Aeroacoustic Analysis of Low-Speed Axial Fans With Different Rotational Speeds in the Design Point

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Buchwald ◽  
Damian M. Vogt ◽  
Julien Grilliat ◽  
Wolfgang Laufer ◽  
Michael B. Schmitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Separation ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Far Field ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Blade Loading ◽  
Design Point ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans

One of the main design decisions in the development of low-speed axial fans is the right choice of the blade loading versus rotational speed, since a target pressure rise could either be achieved with a slow spinning fan and high blade loading or a fast spinning fan with less flow turning in the blade passages. Both the blade loading and the fan speed have an influence on the fan performance and the fan acoustics and there is a need to find the optimum choice in order to maximize efficiency while minimizing noise emissions. The present paper addresses this problem by investigating five different fans with the same pressure rise but different rotational speeds in the design point. In the first part of the numerical study, the fan design is described and steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are conducted in order to identify the performance of the fans in the design point and in off-design conditions. The investigations show the existence of an optimum in rotational speed regarding fan efficiency and identify a flow separation on the hub causing a deflection of the outflow in radial direction as the main loss source for slow spinning fans with high blade loadings. Subsequently, Large Eddy Simulations (LES) along with the acoustic analogy of Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) are performed in the design point to identify the main noise sources and to determine the far-field acoustics. The identification of the noise sources within the fans in the near-field is performed with the help of the power spectral density of the pressure. In the far-field, the sound power level is computed using different parts of the fan surface as FW-H sources. Both methods show the same trends regarding noise emissions and allow for a localization of the noise sources. The flow separation on the hub is one of the main noise sources along with the tip vortex with an increase in its strength towards lower rotational speeds and higher loading. Furthermore, a horseshoe vortex detaching from the rotor leading edge and impinging on the pressure side as well as the turbulent boundary layer on the suction side represent significant noise sources. In the present investigation, the maximum in efficiency coincides with the minimum in noise emissions.

Aeroacoustic Analysis of Low-Speed Axial Fans With Different Rotational Speeds in the Design Point

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Buchwald ◽  
Damian M. Vogt ◽  
Julien Grilliat ◽  
Wolfgang Laufer ◽  
Michael B. Schmitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Separation ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Far Field ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Blade Loading ◽  
Design Point ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans

One of the main design decisions in the development of low-speed axial fans is the right choice of the blade loading versus rotational speed, since a target pressure rise could either be achieved with a slow spinning fan and high blade loading or a fast spinning fan with less flow turning in the blade passages. Both the blade loading and the fan speed have an influence on the fan performance and the fan acoustics, and there is a need to find the optimum choice in order to maximize efficiency while minimizing noise emissions. This paper addresses this problem by investigating five different fans with the same pressure rise but different rotational speeds in the design point (DP). In the first part of the numerical study, the fan design is described and steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations are conducted in order to identify the performance of the fans in the DP and in off-design conditions. The investigations show the existence of an optimum in rotational speed regarding fan efficiency and identify a flow separation on the hub causing a deflection of the outflow in radial direction as the main loss source for slow spinning fans with high blade loadings. Subsequently, large eddy simulations (LES) along with the acoustic analogy of Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW–H) are performed in the DP to identify the main noise sources and to determine the far-field acoustics. The identification of the noise sources within the fans in the near-field is performed with the help of the power spectral density (PSD) of the pressure. In the far-field, the sound power level (SWL) is computed using different parts of the fan surface as FW–H sources. Both methods show the same trends regarding noise emissions and allow for a localization of the noise sources. The flow separation on the hub is one of the main noise sources along with the tip vortex with an increase in its strength toward lower rotational speeds and higher loading. Furthermore, a horseshoe vortex detaching from the rotor leading edge and impinging on the pressure side as well as the turbulent boundary layer on the suction side represent significant noise sources. In the present investigation, the maximum in efficiency coincides with the minimum in noise emissions.

scholarly journals Leakage Noise and Related Flow Pattern in a Low-Speed Axial Fan with Rotating Shroud

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Canepa ◽  
Andrea Cattanei ◽  
Fabio Mazzocut Zecchin
Keyword(s):  
Flow Separation ◽  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Blade Loading ◽  
Flow Noise ◽  
Blade Tip

The effect of rotational speed and pressure rise on the leakage flow noise radiated by a low-speed axial fan, provided with rotating shroud, has been systematically investigated. The flow in the gap region has been studied by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements taken in the meridional plane. At low blade loading, the leakage flow is restrained close to the rotor ring and, at higher loading, it forms a wide recirculation zone. In the latter conditions, an unsteady flow separation likely takes place in the blade tip region which may be observed in the instantaneous flow field only. The leakage flow noise generally increases with the blade loading, but is non-monotonic, as the overall sound pressure level (OASPL) growth is interrupted by local minima; such a trend is qualitatively independent of the rotational speed. As the loading increases, the sound pressure level (SPL) spectrum shows important modifications, since the characteristic frequency of the subharmonic narrowband humps related to the leakage noise decreases; furthermore, height and width of the humps vary non-monotonically. Such a complicated behavior is likely related to the modifications in the leakage flow pattern and also to the appearance of the flow separation at the blade tip.

