Components That Determine the Performance of a Centrifugal Fan
                     Components That Determine the 
Performance of a Centrifugal Fan
Patrica Crewe
Writer at power-opinions.com 
Made many article contributions to 
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Centrifugal fans are mechanical devices capable of displacing large 
volumes of air/gas in industrial processes. The air entering into the fan 
passes Centrifugal Fanthrough a pair of impellers where it gains kinetic 
energy, increases its speed and gets displaced radially, changing the 
direction typically by 90°. These fans are well suited for industrial 
processes and pollution control systems because of their operational 
excellence. The operational performance of a centrifugal fan depends on 
several factors including fan type, size, and capacity. But there are also few 
other components that specifically alter the efficiency and performance of a 
centrifugal fan system.
Inlet and Outlet Duct Arrangements
While the selection of the fan is critical for any industrial process to meet the 
requirements of air flow rate and system pressure, the fan installation type 
also plays an important role in its performance. Typically, centrifugal fans 
have four types of ducting arrangements, free inlet & free outlet, free inlet & 
ducted outlet, ducted inlet & free outlet and ducted inlet and ducted outlet. In 
addition to these ducting arrangements, the duct size, a number of bends and 
the length of the duct will also affect the performance of a fan.
Motors
Motors in centrifugal fans have a tremendous impact on energy usage and 
performance. Motors that operate at voltages less than 10% of the Centrifugal 
Fanrecommended value offer optimum performance and energy savings. 
Since the ventilation and air movement requirements often vary significantly 
in industrial processes, motors with multiple speeds can be installed with the 
ability to adjust the fan speed as needed. Motors that maintain operating 
conditions under rated electrical supply and equip with proper lubrication 
offer higher performance and efficiency.
Air Flow Control Devices
Airflow control devices such as dampers & louvers, inlet and outlet vanes 
attached at the inlet and outlet of the fan will affect airflow pattern and 
influence the fan performance. These devices control the air flow at the inlet 
by admitting only required amount of air and impose a resistance to the air 
stream at the outlet. If the air flow is not properly channelized though the fan 
system then there will be inefficiency in fan operation with lower 
performance.
Drive System
The shaft design of the centrifugal fans have three types of drive mechanisms 
such as direct, belt driven and variable speed. These mechanisms often 
influence the energy efficiency and performance of a fan systems. Fans with 
belt drives are widely used in industrial applications because they allow 
flexibility in changing fan speed. Belt systems that have proper alignment and 
tension offer higher performance when compared to improperly installed and 
maintained belts. Improper belt tension may lead to inefficient power 
transmission and belt failures resulting in premature motor failures.
Centrifugal fan performance also depends on other air moving devices like 
filters and heat exchangers which are used in industrial processes to regulate 
the temperatures or remove the unwanted particulate or gases.
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