Numerical Simulation on Flow Field and Design Optimization of a Generator Unit Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

Abstract

Achieving an optimal cooling of the generator unit is indispensable for high working performance. In this work, computational fluid dynamics analysis on the flow field of the conventional type and silent type of the S688CCS series generator unit is conducted, and design optimization of the generator unit with poor cooling is studied based on flow field analysis results. Flow field simulation results indicate that the total cooling air quantity of the silent type generator unit is lower than that of the conventional type generator unit, and the cooling air quantity of the radiator is also lower than that of the conventional type generator unit, which is not conductive for the cooling of the silent type generator unit. The flow field optimization is achieved by adopting the single variable control method to improve the structure of the fan cover, silent components for silence, adjacent structure, and air inlet grille. The corresponding structure optimization scheme is put forward. After optimization, the air quantity for the cooling radiator of the silent type generator unit is 44.33% higher than that of its original structure, and the total cooling air quantity is higher than that of the conventional type generator unit. The research results in this work can provide a theoretical basis for the design of the cooling air flow path of generator units for achieving an optimal cooling performance.