Performance and Optimization of a Centrifugal Fan Featuring Bio-inspired Microstructured Blades

LI Luonan; XU Jianmin; XU Fuliang; WU Song; KANG Xuanming

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.05.020

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Surface Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (5) : 246-259. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.05.020

Friction, Wear and Lubrication

Performance and Optimization of a Centrifugal Fan Featuring Bio-inspired Microstructured Blades

LI Luonan¹, XU Jianmin^1,*, XU Fuliang², WU Song¹, KANG Xuanming¹

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Abstract

To significantly enhance the comprehensive performance of large industrial centrifugal fans, a high-precision three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation model was firstly established for a centrifugal fan and aerodynamic performance tests (covering key indicators such as flow rate-static pressure and flow rate-efficiency characteristic curves) were rigorously conducted. The test data showed a high degree of agreement with the numerical simulation results, fully validating the accuracy of the established CFD model. Then, bionic principles were innovatively introduced to design and propose a bionic micro-structure scheme for centrifugal fan blade surfaces inspired by the highly efficient drag reduction mechanism of the dung beetle's back. Building on this, a systematic parametric study was conducted: the effect patterns and mechanisms of three key geometric parameters, the arrangement position of the bionic micro-structures on the blade surface, the diameter of the microstructures, and their spacing, on the overall aerodynamic performance (static pressure and efficiency) of the fan, as well as the complex internal flow field, were thoroughly investigated. The microstructures could effectively restructure the flow field distribution on the blade surface. The core mechanism lied in significantly enhancing the intensity of the local low-pressure zone near the blade outlet, which improved airflow diffusion efficiency. Simultaneously, they noticeably weakened the large-scale ribbon-like vortex structures near the volute tongue and the discrete vortex structures that induced turbulent dissipation within the flow passage. The synergistic optimization of these flow field structures effectively increased the flow velocity in the main stream region and enhanced the overall flow capacity, while significantly reducing energy dissipation losses. The position, diameter and spacing of the bionic microstructures had a substantial impact on the performance of the centrifugal fan, with the position having the greatest effect. The optimal arrangement was found to be at the mid-section of the blade flow passage. When the diameter and spacing of the bionic microstructures were moderate, they effectively suppressed back-flow, expand the high-velocity main flow zone within the passage, and reduced the velocity gradient, thereby significantly enhancing the flow performance of the centrifugal fan. Excessively small or large diameters or spacing led to a decline in effectiveness. Through systematic optimization based on a Response Surface Model (RSM) and a Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm (MIGA), the best parameter combination for the bionic microstructured blades was determined as: l= 147.62 mm, D= 4.67 mm and d=10.47 mm. The optimized bionic fan achieved an increase of 82.42 Pa in static pressure and a 3.11% improvement in static pressure efficiency at the rated operating condition. This study not only successfully verifies the feasibility of applying bionic microstructures to centrifugal fan blades to enhance performance but, more importantly, deeply reveals the intrinsic mechanism by which they improve the comprehensive performance of fans by restructuring the surface flow field, suppressing vortex development, and reducing energy dissipation. The established systematic research methodology of "simulation validation-bionic design-parametric study-model optimization" provides an innovative design approach and reliable theoretical foundation for the engineering application of bionic microstructures on the blade surfaces of various fluid machinery, such as fans, pumps and compressors.

Key words

industrial centrifugal fan / performance test / bionic microstructure / multi-island genetic algorithm / structural optimization

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LI Luonan, XU Jianmin, XU Fuliang, WU Song, KANG Xuanming. Performance and Optimization of a Centrifugal Fan Featuring Bio-inspired Microstructured Blades[J]. Surface Technology. 2026, 55(5): 246-259

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