Effects of Impeller Blade Shape and Impeller Disk Side Gap Passage Shape on the Regenerative Blower Performance

Regenerative blowers can produce a high head with a small flow rate, which makes them desirable compared to positive displacement pumps. The regenerative blower consists of an impeller and casing. The impeller shape contributes to the performance of the regenerative blower. CFD analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of geometrical modification on the operating condition of regenerative blowers like head, power, and efficiency. The geometry modification of the regenerative blower is achieved by varying the impeller blade curvature radius, blade inclination angle, blade shape (curved, radially straight, and chevron), and impeller disk side gap passage shape. The various impeller blades and impeller disk side gap passage designs were selected and conducted the CFD analysis to evaluate the regenerative blower performance and internal flow behavior. Study results show that changing the blade shape from curved to radially straight type can improve the blower’s performance.