Numerical and experimental study of a reversible axial flow fan

ABSTRACT Reversible axial flow fans, used in tunnel ventilation systems are designed in a way that as the direction of impeller rotation changes, suction and discharge directions change without any sensible change in flow rate and pressure. Also, their reversibility must be higher than 90%. Therefore, the blade profiles of these fans (S-shaped or elliptic) are designed symmetrically. In the current work, a reversible axial flow fan was studied experimentally and numerically in various ambient conditions and blade positions. Additionally, the experimental test of the fan was performed according to the AMCA-210 standard. Comparison of simulation and experimental results indicated the acceptable agreement of simulation results with experimental findings. The main achievement is that each blade can be studied before fabrication. Hence, the performance curves of designed fans can be predicted with reasonable accuracy without the substantial cost of fabrication and testing, which can be highly beneficial for fan manufacturers.

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