A Model for Stall and Surge in Low-Speed Contra-Rotating Fans

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Shahriyari ◽  
Hossein Khaleghi ◽  
Martin Heinrich
Keyword(s):  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Rotating Stall ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Initial Slope ◽  
Speed Ratio ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Fan Performance

This paper reports on a theory for poststall transients in contra-rotating fans, which is developed from the basic Moore–Greitzer theory. A second-order hysteresis term is assumed for the fan pressure rise, which gives the theory more capabilities in predicting the fan instabilities. The effect of the rotational speed ratio of the two counter rotating rotors on the fan performance during the occurrence of surge and rotating stall are studied (the rotational speed of the front rotor is assumed to be kept constant whereas the speed of the rear rotor is variable). One of the new capabilities of the current model is the possibility of investigating the effect of the initial slope on the fan characteristic. Results reveal that unlike the conventional fans and compressors, in the current contra-rotating fan stall cannot be initiated from the negative slope portion of the fan pressure rise characteristic curve. One of the important advantages of the developed model is that it enables investigation of the effect of the rate of throttling on the instabilities. Results show that more the rotational speed of the rear rotor, the more robust to surge (caused by throttling) the fan is.

Numerical Analysis of an Industrial Fan Fitted With Noise Reduction Devices

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Amaral Teixeira ◽  
E. Naylor ◽  
P. C. Ivey ◽  
A. G. Sheard ◽  
I. R. Kinghorn
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Fan Noise ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
The Individual

The reduction of noise emitted by industrial low speed cooling fans, particularly those fitted to air conditioning systems is a concern to fan manufacturers. The market for industrial low speed fans is highly competitive, with fan noise being the major differentiating factor between competing products. Noise reduction strategies are therefore implemented but these can adversely affect the fan’s pressure delivery capability. A reduction of fan speed can also lead to a reduction in fan noise but this is usually accompanied by a corresponding reduction in pressure rise and flow rate. The practical difficulties associated with maintaining fan pressure and flow characteristics while simultaneously reducing fan noise present fan manufacturers with a challenge. Traditional empirical approaches to the reduction of fan noise have almost been exhausted and no longer offer the potential to significantly reduce fan noise. The understanding of the aerodynamic mechanisms that act as broadband noise sources in low speed fans has been the subject of a considerable number of papers over many years. For most fans operating as a single blade row, the main sources of noise, other than those dependent on the incident turbulence levels, depend on the trailing edge and tip gap flow conditions. A range of strategies seeking to control the noise generated by these regions have been proposed over time by various authors and a number of these schemes have reached production status. The current paper details the numerical analysis of an industrial low speed fan, commonly used in conjunction with a cooling matrix, and which incorporates two distinct noise reduction features; trailing edge crenulations and a blade tip fence. Comparisons are carried out between various combinations of blades, with and without the individual features, and a discussion of the aerodynamics of the particular configurations is undertaken from a perspective of their noise reduction capabilities.

An Analysis of the Loss Mechanisms in Low-Speed Axial Fans Using Scaling Arguments and Their Effects on a Proposed New Definition of Efficiency

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas R. Neal
Keyword(s):  
Energy Equation ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Static Efficiency ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Integral Energy ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Scaling Arguments ◽  
Ventilation Fan

Low-speed axial fans are used extensively for ventilation purposes in industrial and commercial buildings. In agricultural applications, such as a greenhouse, the ventilation is critical, since entire crops can be damaged or destroyed if a clean air supply is not maintained. The cost-marginal nature of these businesses demand that operating costs be kept to a minimum, hence there is a strong motivation to develop higher efficiency ventilation fans. An analysis of a low-speed axial fan has been developed using a control volume-based energy balance. The specific fan is an axial ventilation fan that is commonly found on agricultural facilities such as green-houses or livestock buildings. These fans induce an airflow from a large building into the open atmosphere at very low (or often effectively zero) system restriction or pressure rise. The definition for static efficiency, which is commonly used by the axial fan community, is examined and its implications are discussed. Since static efficiency yields a zero-percent efficient fan at a zero pressure rise operating condition, the ventilation fan industry has developed an alternate definition of efficiency. This alternate definition of efficiency, along with other proposed definitions, are described and their limitations are discussed. A new definition of efficiency is introduced and its basis in the integral energy equation is identified. The primary loss mechanisms of low-speed axial turbomachinery are discussed and scaling arguments are developed and used in the integral energy equation analysis. The results of this analysis yield an expanded expression of efficiency in which the loss mechanism terms can be empirically determined. When analyzed with values for a particular fan system, these results can further be used as the basis for an optimization study of that fan system.

