DESIGN OF

CENTRIFUGAL FAN

Fan Definition
What is a fan?
A fan is an air pump that creates a
pressure difference and causes
airflow. The impeller does work on
the air, imparting to it both static and
kinetic energy, which vary in
proportion, depending on the fan
type.
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Types of Fan
Two basic types of fan are:
Centrifugal - rotating impeller to
increase velocity of an airstream.
Axial - air is pressurized by the
aerodynamic lift of the fan blade.

CENTRIFUGAL FAN
A centrifugal fan is a mechanical
device for moving air or other gases.
They use the kinetic energy of the
impellers or the rotating blade to
increase the pressure of the air/gas
stream which in turn moves them
against the resistance caused by ducts,
dampers and other components.
Centrifugal fans accelerate air radially,
changing the direction (typically by 90)
of the airflow.
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Centrifugal Fan Components

Centrifugal Fans - Blade

Designs

Centrifugal - Airfoil
Blade curves away from
direction of rotation
Highest efficiency
Relatively low noise
High structural strength
Power reaches max near
peak efficiency, then
reduces towards free
delivery (self-limiting).
For given duty, has highest
speed of centrifugal design

Centrifugal - Backward
Inclined
Efficiency slightly less than
airfoil design
Pronounced region of
instability where low
efficiency and pulsations
(stall, surge, bi-stable flow)
Power reaches max near
peak efficiency, then
reduces towards free
delivery (self-limiting).
Consideration for use in
applications where airfoil
blade erosion concern

Centrifugal - Backward
Curved

Power reduces towards

free delivery (selflimiting).
Promote smoother flow
than BI fan
Operate at higher speeds
and therefore require
sturdier construction
than FC
Less susceptible to
flow/fan instabilities due
to less pronounced
instability region

Centrifugal - Radial
Rugged blade design, selfcleaning

Lowest efficiency
centrifugal
Used for material handling
due to blade strength
Moderate to high pressure
industrial applications
Power rises continually to
free delivery (overloading).

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Centrifugal - Radial Tip

Blade is radial at outer
edge of wheel, curved in
direction of flow as it
moves inward
More efficient than
Radial blade
Used for mildly erosive
environments
Higher pressure than
Airfoil
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Centrifugal - Forward
Curved
Also called Squirrel
Cage
Blade curved forward in
direction of rotation
Low pressure HVAC
applications (residential, etc.)
Lower speed than other
centrifugals
Single thickness blade,
lightweight construction
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Refernces:
www.wikipedia.com
www.moorefans.com/
www.lorencook.com
Books:
Fluid mechanics by Robert W fox
Fans by J Osborle

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