applied

sciences
Article
Pure Electric Sweeper Performance Analysis and Test
Verification of Dust Extraction Port
Jin Ye 1 , Jiabao Pan 1,2, * , Hejin Ai 2 and Jiamei Wang 2

1 School of Mechanical Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China;

[email protected]
2 Anhui Airuite New Energy Special Vehicle Co., Ltd., Wuhu 241200, China; [email protected] (H.A.);
[email protected] (J.W.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-131-4553-7026

Abstract: Purely electric sweepers are widely used in the urban sanitation industry due to their
emission-free nature and ease of miniaturisation. The dust suction port is the key to the dust suction
system of the sweeper, and improving the design level of the dust suction port of the sweeper can
effectively improve the operational performance of the sweeper. Using the company’s self-developed
Ruiqing S26 pure electric sweeper as the research object, a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
method was used to analyse the influence of the dust suction port structure parameters (front baffle
tilt angle, outlet diameter) and sweeper operation parameters (driving speed, operating pressure)
on the dust suction effect of the sweeper, and was verified through real vehicle tests. The results
of the study show that changing the angle and outlet diameter results in a change in the flow field
characteristics and, consequently, the same change in the removal efficiency, with 65◦ and 160 mm
being the optimum angle and outlet diameter, respectively. The tests investigated the flow field
characteristics of the dust extraction opening and the removal efficiency. This study can provide
theoretical reference for performance optimisation and parameter matching of the sweeper.

Citation: Ye, J.; Pan, J.; Ai, H.; Wang, Keywords: electric sweepers; performance analysis; test verification; flow field characteristics;
J. Pure Electric Sweeper Performance dust extraction efficiency
Analysis and Test Verification of Dust
Extraction Port. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12,
5188. https://doi.org/10.3390/
app12105188 1. Introduction
Academic Editors: Junwon Seo and Purely electric sweepers are widely used in urban roads, airports, and scenic areas due
Jong Wan Hu to their advantages such as no emissions and ease of miniaturisation [1]. In recent years,
Received: 19 April 2022
with the rise of new energy vehicles and intelligent networked vehicles, driverless sweep-
Accepted: 19 May 2022
ers are expected to take the lead in commercial applications soon, due to their operating
Published: 20 May 2022
environments of specific scenarios or closed areas [2]. Therefore, the new development
of the pure electric sweeper industry has put forward higher requirements for the perfor-
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
mance of sweepers [3]. On the one hand, the sweeper’s operating efficiency should be
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
higher and it should be able to operate at high performance while unmanned or in a less
published maps and institutional affil-
crowded environment; on the other hand, the matching relationship between the operating
iations.
parameters of the sweeper’s sweeping systems should be clearer, providing a decision basis
for the sweeper’s unmanned operation.
Researchers have carried out extensive research into the operational effectiveness of
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
sweepers. The innovative design and optimisation of the dust suction opening structure of
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. the sweeper can effectively improve the performance of the sweeper. Qin et al. [4] proposed
This article is an open access article adding an air inlet channel behind the dust suction port to enhance the airflow’s ability to
distributed under the terms and carry particles, and demonstrated the feasibility of the improved model through experi-
conditions of the Creative Commons ments. Hu et al. [5] used a multi-objective interval optimisation algorithm to optimise the
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// structure of the dust suction port and obtained the optimal combination of parameters. The
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ results showed that changing the parameters resulted in an improved outlet particle mass
4.0/). flow rate and reduced inlet and outlet pressure losses. With the popularity of computer

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12105188 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 2 of 18

technology, the application of CFD technology and the use of simulation software for
parametric analysis of the research object have gradually become a trend. Yang et al. [6]
used CFD to analyse the effect of parameters such as width and outlet diameter on the
airflow velocity and pressure inside the suction port and to improve the original structure.
Huang et al. [7] also used CFD techniques to analyse the flow field of a traditional suction
nozzle with a rectangular structure by varying the horizontal inclination of the side plate,
the height of the rear baffle, the inclination of the rear plate, the lead angle of the side
plate, the radius of the front plate and the diameter of the suction tube. The increase in the
horizontal inclination of the side plate and the diameter of the suction pipe, the decrease in
the plumb inclination of the side plate and the reduction in the height of the rear baffle all
contribute to the overall improvement of the suction effect in terms of speed and pressure.
WU et al. [8] found that operating parameters such as driving speed and negative pressure
of the sweeper had a significant impact on the efficiency of dust extraction, and that the
optimum operating parameters were obtained with a balance of high dust removal rates
and low energy consumption. The optimal operating parameters were obtained with a
balance of high dust removal rate and low energy consumption. In recent years, back-
blowing air suction ports as well as rolled suction ports have appeared in the public eye.
In the study of Xi et al. [9–13], by analysing the structural parameters of the back-blowing
suction nozzle and the back-blowing air volume, it was found that increasing the diameter
and tilting angle of the nozzle could improve the removal efficiency, while the vehicle
speed had a greater influence on the removal efficiency. Zhang et al. [14,15] studied the
structure of blowing and suction cleaning in the area between underground tracks and
found that the width ratio and height ratio between the nozzle and suction nozzle directly
affect the cleaning efficiency, while a nozzle and suction nozzle tilt angle of 20◦ achieve the
best cleaning effect. The rolled suction port uses a tornado of dust generated by a specific
device. Liu et al. [16] first proposed the use of the tornado principle for dust extraction,
used flow field simulation to analyse the new dust extraction device, and finally came up
with a set of optimal parameters to maximise efficiency of dust removal. Wu et al. [17]
carried out a comparative study of pure suction and tornado wind suction, and found
that by making full use of the properties of the wind suction, a wide range of suction
could be achieved. Existing studies provide a good reference for the structural design
and performance analysis of dust extraction ports on sweepers, but they all focus on a
single aspect, analysing the effect of changing structural parameters on airflow velocity
and pressure, etc., and do not provide a more direct and in-depth picture of the effect on
dust extraction efficiency, resulting in a lack of correlation between mechanistic analysis
and experimental verification.
Using the self-developed Ruiqing S26 pure electric sweeper as the object of analysis,
the CFD method is used to simulate the airflow in the dust suction opening using a
turbulence model, and the flow field characteristics are reflected by the airflow velocity at
the forward air surface and the pressure at the entrance of the exhaust pipe. In addition,
the Euler–Lagrange method is used to analyse the trajectory of the dust particles in the
dust extraction port and to evaluate the removal efficiency by defining an expression for
the removal efficiency. A systematic correlation analysis is carried out to reveal the intrinsic
influencing mechanism and to find an optimisation method to establish the best design
solution; finally, the numerical simulation results are verified by means of a real vehicle test
of the flow field characteristics and the removal efficiency. This study provides a theoretical
reference for the performance optimisation and parameter matching of floor sweepers.

