Shape Optimization of a Regenerative Blower Used for Building Fuel Cell System

Choon-Man Jang, Jong-Sung Lee

Environmental Engineering Research Division, Korea Institute of Construction Technology, Goyang-Si, Korea.

DOI: 10.4236/ojfd.2012.24A023                

Abstract

This paper describes the optimal design of a Cathode blower used for a building fuel cell system. The Cathode air blower has a regenerative blower type. Two design variables, extension angle and number of impeller blade are introduced to enhance the blower performance. Pressure and efficiency of the blower are selected as an object function, and the optimal design is performed by a response surface method. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are introduced to analyze the performance and internal flow of the blower and to find the value of object function for the training data. Throughout the design optimization, it is found that an extension angle is effective to increase blower efficiency in the blower. The pressure rise for the optimal blower is successfully increased up to 3.17% compared with that of reference one at the design flow rate. It is noted that low velocity region disturbs to make strong recirculation flow in the each blade passage, thus increases local pressure loss. Detailed flow field inside a regenerative blower is also analyzed and compared.

Keywords

Regenerative Blower; Optimization; Response Surface Method; Efficiency; Pressure

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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