A Cluster Design Approach to Noise Reduction in a Centrifugal Blower

Renjing Cao and Jun Hu

College of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,
Nanjing, Jiangsu 210016, China  

Abstract

In this paper a cluster design approach is proposed to achieve a good aerodynamic and acoustic performance of a ventilation system while compact dimensions are maintained. Using this approach, a new centrifugal blower has been designed. In addition an advanced measurement system was adopted to test the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the unit. This was based on a pipe test rig with non-reflection acoustic boundary and was designed to separate the mechanical and airflow generated noise. This measurement device was located at the ventilation room supply diffuser.  By using this measurement system it was shown that the cluster centrifugal blower provides a higher mass flow rate and a lower sound pressure level than a conventional mechanical ventilation system.

Key words:  acoustics, centrifugal fan, mechanical ventilation, system noise.

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