Design of An Axial Flow Fan with Shape Optimization

This paper presents the response surface optimization method using three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis to optimize the blade shape of an axial flow fan. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with k-epsilon turbulence model are discretized with finite volume approximations using the unstructured grid. Regression analysis is used for generating response surface, and it is validated by ANOVA and t-statistics. Four geometric variables, i.e., sweep and lean angles at mean and tip respectively were employed to improve the efficiency. The computational results are compared with experimental data and the comparisons show generally good agreements. As a main result of the optimization, the total efficiency was successfully improved. Also, detailed effects of sweep and lean on the axial flow fan are discussed.