Aerodynamic wall based on industrial axial fans

Abstract

The paper presents the results of development and study of an aerodynamic wall made with industrial axial fans as a tool for conducting of laboratory experiments to study the aerodynamics of various objects, including the testing of drone flight modes. Preliminary calculations, which showed the feasibility of creating an aerodynamic wall in the form of 4x4 or more fan array, were carried out using CFD modeling. A model aerodynamic wall of 4x4 server fans has been created and the characteristics of the output flow have been studied, including the confusers effect to increase the output speed. Based on the results of preliminary work, an aerodynamic wall in the form of an array of 4x4 industrial axial fans type VO-6-300-4 was developed and manufactured. The outlet section is 3.7 m2, an outlet flow rate of up to 10 m/s (14 m/s when using a confuser) and a total power consumption is 12 kW. The use of several frequency changers to control the rotation speed of the fans allows make possible control the output flow profile, which is important in a number of scientific areas.