AIR FLOW

DESIGN_PART FAN
2
INTRODUCTION

• Fan selection is necessarily important to the overall

performance of air conditioning system.
• The required duty is obtained by an analysis of the flow
rates and pressure losses in ductwork system.

Presentation Title
Fans Characteristic

• The most used fan characteristic is the relationship between

pressure rise and volume flow rate for a constant impeller speed
(RPM).
• The air movement has a pressure associated with it, which is termed
as static pressure (Ps) and the velocity pressure (Pv).
• The static pressure (Pv) is the useful working pressure available for
overcoming the resistance of a ventilating system and is exerted in
all directions at once weather in motion or not. SP may be +ve or –
ve.

9/3/20XX Presentation Title 3

• Velocity pressure (Pv) is the pressure due to the speed of the air and
is always +ve and exerted in direction of flow.
• The total pressure (TP) produced by a fan is made up of the static
pressure (Ps) and the velocity pressure (Pv).
• Fan pressure rise characteristics are normally expressed in either TP
or SP.
• The fan volume flow rate is commonly expressed in cubic feet per
minute, or CFM.

9/3/20XX Presentation Title 4

FAN
TYPES

HVAC fans are divided into 2

general categories.
1. Centrifugal fans –the air flow
within the fan wheel is radial
or circular to the fan shaft in
these fans. preferred for high
volume, high pressure, ducted OTHER
systems.
1. Mixed flow
2. Axial flow fans – the air flow 2. Cross flow
within the fan wheel is parallel
to the fan shaft in these fans.
preferred for high volume, low
pressure, non-ducted systems.
Centrifugal Fans

• Centrifugal fans may be single or double inlet • Centrifugal fans are classified by their impeller
and are either belt-driven or direct-driven by blade shape, i.e
an electric motor. • Backward curved
• A centrifugal fan is one in which air enters the • Radial
impeller axially and is discharged radially from • Forward curved
the impeller.
• The inlet are used for the air-conditioning and
ventilation purposes.

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 • With 6-16 blades, has a
power characteristic that
rises to a maximum at the
Centrifugal middle of its flow rate range

Fans and then falls at its highest

flow rates.
• These types of fans are
employed for bigger
installations.
Backward-curved fans
• These fans are commonly
• In this type of fan, the tip used for higher pressures
of the blade is curved and are more efficient for
backward or away from these centrifugal fans.
the direction of rotation of
the fan wheel.
• These fans are required
higher speed and
therefore have to be more
sturdy in construction.

characteristic of a backward curved centrifugal fan

Centrifugal
Fans
Radial Blade or paddle bladed impeller
• With 6-16 blades, has a continuously
rising or overloading power
characteristic. With flat blades, this fan
type has an efficiency up to 60%, with
blades slightly curved at the heel, up to
75%.
• These fans are generally used in electric
motors for internal cooling.
• The blades are built into the rotor itself
in case of small-sized motors.
• For bigger-sized motors, a separate fan
is fixed on the motor shaft (within the
body)
characteristic of a radial centrifugal fan
Centrifugal • The overall design of centrifugal
fans make a single-inlet fan a

Fans suitable choice when the

installation when the plant
installation required a right-
Forward-curved fans angled turn.
• Double-inlet fans usually installed
• The forward-curved fan has a 40- in plenum chambers and are
60 bladed impellers with an often used in this way in
overloading power characteristic packaged AC units.
and an efficiency of up to 75%.
• It is compact in size, and
because of this , it is most
commonly used centrifugal fan
for AC and mechanical
ventilation system.
• In this type of fan, the tip of
blade is curved forward, i.e., in
the direction of rotation of the
fan.

characteristic of a forward-curved centrifugal

fan
 1. Propeller fans
• Propeller fan, such as one
used in residence,
Axial Flow produce large volume of
air at low pressure.
Fans • Commercial application
of propeller fans would be
general room air
circulation or exhaust
The general classification of
ventilation.
axial fans are:
• Very large propeller fans
1. Propeller are sometimes used in
2. Tube axial cooling tower.

3. Vane axial • The housing for a typical

propeller fan is normally a
simple ring enclosure and
the fan wheel usually
have two or more single
thickness blades.
• Generally, not very
efficient.
Characteristic of a propeller fan

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 • These fans produce
high noise level,
therefore, their use is
Axial Fans limited to application
where the noise level is
not of much
importance.
2. Tube Axial Fans • It usually has more
• Axial fans consist of blades blades, 4 to 8 and
around a shaft, just like home they’re heavier design.
fan but with more pressure
force to overcome pressure
drops of filters, duct, bends,
coils.
• These fans may be
considered as heavy-duty
propeller fans mounted in a
cylindrical housing.
• There are duct-mounted
whereas the propeller fans
are wall or diaphragm
mounted.
 • The efficiency of operation and
the pressure characteristics are
better than those of tube axial
fan.

