Challenges in the Design of a New Centrifugal Fan with Variable Impeller Geometry

Abstract This article presents a description of design work for newly created centrifugal fans. This was done based on the example of an innovative solution that uses a change in impeller geometry. In the described solution, this is achieved by shortening and lengthening the impeller blades. The development of a technical solution with such properties requires a change of approach in the design process compared with classic solutions. Therefore, the following text describes this process from the concept stage to demonstrator tests. The principle of operation of such a solution is presented and the assumptions made based on analytical calculations are also described. The text also shows a 3D model of the centrifugal fan with variable impeller geometry, made with the help of computer aided design (CAD) tools. In the further part, numerical calculations were made on its basis. The finite element method (FEM) calculation made it possible to verify the structural strength of the project and its modal properties as well as to verify flow parameters, thanks to the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations. The next step describes the procedure for testing centrifugal fans with variable rotor geometry, which is different from that of fans without this feature. The next part presents the results of research from the tests carried out.