NAME: Ronald B.

Capaño Course & Year: BSME 4B

Date Performed: ________________Date Submitted: _______________ Rating: _________
Experiment No. 1
Test of Centrifugal Fan
Objective
1. To be familiar with the operating procedure and principle as well as the efficiency of centrifugal fans
A. Apparatus/Equipment List

Item Quantity Image

Air Flow Apparatus 1
Digital Clamp Meter 1

Digital Multimeter 1

Digital Tachometer 1

Environmental Meter 1
B. Procedure: (with attached photos)
1. Measure the air tunnel, especially the orifice diameter.
2. Start the motor of the centrifugal fan. Make simultaneous readings on the manometer, current on
the Amprobe suction and discharge temperature, and the speed using the tachometer.
3. Use two minutes duration for each trial.
4. Compute the necessary requirements needed to complete the data

Trial Orifice Speed Orifice Pressure Temperature

Diameter (rpm) Total Velocity Suction Discharge
(inch) H L H L H L H L H L
1 8 117.72 98.1 4.5 3.4 30.4 29.5 32.6 31.7
2 8 147.15 127.53 4.8 3.7 30.5 29.6 32.8 31.8
3 8 147.15 127.53 5.1 4.0 30.7 29.8 32.9 32.0

Trial Current Input Output %

H L H L H L
1 0.28 A 0.18 A 210 V 210 V 210 V 210 V
2 0.28 A 0.18 A 210 V 210 V 210 V 210 V
3 0.28 A 0.18 A 210 V 210 V 210 V 210 V

D. Discussion (Related Studies)

Airflow System –Bernoulli’s Experiment
A. Introduction
The Airflow System has been specifically designed to allow students to investigate a wide range
of and low speed air flow phenomena and fundamental aerodynamics. Airflow System base unit consists
of a large capacity variable speed centrifugal fan with a separate aerodynamically designed plenum
chamber containing multiple screens, flow straightener and acceleration section. The fan and plenum
chamber are connected by a length of flexible hose and this allows the two components to be arranged in
a variety of convenient locations either at bench or floor level.
B. Fan Type
Axial or Propeller Fan
C. Fan Performance Evaluation and Efficient System Operation
The major types of axial flow fans are: tube axial, vane axial and propeller.
Tube axial fans have a wheel inside a cylindrical housing, with close clearance between blade and
housing to improve airflow efficiency. The wheel turns faster than propeller fans, enabling operation
under high-pressures 250 – 400 mm WC. The efficiency is up to 65%.
Vane axial fans are similar to tube axials, but with addition of guide vanes that improve
efficiency by directing and straightening the flow. As a result, they have a higher static pressure with less
dependence on the duct static pressure. Such fans are used generally for pressures up to 500 mmWC.
Vane axials are typically the most energy-efficient fans available and should be used whenever possible.
 Propeller fans usually run at low speeds and moderate temperatures. They experience a large
change in airflow with small changes in static pressure. They handle large volumes of air at low pressure
or free delivery. Propeller fans are often used indoors as exhaust fans. Outdoor applications include air-
cooled condensers and cooling towers. Efficiency is low – approximately 50% or less.

E. Conclusion
The experiments let us, the students, to practice and demonstrate on how the velocity of air
change depending on the area of the duct. This also enables us to understand the proper use of the
instruments. The experiment also implies the importance of Bernoulli’s concept related to the flow rate of
air. There are also significant effects in the temperature and pressure over time.