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Centrifugal fan

Reliable Centrifugal Fan Solutions Designed for Energy-Efficient Ventilation and Cooling

Product Overview

Centrifugal fans consist of an impeller in a casing having a spirally shaped contour. The air enters the impeller in an axial direction and is discharged at the impeller outer periphery. The air flow moves along the centrifugal direction (or radial direction). Sometimes centrifugal fans are called radial flow type fans. Centrifugal fans are capable of generating relatively high pressures. They are suitable for high pressure applications as compared with axial flow fans. Generally centrifugal fans have three types of blade: forward blade, backward blade and radial blade.

They are frequently used in ‘dirty’ airstreams (high moisture and particulate content), in material handling applications and in systems at higher temperatures. They can be small, with sub 0.125 kW motors, or large, with hundreds of kW motors driving fans. 

Centrifugal Fan Schematic Diagram

This diagram shows the basic design of a centrifugal fan, highlighting the central role of the impeller blades.

Curved blades mounted on a radial wheel rotate at a constant speed inside a drum-shaped housing. These blades are known as the impeller. Air or gas enters the fan along the axis of the impeller and is then accelerated outward by centrifugal force. The air is discharged through the duct at an angle relative to the point of entry.

Types of Centrifugal Fans

Like other industrial and household fans, centrifugal fans come in a variety of designs to meet different needs.

Single-stage vs. Multi-stage Fans
Single-stage fans contain only one impeller and are ideal for stable, fixed airflow applications. Multi-stage fans, on the other hand, feature two or more impellers to deliver variable airflow, making them suitable for more complex operations.

Airflow Direction
Centrifugal fans can be mounted on ceilings or walls and are typically designed for either upward or downward airflow.

  • Upblast centrifugal fans are used to expel gases, smoke, or airborne pollutants from a specific location, such as restaurant kitchens, factories, or laboratories.

  • Downblast centrifugal fans draw air into a space for cooling purposes.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Centrifugal Fan

  • Required pressure

  • Desired airflow volume

  • Ambient temperature at the installation site—higher temperatures may require higher-powered fans

  • Elevation of the installation location

  • Air quality—will the fan handle clean, polluted, dry, or humid air?

Speed Range
Centrifugal fans come with a wide range of speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Typical fan speeds range from around 780 RPM up to 40,000 RPM. Higher speeds produce stronger airflow, suitable for demanding industrial environments.

Centrifugal Fan Efficiency

The performance of different fan designs is typically evaluated by comparing the power of the air or airflow they produce to the power they consume. This ratio is known as the static efficiency or mechanical efficiency rating. Another key metric is the Pascal rating, which measures the pressure output of a specific fan.

Centrifugal fans are known for delivering consistent airflow and typically offer higher static efficiency compared to other types of fans.

Centrifugal Fans vs. Axial Fans

Centrifugal fans operate differently from commonly used axial fans.

  • A centrifugal fan uses a spinning impeller to draw air or gas in and push it outward through centrifugal force. During this process, the airflow changes direction both when entering and exiting the fan. Centrifugal fans pull air in at a right angle to the intake, generating higher-pressure airflow than axial fans.

In contrast:

  • An axial fan operates based on the principle of aerodynamic lift. Its blades are shaped like an airplane wing and draw air parallel to the central axis. As air flows over the blade surface, lift is generated, producing a high-volume, low-pressure airflow.

Key Differences:

  • Centrifugal Fans: Higher pressure, more efficient, better for ducted systems and harsh environments

  • Axial Fans: Lower power consumption, higher airflow variability, ideal for general ventilation

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Goodwind LLC