Centrifugal Fan Design and CFD Validation

This self-initiated engineering project involved the design and aerodynamic analysis of a centrifugal fan intended for HVAC ventilation applications. The objective was to develop a fan capable of delivering an airflow rate of 1500 m³/h while operating with a 1500 RPM motor. The fan assembly, including the impeller and volute housing, was designed in SolidWorks with consideration given to airflow performance, manufacturability, and overall system integration. Internal geometry was developed to promote efficient flow through the impeller and volute while maintaining a compact design suitable for ventilation systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed in ANSYS Fluent to evaluate the fan's performance and validate the design against the specified airflow requirement. Flow behaviour, velocity distribution, and mass flow rate were analysed to assess the effectiveness of the design. The simulation predicted a mass flow rate of approximately 0.56 kg/s, equivalent to approximately 1645 m³/h under standard air conditions, demonstrating that the design exceeded the target airflow requirement of 1500 m³/h. Key Features: • Centrifugal fan and volute design • HVAC ventilation application • 1500 RPM operating speed • SolidWorks CAD modelling • CFD analysis using ANSYS Fluent • Flow visualisation and performance validation • Design verification against airflow requirements Skills Demonstrated: • Mechanical Design • Fluid Mechanics • CFD Simulation • HVAC Airflow Systems • SolidWorks CAD Modelling • Engineering Analysis • Design Validation