Volume 54

Optimizing Energy Efficiency and Performance in AHUs: Study on Performance of EC Fan with Spiral Guide Vane Yao Yao, Wenchao Shi, Yongting Shen, Zhicheng Shen, Yukfan Wong, Hongxing Yang

Abstract

As a core component of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, the Air Handling Unit (AHU) significantly contributes to energy consumption. With the increasing demand for reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy efficiency, optimizing the performance of fans within AHUs to lower energy usage has become a primary focus of research. This study aims to investigate the optimal fan type and combination format that can promote higher performance in AHUs. Firstly, groups of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the Electronically Commutated (EC) fans equipped with spiral guide vanes and conventional EC fans. Secondly, fluid dynamic models of these fans’ applications in AHU were developed and simulated through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Finally, the performances comparisons were carried out among AHUs using EC fans with spiral guide vanes and those using traditional EC fans with different layouts. Results revealed that the EC fan with spiral guide vanes exhibited higher energy efficiency, lower energy consumption, and greater pressure head compared to conventional EC fans with the same blade design and dimensions. Furthermore, an array configuration of EC fans with spiral guide vanes generated fewer vortices in the AHU air channel. The pressure loss regions were reduced so that the air velocity in the AHU outlet was increased. Therefore, the selected fans in an array arrangement are more efficient to overcome air flow resistance in an AHU, simultaneously reducing its energy consumption. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of employing spiral guide vane technology to enhance the energy efficiency and operational performance of AHUs.

Keywords Electronically commutated fan, Spiral guide vane, Air handling unit, Fan unit configuration, Efficiency improvement