2. Numerical Simulation and Experimental Research Methods

2.1. Study Subjects
Figure 1a shows the simulation model and the location of the points. As the suction
method used in this test is pure suction and the effect of dust lifting is not considered,
only the front of the suction outlet is used as the simulation model. In the simulation,
12 points were taken at the entrance to measure the air speed and 5 points at the exit to
 method used in this test is pure suction and the effect of dust lifting is not considered,
only the front of the suction outlet is used as the simulation model. In the simulation, 12
points were taken at the entrance to measure the air speed and 5 points at the exit to meas-
ure the wind pressure; the specific locations of the points are shown in Figure 1a. In addi-
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 tion, the S26 sweeper studied in this paper has three modes: energy-saving, normal and 3 of 18
high-efficiency. The three modes correspond to the three pressures of 2400 Pa, 2800 Pa
and 3200 Pa, respectively, so three different pressures are used here for simulation. The
structural parameters of the simulation model are given in Figure 1b, where D is the ex-
measure the wind pressure; the specific locations of the points are shown in Figure 1a. In
haust outlet diameter, S is the length of the dust suction port, and β is the inclination angle
addition, the S26 sweeper studied in this paper has three modes: energy-saving, normal
of the front inlet surface. The specific dimensions are shown in Table 1 below. Figure 1c
and high-efficiency. The three modes correspond to the three pressures of 2400 Pa, 2800 Pa
gives the parameters of the external air domain structure, where L is the length of the
and 3200 Pa, respectively, so three different pressures are used here for simulation. The
external air domain, H is the height of the external air domain, and θ is the angle between
structural parameters of the simulation model are given in Figure 1b, where D is the exhaust
the inclined plane and the horizontal plane of the external air domain.
outlet diameter, S is the length of the dust suction port, and β is the inclination angle of the
front inlet surface. The specific dimensions are shown in Table 1 below. Figure 1c gives the
Table 1. The specific dimensions of the dust suction port.
parameters of the external air domain structure, where L is the length of the external air
domain,
S H is the height
D of the external
β air domain, and θof
Height is Ground
the angleClearance
between the inclined
plane
1200 and
mm the horizontal
160 mm plane 60° of the external air domain. 10 mm

(a) (b)

(c)
Figure 1. Internal flow field region and its structural parameters: (a) internal flow field region and
Figure 1. Internal flow field region and its structural parameters: (a) internal flow field region and the
the location of the measurement points; (b) internal flow field region structural parameters; (c) sim-
location of the measurement points; (b) internal flow field region structural parameters; (c) simulation
ulation model and external air domain structural parameters.
model and external air domain structural parameters.
2.2. Numerical Simulation
Table 1. The specific dimensions of the dust suction port.
The mesh schematic of the simulation model is given in Figure 2, which in this sim-
ulation is unstructured.
S The overall
D computationalβ domain isHeight
divided
ofinto the external
Ground air
Clearance
domain and the internal flow field region. A tetrahedral mesh is used for the internal flow
1200 mm 160 mm 60◦ 10 mm

2.2. Numerical Simulation

The mesh schematic of the simulation model is given in Figure 2, which in this
simulation is unstructured. The overall computational domain is divided into the external
air domain and the internal flow field region. A tetrahedral mesh is used for the internal
flow field of the dust extraction port, while a hexahedral mesh is used for the external air
domain, with a mesh number of 638,587.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 field of the dust extraction port, while a hexahedral mesh is used for4 of
the18 extern

main, with a mesh number of 638,587.

Figure
Figure 2. Simulation
2. Simulation modelmodel grid structure.
grid structure.

The literature [18] gives the conditions for the determination of the flow field, and
The literature [18] gives the conditions for the determination of the flow f
combined with the Reynolds number formula, it can be found that the Reynolds number in
combined
this with the
model is greater thanReynolds
4000, so thenumber formula,
model should it can
use the be found
turbulence that
model. theare
There Reynolds
in this
three typesmodel is greater
of turbulence than
models, 4000, so
as follows: the model
Standard, RNG,should use theInturbulence
and Realizable. this paper, mod
areRealizable
the three types of turbulence
turbulence models,
model is chosen, as follows:
which Standard,
is better able RNG,
to simulate and Realizabl
moderately
complex flows such as jets and cyclones than the other two models.
paper, the Realizable turbulence model is chosen, which is better able The airflow in to
thesimulat
suction port is the carrier of the dust particles and the airflow should be in continuous
ately complex flows such as jets and cyclones than the other two models. The a
phase, so the Navier–Stokes equation should be used to solve for the gas phase flow. The
the suction
gas-phase flow port
shouldisbethe
in carrier of the
accordance withdust particlesequation,
the continuity and theconservation
airflow should
of massbe in co
phase,
and so the Navier–Stokes
conservation of momentum [19]. equation should be used to solve for the gas phase f
gas-phase flow should be in accordance
Z with the continuity equation, conserv
m = ρdV (1)
mass and conservation of momentum [19].
Ω

∂u a
=0
m=
Ω
 ρdV (2)
∂x a
 
∂
u
( a b) = −
∂p
+
∂ ∂
∂uua
a+ + ρga (3)
∂xb = ab0
ρu µ 1 τ
∂x a ∂x a ∂xb
∂x a
where m is the quality, ρ is the airflow density and Ω is the volume. ua and ga are the
∂p p is∂the pressure,
velocity components in different ∂coordinate directions, ∂u µ1 is the viscosity
（ρu a u b）= −
coefficient and τ ab is Reynolds stress. + （μ1 a + τ ab）+ ρg a
∂x a
During the grit pick-up process, ∂xphase
the discrete a ∂xparticle
b ∂volume
xb fraction is low
compared to the continuous phase airflow volume fraction, so the gas-solid two-phase flow
where m is the quality, ρ is the airflow density and Ω is the volume. ua and g
is a dilute phase flow [20]. The particle equation of motion is used to analyse the gas-solid
velocity
flow processcomponents in different
inside the suction port usingcoordinate directions,
the Euler–Lagrange method the pressure, μ1 is the
p is[21].
coefficient and τab of
Particle equations is motion:
Reynolds stress.
During the grit pick-up process, the discrete phase particle volume fractio
du x
compared to the continuous m x phase
dt
= FMairflow
+ G + Fvolume
N fraction, so the gas-solid
(4) tw
flow is a dilute phase flow [20]. The particle equation of motion is used to analyse
where x is the particle parameter, m is the dust particle mass, u is the dust particle velocity,
solid flow process inside the suction port using the Euler–Lagrange method [21]
FM is the viscous force, G is the gravitational force and FN is the lifting force.
TheParticle
viscous equations of motion:
force is calculated as follow [22]:
du
FM =
18µ2 CD Rem xx mx (xu=−FuMx ) + G + FN (5)
24ρ x d x 2 dt
where x is the particle parameter, m is the dust particle mass, u is the dust particle
FM is the viscous force, G is the gravitational force and FN is the lifting force.
The viscous force is calculated as follow [22]:
18 μ 2 C D Re x
FM = 2
m x (u − u x )
 0.44, Re > 1000


Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 Reynolds number: 5 of 18

ρ u -ux d
where µ2 is the viscosity coefficient, CD is the drag coefficient, ρx and dx are the Re = and
density
diameter of particles, Rex is the Reynolds number of particles and u is the air rate. μ
The drag coefficient calculated as follow [23]:
Gravitational



24 force:
, Re ≤ 1
 Re p

(1 − ρ



G = mx (6)

  
24 1 + 0.15Re0.678
CD =

p
, 1 ≤ Re p ≤ 1000 ρ
Re

p



 0.44, Re > 1000


The lifting force is calculated by the following
Reynolds number: 1
ρ|u − u x |d x 2
Re = 2kv2(7)ρd ij
FN =
µ
1
Gravitational force:
G = m x (1 − ρ/ρx ) g ρ p d p (d(8)lk d kl )
The lifting force is calculated by the following equation [24]:
where k generally taken as 2.594, v2 is the sport vis
1/2
2kv ρd ij
variables. F = N
ρ d (d d )
p p
2
(u − u )
lk kl
1/4 x (9)

The particle
where k generally taken as 2.594,distribution
v is the sport viscosity
2
of and
thed , pavement
ijd , and d are
lk
pa
kl
the tensor variables.
from thedistribution
The particle particle of the distribution proposed
pavement particles in the by Wu
simulation was adopted from et a
the particle distribution proposed by Wu et al. [8], and the specific distribution and main
main parameters are shown in Figure 3 and Table
parameters are shown in Figure 3 and Table 2.

Figure 3. Interval distribution of sand particles.

Figure 3. Interval distribution of sand particles.

Table 2. Discrete phase main parameters.

Parameters
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 6 of 18

Table 2. Discrete phase main parameters.

Parameters Value
Particle mass flow rate (kg/s) 0.5
Min diameter (um) 40
Median diameter (um) 81
Max diameter (um) 160
Distribution coefficient 5.95

The particles are in suspension when their own gravity is equal to the force of the
air flow. Only when the airflow force is greater than its minimum value will the particle
begin to move [25]. The particle movement velocity is the minimum air speed at which
the particle starts to levitate, so the minimum velocity (u1 ) at which the particle moves is
as follows [26]: s
ρs − ρ
u1 = B gd (10)
ρ

where ρs is the particle density, d is the particle size, g is the gravity acceleration and B is
the experience coefficient.
Referring to the study by Hu et al. [27], it can be concluded that the maximum start-up
velocity for dust particles with a diameter of less than 3 mm is 20 m/s. A jet source is used
at the inlet of the dust suction port to release the particles and the boundary condition is set
to escape, where the particles enter the interior of the dust suction port uniformly from the
dust suction inlet. The boundary condition is reflect at the inside of the suction port and the
exit boundary is trap. The particles are trapped at the exit of the exhaust pipe during the
simulation, while the tracking of the particles stops. The removal efficiency is expressed
by the ratio of the number of particles collected at the outlet (trap) to the total number of
particles incident (tracked) [28].
η 1 = trap/tracked (11)
In a realistic working environment, the pressure, velocity and flow rate of the airflow
entering the forward surface of the suction port are unknown, so in order to realistically
simulate the working environment of the suction port, an external air domain needs to be
added outside the port [29]. In conjunction with the study by Zhang et al. [30], it is clear
that the geometric parameters of the external expansion domain directly affect the accuracy
of the simulation. When the geometrical parameters are larger than a threshold value, the
effect can be neglected. For different structures of dust extraction ports, the threshold value
of the geometric parameter of the external expansion domain should be found and selected
as the value of the geometric parameter in the calculation when the computational accuracy
and computational efficiency of the simulation results are required to be high.
Figure 4 shows the influence of the geometric parameters of the external expansion
domain on the accuracy of the calculation. Here the influence of the length L, height H and
angle θ of the external expansion domain on the air velocity and pressure at the forward
air surface and the air velocity at the exit of the exhaust pipe is investigated by varying the
length L, height H and angle θ to obtain the optimum geometric threshold. The optimum
thresholds are 60 mm for the length, 80 mm for the height and 70◦ for the angle.
 high.
Figure 4 shows the influence of the geometric parameters of the external expansion
domain on the accuracy of the calculation. Here the influence of the length L, height H
and angle θ of the external expansion domain on the air velocity and pressure at the for-
ward air surface and the air velocity at the exit of the exhaust pipe is investigated by var-
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 7 of 18
ying the length L, height H and angle θ to obtain the optimum geometric threshold. The
optimum thresholds are 60 mm for the length, 80 mm for the height and 70° for the angle.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 4. Influence of geometric parameters of the external expansion domain on the accuracy of
Figure 4. Influence of geometric parameters of the external expansion domain on the accuracy of the
the calculation: (a) the effect of length on accuracy of calculation; (b) the effect of height on the ac-
calculation: (a) the effect of length on accuracy of calculation; (b) the effect of height on the accuracy
curacy of the calculation; (c) the effect of angle on the accuracy of the calculation.
of the calculation; (c) the effect of angle on the accuracy of the calculation.
2.3. Experimental
2.3. Experimental Study
Study
The Ruiqing
The Ruiqing S26
S26 pure
pure electric
electric road
road sweeper
sweeper is
is mainly
mainly used
used for
for general
general sweeping
sweeping
work on
work on main
main roads
roads and
and tutorial
tutorial roads,
roads, integrating
integrating sweeping,
sweeping, high-pressure
high-pressure flushing,
flushing,
sewage recycling, etc. It can quickly sweep leaves, stones, sand and dust, white rubbish,
etc. It has the functions of simultaneous collection of rubbish and sewage, and high-level
self-dumping. Its specific technical parameters are shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3. S26 technical parameters.

