Optimization of Tip Clearance Patterns of Variable-pitch Axial Flow Fan

Authors

Xuemin Ye, Key Lab of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment of Education Ministry (North China Electric Power University),Baoding 071003, China;
Jianguang Cui, Key Lab of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment of Education Ministry (North China Electric Power University),Baoding 071003, China;
Chunxi Li, Key Lab of Condition Monitoring and Control for Power Plant Equipment of Education Ministry (North China Electric Power University),Baoding 071003, China;

Abstract

Abstract: The performance of the axial fan can be improved by optimization of blade tip pattern effectively. For a variable pitch axial flow fan of OB-84 type, the performance of the fan with uniform tip clearance and non-uniform tip clearance are simulated by using Fluent. The impacts of tip patterns on leakage flow field and loss distribution in the tip clearance are examined. The results reveal that when average tip clearance keeps constant, the total pressure rise and efficiency of the fan with convergent tip clearance patterns are higher than those of uniform tip clearance, and the domain of higher efficiency is expanded. With the increase of convergent level, the improvement of performance tends to be appreciable. Convergent tip clearance changes the distribution of vorticity field, resulting in the reduction of leakage losses of blade tip and the promotion of work capability in the middle and upper part of blade. When the divergent tip clearance patterns are employed, the work capability of blade is declined, leading to slightly decreased fan performance compared to the uniform blade tip. The convergent tip clearance pattern is considered as a preferred mean to improve fan performance in practical applications.

Recommended Citation

Ye, Xuemin; Cui, Jianguang; and Li, Chunxi (2019) "Optimization of Tip Clearance Patterns of Variable-pitch Axial Flow Fan," Journal of System Simulation: Vol. 30: Iss. 10, Article 41.
DOI: 10.16182/j.issn1004731x.joss.201810041
Available at: https://dc-china-simulation.researchcommons.org/journal/vol30/iss10/41

First Page

3939

Revised Date

2016-10-09

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.16182/j.issn1004731x.joss.201810041

Last Page

3948

CLC

TH4;O355

Recommended Citation

Ye Xuemin, Cui Jianguang, Li Chunxi. Optimization of Tip Clearance Patterns of Variable-pitch Axial Flow Fan[J]. Journal of System Simulation, 2018, 30(10): 3939-3948.

DOI

10.16182/j.issn1004731x.joss.201810041