Mechanical Engineering Laboratory II

ME 152
Centrifugal Fan and Blower

Engr. Arjay C. Alcantara

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 Objectives
At the end of this discussion, students should be able:
1. To be familiar with the operating procedure and principle of centrifugal fan.
2. To explain how to evaluate the performance of fans and blowers.
3. To measure the data needed in the performance evaluation of a fan.
4. To develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety, and
ability to follow instructions .

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Centrifugal Fan
 A mechanical device that moves air and
gases.
 Known for their abilities to produce high
pressures.
 Commonly used in HVAC systems. To
ensure optimal air circulation and
temperature control of a given
establishment or buildings that require
ventilation.
 For Cooling system like cooling towers
and engine.

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Main Component of a Centrifugal Fan
1. Impeller (Rotor)- The rotating part of the
fan that accelerates the air.
2. Housing (Volute or Scroll) - The casing
surrounding the impeller. It helps collect and
direct the air towards the outlet.
3. Inlet - The opening through which air
enters the fan. It is typically positioned at the
center of the impeller.
4. Outlet - The opening through which the air
exits after being accelerated by the impeller.
It’s located at the outer edge of the fan.

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Types of Centrifugal Fan is based on Impeller

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Applications :
 HVAC – ideal for commercial, residential heating and cooling
systems. Served as air filtration for clean rooms also. Medium to
High Airflow Range.

Advantages :
 Efficient at a medium airflow range.
 Low initial cost.
 Low starting Torque.
 Has a CFM Delivery of 1000 to 100,000 CFM.

Disadvantages :
 Loud noise at high pressure.
 Lower Efficiency at high pressure
 Imbalance issues like vibration and needs precise alignment.
 More frequent maintenance is needed and High Power
Consumption.

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 Applications :
 Application for conditions requiring high static pressure. (Air conditioning
system, boom system that pushes air through ducts or filters against
bumper poles).
Advantages :
 Efficient at a higher airflow range.
 Lower power consumption.
 Durable and Low Cost of Maintenance.
 Blades are designed with a  Less noise compare to a FC fan.
curved shape that curves in the  Has a delivery CFM of 500 to 80,000 CFM
opposite direction of the fan's
rotation and for higher airflow Disadvantages :
delivery.  More Expensive than a FC fan.
 Lower Efficiency at low pressures.
 Higher Starting Torque.
 More Complex Design.

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 Applications :
 designed to handle large volumes of relatively clean air at low to moderate
pressures in applications such as HVAC, combustion air supply, filtration and
drying systems, fume hood and spray booth as well as other exhaust
systems, air pollution control (clean side of dust collectors) and industrial
processes.
Advantages :
 Efficient at a higher airflow range.
 Lower power consumption.
 Blades are designed with a  Durable and Low Cost of Maintenance.
inclined shape that curves in the  Airflow Stability and has a delivery CFM of 1000 to 70000 CFM.
opposite direction of the fan's Disadvantages :
rotation.
 Lower Airflow at Low pressure.
 High Cost.
 More Power Required at Start - Up
 Complex in Design
 Versatility compared to others.
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 Applications :
 Air Handling Units – for HVAC.
 Dust Collection Systems – for dust and debris particles.
 Automotive – Engine Cooling.
 Cooling Towers – Water Cooling System and etc.
Advantages :
 High Static Pressure and its efficiency in high pressures.
 Durability and Versatility.
 Ability to cooled higher temperatures.
 Widely use as a centrifugal fan.  Stability – Minimal vibration and noise.
Also known as paddle wheel fans.  Has a delivery CFM of 1000 to 150000 CFM.
 Can deliver a low, moderate to Disadvantages :
high pressure airflow ventilation.  Lower Airflow and efficiency at Low pressure.
 Consist of straight blades. Others  Higher power consumption.
are powered by an electric motor
 Complexity and Cost.
itself to drive the impeller.
 Space requirements for larger construction.

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 CFM DELIVERY

1000 to 500 to 1000 to 1000 to

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Axial Fan
 The term "axial" refers to the direction of the
airflow, which is along the axis of the fan's
impeller or blades.
 Provides ventilation and cooling system.

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Types of Axial Fan
1. Vane and Tube Axial Fan – Known for their cylindrical shape.
 Used for industrial and commercial environments for smoke , fume and heat removal.

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Types of Axial Fan
2. Propeller Axial Fan and High Temperature Axial Fans– Typically used as an exhaust system
cooling in residential, commercial and cooling towers. Materials are also made in a high temperature
resistant.

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Types of Axial Fan
3. Low Noise Axial Fan, Mixed Flow Axial Fan and Variable Axial Fan – These fans are use for
cooling system on computers, Engine, HVAC and Etc.

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Rotary Blower
 A rotary blower is a type of
positive displacement blower
that uses a rotating mechanism
to move air or gases and can
deliver a supply of air from 50
to 10000+ CFM.
 Applications :
 Pneumatic conveying systems.
 Wastewater treatment plants
 Air supply for combustion
 Industrial vacuum systems
 Aquatic systems for
oxygenating water

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Component of a Rotary Blower

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How to test a performance of a Fan and Blowers
1. Preliminary Preparations:
Before initiating the performance tests. Ensure to conduct the following:
 Visual Inspection
 Check Fan Operating Conditions
2. Test Parameters:
 Airflow (Volume Flow Rate) – Airflow delivery of the fan in CFM(Cubic feet per minute),
 Static Pressure - The pressure difference the fan is generating, measured in inches of water column (in WC)
or pascals (Pa)
 Total Pressure - The sum of static pressure and velocity pressure humidity, and the surrounding
environment.
 Fan Speed (RPM)- The rotational speed of the fan in revolutions per minute.
 Power Consumption - The electrical power consumed by the fan motor, usually measured in watts or
kilowatts.
 Fan Efficiency - The ratio of useful power output to input power, indicating the fan's efficiency in converting
electrical power to airflow.

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How to test a performance of a Fan and Blowers
3. Apparatus / Equipment
 Anemometer or Pitot tube: For measuring airflow velocity.
 Manometer or Differential Pressure Transducer: For measuring static pressure at the fan inlet and
outlet.
 Tachometer – To measure speed of the fan motor.
 Clamp Ammeter or Multi Meter – To determine the current flowing from the motor.
 Thermometer (digital) – to determine the suction and discharge temperature.
 Orifices – To put an orifice in the discharge area of airflow to measure the static pressure and velocity
accurately.

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Sample Test Procedure – Rotary Blower

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Data collected to solve the performance of Fans and
Blowers

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