5.

4 Fans

1. Fans
The fan is an essential component of almost all heating and air-conditioning systems. Except in
those cases where free convection creates air motion, a fan is used to move air through ducts and to
induce air motion in the space. An understanding of the fan performance is necessary if one is to
design a satisfactory duct system.
The centrifugal is the most widely used, because it can efficiently move large or small quantities
of air over a wide range of pressures. The principle of operation is similar to the centrifugal pump in
that a rotating impeller mounted inside a scroll-type housing imparts energy to the air or gas being
moved. Figure 12-1 shows the various components of a centrifugal fan. The impeller blades may be
forward-curved, backward-curved, or radial. The blade design influences the fan characteristics.

The vaneaxial fan is mounted on the center line of the duct and produces an axial flow of the air.
Guide vanes are provided before and after the wheel to reduce rotation of the air stream. The
tubeaxial fan is quite similar to the vaneaxial fan but does not have the guide vanes. Figure 12-2
illustrates both types.

1
 Axial flow fans are not capable of producing pressures as high as those of the centrifugal fan, but
can move large quantities of air at low pressure. Axial flow fans generally produce higher noise
levels than centrifugal fans.

2. Fan Performance
The performance of fans is generally given in the form of a graph showing pressure, efficiency,
and power as a function of capacity. The energy transferred to the air by the impeller results in an
increase in static and velocity pressure; the sum of the two pressures gives the total pressure. These
quantities are often expressed in inches millimeters of water. For a fan with elevation effects
neglected and constant density assumed, the following equation is applied:
gc w gc  P1 P2  1 2
g
    
g     2g
 g  P P 
V1  V22  c  01 02 
g   
(1)

In this form the equation expresses the increase in total head of the air. Multiplying Equation 1 by
g/gc gives
P P
w  01 02 (2)

which is an expression for the energy imparted to the air per unit mass. Multiplication of Equation 2
by the mass flow rate of the air produces an expression for the total power imparted to the air:
 P01  P02 
m
W t  (3)

The static power is the part of the total power that is used to produce the change in static pressure:
 P1  P2  
m
W s   QP1  P2  (4)

where:
Q = volume flow rate, ft3/min or m3/s

Fan efficiency may be expressed in two ways. The total fan efficiency is the ratio of total air power
Ẇt to the shaft power input Ẇsh:

2
 W t m  P01  P02   P01  P02 
t   Q (5)
W sh W sh W sh
It has been common practice in the United States for Q to be ft3/min, P01 – P02 to be in in. wg,
and Ẇsh to be in horsepower. In this special case
Q P  P 
t  01 02 (6)
6350W sh
The static fan efficiency is the ratio of the static air power to the shaft power input:
W m P1  P2   P1  P2 
s  s  Q (7)
W sh W sh W sh
Using the units of Equation
Q P1  P2 
s  (8)
6350W sh
Figure 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, and 12-6 illustrate typical performance curves for centrifugal and vaneaxial
fans. Note the difference in the pressure characteristics for the different types of blade. Also note
the point of maximum efficiency with respect to the point of maximum pressure. The power
characteristics of vaneaxial fans are distinctly different from those of centrifugal fans. Note that the
power increases as the flow rate approaches zero for a vaneaxial fan, which is opposite to the
behavior of a centrifugal fans. Also note that the power curve for vaneaxial and backward-tip fans
reaches a peak and decreases as flow becomes high.

3
4
 A conventional representation of fan performance is shown in Figure 12-8 for a specific
backward-curved blade fan. In this case total pressure and total efficiency are also given. Note that
the zone for desired application is marked. When data from this zone are plotted on a logarithmic
scale, the curves appear as shown in Figure 12-9. This plot has some advantages over the
conventional representation. Many different fan speeds can be conveniently show, and the system
characteristic is a straight line parallel to the efficiency lines.

5
6
 The noise emitted by a fan is of great importance in many applications. For a given pressure the
noise level is proportional to the tip speed of the impeller and to the air velocity leaving the wheel.
Furthermore, fan noise is roughly proportional to the pressure developed, regardless of the blade
type. However, backward-curved fan blades are generally considered to have the better (lower)
noise characteristics.
Figure 12-10 shows fan characteristics for a forward-curved blade fan using SI units, except that
the capacity is in m3/min instead of m3/s.

