Acoustic Analysis of Condenser Fan of Split Air Conditioner Using Numerical and Experimental Method

Abstract

The present work aims to investigate the accurate method of performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) — Acoustic analysis for axial flow fans in split air conditioner system. A comprehensive simulation procedure is developed to predict flow-induced noise in a system. The three-dimensional domain using k–ε turbulence model and Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic model is considered to predict noise generated by the fan blade surface. The acoustic and flow performances of the fan are predicted simultaneously using a computational aero-acoustic technique (combining steady flow and noise propagation analysis). The different cases are simulated by varying the blade angle, blade depth, blade width and serrations at trailing edge of fan blade. An impact of each of these parameter on A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) and mass flow rate at outlet is determined. The numeric value of obtained A-weighted SPL by CFD simulation is found to be in close agreement with the experimental result within 5.4%. Finally, above mentioned parameters are varied in simulation and optimized design is proposed based on A-weighted SPL and cubic feet per minute (CFM). All simulations are carried out in commercially available CFD solver; ANSYS FLUENT 13.