Abstract
A multi-objective optimization of a regenerative fan for enhancing the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance was carried out using an integrated fan design system, namely, Total FAN-Regen$^{(R)}$. The Total FAN-Regen$^{(R)}$ was developed for non-specialists to carry out a series of design process, viz., computational preliminary design, three-dimensional aerodynamic and aeroacoustic analyses, and design optimization, for a regenerative fan. An aerodynamic analysis of the regenerative fan was conducted by solving three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using the shear stress transport turbulence model. And, an aeroacoustic analysis of the regenerative fan was implemented in a finite/infinite element method by solving the variational formulation of Lighthill's analogy based on the results of the unsteady flow analysis. An optimum shape obtained by Total FAN-Regen$^{(R)}$ shows the enhanced efficiency and decreased sound pressure level as much as 1.5 % and 20.0 dB, respectively, compared to those of the reference design. The performance test was carried out for an optimized regenerative fan to validate the performance of the numerically predicted optimal design.