Optimization of Centrifugal Blower Parameters and Their Effect on Efficiency

This study focuses on the optimization of centrifugal blower parameters and their effect on efficiency using simulation software. The analysis will be conducted using Fluent CFD software which works on the Navier-stokes equation, mass and energy equation. The scope of the proposed work is to optimize the parameters which affect the output of the centrifugal blower.

Optimization of centrifugal blower
Problem statement
Centrifugal blower and fans are the turbo machines widely used in industries as well as in
domestic applications. They amplify the speed of the fluid flowing through them with the help of
an impeller by increasing the kinetic energy. Design of a centrifugal blower involves the fields
like fluid mechanics, heat transfer, material selection and vibration. Present study will focus on
the optimization of centrifugal blower parameters and their effect on the efficiency. The analysis
will be conducted using simulation software available. As we know that centrifugal blower
involves the fluid flow problem, Navier-stokes equation will be solved. For this software like
Fluent CFD will be utilized. Fluent CFD is software which works on the Navier-stokes equation,
mass and energy equation. They work on finite element method (FEM) or finite volume method
(FVM) method of discretization.
Literature review
Kearton observed breaks in trademark bends via conveying precise tests. His estimations
demonstrated that the flow is a far away from uniform, and that on the trailing face of the vane
there is a region of "inactive flow". This region increments as the limit is diminished. The impact
of this inactive flow is identical to expanding the vane thickness and decreasing the passage area.
He noticed that number of impeller blades has noteworthy impact on fan performance. He
explored these conditions and has introduced his discoveries in an exceptionally fascinating
paper, "Impact of the number of impeller blades on the pressure generated in a centrifugal
compressor and on its general performance". He additionally found that beneath the basic stream
the speed circulation was genuinely symmetrical and looked like the speed circulation acquired
with turbulent stream in a pipe. Over the basic stream the speed dispersion was not symmetrical,
but rather considerably more noteworthy on the impeller side far from the delta.
Stodola had produced first valuable technique for slip factor estimation. He associated slip factor
and number of blades. He asserted that normal release of discharge at particular blade angle
varies because of number of blades. This is additionally in charge of the lessening of output.
Stepanoff considers water driven losses as the most imperative and yet least known losses in
turbo-machines. He includes that the water driven losses are caused by direction and magnitude
change in the velocity of flow. Myles accounts impeller and volute losses as a small amount of
the dynamic pressure with respect to impeller and volute, separately. They are connected with a
diffusive factor over a wide volume flow extend. The outcomes are connected to other impellers
and volutes. The low volume flow scope of task is additionally considered. Bruno conducted
experiments to study the impeller friction or plate friction loss. He separated impeller loss in to
two parts one as impeller entry loss and friction loss in impeller. The friction loss in impeller
comprises retardation and pressure loss.

Roache made measurement of vulnerability in computational fluid dynamics. His survey covers
verification, approval and affirmation for computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It incorporates
error, mistake estimation, convergence rates, surrogate estimators, nonlinear dynamics, and error
related to the meshing adjustment. Tsuei et al. have created strategy for quick CFD modeling for
turbo machines. Their investigation sensibly manages designs in the economical and exact use of
CFD. A base for quick figuring is set up and developed simple to-utilize CFD investigation as a
base for improved analysis.
Austin Church has conducted benchmark work to set up plan technique for pumps, fans and
blowers. He found that the flow types existing in a pump or blower is constantly turbulent, it
implies, the Reynolds number is constantly well over the basic esteem. The flow is truly
aggravated with a resultant loss of head. He has given his outline organize compressibility
impact, weight proportion and vitality exchange. He has likewise considered density changes at
different stream areas as for change in temperature and weight. In this way volume flow rate gets
changed continuously.
Yadav and Yahya have contemplated stream perception and the impact of tongue area on the
execution of the volute casings of radial machines with a swirling stream free from planes and
wakes at their inlet. The stream perception contemplates by wool tuft developments were led in
the volute direct and additionally in the leave diffuser. Flow partition was seen at high inlet whirl
points close to the volute tongue and in the exit. It was discovered that the volute execution was
reliant on the tongue region at low and high inlet swirl points. There is an apparent drop in the
spiral direction but was negligible in tangential direction.
Rational and Shevare managed the outline of radial impeller through the superposition of two
flows. The first being the flow in an impeller with the unlimited number of blades, got
specifically as an answer of Navier-Stokes equation for incompressible and inviscid flow. Patel,
Patel and Shah introduced the strategy, which gives the plan for constants and quick
determination of optimum design. The predefined plan technique is sufficiently wide to cover the
entire scope of centrifugal pumps. The real test execution of pumps composed by this strategy
lies within the acceptable limits.
Scope of the proposed work
As centrifugal blower have utilization in various industries. Present work will target towards the
optimization of the parameters which affect the output of the centrifugal blower. Parameters like
diameter of the impeller eye, van angle at exit and at inlet or width of the blade.
Research question
 Optimization parameter related to the centrifugal blower.
 Parameter which largely affect the efficiency of the centrifugal blower
 Use of advanced tool like Fluent CFD to solve the problem related.
 Effect of the meshing method on the output