Axial Fans * The axial-flow fans are particularly

suitable for handling large volumes
of air at relatively low pressures.
They are never employed for duct
3. Vane Axial Fan
air-conditioning system because
they are incapable of developing
• Just like the axial but with inlet high pressures.
vanes, straighten the air and
increase the efficiency.
• These are tube axial fans with
straightening vanes.
• The vanes located at the
leaving side of the wheel help
to straighten out the spiral flow
or air coming out of an axial
fan.
• The straight-line flow leaving
the fan assures quiet
operation.
Mixed Flow Fans

• Mixed flow flans are intermediate

between the centrifugal and axial
fan types in pressure development
and compactness.
• The air path through the impeller has
a radial and an axial component.
• The fans are normally constructed
with the intake and discharge on
the same axis, through they can be
fitted with a radial discharge.
• Efficiencies are up to 80% with a
non-overloading characteristic. Characteristic of a mix flow fan

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Cross Flow Fans

• Has a multibladed, cylinder

impeller with blade shape similar
to the forward-curved centrifugal
fan. The ends of the impeller are
blanked off.
• Air enters along one of the
cylindrical surfaces and
discharge from the other.
• The maximum efficiency is about
40%.
• The principal application is a
small domestic electric heaters.
Characteristic of a cross flow fan
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Total Pressure Developed by a Fan

Fan static pressure (Ps)fan Fan velocity pressure (Pv)fan

• Is the pressure increase produced by a • Is the velocity pressure corresponding to
fan. the mean velocity of air at the fan outlet
based on the total outlet area without
any deductions for motors etc.
Total fan pressure (PT)fan
• Is the algebraic difference between the In other words,
total pressure at the fan outlet and the
total pressure at the fan inlet. (PT)fan = (PT2)fan – (PT1)fan

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(PT)fan = (PT2)fan – (PT1)fan

Where; Also, Fan total pressure = Fan static

pressure + Fan velocity pressure
(PT2)fan = Total pressure at fan outlet
(PT)fan = (Ps)fan + (Pv)fan
= Static pressure at fan outlet +
Velocity pressure fan outlet
= (Ps2)fan + (Pv2)fan Since
(Pv)fan = Pv’ therefore (PT)fan = (Ps)fan
+ Pv
(PT1)fan = Total pressure at fan inlet
𝑪𝟐
= Static pressure at fan inlet + where 𝑷𝒗 =
𝟒.𝟎𝟒
Velocity pressure fan inlet
= (Ps1)fan + (Pv1)fan

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Fan air power
The power outlet of a fan is expressed in terms of air power and represents the work
done by the fan.

Total fan air power, based on fan total pressure Static fan air power based on fan static pressure
(PT)fan, is given by; (Ps)fan in given by;
9.81𝑄 𝑃𝑇 𝑓𝑎𝑛 × 𝐾𝑝
𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛 = watts 𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛 =
9.81𝑄 𝑃𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑛 × 𝐾𝑝
watts
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 60
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 60

Q = total quantity of air flowing at the fan

inlet, 𝑚3 / min If Q is expressed in 𝑚3 /s and 𝑃𝑇 𝑓𝑎𝑛 are in
N/ 𝑚2 , then;
𝑃𝑇 𝑓𝑎𝑛 = Fan total pressure, mm of water
and 𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛 = Q x 𝑃𝑇 𝑓𝑎𝑛 x Kp
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
Kp = Compressibility coefficient 𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛 = Q x 𝑃𝑠 x Kp
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑓𝑎𝑛

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Fan efficiencies

1. Total fan efficiency 𝜼𝒇𝒂𝒏

𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍

It is defined as the ratio of the total fan air power to the driving power (or brake
power) required at the fan shaft. It is also called mechanical efficiency of the fan.
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
𝜂𝑓𝑎𝑛 =
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 (𝐵. 𝑃)

2. Static fan efficiency 𝜼𝒇𝒂𝒏

𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄

It is defined as the ratio of the static fan air power to input or brake power.
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑓𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑓𝑎𝑛
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐
𝜂𝑓𝑎𝑛 =
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 (𝐵. 𝑃)

9/3/20XX Presentation Title 19

Fans and System Characteristic Curve

• System characteristic in the change in pressure loss or resistance

with the change in flow rate. It is independent of the fan used in
that system.
• The system resistance (R) or pressure loss (PL) of any fixed system
varies as square of the flow rate.
• 𝑅, 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝐿 = 𝑘𝑄2

