Devices called axial fans are used to transport gas or air along their axis. Like a propeller, they have a central hub from which blades radiate outward. The pressure differential forces air through the fan when the blades spin. These fans are widely used in many applications, such as industrial operations, cooling electronic equipment, and ventilation systems. Because they can flow vast quantities of air at relatively low pressures, axial fans are used because they are effective for ventilation and cooling. The importance of axial fans in industry provoked us to investigate their performance over time by means of ANSYS Fluent.

Figure 1- Axial Fan zone schematic

Simulation Process

There are important points that have to be considered in the simulation`s initial steps. Using Sliding Mesh (Mesh Motion) module set a constraint to having two distinct regions. One stands for rotational and the other for stationary. Further, avoiding drastic changes in cell sizes, particularly around interfaces, is essential. As a result, 3330417 tetrahedral cells are produced. Axial fan is working with 720 rpm implemented in a duct. We seek the performance of axial fan over time, revealing a Transient ( unsteady ) simulation.

Figure 2- Generated mesh for axial fan inside a duct

Post-processing

The axial fan inside the duct was simulated, and the results provided precise pressure and velocity distribution information. According to the data, the axial fan successfully enhanced the airflow velocity and pressure within the duct. The fan’s efficacy in propelling the airflow was evident as the pressure grew noticeably as the air flowed past it. Check out the animation that implies axial fan performance as it rotates.