Flow Characteristics in a Cross-Flow Fan with Various Design Parameters

Abstract

The flow behavior and the performance of the cross-flow fan were investigated for various design parameters such as impeller exit angles, rearguider shapes, stabilizer position, setting angle and gap. In order to determine the values of design parameters, equations for design parameters were derived and verified. The design program to solve the parameters was coded using visual basic. Comparisons exiting models and new geometries from the program were carried out by the numerical and experimental methods. Governing equations are descretized by the finite volume method to find the solutions for flow variables. The hybrid scheme was used to handle the convection and diffusion terms in the governing equations. The standard k-ɛ turbulence model with the wall function was adopted to simulate the behaviors of turbulence. Experimental apparatus, the front suction type fan tester, is arranged to comply with ASHRAE standard 51–75. In order to measure the pressure distribution inside the cross-flow fan, the static pressure and electrical power are measured. In this study, the relation among design parameters is revealed through these analyses and the optimum geometries are found out.