Designing Optimal Fans Using TURBOdesign1 at Ebm-papst Mulfingen

Fans & Blowers 3D Inverse Design February 10, 2023

Introduction

Ebm-papst Mulfingen was founded in 1963 by Gerhard Sturm, still actively heading the company, and Heinz Ziehl. Everything started with the externalrotor motor, rediscovered then as an ideal drive for small fans. As the pillar and basic principle of our innovative and wide product range, the externalrotor motor made Ebm the world market leader. 

 

In 1992, Ebm took over PAPST Motoren GmbH & Co.KG, following this up in 1997 by acquiring MVL Motoren Ventilatoren Landshut GmbH. The Ebm, Papast and MVL companies took the joint brand name Ebmpapst in 2003. Ebm-papst produces high-quality fans and motors for many markets, such as heating and air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration,
automotive, IT/telecom and drive technology.

 

Advantage of TURBOdesign1

Searching for new tools to make the design process faster and more efficient, an extensive benchmark of available design tools was conducted at Ebmpapst. TURBOdesign1 was shaped to be the most suitable tool for developing new fan blades, a promising gain of time and a better understanding of aerodynamics.

 

Capture 18

Figure 1: Comparison of shroud blade pressure predicted by TURBOdesign1 and calculated with CFD

 

With TURBOdesign1, only a few geometrical parameters are needed. The main input is the blade loading, which directly controls the aerodynamic flow field. In particular, TURBOdesign1’s prediction results are very accurate, as well as controlling the potential flow field.

 

The direct control of the potential flow field allows designers to control all the main sources of losses, like the secondary flows and the tip clearance flow, that affect axial and centrifugal fans.

 

Conclusion

TURBOdesign1 can be a valuable tool in designing fans. Its geometrical parameters are reasonable in realising the usual design specifications, with blade loading being an important parameter for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic optimisation.

 

Read the Case Study

 

 

Book a LIVE demo on the design of a turbomachinery application of your choice.

Our demo is tailored to your specific application and design challenges

Book a Demonstration

Mehrdad Zangeneh

Mehrdad Zangeneh is Founder and Managing Director of Advanced Design Technology and professor of Thermofluids at University College London.

View All Articles

MORE ON THIS TOPIC