Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology

The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers (대한기계학회)
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Experimental Study on the Mean Flow Characteristics of Forward-Curved Centrifugal Fans

  • Published : 2001.12.01
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Abstract

Measurements have been made in an automotive HVAC b1ower for two different centrifugal fans. This work is directed at improving the performance of a conventional forward-curved centrifugal fan for a given small blower casing. Mean velocities and pressure have been measured using a miniature five-hole probe and a pressure scanning unit connected to an online data acquisition system. First, we obtained the fan performance versus flow rates showing a significant attenuation of unstable nature achieved with the new fan rotor in the surging operation range. Second, aerodynamic characterizations were carried out by investigating the velocity and pressure fields in the casing flow passage for different fan operating conditions. The measurements stowed that performance coefficients are strongly influenced by flow characteristics at the throat region. The main flow features ware common in both fans, but improved performance is achieved with tole new fan rotor, particularly in lower flow rate legions. Based on the measured results, design improvements were carried out in an acceptable operation range, which gave considerable insight into what features of flow behavior ware most important.

Keywords

References

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