Optimal Design and Die Manufacturing of an Axial Fan for Cooling Towers

In this paper, an integrated system of optimal design, performance evaluation, and die design and manufacturing of axial fans for cooling tower is presented. The design and performance evaluation are developed based on three dimensional flow analysis so as to ensure low noise and high efficiency. The methodologies are implemented on computer as a GUI system including 3-D surface modeling and 2-D drawing file output modules. The CAD/CAM system is engaged to design the die and generate NC tool path, but the processes are also automated and integrated into the system by means of a part program coded from the design data. It is shown that the newly developed fans have superior performance and shortened lead-time compared to the existing dead-copied fans.