Simulation-Based Noise Estimation for Cooling Fan Designs

“The ANSYS Mentoring Services helped us to accelerate simulation-based noise estimation for our new cooling fan design to be used on TerraMAX® premium and high efficiency motor platform for our Genteq® brand motors”

Regal Rexnord needed to develop a simulation-based method of estimating noise levels for their electric motors due to changes in cooling fan design. Previously, physical testing was used to predict noise levels. As part of a new development platform, they decided to use a simulation-based noise prediction method at the preliminary design stage. In order to accelerate the development of the simulation-based noise method, Regal Rexnord engaged with ANSYS Mentor Expert Services that provided explicit training on developing a methodology for aeroacoustics simulation.

Challenges

Using Fluent® software from Ansys for aeroacoustics simulation, had challenges in developing a simulation model in predicting the noise. Hence, Genteq Electric India Pvt. Ltd, decided to seek expert mentoring from ANSYS, which helped them to quickly solve existing problem and develop a methodology for future cases.

Technology Used

The ANSYS Mentor Expert Services was used for aeroacoustics simulation using Fluent software from Ansys.

Engineering Solution

• CFD simulation techniques were used to predict noise for the new fan design for TerraMAX® IE2 efficiency motor
• Advice from ANSYS Mentor Expert Services provided insight into noise prediction, the sources of noise generation and ways to reduce the noise levels

Benefits

• ANSYS Mentor Expert Services helped Marathon Electric India Pvt. Ltd. in predicting fan noise for TerraMAX® IE2 efficiency motor at preliminary design stage.
• The ANSYS Mentor Expert Services helped the team to develop an aeroacoustics simulation methodology in Fluent® software from Ansys and gain in-house expertise for doing future simulations in acoustic domain.

About Regal Rexnord Corporation

Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX) is a leading manufacturer of electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation and power transmission products serving markets throughout the world. The company is comprised of three business segments: Commercial and Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions and Motion Control Solutions. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit regalrexnord.com