Investigation of varying tip clearance gap and operating conditions on the fulfilment of low-speed axial flow fan
-
Jignesh R. Vala
,
Dinesh K. Patel
Abstract
The present study aims to identify the suitable tip clearance and volumetric flow rates for low-speed axial flow fans. The performance of an axial fan depends on various parameters like fan speed, available tip clearance gap, volumetric flow rate, power consumption, and working fluid. Leakage flow occurring at a rotating component such as a blade and solid casing of a ducted axial fan is typically linked to losses and the potential emergence of a rotating stall. The numerical analysis for this study uses the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the k-omega SST turbulence model to perform the steady-state simulations by varying tip gap and volumetric flow rate. The results proved that the optimum performance was obtained with a tip clearance gap of 1 mm, and maximum fan efficiency was achieved at a volumetric flow rate of 3.9–4.5 m3/s. The novelty of this proposed work is to enhance the efficiency of axial flow fans with circular arc-cambered aerofoils using optimum tip clearance and volumetric flow rate through steady-state simulations. This method can be used in turbomachinery to improve fan performance.
-
Research ethics: Not applicable.
-
Informed consent: Not applicable.
-
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
-
Conflict of interest: Authors state no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: None declared.
-
Data availability: Not applicable.
Nomenclature
- A
-
Area in m2
- V
-
Velocity in m/s
- T
-
Torque input of the FanFan in Nm
- Psf
-
Fan static pressure in N/m2
- P
-
Fan shaft power consumption in W
- M
-
Gradient of straight-line correlation
- k
-
Pressure loss coefficient in terms of the volume flow
- C
-
Constant of straight line correlation
- D
-
Fan diameter in m
- K
-
Pressure loss coefficient in terms of the velocity
- N
-
FanFan rotational speed in rpm
- P
-
Pressure in N/m2
- S
-
Local tip clearance gap in m
- V
-
Volumetric flow rate in m3/s
- TCG
-
Tip Clearance Gap
- TLF
-
Tip Leakage flow
- TLV
-
Tip Leakage Vortex
- SS
-
Suction Side
- PS
-
Pressure Side
- VS
-
Vortex Sheet
- BFV
-
Backflow Vortex
References
1. Liu, S, Guo, Y, Zhang, Y, Gu, C, Yang, L. Effects of tip clearance and impeller eccentricity on the aerodynamic performance of mixed flow fan. Symmetry 2023;15:201. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15010201.Suche in Google Scholar
2. Du, J, Lin, F, Zhang, H, Chen, J. Numerical investigation on the self-induced unsteadiness in tip leakage flow for a transonic fan rotor. J Turbomach 2010;132:021017. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3145103.Suche in Google Scholar
3. Hou, J, Liu, Y, Zhong, L, Zhong, W, Tang, Y. Effect of vorticity transport on flow structure in the tip region of axial compressors. Phys Fluids 2022;34. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0087833.Suche in Google Scholar
4. Moghadam, SA, Meinke, M, Schröder, W. Analysis of tip-gap size on tip-leakage flow in an axial fan at design and off-design operating conditions. In: 13th European conference on turbomachinery fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Lausanne, Switzerland: Euroturbo, European Turbomachinery Society; 2019:1–9 pp.Suche in Google Scholar
5. Pogorelov, A, Meinke, M, Schroeder, W. Effects of tip-gap width on the flow field in an axial fan. Int J Heat Fluid Flow 2016;61:466–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2016.06.009.Suche in Google Scholar
6. Luo, B, Chu, W, Zhang, H. Tip leakage flow and aeroacoustics analysis of a low-speed axial fan. Aero Sci Technol 2020;98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2020.105700.Suche in Google Scholar
7. Zhang, L, Jin, Y, Jin, Y. Effect of tip flange on tip leakage flow of small axial flow fans. J Therm Sci 2014;23:45–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11630-014-0675-9.Suche in Google Scholar
8. Akula, PK, Singh, B, Manikandan, M, Srinivas, G. Influence of Tip clearance on the turbulent aerodynamics of axial flow fan under off-design conditions. Appl Mech Mater 2012;232:223–7. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.232.223.Suche in Google Scholar
9. Li, C, Li, X, Li, P, Ye, X. Numerical investigation of impeller trimming effect on performance of an axial flow fan. Energy 2014;75:534–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.08.015.Suche in Google Scholar
10. Corsini, A, Perugini, B, Rispoli, F, Sheard, AG, Kinghorn, IR. Investigation on improved blade tip concept for axial flow fan. Turbo Expo: Power for Land, Sea, and Air 2006;4241:313–25. https://doi.org/10.1115/gt2006-90592.Suche in Google Scholar
11. Aktürk, A, Camci, C, Axial flow fan tip leakage flow control using tip platform extensions 2010. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4001540.Suche in Google Scholar
12. Fukano, T, Jang, CM. Tip clearance noise of axial flow fans operating at design and off-design condition. J Sound Vib 2004;275:1027–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-460x(03)00815-0.Suche in Google Scholar
13. Pretorius, JP, Van der Spuy, SJ. Enhancing axial flow fan performance in air-cooled condensers: tip vortex manipulators and comparative analysis of numerical simulation and experimental testing. J Fluid Eng 2024;146. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4064854.Suche in Google Scholar
14. Xiao, Y, Yang, G, Lu, H, Yuan, Y. Blade retrofit design to reduce the noise of an axial flow fan by mitigating the tip leakage vortex. Int J Aeroacoustics 2024;1475472X241259124.Suche in Google Scholar
15. Swanepoel, PC, Biedermann, TM, van der Spuy, SJ. Experimental noise reduction (aeroacoustical enhancement) of a large diameter axial flow cooling fan through a reduction in blade tip clearance. Int J Aeroacoustics 2023;22:210–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475472x231183156.Suche in Google Scholar