9/3/20XX Presentation Title 20

• When R or PL is plotted against Q, (a parabola)
such as OA, as shown in Fig. 17.9 is obtained: the
curve is usually known as a system characteristics
curve.
• The operation of a fan in conjunction with a
particular system must fulfil the condition that the
loss of total pressure in the system at a given
volume flow must be equal to the total pressure
developed by the fan (i.e., fan total pressure) at
the same volume.
• This condition is satisfied by the point of
intersection (point D) of system characteristic
curve OA and the fan performance curve BC. This
point of intersection is called the operating point
of that particular fan in that particular system.

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Example

𝑚3Τ
• A ventilating system requires a fan to discharge 6 𝑠
against a calculated resistance of 300 Pa pressure. Select
from the graph in Figure 1 either fan A or fan B.
• For a given system of ductwork the pressure loss may be
found from the following expression;
• 𝑃𝐿 = 𝑘𝑄 2
𝑃𝐿 300
•∴𝑘= = = 8.333
𝑄2 62

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 1. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 0.52 = 2.08 𝑝𝑎
• In order to draw the
2. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 1.02 = 8.33 𝑝𝑎
system characteristic
3. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 1.52 = 18.74 𝑝𝑎
curve, it is necessary to 4. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 2.02 = 33.32 𝑝𝑎
find the values of 5. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 2.52 = 52.06 𝑝𝑎
pressure corresponding 6. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 3.02 = 74.97 𝑝𝑎
to nominated values of 7. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 3.52 = 102.04 𝑝𝑎
flow. 8. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 4.02 = 133.28 𝑝𝑎
• Using the flow rates 9. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 4.52 = 168.68 𝑝𝑎
𝑄 = 8.33 × 5.02 = 208.25 𝑝𝑎
between 0.5 and 6 10.
𝑚3Τ ; 11. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 5.52 = 251.98 𝑝𝑎
𝑠
12. 𝑄 = 8.33 × 6.02 = 299.88 𝑝𝑎

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Figure 1

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• By reference to fig 1, fan A will discharge 6.5 𝑚3Τ
and
𝑠
develop a pressure of 320 pa for the condition given. Fan
3
B would discharge 5.9 Τ𝑠 and develop a pressure of 272
𝑚

pa for the same condition.

• The designer has a choice between fan A and fan B, and
fan A would probably be chosen.
• If it is required to save electrical power, however, fan B
might be selected.

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26
Example 3
The operating point of a fan system is found at the point of characteristic curves cross between P/Q
system with characteristic curves P/Q fan. Find the operating point of a fan that has the following
characteristics, when it is plugged into a system that requires 3.53 m³/s of air at a pressure of 326
N/m²(or Pa). Plot graph P ∞ Q.

Q(m³/s) 1 2 3 4 5 5.5
P(N/m²) 490 500 480 415 270 140

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Solution
Q(m³/s) 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.5

P(N/m²) 0 26.16 104.64 235.44 418.56 654 791.34

P = kQ²

• P = kQ²
• k = P/Q² (Constant value)
• k = 326/3.53²
• k = 26.16

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Graph P ∞ V

Presentation Title 29
Selection of Fan

• In order to select a fan for a given duty, reference should be made

to fan performance graphs supplied by the manufacturer.
• Figure 1 shows a typical performance graph for two fans, and it will
be seen that the following factors may be obtained from them:
• 1. pressure in pascals
3
• 2. volume flow rate in 𝑚 Τ𝑠
• 3. input in watts

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 The laws may be expressed as follows:

Fan Laws • Fan Law Number 1

•
𝑄2
=
𝑁2 Where;
𝑄1 𝑁1 3
Q = volume of flow in 𝑚 Τ𝑠
N = revolutions of impeller per
• Fan Law Number 2 minute
The performance of fan 𝑃2 𝑁2
2 P = pressure in pascals
incorporated in a system of • 𝑃1
= 𝑁1 W = power in watts or kilowatts
ventilation is governed by the
following laws, providing the air
density remains constant:
• Fan Law Number 3
• The discharge varies directly with 3
the angular velocity of the •
𝑊2
=
𝑁2
impeller. 𝑊1 𝑁1
• The pressure developed varies
directly as the square of the
angular velocity of the impeller. 𝑄×𝑃×100
Efficiency, 𝜇 = where µ = fan efficiency
• The power absorbed varies as 𝑊
the cube of the angular velocity P = total fan pressure
of the impeller. W = power, watts
Fan power, W = Q x P
Fan laws

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Example 1

A ventilation fan is operating at 600 RPM against 500 Pa static pressure and requiring
power of 4.85 kW. It is delivering the air volume flow rate of 540 m3/min at standard
conditions. In order to handle the increasing of air flow to 610 m3/min, calculate the new
static pressure.