Proposed approach
Present problem will be solved with the help of software like Fluent CFD. CFD software is based
on the techniques like finite element method (FEM) and finite volume method (FVM). CFD
solved the governing equation of fluid flow like Navier-stokes equation and continuity equation.
To analyze the temperature one can involve the energy equation which is governed by
temperature. First the geometry of the centrifugal pump will be drawn on any design software
like AutoCAD/SolidWorks then this geometry will be imported on the Fluent CFD software for
analyses. Value of the parameter like impeller eye diameter, vane angle and width of the blade
will be set in the CFD software. To do the optimization of parameters set, their values will be
varied and their impact on the output of the centrifugal blower will be studied.
I have basic understanding of the centrifugal blower and I am very much interested in the topic,
as this problem will give a chance to solve a real life problem and solution of which can help the
humanity.
Figure 1: Centrifugal blower
Timeline and resources
I am ready to give my due to time to solve this problem.
References
Yu-Tai Lee, Vineet Ahuja, Ashvin Hosangadi, Michael E. Slipper, Lawrence P. Mulvihill, Roger
Birkbeck and RoderickM., Coleman, (2011). “Impeller Design of a Centrifugal Fan with
Blade Optimization”, International Journal of Rotating Machinery.

Changyun Zhu and Guoliang Qin, (2010) “Design Technology of Centrifugal Fan Impeller
Based on Response Surface Methodology”, ASME: 3rd Joint US European Fluids
Engineering Summer Meeting: Volume 1, ASME Conference Proceedings.
Sekavcnik, Mihael; Gantar, Tine; Mori, Mitja, (2010). “A Single-Stage Centripetal Pump-Design
Features and an Investigation of the Operating Characteristics”, ASME Journal of Fluids
Engineering, 132, 1-10.
L. Hedi, K. Hatem and Z. Ridha., (2010). “Numerical Flow Simulation in a Centrifugal Pump”,
International Renewable Energy Congress, 300-304.
Lee and Yu-Tai, (2010). “Impact of Fan Gap Flow on the Centrifugal Impeller Aerodynamics”,
Journal of Fluids Engineering, 132, 1793-1803.
R. Barrio, J. Parrondo and E. Blanco. (2010), “Numerical analysis of the unsteadyflow in the
near-tongue region in a volute-type centrifugal pump for different operating points”,
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Shevare and Sane, “Computer Aided Design for a Class of Radial Impellers”, Proceedings of
10th National Conference on Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power
Yadav and Yahya, “Pressure and Velocity Distribution in Volute Casings of Centrifugal
Compressors-An Experimental Study”, Proceedings of 8th National Conference on Fluid
Mechanics and Fluid Power
H. Tsuei, K. Oliphant, D. Japikse, “The Validation of Rapid CFD Modeling for
Turbomachinery”, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, England, 1-22,
Roache P. J., “Quantification of Uncertainty in Computational Fluid Dynamics”, Annual Review
of Fluid Mechanics, 29,123-160,
Stodola A., “Steam and Gas Turbines”, Peter Smith Publications, New York,.
Stepanoff A. J., “Turbo Blowers”, John Wiley & Sons,
Myles D. J., “An Analysis of Impeller and Volute Losses in Centrifugal Fans, Proceedings of
Institute of Mechanical Engineers