Faculty of Engineering – Mechanical
Engineering Department
Sana’a University
Don by :
Ali Mohammed Ahmed Hussein Dhlan 202270327
Naif Mohammed Banwair 202174212
Hussein Ismail abdo Saif 202174205
Supervision: Dr. Tawfik
Introduction
In modern building design, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
systems play a vital role in ensuring indoor comfort, air quality, and energy
efficiency. Among the key components of these systems, fans stand out as
essential devices responsible for air movement and pressure control. Far beyond
simply pushing air, fans serve as the driving force that circulates conditioned air,
supports heat exchange, and maintains proper ventilation throughout various
spaces.
Fans are used to move air across cooling and heating coils, distribute air evenly
within rooms, and extract contaminated air from enclosed environments. Their
performance directly affects the overall efficiency of HVAC systems, influencing
energy consumption, thermal comfort, and system reliability. The selection of the
right fan type depends on several factors, including required airflow rate, static
pressure, duct configuration, and acoustic considerations.
With growing emphasis on sustainability and energy optimization, understanding
fan characteristics—such as flow patterns, pressure capabilities, and noise
levels—has become increasingly important. Engineers and designers must also
consider international standards like ASHRAE and AMCA to ensure compliance
and performance consistency.
Type of Fans :
1- Evaporator Fan:
• Location: Inside the indoor unit or air handler.
• Function: Pulls warm air from the room and blows it over the evaporator
coil, where the refrigerant absorbs heat.
• Purpose: Facilitates heat exchange and ensures cool air is circulated back into
the space.
• Common Use: Split AC units, refrigerators, DX-type AHUs.
2-Condenser Fan:
• Location: In the outdoor unit of the HVAC system.
• Function: Draws outside air and blows it over the condenser coil to
release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant.
• Purpose: Helps condense the refrigerant by removing heat, maintaining
system efficiency.
• Common Use: Central AC systems, heat pumps, rooftop units.
3- AHU Fan (Air Handling Unit Fan):
• Location: Inside the AHU, typically in commercial or large-scale HVAC
systems.
• Function: Moves air through the AHU components (filters, coils,
humidifiers) and into the ductwork.
• Types:
1-Supply Fan: Pushes conditioned air into the building.
2-Return Fan: Pulls air back from the space to the AHU.
• Purpose: Ensures proper air circulation, filtration, and temperature
control across large zones
Common Use: Hospitals, malls, office buildings.
Fan Performance and Efficiency Standards in HVAC Systems:
1. Energy Efficiency
-Total Efficiency: Ratio of air power output to electrical power input. Indicates
overall fan effectiveness.
-Static Efficiency: Focuses on overcoming static pressure in duct systems.
-Motor Efficiency: Measures how efficiently the fan motor converts electrical
energy into mechanical motion.
2. Airflow Rate (CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute): Indicates the volume of air
moved by the fan.
Higher CFM means greater ventilation or cooling capacity, but must be
balanced with energy use.
3. Static Pressure: Measured in inches of water gauge (in.wg) or Pascals.
Reflects the fan’s ability to overcome resistance in ducts, filters, and coils.
4. AMCA Standards:
-AMCA 210: Standard for testing fan airflow and pressure performance.
-AMCA 300: Standard for measuring fan sound levels.
-Fan Efficiency Grade (FEG): International rating from FEG 63 to FEG 85, based
on aerodynamic design and efficiency.
5. Noise Level (dB): Lower decibel levels are preferred in residential and office
environments.
Aerodynamically optimized fans tend to operate more quietly.
6. Variable Speed Control: Fans equipped with Variable Frequency Drives
(VFDs) can adjust speed based on demand.
Improves energy efficiency and reduces wear over time.
7. Durability and Maintenance: Well-designed fans require less maintenance
and maintain consistent performance.
Easy access to components enhances serviceability and long-term reliability.
Factors Affecting Fan Performance in HVAC Systems:
1. Blade Design: The shape (straight, curved, or angled) directly influences
airflow volume and energy conversion efficiency.
Blade pitch determines the pressure and velocity of the air moved.
2. Rotational Speed: Higher speeds increase airflow but may lead to higher
noise, vibration, and reduced efficiency if not optimized.
Speed must be matched with system requirements for best performance.
3. Static Pressure Requirements: Fans operating in systems with high
resistance (long ducts, dense filters) must be designed to generate sufficient
pressure.
Incorrect matching leads to poor airflow and energy waste.
4. Ambient Conditions: Temperature and humidity affect air density, which in
turn impacts fan performance.
In hot or humid environments, fans may require more power to maintain
airflow.
5. Installation Location: Proximity to walls, obstructions, or poor duct layout
can disrupt airflow and reduce efficiency.
Proper placement ensures smooth air movement and optimal performance.
6. Motor Type & Efficiency: High-efficiency motors reduce energy consumption
and improve overall fan output.
Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allows dynamic speed control based on
demand.
7. Maintenance Practices: Dust buildup, worn blades, or misalignment can
degrade performance.
Regular cleaning and inspection help maintain consistent efficiency.
8. Casing and Housing Design: Well-designed fan housings reduce turbulence
and friction, improving airflow and energy use.
Aerodynamic casings contribute to quieter and more efficient operation.
Fan Diagnostics, Maintenance, and Repair in HVAC Systems
1-Diagnostics & Performance Analysis:
-Airflow Measurement (CFM): Use anemometers or flow meters to assess
actual airflow versus design specifications.
-Electrical Load Monitoring: Check voltage, current, and power consumption
to detect motor inefficiencies.
-Noise & Vibration Analysis: Unusual sounds or vibrations may indicate blade
imbalance, bearing wear, or motor faults.
-Thermal Inspection: Overheating motors or components may signal poor
lubrication or electrical issues.
2- Preventive Maintenance
-Blade & Housing Cleaning: Dust and debris reduce airflow and increase energy
consumption.
-Lubrication of Bearings & Shafts: Minimizes friction and extends motor life.
-Electrical Connection Checks: Ensure tight, corrosion-free terminals to prevent
voltage drops or shorts.
-Capacitor Testing: Especially important for single-phase motors showing slow
or failed startup.
-Scheduled Inspections: Monthly or quarterly checks help catch issues early and
maintain performance.
3- Corrective Maintenance & Repairs
-Component Replacement: Swap out damaged blades, worn bearings, faulty
motors, or failed capacitors.
-Speed & Balance Adjustment: Recalibrate fan speed and rebalance blades to
restore smooth operation.
-Motor Rewinding or Replacement: For burned-out motors or those with
degraded insulation.
-Electrical Fault Repair: Fix wiring issues, replace fuses, or reset overload
protectors.
4- Smart Monitoring & Predictive Tools
-IoT-Based Monitoring Systems: Track fan performance in real time and send
alerts for anomalies.
-Data Logging & Trend Analysis: Helps predict failures and optimize
maintenance schedules.
-Integration with BMS (Building Management Systems):Enables centralized
control and diagnostics for large facilities.