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Answer 1
Initial air vol. flow rate(Q1) = 540 m3/min
New air volume flow rate (Q2) = 610 m3/min
Initial fan speed (N1) = 600 RPM
New fan speed (N2) = ?
Initial fan pressure (P1) = 600 Pa
New fan pressure (P2) = ?
Hence; identify theQ 2

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Answer 1
Initial air vo. flow rate(Q1) = 540 m3/min New
air volume flow rate (Q2) = 610 m3/min Initial
fan speed (N1) = 600 RPM
New fan speed (N2) = 677.78 RPM
Initial fan pressure (P1) = 600 Pa
New fan pressure (P2) = ?

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Example 2

A fan deliver 280 m3/min of air against a static pressure of 500 Pa when the speed is 500
RPM and the power input is 4.5 kW. Calculate speed, static pressure and power that will
be obtained for a delivery of 400 m3/min.

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Answer 2
Initial air vol. flow rate(Q1) = 280 m3/min
New air volume flow rate (Q2) = 400 m3/min
Initial fan speed (N1) = 500 RPM
New fan speed (N2) = ?
Initial fan pressure (P1) = 500 Pa
New fan pressure (P2) = ?
Initial fan power (kW 1 ) = 4.5 kW
New fan power (kW 2 ) = ?

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Change of air density

If the air density is The laws may be Where;

changed, the following expressed as follows; 3
Q = volume of flow in 𝑚 Τ𝑠
laws apply;
1. 𝑄1 = 𝑄2
𝑃2 𝜌2 𝜌 = density of air in 𝑘𝑔ൗ𝑚3
1. the volume of flow 2. 𝑃1
=
𝜌1
remains constant 𝑊2 𝜌2 P = pressure in pascals
2. the pressure 3. 𝑊1
=
𝜌1 W = power in watts or
developed varies kilowatts
directly with the
change in density.
3. the power absorbed
varies directly with the
change in density.

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Example

• A fan develops a total pressure of •

𝑃2
=
𝜌2
400 Pa when discharging air at 𝑃1 𝜌1
temperature of 20˚C. If the 𝑃1 ×𝜌2
temperature of the air is lowered to • ∴ 𝑃2 =
𝜌1
16˚C, calculate the pressure to be 400 × 1.22
developed by the fan in order to • 𝑃2 = = 406.67 𝑃𝑎
1.2
discharge the same volume of air.
• Density of air at 20˚C = 1.2 𝑘𝑔ൗ𝑚3
• Density of air at 16˚C = 1.22 𝑘𝑔ൗ𝑚3

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Methods to change fan speed

• Fan speed control is the most effective method for controlling fan performance,
but it also the most expensive.
• A change in fan speed will result in a corresponding change in the air volume
delivered, static pressure developed, and power required.
• Method available for controlling fan speed include mechanical speed control
and electric current inverters.

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Mechanical speed control

• This system consists of a variable- • This allows the faces of the variable
speed belt drive plus a speed pitch diameter sheave to move
controller. against their compensating springs;
• A sheave with a spring-loaded they move closer together to
variable pitch diameter mechanism increase diameter of the variable
is mounted on the fan motor drive pitch diameter sheave when the
shaft and is connected with a drive close together, and force the
specific duty v-belt driver to a fixed sheave faces further apart and
pitch sheave on a countershaft decrease the pitch diameter as the
which connects to the fan shaft with divers move further apart.
standard v-belts and sheaves. • As the pitch diameter of the motor
sheave increases, the speed of the
• Upon receiving a signal from the fan sheave increase: as the pitch
controller, the variable drive base diameter decreases, the fan sheave
moves closer to or further from the speed decreases.
fixed drive base.

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Electric current inversion

• This system uses an inverter, which is • Each inverter system uses three
solid-state device used to control common components:
motor speed. • 1. a rectifier to convert alternating
• The incoming electric current is current to direct current,
processed through an inverter to
change the electric current • 2. a regulator to receive the
characteristics so that a standard automatic control system speed
constant-speed induction motor will input signal and establish the
operate at any speed down about appropriate dc voltage.
25% of nominal motor RPM. • 3. an inverter which processes the
• Inverters use one of the three basic dc signal to generate a
technologies – variable voltage proportioned voltage-to-frequency
inverter, current source input or waveform.
pulse with modulation.

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