Parametric study and optimization of ceiling fan blades for improved aerodynamic performance

Adeeb E., MAQSOOD A., Musthaq A., Sohn C.

Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, vol.9, no.6, pp.2905-2916, 2016 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 9 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.29252/jafm.09.06.25808
  • Journal Name: Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.2905-2916
  • Keywords: Blade design, Computational fluid dynamics, Design of experiments, Nonlinear blade profile, Performance engineering, Response surface methods
  • Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper includes parametric study and optimization of non-linear ceiling fan blades by combining the techniques of Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methods (RSM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Specifically, the nonlinear (elliptical) planform shape of ceiling fan blade is investigated in conjunction with blade tip width, root and tip angle of attack. Sixteen cases are designed for three blade ceiling fan using two level full factorial model. The flow field is modeled using Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes approach. The performance variables used to formulate a multi-objective optimization problem are volumetric flow rate, torque and energy efficiency. Response Surface Method is used to generate the optimized design for non-linear ceiling fan blade profile. The results reveal that the interactions between the design variables play a significant role in determining the performance. It is concluded that the nonlinear forward sweep has a moderate effect on response parameters.