Blade shape optimization of centrifugal fan for improving performance and reducing aerodynamic noise of clothes dryer

Abstract

The purpose of this study is paper is to improve the flow performance and to reduce the aerodynamic noise of air discharge system consisting of a centrifugal fan, ducts and a housing for the clothes dryer. Using computational fluid dynamics and acoustic analogy based on FW-H (Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings) Eq., air flow field and acoustic fields of the air discharge system are investigated. To optimize aerodynamic performance and aerodynamic noise, the response surface method is employed. The two factors central composite design using the inflow and outflow angles of fan blades is adopted. The devised optimum design shows the reduction of turbulent kinetic energy in the ducts and the housing of the system, and as a result, the improved flow rate and reduce noise is confirmed. Finally, the experment using the proto-type manufactured usign the optimum design shows the increase of flow rate by 4.2 %.