16. Zhang, M, Dong, X, Li, J, Sun, D, Sun, X. Effect of differential tip clearance on the performance and noise of an axial compressor. Aero Sci Technol 2023;132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2022.108070.Suche in Google Scholar
17. Moosania, M, Chao, ZHOU, Hu, S. Effect of tip geometry on the performance of low-speed axial flow fan. Int J Refrig 2022;134:16–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2021.07.041.Suche in Google Scholar
18. Kharati-Koopaee, M, Moallemi, H. Effect of blade tip grooving on the performance of an axial fan at different tip clearances in the absence and presence of inlet guide vanes. Proc Inst Mech Eng A J Power Energy 2020;234:72–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957650919850423.Suche in Google Scholar
19. Wang, J, Kruyt, NP. Computational fluid dynamics simulations of aerodynamic performance of low-pressure axial fans with small hub-to-tip diameter ratio. J Fluid Eng 2020;142:091202. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4047120.Suche in Google Scholar
20. Zhang, M, Li, J, Dong, X, Sun, D, Sun, X. Experimental study on different tip clearance of low-speed axial FanFan. In: Turbo expo: power for land, sea, and air. New York, NY: American Society of Mechanical Engineers; 2021, 84904.10.1115/GT2021-59899Suche in Google Scholar
21. Liu, R, Xu, S, Sun, K, Ju, X, Zhang, W, Wang, W, et al.. Guocheng Ren CFD analysis and optimization of axial flow fans. Int. J. Simul. Multidisci. Des. Optim. 2024;15:11. © R. Liu et al., Published by EDP Sciences, 2024 https://doi.org/10.1051/smdo/2024007.Suche in Google Scholar
22. Vala, J, Patel, DK, Panchal, H. Numerical investigation of blade tip with different groove effect and its dynamic analysis of axial flow fan. Int J Ambient Energy 2019;42:1785–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.2019.1614993.Suche in Google Scholar
© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Deep residual ensemble model for predicting remaining useful life of turbo fan engines
- Review of gliding arc plasma assisted ignition and combustion for gas turbine application
- Interaction effects between the rotor wake and hub leakage flow in a multi-stage cantilevered compressor
- Determination of the modern marine single shaft gas turbine rotor blades fatigue strength parameters
- Role of different cavity flame holders on the performance characteristics of supersonic combustor
- Thermal performance of teardrop pin fins and zig zag ribs in a wedge channel
- Investigation of varying tip clearance gap and operating conditions on the fulfilment of low-speed axial flow fan
- Upgraded one-dimensional code for the design of a micro gas turbine mixed flow compressor stage with various crossover diffuser configurations
- Performance evaluation of a scramjet engine utilizing varied cavity aft wall divergence with parallel injection in a reacting flow field
- Speed controller design for turboshaft engine using a high-fidelity AeroThermal model
- Multi-nozzle thrust matching control of STOVL engine
- Numerical analysis of brush seal hysteresis based on orthogonal test method
- Conjugated heat transfer characteristics of ribbed-swirl cooling in turbine blade under rotation condition
- Flow pattern formation due to the interdependency of multi-component interactions and their impact on the performance of turbine and exhaust duct of gas turbine
- Flight trajectory optimization study of a variable-cycle turbine-based combined cycle engine hypersonic vehicle based on airframe/engine integration
- Constant temperature line identification on prototype gas turbine combustor with multi-colour change coating
- Sensitivity analysis of aero-engine performance optimization control system and its hardware test verification
- Compensator based improved model predictive control for Aero-engine
- Ignition experimental study based on rotating gliding arc
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Deep residual ensemble model for predicting remaining useful life of turbo fan engines
- Review of gliding arc plasma assisted ignition and combustion for gas turbine application
- Interaction effects between the rotor wake and hub leakage flow in a multi-stage cantilevered compressor
- Determination of the modern marine single shaft gas turbine rotor blades fatigue strength parameters
- Role of different cavity flame holders on the performance characteristics of supersonic combustor
- Thermal performance of teardrop pin fins and zig zag ribs in a wedge channel
- Investigation of varying tip clearance gap and operating conditions on the fulfilment of low-speed axial flow fan
- Upgraded one-dimensional code for the design of a micro gas turbine mixed flow compressor stage with various crossover diffuser configurations
- Performance evaluation of a scramjet engine utilizing varied cavity aft wall divergence with parallel injection in a reacting flow field
- Speed controller design for turboshaft engine using a high-fidelity AeroThermal model
- Multi-nozzle thrust matching control of STOVL engine
- Numerical analysis of brush seal hysteresis based on orthogonal test method
- Conjugated heat transfer characteristics of ribbed-swirl cooling in turbine blade under rotation condition
- Flow pattern formation due to the interdependency of multi-component interactions and their impact on the performance of turbine and exhaust duct of gas turbine
- Flight trajectory optimization study of a variable-cycle turbine-based combined cycle engine hypersonic vehicle based on airframe/engine integration
- Constant temperature line identification on prototype gas turbine combustor with multi-colour change coating
- Sensitivity analysis of aero-engine performance optimization control system and its hardware test verification
- Compensator based improved model predictive control for Aero-engine
- Ignition experimental study based on rotating gliding arc
