A Parametric Study of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Centrifugal Fan with Splitter Vanes

Abstract

A forced fan is one of the most vital assembly in an engine cooling system. The type of fan is backward- curved centrifugal fan. Its mechanically driven. Primary objective of a forced fan is to pass large volumes of fresh air in order to cool the engine. Considerable research is done on the related topics in recent past. In most of the past papers, effects of splitter vanes are investigated for a variety of turbo-machines. Specially related to pumps. Research done on the effects of splitter vanes for fans, blowers and compressors is limited. In this thesis, aerodynamic characteristics of a forced fan with implementation of splitter vanes is analyzed. A total of three design parameters pertaining to splitter vanes are studied in-depth. Effect of each design parameter is investigated for multiple dimensions. After performing series of simulations and experiments, the margin of improvement in fan efficiency is analyzed. The overall increase in fan efficiency is found for the modified geometry. It’s found that implementation of splitter vanes has significant effect on the fan efficiency. However, geometric parameters related to splitter vanes have negligible effect on splitter vanes. It’s recommended, to perform experimental validation of optimal geometry obtained by this study. In future, volute casing of the subject forced fan can be optimized aerodynamically. Since an engine cooling system is constituted by a number of assemblies. It’s recommended to conduct the research in order to optimize performance of each component in a cooling system.