Parameters Ruiqing S26

Work efficiency ≥20,000 m2 /h
Voltage/drive rating 72 V/7.5 KW
Continuous working time ≥5 h
Mileage ≥100 km
Maximum travel speed 35 km/h
Maximum inhalation particles 50 mm

Figure 5 shows the physical diagram and test site diagram of the S26 sweeper. This
paper has been designed to investigate the flow field characteristics at different negative
pressures and to investigate the vacuum efficiency at different driving speeds and negative
pressures. These tests were carried out without the use of an auxiliary brush or lance;
i.e., only the flow field characteristics and efficiency of the pure suction nozzle itself were
investigated. As the flow field characteristics cannot be measured in the driving condition
because the suction nozzle needs to be connected to the corresponding test equipment,
only the flow field characteristics at different negative pressures are investigated here.
When investigating the flow field characteristics under different negative pressures, the
test uses the DP1000-IIIB digital pressure anemometer with L-type pitot tube; the charge
amplifier uses the WS-2401 charge, voltage, filter, and integral four-function amplifier;
the data acquisition instrument uses the WS-5931N/N240204 data acquisition instrument.
Before the test to investigate the removal efficiency at different driving speeds and negative
pressure, 14 kg of dust on the road was weighed and the distribution density of dust
particles was about 0.15 kg/m2 , thus simulating a more serious dust load on the road [9].
After the test, the dust collected in the bin was weighed to determine the removal efficiency.
To ensure the reliability of the tests, each set of tests was repeated three times in both parts
of the test and the average value was taken as the final result.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 8 of 18
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 8 of 17

Figure 5. Physical drawing and test site view of S26.

Figure 5. Physical drawing and test site view of S26.
When measuring
When measuring the
the flow
flow field
field characteristics
characteristics atat different
different negative
negative pressures,
pressures, three
three
sets of data were measured at the same position to ensure reliable and stable results, andand
sets of data were measured at the same position to ensure reliable and stable results, the
the data were processed by taking the average value [31]. The error was calculated
data were processed by taking the average value [31]. The error was calculated as follows. as
follows.
Test average − Simulation values
φ =φ = Test avera ge − Simulation values × 100%
× 100 % (12)
(12)
Test
Testaverage
avera ge
When measuring the removal efficiency at different travel speeds and negative
negative pres-
pres-
sures, the removal
removal efficiency
efficiency was
was calculated
calculated using
usingthe
thefollowing
followingformula.
formula.
m2
η2 m
η2 = =2 × ×100%
100% (13)
m1m1
where: ηη2 is the removal efficiency, m2 is the total mass of dust in the bin, m1 is the total
where: 2 is the removal efficiency, m2 is the total mass of dust in the bin, m1 is the total
mass of dust
mass of dust onon the
the road
road before
before sweeping.
sweeping.
The error is calculated as follows
The error is calculated as follows [9]. [9].
p n − pTests
Δp p= Calculatio− p Tests × 100% (14)
∆p = Calculation pTests × 100% (14)
p Tests
where: Δp is the error, pCalculated is the simulated calculated value, pTest is the test measured
value. ∆p is the error, pCalculated is the simulated calculated value, pTest is the test
where:
measured value.
3. Numerical Simulation Results and Analysis
3. Numerical Simulation Results and Analysis
3.1. Simulation
3.1. Simulation Results
Results of
of Flow
Flow Field
Field Characteristics
Characteristics at
at Different
Different Negative
Negative Pressures
Pressures
The simulation
The simulation results
results of
of the
the flow
flow field
field characteristics
characteristics at
at different
different negative
negative pressures
pressures
are given in Figure 6, where Figure 6a gives the simulated values of the wind pressure
are given in Figure 6, where Figure 6a gives the simulated values of the wind pressure at at
different negative pressures at different measurement points at the outlet. Figure
different negative pressures at different measurement points at the outlet. Figure 6b shows 6b
shows that the higher the negative pressure, the higher the air speed at the inlet; in addi-
tion, the air speed near the centre of the inlet is significantly higher than that at the edge.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 9 of 18
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 9 of 1

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 9 of 17

that the higher the negative pressure, the higher the air speed at the inlet; in addition, the
air speed near the centre of the inlet is significantly higher than that at the edge.

(a) (b)
Figure 6. Simulation results of flow field characteristics at different negative pressures: (a) simulate
(a) (b)
pressure values; (b) simulation velocity values.
Figure 6. Simulation
Figure 6. Simulationresults
resultsofofflow
flowfield
field characteristics
characteristics atatdifferent
different negative
negative pressures:
pressures: (a) simulated
(a) simulated
pressure values;
pressure (b)
3.2. Simulation simulation
values; (b)Results velocity
of Dust
simulation values.
Extraction
velocity values. Efficiency at Different Driving Speeds and Negative
Pressures
3.2.3.2. Simulation
Simulation ResultsofofDust
Results DustExtraction
Extraction Efficiency
EfficiencyatatDifferent
Different Driving Speeds
Driving and and Negative
Speeds
NegativeFigure 7 gives the simulation results of removal efficiency under different drivin
Pressures
Pressures
speedsFigureand7 gives
negative pressure; from
the simulation resultsthe of figure
removal it efficiency
can be seen that,
under with the
different same drivin
driving
Figure
speed,
speeds and 7 gives
the greater
negative thepressure;
simulation
the negative fromresults
pressure,
the figureof the
removal
it cangreaterefficiency
be seen the under
removal
that, with different
efficiency.
the same driving
With
driving the in
speeds
speed, and
creasethe negative
ofgreater pressure;
the negative
the driving speed, from
pressure, the figure
the greater
the efficiency it can
ofthe be
removal
dust seen that, with
efficiency.
absorption the
Withto
tends same
thedecrease.driving
increase The in
speed,
of the greater the negative pressure, the greater the
crease in vehicle speed leads to an increase in the relative velocity between in
the driving speed, the efficiency of dust absorption tends removal
to efficiency.
decrease. The With
increase the
the in-
intak
vehicle
crease of speed
the leads
driving to an
speed, increase
the in the
efficiency relative
of velocity
dust between
absorption
surface and the particles, with a large number of particles moving towards the intake the
tends intake
to surface
decrease. and
The in-sur
the particles,
crease with a large number of particles movingthetowards the intake surface at a the
faster
faceinatvehicle
a fasterspeed
rate. At leads
thisto an
point increase
the largerinparticles, relative
duevelocity
to inertia, between
collide with intake
the inne
rate.
surface At
and this
thepoint the
particles, larger
with particles,
a large due to
number inertia,
of collide
particles with
movingthe inner wall
towards as
thethey are sur-
intake
wall as they are drawn in, while escaping through the ground
drawn in, while escaping through the ground clearance. Therefore, it is clear that increasing clearance. Therefore, it i
faceclear
at a faster
thatspeedrate. At
increasing this point the larger particles, due to inertia, collide with the inner
the vehicle leads tothe vehicleinspeed
a decrease leads to efficiency.
the vacuuming a decrease in the vacuuming
Combined with Figure 5, efficiency
wall as they
Combined are drawn
with Figurein, while
5, it can escaping
be seen through
that an the
increaseground
in clearance.
it can be seen that an increase in pressure increases all flow field parameters. Given thatflow
pressure Therefore,
increases all it isfiel
clear that increasing
parameters.
particles start toGiven
move the vehicle
that ofspeed
particles
because thestart leads to a because
to move
negative decrease
pressure providedofinthe
the vacuuming
negative
with efficiency.
pressure
the kinetic energy, provide
Combined
increasing with Figure
the pressure
with the kinetic 5,
energy, it can
allows be seen that
many particles
increasing an increase
to be picked
the pressure allowsin pressure
upmany increases
and increases
particlesthe all flow field
to efficiency
be picked up an
parameters.
ofincreases Given
dust extraction. that particles start
the efficiency of dust extraction. to move because of the negative pressure provided
with the kinetic energy, increasing the pressure allows many particles to be picked up and
increases the efficiency of dust extraction.

