Using DBD plasma actuator to enhance the performance of a reversible axial fan-A numerical approach

Abstract

This study regards the performance improvement of a reversible axial fan using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator. A three-dimensional numerical approach is employed to analyze the flow structure and the fan performance map. The findings highlight that tip leakage and hub vortices contribute to instability at low flow rates. Applying DBD plasma actuators has caused the stall flow coefficient $\left(\Phi =0.165\right)$ to move toward lower flow coefficient $\left(\Phi =0.155\right)$ in the controlled state. So, the fan stall margin has been expanded up to 6.45 %. Also, the static pressure rise near the stall was increased, and the static efficiency improved by 11 %.