Simulation of Impeller Exit Flows of A Centrifugal Blower

Abstract

The flow through centrifugal impeller is highly non uniform due to formation of regions with different energy level. These region mixes at the exit of the impeller leading to loss and bringing down the efficiency of the centrifugal impeller. The present study focus on analyzing the flow through an impeller and investigating the impeller exit flows. The simulations are carried out for various mass flow rates at design and off design conditions. The velocity vectors observed depicts the regions of jet along the pressure side and wake at the suction side. The contours of total pressure and velocity depict the diffusion process that occurs within the impeller and its exit. Non uniform flow is observed along the circumferential direction of the impeller. These non uniform flow leads to secondary flow as well as loss in total pressure thereby reducing the efficiency of the centrifugal impeller.