Sensitivity Analysis of Entrance Design Parameters of a Backward-Inclined Centrifugal Fan Using DOE Method and CFD Calculations

Centrifugal fans with an electric motor included in the hub are commonly used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. A design of experiments (DOE) has been performed to study the effect of the entrance conditions of a backward-inclined centrifugal fan on its efficiency. The parameters involved are the base radius of the motor hub, the radius of the fan entry section, the deceleration factor throughout the entry zone (from the entry of the fan to the entry of the blade), and the solidity factor. Numerical simulation coupled with the DOE has been used for the sensitivity analysis of the entrance parameters. Initially, a complete factorial plan $(24)$ was performed to screen the most influent parameters and interactions. This has shown that the motor’s cap radius, as well as its interactions with other parameters, is not significant. A second DOE, using composite central design (CCD which has a second order of accuracy) has then been performed on the remaining parameters (radius of the fan entry section, deceleration factor, and the solidity factor). The effects of these parameters and their interactions on the fan efficiency are now presented. A linear regression with three parameters has been performed to establish the efficiency distribution map. The methodology employed is validated by comparing the predicted results from the DOE and those from the numerical simulation of the corresponding fan.