Aeroacoustics of a Low-Speed Free Tip Fan With a Complex Clearance Geometry

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Lallier-Daniels ◽  
Stephane Moreau ◽  
Marlene Sanjose
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Study ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Tip Leakage ◽  
Flow Noise ◽  
Lattice Boltzmann Simulations ◽  
Axial Fans

The influence of tip leakage flow on the performance of turbomachinery, both from an aerodynamic and acoustic point of view, has been demonstrated by several authors. However, most studies present in the literature are focused on the effects of tip leakage from an aerodynamic point of view and often forgo the mechanisms associated with the acoustics effect. The effect of different tip geometries is also still ill understood. The current advancement of a numerical study delving into tip leakage flow noise in low-speed turbomachinery applications is presented in this paper. The study as a whole aims to investigate the mechanisms associated with tip leakage flow noise on different axial fans with varying tip configurations. The study is carried out using lattice-Boltzmann simulations that allow to obtain the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic field simultaneously. As a first step in this investigation of tip flow noise, this paper focuses on a free-tip axial flow fan with a complex tip geometry. The global aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the fan is evaluated numerically and compared to available experimental results. An investigation of the simulated flowfield with regards to the observed acoustics is then carried out.

Effect of rotor deformation and blade loading on the leakage noise in low-speed axial fans

2018 ◽  
Vol 433 ◽  
pp. 99-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Canepa ◽  
Andrea Cattanei ◽  
Francesco Jafelice ◽  
Fabio Mazzocut Zecchin ◽  
Davide Parodi
Keyword(s):  
Blade Loading ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans

Blade Sweep for Low-Speed Axial Fans

1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Wright ◽  
William E. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Volume Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Excess Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Selection Of

The available literature on aerodynamic and acoustic properties of axial fans with swept blades is presented and discussed with particular emphasis on noise mechanisms and the influence of high-intensity inlet turbulence on “excess” noise. The acoustic theory of Kerschen and Envia for swept cascades is applied to the problem of axial fan design. These results are compared to available data and a provisional model for specifying sweep angles is presented. The aerodynamic performance theory for swept-bladed rotors of Smith and Yeh is adapted for use in designing low speed axial fans. Three prototype fans were designed using the resultant computer codes. One is a baseline fan with blade stacking lines radially oriented, and two are fans having swept blades of increasingly greater forward sweep. Aerodynamic testing shows that performance of the fans lie within a band width of about ± two percent of volume flow rate and pressure rise predictions in the region of design performance, effectively validating the design procedure for selection of the blading parameters. Noise testing of the fans was carried out and the results show an average noise reduction for the swept-bladed fans of about 7 dBA overall, and a reduction of pure tone noise at blade-pass frequency of about 10 dB compared to the zero-sweep baseline model in close agreement with the theory of Kerschen and Envia.

Combined Aerodynamic and Phased Array Microphone Studies on Basic Models of Low-Speed Axial Fan Blade Sections

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esztella Balla ◽  
János Vad
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Low Reynolds

The paper presents comparative aerodynamic and aeroacoustic studies on basic models of blade sections of low-speed, low-Reynolds-number axial fans. The wind tunnel experiments incorporated representative cambered plate and airfoil blade profiles. The aerodynamic measurements revealed that, for low Reynolds numbers, cambered plate blade sections may perform aerodynamically better than airfoil sections. A phased array microphone system, combined with a dipole beamforming and spatial filtering technique, offered a potential for localizing the noise sources in both streamwise and transversal direction. The acoustic studies focused on the profile vortex shedding noise. The results were qualitatively evaluated and compared with the semi-empirical noise prediction model developed by Brooks, Pope, and Marcolini. The measurements are considered as preparation of a dataset contributing to the background for designing high-efficiency, low-noise axial fans operating at low Reynolds number.

Blade Sweep for Low-Speed Axial Fans

1990 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wright ◽  
W. E. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Volume Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Excess Noise ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Fans ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Selection Of

The available literature on aerodynamic and acoustic properties of axial fans with swept blades is presented and discussed with particular emphasis on noise mechanisms and the influence of high-intensity inlet turbulence on “excess” noise. The acoustic theory of Kerschen and Envia for swept cascades is applied to the problem of axial fan design. These results are compared to available data and a provisional model for specifying sweep angles is presented. The aerodynamic performance theory for swept-bladed rotors of Smith and Yeh is adapted for use in designing low-speed axial fans. Three prototype fans were designed using the resultant computer codes. One is a baseline fan with blade stocking lines radially oriented, and two are fans having swept blades of increasingly greater forward sweep. Aerodynamic testing shows that performance of the fans lies within a band width of about ± 2 percent of volume flow rate and pressure rise predictions in the region of design performance, effectively validating the design procedure for selection of the blading parameters. Noise testing of the fans was carried out and the results show an average noise reduction for the swept-bladed fans of about 7 dBA overall, and a reduction of pure tone noise at blade-pass frequency of about 10 dB compared to the zero-sweep baseline model, in close agreement with the theory of Kerschen and Envia.

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