Aerodynamic investigation and redesign of ceiling fan blades for enhanced energy efficiency

Ceiling fans play a pivotal role in indoor cooling and thermal comfort. In this paper a computational framework, validated by experimental data, is presented for the design enhancement of ceiling fan blades with the objective of enhancing energy efficiency. A parametric study is performed by steady-state numerical simulation of three-dimensional airflow. Specifically, the parameters considered in the study are rake angle, bend angle and bend position. Rated air delivery, power consumption and service value at different rotational speeds are set as performance measure. The recommended geometry from the parametric study is tested and compared with the original geometry. The results indicate that airflow and service value increase by 21% and 54% respectively at 300 revolutions per minute and power consumption is reduced by 22%.