Improvement in flow and noise performance of backward centrifugal fan by redesigning airfoil geometry

The goal of this study is to improve flow and noise performances of existing backward-curved blade centrifugal fan system used for circulating cold air in a refrigerator freezer by optimally designing airfoil shape. The unique characteristics of the system is to drive cold airflow with two volute tongues in combination with duct system in a back side of a refrigerator without scroll housing generally used in a typical centrifugal fan system. First, flow and noise performances of existing fan system were evaluated experimentally. A P-Q curve was obtained using a fan performance tester in the flow experiment, and noise spectrum was measured in an anechoic chamber in the noise experiment. Then, flow characteristics were numerically analyzed by solving the threedimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations and noise analysis was performed by solving the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkins equation with input from the flow simulation results. The validity of numerical results was confirmed by comparing them with the measured ones. Based on the verified numerical method, blade inlet and outlet angles were optimized for maximum flow rate using the two-factor central composite design of the response surface method. Finally, the flow and noise performances of a prototype manufactured with the optimum design were experimentally evaluated, which showed the improvement in flow and noise performance.