Halifax Fan Ltd have recently commissioned a new Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software suite which will be used to evaluate aerodynamic and thermal performance of existing and new fan systems.

CFD provides un-paralleled analytical capability for systems that can be difficult to analyse using empirical flow measurement equipment or designs still in the concept phase. The CFD solver calculates principal terms related to continuity (mass flow), momentum (velocity), energy (temperature) and turbulence which provides an insight into the fundamentals of fan performance, efficiency and noise generation within the system. In addition the fluid / solid interaction effects at any point within the flow domain can be computed which allows for greater understanding of stress concentrations and heat transfer effects in both rotating and static domains. Coupled with our on-site test facilities the output data from the CFD models can be validated against real-time data obtained during fan run-up tests or from flow field data acquired at a given operating point on the fan curve. This state of the art system will allow us to carry out design optimization on existing products whilst providing a platform for evaluating new product designs aimed at improving centrifugal fan efficiencies.