7
 There are several simple relationships between fan capacity, pressure, speed, and power, which
are referred to as the fan laws. The first three fan laws are the most useful and are stated as follows:
a. The capacity is directly proportional to the fan speed.
b. The pressure (static, total, or velocity) is proportional to the square of the fan speed.
c. The power required is proportional to the cube of the fan speed.
The other three fan laws are:
d. The pressure and power are proportional to the density of the air at constant speed and
capacity.
e. The speed, capacity, and power are inversely proportional to the square root of the density
at constant pressure.
f. The capacity, speed , and pressure are inversely proportional to the density, and the power
is inversely proportional to the square of the density at a constant mass flow rate.
Example No. 1
A centrifugal fan is operating as shown in Fig. 12-7 at point 1. Estimate the capacity, total pressure,
and power requirement when the speed is increased to 1050 rpm. The initial power requirement is
2 hp.

Given:
rpm1 = 1050 rpm
rpm2 = 900 rpm
Q1 = 5000 cfm
P01 = 1.5 in. wg.
W1 = 2 hp
Required:
New capacity, total pressure, and power requirements
Solution:

8
 The first three fan laws may be used to estimate the new capacity, total pressure, and power.
Capacity:
Q1 rpm1

Q 2 rpm2
So that
 rpm2 
  5000 
1050 
Q 2  Q1    5833 ft mincfm
3

 rpm1   900 
Total pressure:
2
P01  rpm1 
 
P02  rpm2 
2
 rpm2  2
  1.5
1050 
P02  P01   2.04 in. wg
 rpm1   900 
Power:
3
W1  rpm1 
 
W2  rpm2 
3
 rpm2  3
  2
1050 
W2  W1    3.2 hp
 rpm1   900 

3. Fan Selection
The engineer is faced with selecting the right fan for an application. The following discussion
explains the specific characteristics of different types of fans as they relate to their selection. Radial-
bladed fans are not usually used on HVAC systems and are not discussed.

3.1 Backward-curved Blade Fans

This type is used for general heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, especially
where the system size offers significant horsepower savings. Such fans can be used in low-,
medium-, and high-pressure HVAC systems. These are the highest efficiency designs of all
centrifugal fan types. For a given duty, these fans will operate at the highest speed of the
different centrifugal fans.
These fans are also used in industrial applications where power savings will be significant.
The airfoil-type blade should be used only in those applications where the air is clean and the
blade is not subject to erosion or corrosion.

3.2 Forward-curved Blade Fans

This type of fan is usually used in low-pressure HVAC applications, such as domestic
furnaces, central station units, and packaged air-conditioning equipment. This design tends to
have the lowest efficiency and will operate at the lowest speed of the various centrifugal fans.

9
 The pressure curve is less steep than that of the other designs. There is a dip in the pressure
curve to the left of peak pressure, and the highest efficiency occurs just to the right of peak
pressure. The fan should be applied well to the right of the peak pressure point. The horsepower
curve rises continuously toward free delivery, and this must be taken into account when the fan
is applied and the motor is selected.

3.3 Vaneaxial Fans

This type if fan is becoming more commonly used in HVAC systems in low-, medium-, and
high-pressure applications and is particularly advantageous where straight-through flow is
required.
Vaneaxial fans usually have blades if airfoil design, which permits medium- to high-pressure
capability at relatively high efficiency.
Some fans of this design have the capability of changing the pith of the blade to meet
different application requirements. In some cases this is accomplished by shutting the fan down,
changing the blade angle to a new position, and restarting the fan. In other cases, the pitch of
the fan blade can be changed with the fan in operation. This latter method provides good
control characteristics for the fan in VAV systems.

3.4 Performance Data

To select a fan for a given system it is necessary to know the capacity and total pressure
requirement of the system. To assist in the actual fan selection, manufacturers furnish graphs
such as those in Figures 12-8 and 12-9 with the areas of preferred operation shown. The static
pressure is often given, but not the total pressure. The total pressure may be computed from
the capacity and the fan outlet dimensions. Data pertaining to noise are also available from
most manufacturers.
In many cases manufacturers present their fan performance data in the form of tables.
Tables 12-1a and 12-1b are examples of such data for two forward-curved blade fans. Note that
the static pressure is given instead of the total pressure; however, the outlet velocity is given,
which makes it convenient to calculate the velocity pressure to find the total pressure.

10
 It is important that the fan be quiet. Generally a fan will generate the least noise when
operated near the peak efficiency. Operation considerable beyond the point of maximum
efficiency will be noisy. Forward-curved blades operated at high speed will be noisy, and straight
blades are generally noisy, especially at high speed. Backward-curved blades may be operated
on both sides of the peak efficiency at relatively high speeds with less noise than other types of
fans.

