5. Fans and Blowers Bureau of Energy Efficiency 5. FANS AND BLOWERS 5.1 Introduction Fans and blowers provide air for ventilation and industrial process requirements. Fans generate a pressure to move air (or gases) against a resistance caused by ducts, dampers, or other components in a fan system. The fan rotor receives energy from a rotating shaft and transmits it to the air. Difference between Fans, Blowers and Compressors Equipment Specific Ratio Pressure rise (mmWg)Fans Up to 1.11 1136Blowers 1.11 to 1.20 1136 – 2066Compressors more than 1.20 -Equipment Specific Ratio Pressure rise (mmWg)Fans Up to 1.11 1136Blowers 1.11 to 1.20 1136 – 2066Compressors more than 1.20 -EquipmentEquipment Specific RatioSpecific Ratio Pressure rise (mmWg)Pressure rise (mmWg)FansFans Up to 1.11Up to 1.11 11361136BlowersBlowers 1.11 to 1.201.11 to 1.20 1136 – 20661136 – 2066CompressorsCompressors more than 1.20more than 1.20 --Table 5.1 Differences Between Fans, Blower And CompressorFans, blowers and compressors are differentiated by the method used to move the air, and by the system pressure they must operate against. As per American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) the specific ratio - the ratio of the discharge pressure over the suction pressure - is used for defining the fans, blowers and compressors (see Table 5.1). 5.2 Fan Types Fan and blower selection depends on the volume flow rate, pressure, type of material handled, space limitations, and efficiency. Fan efficiencies differ from design to design and also by types. Typical ranges of fan efficiencies are given in Table 5.2. Fans fall into two general categories: centrifugal flow and axial flow. In centrifugal flow, airflow changes direction twice - once when entering and second when leaving (forward curved, backward curved or inclined, radial) (see Figure 5.1). Table 5.2 Fan Efficiencies Type of fan Peak Efficiency Range Centrifugal Fan Airfoil, backward curved/inclined 79-83 Modified radial 72-79 Radial 69-75 Pressure blower 58-68 Forward curved 60-65 Axial fan Vanaxial 78-85 Tubeaxial 67-72 Propeller 45-50 Syllabus Fans and blowers: Types, Performance evaluation, Efficient system operation, Flow control strategies and energy conservation opportunities In axial flow, air enters and leaves the fan with no change in direction (propeller, tubeaxial, vaneaxial) (see Figure 5.2). 935. Fans and Blowers Bureau of Energy Efficiency Figure 5.1 Centrifugal Fan Figure 5.2 Axial Fan Centrifugal Fan: Types The major types of centrifugal fan are: radial, forward curved and backward curved (see Figure 5.3). Radial fans are industrial workhorses because of their high static pressures (upto 1400 mm WC) and ability to handle heavily contaminated airstreams. Because of their simple design, radial fans are well suited for high temperatures and medium blade tip speeds. Forward-curved fans are used in clean environments and operate at lower temperatures. They are well suited for low tip speed and high-airflow work - they are best suited for moving large volumes of air against relatively low pressures. Backward-inclined fans are more efficient than forward-curved fans. Backward-inclined fans reach their peak power consumption and then power demand drops off well within their useable airflow range. Backward-inclined fans are known as "non-overloading" because changes in static pressure do not overload the motor. Paddle Blade (Radial blade) Forward Curved (Multi-Vane) Backward Curved Figure 5.3 Types of Centrifugal Fans Axial Flow Fan: Types The major types of axial flow fans are: tube axial, vane axial and propeller (see Figure 5.4.) Tubeaxial fans have a wheel inside a cylindrical housing, with close clearance between blade and housing to improve airflow efficiency. The wheel turn faster than propeller fans, enabling operation under high-pressures 250 – 400 mm WC. The efficiency is up to 65%. Vaneaxial fans are similar to tubeaxials, but with addition of guide vanes that improve efficiency by directing and straightening the flow. As a result, they have a higher static pressure with less dependence on the duct static pressure. Such fans are used generally for 945. Fans and Blowers Bureau of Energy Efficiency pressures upto 500 mmWC. Vaneaxials are typically the most energy-efficient fans available and should be used whenever possible. Propeller fans usually run at low speeds and moderate temperatures. They experience a large change in airflow with small changes in static pressure. They handle large volumes of air at low pressure or free delivery. Propeller fans are often used indoors as exhaust fans. Outdoor applications include air-cooled condensers and cooling towers. Efficiency is low – approximately 50% or less. Tube Axial Vane Axial Propeller Figure 5.4 Types of Radial Fans The different types of fans, their characteristics and typical applications are given in Table 5.3. Common Blower Types Blowers can achieve much higher pressures than fans, as high as 1.20 kg/cm2. They are also used to produce negative pressures for industrial vacuum systems. Major types are: centrifugal blower and positive-displacement blower. Centrifugal blowers look more like centrifugal pumps than fans. The impeller is typically gear-driven and rotates as fast as 15,000 rpm. In multi-stage blowers, air is accelerated as it passes through each impeller. In single-stage blower, air does not take many turns, and hence it is more efficient. Centrifugal blowers typically operate against pressures of 0.35 to 0.70 kg/cm2, but can achieve higher pressures. One characteristic is that airflow tends to drop drastically as system pressure 955. Fans and Blowers Bureau of Energy Efficiency Table 5.3 Types of Fans, Characteristics, and Typical Applications Centrifugal Fans Axial-flow Fans Type Characteristics Typical ApplicationsType Characteristics Typical Applications Radial High pressure, medium flow, efficiency close to tube-axial fans, power increases continuously Various industrial applications, suitable for dust laden, moist air/gases Propeller Low pressure, high flow, low efficiency, peak efficiency close to point of free air
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