EDF-Generator
The Electrical Ducted Fan Generator is available!
Ducted Fan Theory
Initial Test Setup
Project Description
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Overview | I am developing an optimized ducted fan system for subsonic applications, focusing on achieving the ideal design through systematic experimentation. The project involves designing, testing, and iterating various fan and duct configurations to maximize performance metrics such as thrust, efficiency, and noise reduction. |
| Power Setup | The ducted fan is powered by a 1000 kV brushless BLDC motor, driven by a 12V/300W (25A) switching power supply. A 12V scooter battery serves as a buffer to ensure stable operation during testing. |
| Measurement Parameters | Key metrics include thrust, electrical power consumption, RPM, noise levels, and mass. Additionally, I measure static and dynamic pressure at various points, depending on the cross-sectional area, to analyze airflow behavior. |
| RPM Measurement | It's planned to eighter add an forked photoelectric sensor or a combination of an infrared LED and a photoelectric sensor to the setup to accurately measure RPM. |
| Components to Vary | I am experimenting with different shroud/duct and fan designs, including inlet shapes (round, diffuser, deformable), cross-sectional profiles (constant, convergent, divergent), and stator configurations (blade count, inner/outer pitch, deflection percentage). |
| Design Specifications | Fan diameters range from 30 to 80 mm with varying blade counts, and the pitch is always twisted for optimal airflow. Ducts have inner diameters of 30–80 mm and outer diameters of 90–120 mm. Stators are designed with adjustable blade counts, pitches, and deflection rates to fine-tune airflow control. |
| Prototyping Method | Prototypes are created using 3D printing, allowing for rapid iteration and testing of different configurations. This approach ensures flexibility in adjusting design parameters based on test results. |
| Documentation System | All designs are documented in a structured table system for efficient tracking. Each prototype is assigned a unique identifier, e.g., "Duct 043" for ducts, "Fan 012" for fans, and "Asm 012-043" for assemblies, linking to detailed specifications in the table. |
| Scientific Approach | The project follows a scientific methodology, using calculations such as the Bernoulli equation to determine static and dynamic pressures, as well as thrust. Test series are conducted systematically to identify trends and optimize the design iteratively. |
| Goal | The ultimate goal is to determine the ideal ducted fan configuration that maximizes thrust and efficiency while minimizing noise and mass, contributing to advancements in subsonic propulsion systems. |