that the distorted inlet velocity generated in the small vane angle makes performance deterioration of the turbo blowers due to the local leading edge separation and the following non-uniform blade loading.