Fans and Blowers

Difference between fans, blowers and

compressors

As per ASME the specific pressure, i.e, the ratio of the discharge
pressure over the suction pressure is used for defining the fans,
blowers and compressors as highlighted below :

Equipment Specific Ratio Pressure rise (mmWg)

Fans Up to 1.11 1136

Blowers 1.11 to 1.20 1136 – 2066

Compressors more than 1.20 -

Typical centrifugal fan operation
 Fan types

Centrifugal fan Axial fan

 Centrifugal Fan: Types

Paddle Blade Forward Curved Backward Curved

(Radial blade) (Multi vane)
 Axial Flow Fan: Types
Tube Axial Vane Axial Propeller
 Fan Types and Efficiencies

Peak Efficiency
Centrifugal Fans
Range
Airfoil, backwardly curved/inclined 79-83
Modified radial 72-79
Redial 69-75
Pressure blower 58-68
Forwardly curved 60-65
Axial fan
vanaxial 78-85
Tubeaxial 67-72
Propeller 45-50
 Axial-flow Fans Centrifugal Fans

Typical Typical
Type Characteristics Type Characteristics
Applications Applications

Prope Low pressure, high Air- Radial High pressure, Various industrial
ller flow, low efficiency, circulation, medium flow, applications, suitable
peak efficiency close ventilation, efficiency close to for dust laden, moist
to point of free air exhaust tube-axial fans, power air/gases
delivery increases continuously

Tube- Medium pressure, HVAC, Forward- Medium pressure, Low pressure

axial high flow, higher drying ovens, curved high flow, dip in HVAC, packaged
efficiency than exhaust blades pressure curve, units, suitable for
propeller type, dip in systems efficiency higher than clean and dust laden
pressure-flow curve radial fans, power air / gases
before peak pressure rises continuously
point.

Vane- High pressure, High pressure Backward
axial medium flow, dip in applications curved
pressure-flow curve, including blades
use of guide vanes HVAC
improves efficiency systems,
exhausts
High pressure, high HVAC, various
flow, high efficiency, industrial
power reduces as flow applications, forced
increases beyond draft fans, etc.
point of highest
efficiency

Airfoil type Same as backward Same as backward

curved type, highest curved, but for clean
efficiency air applications
System characteristic curve
System curve
 Fan Laws
Flow ? Speed Pressure ? (Speed)2 Power ? (Speed)3

Q1 N 1 SP1  N 1 
2
kW 1  N 1 
3
  
Q2 N 2  
SP 2  N 2  kW 2  N 2 
Varying the RPM by 10% Varying the RPM by 10% Varying the RPM by 10%
decreases or increases air decreases or increases the decreases or increases the
delivery by 10%. static pressure by 19%. power requirement by
27%.
Where Q – flow, SP – Static Pressure, kW – Power and N – speed (RPM)
 Fan static pressure
Fan Static Pressure  SP = SP (Fan outlet) – SP (Fan outlet)
SP (Fan outlet) – Static pressure at fan outlet, inches WC
SP (Fan outlet) – Static pressure at fan inlet, inches WC

 SP = 0.05 – (-10)
= 10.05 in W.C.
Static Pressure Profile of the System
Static pressure drop and rise
across entire system

Fan behaviour
 Speed vs Power

% Speed % Power
100 100
90 73
80 51
70 34
60 22
50 13
 Flow control

Damper - Most Popular

Variable Speed Drive
Recirculation

100 Damper

VFC
Power 75

50
VFD
25
Ideal
25 50 75 100
Flow
Impact of speed reduction
Use of VSD: Boiler ID fan case study
Use of VSD: Boiler ID fan case study
(contd.)
 Energy audit of fan
• Collect fan and motor specifications with ducting
network
• Measure motor power input
• Measure fan and motor speed
• Measure static pressure at various points in the duct
• Measure total and static pressure and compute flow
• Estimate the system efficiency and check fan
operating point
 What to Look for in the Field
Overall system efficiency will be determined by the type of fan or blower, its interaction
with the air distribution system, and the method of control.

• Determine whether the right type of fan or blower is used for an application. Is your fan
or blower is providing the best efficiency and performance in a given application.

• The efficiency of a system depends on the number and type of bends and restrictions.
Sharp bends, especially, increase the resistance the fan or blower must overcome.
Bends and restrictions near the inlet or outlet seriously degrade capacity and efficiency.

• With a properly selected fan or blower and well-designed air distribution system, the
method of control is the main thing determining energy efficiency. In systems requiring
constant air volume, the speed of a belt-driven fan or blower should be adjusted by
proper selection of pulley sizes, and equipment should operate only when needed. In
systems requiring variable airflow, an adjustable-speed control is most efficient.
 Energy conservation in fans
• Match fan capacity to demand
– downsizing, pulley change, VSD..
• Avoid unnecessary demand
– excess air reduction
– idling
• Reduce pressure drops
– Remove redundant ducts
– Modify ducting with minimum bends
• Drive system
– Provide direct drive where possible
– Replace V-belt by flat belt
• Replace with energy efficient fans
• Regular preventive maintenance
Energy saving in Boiler ID fan by speed
reduction through pulley change

10” 26 kW
8”

1470 RPM 1181 RPM

10” 14 kW
6”

1470 RPM 882RPM

End