Example No. 2
A duct system requires a fan that will deliver 6 m3/s of air at 1.2 kPa total pressure, Is the fan of
Table 12-1b suitable? If so, determine the speed, shaft power, and total efficiency.
Given:
Table 12-1b
Q = 6 m3/s
P0 = 1.2 kPa
Required:
Suitability of Table 12-1b, speed, shaft power, and total efficiency
Solution:
The required volume flow rate falls between 5.75 and 6.23 m3/s in the left-hand column of Table
12-1b. The corresponding outlet velocities are 12 and 13 m/s and the velocity pressure for each
case is
2
12 2
Pv 5.75  a V  1.2  86.4 Pa
2 2
2
132
Pv 6.25   a V  1.2
 101 .4 Pa
2 2
Assuming 1.1 kPa static pressure, the total pressure at 5.75 m3/s is
P0 5.75 1100  86.4 1186.4 Pa
And at 6.23 m3/s
P0 6.23 1100 101.4 1201.4 Pa
By interpolation the total pressure at 6 m3/s is

11
 6  5.75
P0 6.0  1186 .4  1201 .4 1186 .4  1190 Pa  1.19 kPa
6.23  5.75
Although the total pressure at 6 m3/s is barely adequate, the fan speed can be increased to
obtain total pressures up to almost 1.3 kPa at a capacity of 5.75 to 6.23 m3/s.
The fan speed may be determined by interpolation to be
6  5.75
rpm  840  840  825  832
6.23  5.75
and the shaft power is likewise found to be
6  5.75
Wsh  10.5  0.5  10.76 kW
6.23  5.75
The total power imparted to the air is given Equation 9:
m
Wt  P01  P02   Q P01  P02  (9)

where Q is in m3/s, (P01 – P02) is in N/m2 (Pa), and Wt is in watts. Then
61.21000 
Wt   7.2 kW
1000
The total efficiency is then given by
W 7.2
t  t   0.67
Wsh 10.76
Fans are rated at standard sea level conditions. Therefore, it may be desirable to adjust those
parameters that depend on local barometric pressure. At constant speed, a fan delivers the
same volume flow rate regardless of local conditions. However, the total pressure, mass flow
rate, and shaft power depend on local mass density of air. In the case of rated total pressure
given in in. wg instead of in. of air, the rated pressure must be adjusted as follows:
 P
P0  P0 ,std  P0 ,std
 std Pb ,std
where P0 refers to local barometric pressure. The adjusted mass flow rate is then given by
m  Q 
and since the power depends on the mass flow rate,
  
W  W std  
  std 
These corrections should be considered for elevations greater than about 2500 ft (750 m).

4. Fan Installation
The performance of a fan can be reduced drastically by improper connection to the duct system.
In general, the duct connections should be such that the air may enter and leave the fan as
uniformly as possible with no abrupt changes in direction or velocity. Space is often limited for fan
installation, and less than optimum connections may have to be used. In this case, the designer
must be aware of the penalties (loss in total pressure and efficiency).

12
 If a fan and system combination does not seem to be operating at the volume flow rate and
pressure specified, the difficulty may be that the system is not the same as specified in the design.
The point of operation will not be at the design point of rating on the fan curve. In Fig. 12-11 point B
is the specified point of operation, but test may show that the actual point of operation is point A.
The important thing to notice in this case is that the difference is due to a change in the system
characteristic curve and not the fan. The fan curve is in its original position, and the problem is
simply to get the system characteristics curve to cross the fan curve at the appropriate points.

4.1 System Effect Factors

The total pressure requirements of a fan are the result of pressure losses in ductwork,
fittings, heating and cooling coils, dampers, filters, process equipment, and similar sources. All of
these sources of pressure loss are based on uniform velocity profiles. The velocity profile at the
fan outlet is not uniform, and fittings at or near the fan outlet will develop pressure losses
greater than the rated value.
Fans are normally tested with open inlets so that the flow to the wheel is uniform. In actual
installations many other inlet configuration are encountered, and these will adversely affect the
performance. This effect on fan performance is in addition to the usual, normally computed
pressure loss due to ductwork, fittings, and equipment.
In order to apply the fan properly, the inlet and outlet effects must be taken into account
and the pressure requirements of the fan as normally calculated must be increased. These
effects, identified as system effect factors, may be estimated by using the procedure outlined
next.

13
4.2 Fan Outlet Condition
As shown in Fig. 12-12, the outlet velocity profiles of fans are not uniformly distributed
across the outlet duct until the air has traveled through a certain length of the duct. This length
is identified as one effective duct length. To make best use of energy developed by the fan, this
length of duct should be provided at the fan outlet. Preferably, the outlet duct should be the
same size as the fan outlet, but good flow can be obtained if the duct is not greater in area than
about 110 percent nor less in area than about 85 percent of the fan outlet. The slope of
transition elements should be greater than 15 degrees for the converging elements not greater
than 7 degrees for the diverging elements.

