This thesis delves into the inherently intricate fluid dynamics of side channel blowers, also known in literature as regenerative blowers, characterized by an extensive application in several markets inspite of their high complexity in flow path and low compression efficiency. The primary focus of this work is on simplifying the fluid dynamic problem to facilitate performance enhancements. A literature review highlights a gap in simple, effective models, particularly one-dimensional ones, for predicting the complex fluid dynamics of these machines; this is essential for a physically sound first step in design and performance optimization. An extensive experimental campaign characterizes state of the art blowers, examining their global characteristic features like flow rate, pressure and temperature increase, power absorption and efficiency. Alongside, insights on the effects of change in size, rotational speed and load are presented. The study also evaluates the applicability of similarity theory and discusses related potential design improvements. The current research then proposes to test a state of the art one-dimensional model, detailing its main relevant quantities and equations, together with the simplifications implemented. To better tune the model, alongside experimental data, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is employed for local characterization of the machine. The thesis concludes by examining in detail the data coming from all the three sources, with focus on performance. It is proposed the possibility of using CFD analyses results as well as experimental ones into the one-dimensional model and validating modifications to the model itself based those insights; this sets a foundation for further refining the simplified model, accounting for a wider spectum of geoemtries and working conditions, with the final goal to provide designers with an optimized starting point for new and more efficient machine design.

Side Channel Blowers: comprehensive fluid dynamic characterization and performance improvement analysis

DI PASQUALI, ALESSANDRO
2024-05-23

Abstract

This thesis delves into the inherently intricate fluid dynamics of side channel blowers, also known in literature as regenerative blowers, characterized by an extensive application in several markets inspite of their high complexity in flow path and low compression efficiency. The primary focus of this work is on simplifying the fluid dynamic problem to facilitate performance enhancements. A literature review highlights a gap in simple, effective models, particularly one-dimensional ones, for predicting the complex fluid dynamics of these machines; this is essential for a physically sound first step in design and performance optimization. An extensive experimental campaign characterizes state of the art blowers, examining their global characteristic features like flow rate, pressure and temperature increase, power absorption and efficiency. Alongside, insights on the effects of change in size, rotational speed and load are presented. The study also evaluates the applicability of similarity theory and discusses related potential design improvements. The current research then proposes to test a state of the art one-dimensional model, detailing its main relevant quantities and equations, together with the simplifications implemented. To better tune the model, alongside experimental data, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is employed for local characterization of the machine. The thesis concludes by examining in detail the data coming from all the three sources, with focus on performance. It is proposed the possibility of using CFD analyses results as well as experimental ones into the one-dimensional model and validating modifications to the model itself based those insights; this sets a foundation for further refining the simplified model, accounting for a wider spectum of geoemtries and working conditions, with the final goal to provide designers with an optimized starting point for new and more efficient machine design.
23-mag-2024
Side Channel Blowers, Fluid Dynamics, Experimental Campaign, One-Dimensional Models, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Performance Enhancements, Efficiency, Machine Design, Design Improvements
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Descrizione: dottorato industriale
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11567/1175835
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