Figure7.7.Simulation
Figure Simulationresults
resultsofofdust
dustextraction
extraction efficiency
efficiency at
at different
different driving
driving speeds
speeds and
and negativ
pressures.
negative pressures.
Figure 7. Simulation results of dust extraction efficiency at different driving speeds and negative
pressures.
3.3. Parameter Impact Analysis
Figure 8 shows effect of the tilt angle of the forward air surface on the characteristic
3.3. Parameter Impact Analysis
of the flow field. From the figure it can be seen that with the increase of the angle, th
Figure 8air
forward shows effect
surface of thevelocity
airflow tilt angle of exhaust
and the forward
inletair surfaceison
pressure theincreased
first characteristics
and the
 the forward air surface of the nozzle, while the increasing
inevitably brings about a sudden increase in the cross-se
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 ing the negative pressure at the exit of the nozzle 10 of 18 to th

resulting in an increase in the pressure at the entrance o

clination
3.3. Parameter Impactangle
Analysisis greater than 65°, the internal airflow

power of the suction nozzle near the ground decreases, w

Figure 8 shows effect of the tilt angle of the forward air surface on the characteristics
of the flow field. From the figure it can be seen that with the increase of the angle, the
in the
forward speed
air surface of velocity
airflow the forward airpressure
and exhaust inlet surface. is first Referring
increased and then to the
decreased; 65◦ is the threshold value. When the angle of inclination is less than 65◦ , the air
size
flow ofthethe
inside tiltis smoother
nozzle angle and directly
the energyaffects theincreasing
loss is smaller, energy the loss
speed of inside
the forward air surface of the nozzle, while the increasing angle of inclination of the nozzle
threshold
inevitably value,
brings about a suddenthe energy
increase loss is area
in the cross-sectional low, which
of the is equiva
nozzle, reducing
greater
the thanatthe
negative pressure threshold
the exit of the nozzle tovalue,
the entrance the
of theopposite is true. Th
exhaust pipe, resulting
in an increase in the pressure at the entrance of the exhaust pipe. When the inclination
in this
angle paper.
is greater than 65◦ ,Figure
the internal9airflow
shows the effect
loss increases and the of thepower
working angle of theof incl
suction nozzle near the ground decreases, which directly leads to a reduction in the speed
ofon the removal
the forward air surface. efficiency,
Referring to the study illustrating
by Xi Yuan et thatal. [10],the inhalation
the size of the
tilt angle directly affects the energy loss inside the suction port; at less than the threshold
creases as the inhalation angle increases, with 65° also b
value, the energy loss is low, which is equivalent to increasing the power; at greater than
bined
the thresholdwith the
value, the particle
opposite trajectories
is true. This is similar to theof thefound
pattern different
in this paper. sizes o
Figure 9 shows the effect of the angle of inclination of the forward air surface on the removal
can beillustrating
efficiency, seen that that thethe removal
inhalation efficiencyefficiency
increases and then is directly
decreases as the related
inhalation angle increases, with 65◦ also being the threshold value. Combined with the
At an
particle inclination
trajectories angle
of the different sizes ofof
the less
suctionthan 65°,10,the
port in Figure it canincrease
be seen that in ai
the removal efficiency is directly related to the flow field characteristics. At an inclination
face and the pressure at the exhaust inlet increases the su
angle of less than 65◦ , the increase in air velocity at the forward air surface and the pressure
atThe opposite
the exhaust is the
inlet increases true suctionforpower
inclination angles
of the suction port. greater
The opposite is true forthan 6
◦
inclination angles greater than 65 . Therefore, the optimum construction parameter for the
struction
angle of inclinationparameter
of the forward air for theis 65angle
surface ◦. of inclination of the for

Figure 8. Influence of the angle of inclination of the front inlet surface on the flow field characteristics.
Figure 8. Influence of the angle of inclination of the front inlet s
tics.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 Figure 8. Influence of the angle of inclination of the front inlet surface11on the flow
of 18

tics.

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 Figure

Figure 9. Effect
9. Effect of angle
of the the angle of inclination
of inclination of the
of the front front
intake intakeonsurface
surface on the17
11 of
the efficiency ofefficienc
dust extraction.
tion.

Figure
Figure10.
10.Comparison
Comparisonof
ofparticle
particletrajectories
trajectories for
for different
different sizes
sizes of
of dust
dust extraction
extraction ports.
ports.

