Experimental Study on the Performance and Pressure Fluctuations of a Regenerative Gas Blower for Different Design Parameters

A regenerative gas blower design for fuel cell vehicle is presented. Two issues studied concern non-dimensional performance characteristics under various design parameters and the noise of the blower due to unsteady pressure fluctuation. Non-dimensional performance curves were measured at various rotating speeds and gas mixture ratios. Blower models using different design parameters such as the stripper angle, blade aspect ratios and blade thickness ratios were tested. The effects that aforementioned parameters had on performance were investigated. Surface pressure fluctuations were measured in the channel close to both ends of the stripper using fast-response pressure transducers. A sharp blade increases the maximum isentropic total enthalpy coefficient and the maximum efficiency because the pressure loss coefficient of the circulatory flow is reduced. A small stripper angle enhanced the maximum isentropic total enthalpy coefficient and the maximum efficiency because working sections was lengthened. The enlarged stripper angle and the low pressure difference across the stripper reduce the magnitude of pressure fluctuation at the blade passing frequency.