Efficiency Scaling: Influence of Reynolds and Mach Numbers on Fan Performance

The efficiency, pressure ratio, and shaft power of a fan depends on type, size, working medium, and operating condition. For acceptance tests, a dissimilarity in Reynolds number, Mach number, relative roughness, and relative blade tip clearance of the scaled model and prototype is unavoidable. Hence, the efficiency differs between model and prototype. This difference is quantified by scaling methods. This article presents a validated and physics based, i.e., reliable scaling method for the efficiency, pressure ratio, and shaft power of axial and centrifugal fans operating at subsonic conditions. The method is validated using test results gained on standardized test rigs for different fan types, sizes, and operating conditions. For all scenarios, the presented scaling method provides a much reduced scaling uncertainty compared to the reference method described in ISO 13348.