Figure11
Figure 11 shows
showsthe theeffect
effectofofoutlet
outletdiameter
diameteron onthe
thecharacteristics
characteristicsofofthe theflow
flowfield.
field.
As can
As can be be seen
seen from
from the
the figure,
figure, as
as the
the outlet
outlet diameter
diameter increases,
increases, thethe forward
forward gas gas surface
surface
velocity increases
velocity increases and andthen
thendecreases
decreases slightly, andand
slightly, the the
pressure at the
pressure atexhaust
the exhaustinlet increases,
inlet in-
then decreases,
creases, then starts
then decreases, then to starts
increase again and
to increase finally
again anddecreases. When theWhen
finally decreases. outletthe diameter
outlet
is 160 mm,
diameter the forward
is 160 mm, the air surface
forward airvelocity
surfaceand the pressure
velocity and the at the exhaust
pressure at theinlet reach
exhaust the
inlet
maximum value. The effect of outlet diameter on the removal efficiency
reach the maximum value. The effect of outlet diameter on the removal efficiency is given is given in Figure 12,
which shows that as the outlet diameter increases, the removal efficiency
in Figure 12, which shows that as the outlet diameter increases, the removal efficiency increases and then
decreases,and
increases reaching a maximum
then decreases, at 160 mm.
reaching From the
a maximum atstudy
160 mm. of Yang
Frometthe
al. study
[6], it can be seen
of Yang et
that
al. [6],increasing
it can be seenthe pipe
that diameter
increasingwillthe reduce the losswill
pipe diameter along the inlet
reduce and along
the loss outlet,thebutinlet
too
largeoutlet,
and a pipebut diameter
too largewill causediameter
a pipe the increased powerthe
will cause to increased
offset the loss.
power This conclusion
to offset can
the loss.
explain the findings of this paper. Combined with the simulated
This conclusion can explain the findings of this paper. Combined with the simulated cross-sectional cloud of
the dust suction port given in Figure 13, it can be seen that in the process
cross-sectional cloud of the dust suction port given in Figure 13, it can be seen that in the of increasing the
process of increasing the pipe diameter, the air intake at the exhaust inlet becomes
smoother due to the reduction in along-travel losses. Therefore, the optimum construction
parameter for the outlet diameter is 160 mm.
 diameter is 160 mm, the forward air surface velocity and the pressure at the exhaust inlet
reach the maximum value. The effect of outlet diameter on the removal efficiency is given
in Figure 12, which shows that as the outlet diameter increases, the removal efficiency
increases and then decreases, reaching a maximum at 160 mm. From the study of Yang et
al. [6], it can be seen that increasing the pipe diameter will reduce the loss along the inlet
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 12 of 18
and outlet, but too large a pipe diameter will cause the increased power to offset the loss.
This conclusion can explain the findings of this paper. Combined with the simulated
cross-sectional cloud of the dust suction port given in Figure 13, it can be seen that in the
pipe diameter,
process the air intake
of increasing at thediameter,
the pipe exhaust inlet
thebecomes smoother
air intake at the due to theinlet
exhaust reduction
becomes in
along-travel
smoother due losses.
to theTherefore,
reductionthe optimum construction
in along-travel parameter
losses. Therefore, thefor the outlet
optimum diameter
construction
isparameter
160 mm. for the outlet diameter is 160 mm.

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 12 of 17

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 Figure11.
Figure 11.Influence
Influenceofofoutlet
outletdiameter
diameteron
onflow
flowfield
fieldcharacteristics.
characteristics. 12 of 17

Figure12.
Figure 12.Effect
Effectofofoutlet
outletdiameter
diameteron
onthe
theefficiency
efficiencyofofdust
dustextraction.
extraction.
Figure 12. Effect of outlet diameter on the efficiency of dust extraction.

Figure 13. Simulated cross-sectional cloud of the dust extraction port.

Figure13.
Figure 13.Simulated
Simulatedcross-sectional
cross-sectionalcloud
cloudof
ofthe
thedust
dustextraction
extractionport.
port.
4. Test Results and Discussion
4.
4. Test
TestResults
Resultsand andDiscussion
Discussion
4.1. Characteristics of the Flow Field at the Dust Suction Outlet at Different Negative Pressures
4.1.
4.1. Characteristics of theFlow
Characteristics of the FlowField
Fieldat
atthe
theDust
DustSuction
SuctionOutlet
OutletatatDifferent
DifferentNegative
NegativePressures
Pressures
Figure 14a shows the mean values of the air speed at the inlet at different measure-
Figure 14a shows the mean values of the air speed at the inlet at different measurement
mentFigure
points.14a shows
It can the mean
be seen values
from the graph of that
the air
thespeed
greateratthe
thenegative
inlet at different
pressuremeasure-
provided
points.
ment It can Itbecan
seen
be from the graph that the
thatgreater the negative pressure provided by
by thepoints.
centrifugal fan, seen from
the greaterthethe
graph
air speed the greater
at the inlet;the
in negative
addition,pressure provided
the air speed near
by
thethe centrifugal
centre fan, is
of the inlet the greater the greater
significantly air speed at the
than inlet;
at the in addition,
edges. There are the air speed
some near
discrepan-
the centre of the inlet is significantly greater than at the edges. There
cies in the data at individual measurement points; for example, the air speed at 2400 Pa atare some discrepan-
cies in the datapoint
measurement at individual measurement
2 is significantly higherpoints;
than for example,
at 2800 the reason
Pa. The air speed foratthis
2400 Pa at
may be
measurement
that the L-shaped point 2 istube
Pitot significantly higherinthan
was not placed at 2800
the right Pa. Thefor
direction reason
the flowfor of
this
airmay be
during
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 13 of 18

the centrifugal fan, the greater the air speed at the inlet; in addition, the air speed near the
centre of the inlet is significantly greater than at the edges. There are some discrepancies
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 in the data at individual measurement points; for example, the air speed at 2400 Pa at
measurement point 2 is significantly higher than at 2800 Pa. The reason for this may be that
the L-shaped Pitot tube was not placed in the right direction for the flow of air during the
test. Figure 14b shows the mean air pressure at the outlet at different negative pressures at
different measurement points. As can be seen from the graph, the pressure at the centre of
the outlet is greater than at the edges; the greater the negative pressure provided by the
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 13 of
centrifugal fan, the greater the pressure at the centre of the outlet, while the pressure 17
near
the edges does not change much.

(a) (b)
Figure 14. Flow field characteristics of the dust suction port at different negative pressur
(a) (b)
erage velocity at the vacuum inlet; (b) average pressure at the dust suction port outlet.
Figure
Figure14.
14.Flow
Flowfield characteristics
field of the
characteristics of dust suction
the dust port atport
suction different negative
at different pressures:
negative (a) av-
pressures:
erage velocity at the vacuum inlet; (b) average pressure at the dust suction port outlet.
(a) average velocity at the vacuum inlet; (b) average pressure at the dust suction port outlet.
4.2. Vacuum Efficiency at Different Driving Speeds and Negative Pressures
4.2. Figure
4.2.Vacuum
Vacuum 15 shows
Efficiency
Efficiency at the efficiency
atDifferent
Different Driving Speeds
Driving of dust
Speeds extraction
and Negative
and Negative at different driving speeds
Pressures
Pressures
ative pressures,
Figure
Figure 15shows
15 showstheand
the it is clear
efficiency
efficiency offrom
of dustdust the figure
extraction
extraction at that the
different
at different efficiency
driving
driving speeds of neg-
speeds
and dust
and extrac
negative
ative pressures,
pressures, and and
it is it is
clear clear
from from
the the
figurefigure
that that
the
creases as the driving speed increases. The lower driving speed reduces the efficiency
efficiency of of
dust dust extraction
extraction de- the rel
decreases
creases as the
as the driving
driving speed speed increases.
increases. The The
lowerlower driving
driving speed speed reduces
reduces the relative
the relative ve-
locity between
velocity between
the suction port and the particles,
dust particles, while the airflow increases
locity between the the suction
suction portportandand the dust
the dust particles, whilewhile the airflow
the airflow increases
increases the
the car-
rying
carrying
rying capacity
capacity
capacity ofofthe
of the the
dust dustdust particles
particles
particles so that
so that sosuction
the that
the the
portsuction
suction port fullyport
can can fully can
playplay fully
the play
ca- the su
suction
the suction
pacity.
capacity.
pacity. AtAtAtthe
the the
same same
same driving driving
driving speed,
speed, speed,
the
the thethe
greater
greater greater
the the
negative
negative negative
pressure
pressure pressure
provided
provided bybytheprovided
the fan,
fan, by
the
the
the greater
greater
greater will be
will will the
be the efficiency
beefficiency
the efficiencyof dust extraction.
of dust extraction.
of dust extraction.

