Study of Airfoil Design Modifications on Aerodynamic Performance in HVAC Systems

Ng, Jia Seng (2026) Study of Airfoil Design Modifications on Aerodynamic Performance in HVAC Systems. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

This study investigates the influence of airfoil geometry and thickness modifications on aerodynamic performance and their application to axial fan blade design through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Four airfoil profiles—NACA 0012, NACA 747a315, Clark- Y, and Eppler 420 (E420)—were analyzed at varying angles of attack and thickness ratios to evaluate lift, drag, and aerodynamic efficiency. The two-dimensional results revealed that the E420 exhibited the highest lift coefficients, while the NACA 747a315 demonstrated superior lift-to- drag ratios, indicating its efficiency advantage. Thickness variations enhanced lift but introduced higher drag, emphasizing the trade-off between performance parameters. Building upon these findings, three-dimensional twisted axial fan blades were designed and simulated, confirming classical performance trends where flow rate increased with rotational speed. The E420-based fan achieved higher volumetric flow rates, whereas the NACA 747a315-based fan delivered greater efficiency and static pressure rise. The outcomes provide clear guidelines for airfoil selection in axial fan applications, with E420 recommended for flow-focused designs and NACA 747a315 for efficiency-driven configurations, thereby contributing to the systematic optimization of axial fan performance