THERMOANEMOMETRICAL STUDY OF FLOW STRUCTURE THROUGH A CENTRIFUGAL FAN

Recognition of the spatial kinematics of the flow domain and its relation to the fan impeller geometry has a key influence on the machine design and better performance parameters. In this work some experimental results are presented of the measurements of the absolute velocity, its components and turbulence of the air flow through the radial fan rotor operating in various configurations. As the main measuring tool a three-axial hot-wire anemometer (CTA) probe has been used. The anemometer cooperates with a specialized software prepared by the authors for the spatial analysis of the flow field considered. In particular, the distribution of the circumferential velocity components behind the impeller rim has been examined, which affects directly the fan efficiency. As a result of the flow analysis behind the rotor rim a relationship has been established between the degree of turbulence and the machine efficiency. On the basis of the changes in the averaged-in-time velocity field behind the rim, the outflow of air from the blade passage has been evaluated.