Figure 15. Vacuum efficiency at different driving speeds and negative pressures.

4.3. Simulation and Experimental Comparison Analysis of Flow Field Characteristics

Figure
Figure 15.15.
Figure 16Vacuum
Vacuum efficiency
efficiency
gives atbetween
at different
a comparison different
drivingthedriving
speeds and speeds
and and
negative
simulated negativeoutlet
pressures.
experimental pressures.
wind
pressure results under different negative pressures. As can be seen from the figure, the
4.3.of
trend Simulation andresults
the simulated Experimental
is basicallyComparison Analysis
the same as that of Flow Field
of the experimental Characteristics
results, with
the wind pressure in the central area of the outlet being greater than that in the peripheral
Figure 16 gives a comparison between the simulated and experimental out
area. There is an error between the data obtained from the simulation and the data ob-
pressure
tained results
from the under
test, and differentofnegative
the magnitude pressures.
the error can As can
be calculated be seen
according from the fig
to Equa-
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 14 of 18

4.3. Simulation and Experimental Comparison Analysis of Flow Field Characteristics

Figure 16 gives a comparison between the simulated and experimental outlet wind
pressure results under different negative pressures. As can be seen from the figure, the
trend of the simulated results is basically the same as that of the experimental results, with
the wind pressure in the central area of the outlet being greater than that in the peripheral
area. There is an error between the data obtained from the simulation and the data obtained
from the test, and the magnitude of the error can be calculated according to Equation (12);
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 the maximum error is 9.5%, which is within the allowable error range of 10% mentioned 14 of in
17
the literature [9].

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 16.
Figure 16. Comparison
Comparisonbetween
betweensimulation
simulationand
andtesttest
of outlet air pressure
of outlet at different
air pressure negative
at different pres-
negative
sures: (a) comparison of outlet air pressure at 2400 Pa; (b) comparison of outlet air pressure at 2800
pressures: (a) comparison of outlet air pressure at 2400 Pa; (b) comparison of outlet air pressure at
Pa; (c) comparison of outlet air pressure at 3200 Pa.
2800 Pa; (c) comparison of outlet air pressure at 3200 Pa.

Figure 17
Figure 17 gives
givesthe thesimulation
simulationresultsresults of of
thetheinlet air speed
inlet at different
air speed negative
at different pres-
negative
sures compared with the test. As can be seen from the figure,
pressures compared with the test. As can be seen from the figure, the air speed at the the air speed at the centre of
the inlet is significantly greater than that at the edge of the area, and
centre of the inlet is significantly greater than that at the edge of the area, and the trend the trend of the sim-
ulation
of results is basically
the simulation results is the same as
basically thethe test as
same results.
the testHere the maximum
results. error calculated
Here the maximum error
by Equation (12) is 9.2%, which is also within the 10% error tolerance.
calculated by Equation (12) is 9.2%, which is also within the 10% error tolerance. Combined Combined with
Figure
with 13, it13,
Figure canit be
canseen that that
be seen the space inside
the space the dust
inside suction
the dust port port
suction is nearly closed,
is nearly and
closed,
some
and areas
some eveneven
areas formformairflow vortices,
airflow which
vortices, indicates
which that that
indicates the airflow changes
the airflow changesveryveryrap-
idly. The
rapidly. main
The mainreason
reason forfor
this
thiserror
errorisisthat
thatthe
thelocations
locationsof ofthe
themeasurement
measurement points points inin the
the
simulation do not exactly coincide with the locations of the measurement
simulation do not exactly coincide with the locations of the measurement points in the test, points in the
test, causing
thus thus causing deviations.
deviations. The reason
The reason why the why airthe air velocity
velocity and pressure
and pressure at the centre
at the centre of the
of the
inlet andinlet andare
outlet outlet
higherare than
higher thanedges
at the at theisedges
that theis that the presence
presence of the innerof the inner
baffle baffle
causes a
causes
swirl ofaairflow
swirl ofat airflow
the edgeatofthe theedge
exhaustof the exhaust
pipe, pipe,
with less with less
pressure pressure
at the centreatofthe
thecentre
swirl.
of the same
At swirl.time,
At the duesame time,
to the due to of
structure thethestructure
suction of thethe
inlet, suction inlet,airflow
incoming the incoming
converges air-
flow
to theconverges
centre of theto the centre
inlet, so theof airflow
the inlet, so the airflow
velocity velocity
at the centre at the than
is higher centreatisthe
higher
edges. than
In
at the edges. In addition, the presence of swirls in the airflow has a different
addition, the presence of swirls in the airflow has a different effect on the airflow at the left effect on the
airflow
and rightatends
the left andsuction
of the right endsport,ofresulting
the suction in anport, resulting invelocity
asymmetrical an asymmetrical
distribution.velocity
distribution.

(a) (b) (c)

 of the inlet and outlet are higher than at the edges is that the presence of the inner baffle
causes a swirl of airflow at the edge of the exhaust pipe, with less pressure at the centre
of the swirl. At the same time, due to the structure of the suction inlet, the incoming air-
flow converges to the centre of the inlet, so the airflow velocity at the centre is higher than
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188
at the edges. In addition, the presence of swirls in the airflow has a different effect 15
onofthe
18
airflow at the left and right ends of the suction port, resulting in an asymmetrical velocity
distribution.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 17. Comparison between simulation and test of inlet air velocity at different negative pres-
Figure 17. Comparison between simulation and test of inlet air velocity at different negative
pres-
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 sures: (a) comparison of inlet air velocity at 2400 Pa; (b) comparison of inlet air speed at 280015Pa;
of (c)
17
sures: (a) comparison of inlet air velocity at 2400 Pa; (b) comparison of inlet air speed at 2800 Pa;
comparison of inlet air speed at 3200 Pa.
(c) comparison of inlet air speed at 3200 Pa.

