Understanding Variable Pitch Fans: Get Help Here

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding variable pitch blade systems for fans and turbines, focusing on their mechanisms and design strategies. Participants seek clarification on how these systems operate and their applications in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for help in understanding variable pitch blade systems, noting a lack of comprehensive resources online.
  • Another participant describes a specific design strategy involving a hydraulic piston that allows axial movement of the rotor, which in turn changes the pitch of the blades through lever arms.
  • Some participants suggest looking into how helicopters operate as a potential source of information regarding variable pitch systems.
  • Additional suggestions include researching turbo-prop airplanes and wind-power generators for similar mechanisms.
  • A participant mentions controlled pitch propellers used in both aircraft and ships, proposing that mechanical linkages could be used to achieve variable pitch in fans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various design strategies and applications for variable pitch systems, but there is no consensus on a single approach or understanding. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some contributions reference specific mechanical components like swash plates and hydraulic systems without fully explaining their relevance or operation in the context of variable pitch fans.

Shawnzyoo
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I was hoping that someone here would be able to help me understand variable pitch blade systems for fans/turbines and how they work
I have already searched the internet quite a bit without much luck
There are a few mechanical drawings but they leave a lot to the imagination
Any help is greatly appreciated
Thanks!
 
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I bet there are many different design strategies to make a variable pitch fan, but the one I saw was somewhat simple. Essentially the rotor could be pushed in and out about 3" axially by a hydraulic piston. The rotor was attached to "lever arms" and the "lever arms" were attached to the blades. When the "lever arms" are pushed in or out they rotate the blades which are mounted in an outer hub assembly. By rotating the orientation angle of the blades the pitch is effectively changed. It is confusing to talk about but when seen it is quite simple.
 
Just do a little research on how helicopters work.
 
Averagesupernova said:
Just do a little research on how helicopters work.

Or a turbo-prop airplane...

Or a wind-power generator...
 
Controlled pitch propellors. Both aircraft and ships.
For fans you might be able to do it with mechanical linkage to some variant of a swash plate. If you don't know what a swash plate is look it up under hydraulics, axial flow piston pumps/motors.
 

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