One effective duct length is a function of fan outlet velocity as shown in Table 12-2. If the
duct is rectangular, the equivalent duct diameter is given by
D  4  H W  1 2 (10)
where:
D = equivalent duct diameter, ft or m
H = rectangular duct height, ft or m
W = rectangular duct width, ft or m

14
In those cases where a shorter discharge duct is used, an additional pressure loss will occur, and
this additional pressure must be added to the fan total pressure requirements. The additional
pressure is calculated by
P0  C 0  Pv (11)
and
2
V 
Pv     (12)
k 
where:
P0 = pressure loss, in. wg or Pa
Pv = velocity pressure, in. wg or Pa
 = air density, lbm/ft3 or kg/m3
Ṽ = velocity at outlet plane, ft/min or m/s
K = constant: 1097 for English units; 1.414 for SI

The blast area, shown in Fig. 12-12, is smaller than the outlet area due to the cutoff.
The blast area ratio used in determining loss coefficient is defined as
Blast area ratio = blast area / outlet area
The blast area should be obtained from the fan manufacturer for the particular fan being
considered. For estimating purposes values of the blast area ratio are given in Table 12-3.

15
 Table 12-4 gives loss coefficients for the case of a fan discharging into a plenum. Note that
at least 50 percent effective duct length is required for best fan performance.

To obtain the rated performance from the fan, the first elbow fitting should be at least one
effective duct length from the fan outlet (Fig. 12-13). If this length cannot be provided, an
additional pressure loss will result and must be added to the fan total pressure requirements.
The additional pressure loss may be determined from Equation 11 with a loss coefficient from
Table 12-5.

16
 The coefficients in Table 12-5 are for single-wheel single-inlet (SWSI) fans. For double-wheel
double-inlet (DWDI) fans, apply multipliers of 1.25 for position B, 0.85 for position D, and 1.0 for
position A and C.

4.3 Inlet Conditions

If it is necessary to install an elbow on the fan inlet, a straight run of duct is recommended
between the elbow and the fan, and a long-radius elbow should be used (Figure 12-14). Inlet
elbows create an additional loss, which must be added to the fan total pressure requirements.
Table 12-6 shows loss coefficients for both vaned and unvaned elbows.

17
18
4.4 Enclosure Restrictions
In those cases where a fan (or several fans) is built into a fan cabinet construction or is
installed in a plenum, it is recommended that the walls be at least one inlet diameter from the
fan housing and that a space of at least two inlet diameters be provided between fan inlets. If
these recommendations cannot be met, additional pressure losses will result and must be added
to the fan total pressure requirements. Every effort must be made to keep the inlet of the fan
free of obstructions (other equipment, walls, pipes, beams, columns, and so on), since such
obstructions will degrade its performance.

Example No. 3
A single-wheel single-inlet (SWSI) backward-curved blade fan is operating with both inlet and
outlet duct elbows. The outlet duct elbow is in position C, Fig. 12-13, and is located one duct
diameter from the fan outlet. The average velocity in the duct is 4000 ft/min. The fan inlet is
configured as shown in Fig. 12-14d, with a duct length ratio of 2 and R/H of 0.75.
Given:
Outlet duct elbow, position C, Fig. 12-13
Inlet, Fig. 12-14d
Duct length ratio = 2
R/H = 0.75
Average velocity = 4000 ft/min
Required:
Total lost pressure for inlet and outlet system effects
Solution:
The first consideration is the effective duct length for the outlet. From Table 12-2, 1
effective duct length is 4 duct diameters for a duct velocity of 4000 ft/min. However, the elbow
is located at 1 duct diameter, therefore, an additional pressure loss will result for both the outlet
and the elbow. The relative effective duct length is ¼, or 25 percent. The blast area ratio is 0.7
from Table 12-3. The discharge duct loss coefficient is then 1.0 from Table 12-5, and the
additional lost pressure for the duct, using Equations 11 and 12 and assuming standard
atmospheric pressure, is
2
 4000 
P0d  1.0  0.075   1.00 in. wg
 1097 
The inlet duct elbow loss coefficient is given as 1.2 in Table 12-6 for the Fig. 12-14d
configuration with a duct length ratio of 2 and R/H of 0.75. Then, using Equation 11 and
assuming the fan inlet velocity is equal to the outlet velocity,
2
 4000 
P0i  1.2  0.075   1.2 in. wg
 1097 
Finally, the total lost pressure for inlet and outlet system effects is
P0  P0d  P0i
P0  1.00  1.2  2.2 in. wg

19
 This must be added to the computed system total pressure to obtain the actual pressure
that the fan must produce. This is illustrated in Fig,. 12-15. Notice that a fan selected on the
basis of zero system effect would operate at point C instead of point B. The fan selected, taking
into account the system effect, operates at point A, producing the desired flow rate.

- End -

20