4.4. Simulated
4.4. Simulated and
and Experimental
Experimental Comparative
ComparativeAnalysis
AnalysisofofDust
DustExtraction
ExtractionEfficiency
Efficiency
Figure 18
Figure 18 gives
gives the
thesimulation
simulation results
results and
and test
test comparison
comparison of of the
the vacuum
vacuum efficiency
efficiency
under
under different
different driving
driving speeds
speeds andand negative
negative pressures.
pressures. II can
can bebe seen
seen from
from thethe figure
figurethat
that
under the same negative pressure, with increasing driving speed,
under the same negative pressure, with increasing driving speed, the vacuum efficiency the vacuum efficiency
decreases.
decreases.Under
Underthe thesame
samedriving
driving speed,
speed, thethe
greater
greaterthethe
negative
negativepressure,
pressure,the greater the
the greater
dust absorption
the dust efficiency.
absorption From
efficiency. Equation
From Equation (14),(14),
the the
maximum
maximum error cancan
error be calculated
be calculated to
be
to 6.6%,
be 6.6%,again within
again within thetheallowed
allowed error
errorrange
range ofof10%.
10%.InInconjunction
conjunctionwith withthe thesimulated
simulated
particle
particle trajectories
trajectories given
given in in Figure
Figure 10,
10, it
it can
can bebe seen
seen that
that the
the main
main sources
sources of of error
error are,
are,
firstly, the initial settings of the particle phases in the CFD simulation:
firstly, the initial settings of the particle phases in the CFD simulation: particle density, particle density,
dispersion
dispersioncoefficient,
coefficient,incident
incidentmode,
mode, velocity,
velocity, etc., which
etc., are are
which all ideal, but these
all ideal, conditions
but these condi-
are always changing in the test. Secondly, the road surface and
tions are always changing in the test. Secondly, the road surface and the inner wallthe inner wall of theof
dust
the
suction port are
dust suction portsetare
toset
be tosmooth and free
be smooth andof slippage,
free but inbut
of slippage, reality, the road
in reality, surface
the road and
surface
the
andinner wall wall
the inner of theofdust suction
the dust portport
suction are rough
are rough and and
the collision
the collisionbetween
between the the
particles
parti-
and the inner wall cannot be realistically simulated. There are also gaps
cles and the inner wall cannot be realistically simulated. There are also gaps in the test in the test surface,
which
surface,have a hiding
which have effect
a hiding on effect
the dust
on and affectand
the dust theaffect
vacuum theefficiency.
vacuum efficiency.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 18.
Figure 18. Comparison
Comparison of simulated and experimental
of simulated dust extraction
and experimental efficiency atefficiency
dust extraction different driving
at dif-
speeds and negative pressures: (a) vacuum efficiency at different vehicle speeds at 2400 Pa; (b) vac-
ferent driving speeds and negative pressures: (a) vacuum efficiency at different vehi-
uum efficiency at different vehicle speeds at 2800 Pa; (c) comparison of simulated and experimental
cle speeds at 2400 Pa; (b) vacuum efficiency at different vehicle speeds at 2800 Pa;
dust extraction efficiency at different driving speeds and negative pressures.
(c) comparison of simulated and experimental dust extraction efficiency at different driving speeds
and negative pressures.
5. Conclusions
Taking the company’s self-developed Ruiqing S26 pure electric sweeper as the re-
search object, the CFD method was used to analyse the influence of the structural param-
eters of the dust suction port and the operating parameters of the sweeper on the dust
suction effect of the sweeper, and was verified through real vehicle tests. The specific con-
clusions are as follows.
(1) The turbulence model is used to simulate the air flow in the dust extraction port, and
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 16 of 18

5. Conclusions
Taking the company’s self-developed Ruiqing S26 pure electric sweeper as the research
object, the CFD method was used to analyse the influence of the structural parameters
of the dust suction port and the operating parameters of the sweeper on the dust suction
effect of the sweeper, and was verified through real vehicle tests. The specific conclusions
are as follows.
(1) The turbulence model is used to simulate the air flow in the dust extraction port, and
physical values such as air velocity and pressure are analysed. Here, we use the air
velocity at the forward air surface and the pressure at the entrance of the exhaust
pipe to reflect the characteristics of the flow field; then the Euler–Lagrange method
is used to analyse the trajectory of the dust particles in the dust extraction port, and
then the removal efficiency is evaluated by defining an expression for the removal
efficiency. The simulation results show that, for the S26 pure electric road sweeper,
the air speed at the entrance increases as the negative pressure increases; in addition,
the air speed near the centre of the entrance is significantly stronger than that at the
edges. Similarly, the pressure at the centre of the exit increases significantly as the
negative pressure increases, and the pressure at the centre of the exit is also greater
than that at the edges. In the simulation of the influence of driving speed and negative
pressure on the removal efficiency, the removal efficiency tends to decrease with an
increase of driving speed; at the same driving speed, the greater the negative pressure
provided by the fan, the greater the removal efficiency will be. The maximum removal
efficiency is 85%.
(2) The structural parameters of the dust suction outlet will affect its flow field charac-
teristics, which in turn affects the operational performance of the sweeper. The size
of the inclination angle directly affects the internal energy loss of the dust suction
port, the best structural parameter for the inclination angle of the forward air surface
is 65◦ . Increasing the diameter of the pipe will reduce the along-range loss between
the import and export, but too large a pipe diameter will make the increased power
and losses offset each other. The best structural parameter for the outlet diameter
is 160 mm.
(3) By comparing the test and simulation data, it was found that the simulation variation
law was basically the same as the test results. The maximum error in the simulation
results was 9.5% for the outlet air pressure at different negative pressures and 9.2% for
the inlet air speed at different negative pressures. The main source of the error was
that the location of the measurement points in the simulation did not exactly coincide
with the location of the measurement points in the test, thus causing deviations. The
maximum error in the simulation results for the removal efficiency at different driving
speeds and negative pressures was 6.6%. The main source of error is that the initial
settings of the particle phases in the simulations do not truly reproduce the physical
properties of the particles at the time of the tests. However, the maximum error in
these simulations was within 10%, which is the permissible error range.

Author Contributions: Methodology, J.Y.; software, J.Y.; validation, J.P.; formal analysis, J.Y.; inves-
tigation, J.Y.; resources, H.A. and J.W.; data curation, J.Y.; writing—original draft preparation, J.Y.;
writing—review and editing, J.P.; funding acquisition and visualisation, J.P. All authors have read
and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by National Natural Foundation of China (52005004) and The
Major Science and Technology Special Projects in Anhui Province under grant (201903a05020061).
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5188 17 of 18

Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by National Natural
Foundation of China (52005004) and The Major Science and Technology Special Projects in Anhui
Province under Grant (201903a05020061).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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