Effect of reduced suction side volume on cross-flow fan performance

In most of the high-performance cross-flow fans appeared in the literature the position of the vortex wall and the shape of the casing rear wall yield an approximately ninety degrees air flow deflection between inlet and outlet sides. However, industrial applications may require different layouts due to physical constraints which limit the radial width of the fan, and there are very few studies in the literature that deal with similar restrictions. This paper presents the results of experimental tests aimed at investigating the effect of suction side volume limitation on the performance of a small cross-flow fan. Results may support fan design choices when the application imposes limited operating volumes.