Homework 6: Fan Laws

Notes on fan laws

cfm1 N1
, where cfm = volume flow rate, N = fan speed

cfm2 N 2
2

P1 cfm1
, where P = static pressure

P2 cfm2
3

bhp1 cfm1
, where bhp = brake horsepower

bhp2 cfm2

Question 1
Assume fan operational conditions as follows:
Volume flow rate (cfm1): 6000 cfm
Static pressure (P1): 4 in. water
Fan speed (N1): 2000 rpm
Brake horsepower (bhp1): 6 hp
Determine the new volume flow rate (cfm2), static pressure (P2), and brake horsepower (bhp2) if
the fan speed (N2) is revised to 1500 rpm.
Question 2
A fan is rated at 1300 Hz and standard atmospheric conditions. It delivers 2000 cfm at a total
pressure rise of 3.00 in. water and the electric motor power is 1.0 kW. Determine the product of
the fan and motor efficiency. Then, using the fan laws, determine the volume flow rate, pressure
rise, and power for an operating speed of 1500 Hz.

Answers
Question 1
cfm2 = 4500 cfm
P2 = 2.25 in. water
bhp2 = 2.53 hp

Question 2
Volume flow rate = 2308 cfm
Pressure rise = 3.99 in. water
Power = 1.54 kW