Performance Analysis and Optimized Design of Backward-Curved Airfoil Centrifugal Blowers

Abstract

In this study, backward-curved airfoil centrifugal blowers were numerically simulated and compared with experimentally measured data. Simulation settings and boundary conditions are stated, and the measurements follow ANSI/AMCA Standard 210-07/ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 51-07, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating (AMCA/ASHRAE 2007). Comparing simulation results with measured data, it was found that the deviation of the static pressure curve at each specified flow rate was within 4.8% and the deviation of the efficiency curve was within 15.1%. After the simulation scheme was proven valid, the effects of blade angle, blade number, tongue length, and scroll contour were discussed. Several parameter changes are suggested based on these simulations. An optimized design is presented with a 7.9% improvement in static pressure and a 1.5% improvement in efficiency. Overall, the whole process simulates backward-curved airfoil centrifugal blowers effectively and is a powerful design tool for blower development and improvement.