26 - Fans

Source: HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb
PA RT
26
Fans
h v a c e q u at i o n s , d ata , a n d r u l e s o f t h u m b
Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Copyright © 2007 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved.
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website.
Bell_ch26.indd 459 8/17/07 5:25:01 PM

Fans
460 Pa rt 2 6
26.01 Fans Types and Size Ranges
A. Fan types and size range are shown in the following table.
FAN COMPARISON TABLE

Sp in. Wheel
Fan Type Wheel\Drive Type CFM hp
W.G. Dia. in.
FC/B 0–3 8–36 200–27,500 1/6–30
Utility Sets BI/B 0–4 10–36 250–27,500 1/6–30
FC/D 0–2.5 6–12 100–3,500 1/6–3
SWSI-BI/B 0–12 10–73 600–123,000 1/3–200
DWDI-BI/B 0–12 12–73 1,300–225,000 1/3–400
Centrifugal
SWSI-AF/B 0–14 18–120 1,400–447,000 1/3–1500
DWDI-AF/B 0–14 18–120 2,400–804,000 3/4–2500
Tubular BI/B
0–9 10–108 450–332,000 1/3–750
Centrifugal BI/D
–/B 0–5 18–72 1,400–115,000 1/3–100
Vane Axial
–/D 0–4 18–60 1,200–148,000 1/3–150
–/B 0–1.5 12–60 900–76,000 1/3–25
Tubeaxial
–/D 0–1 18–48 2,600–48,000 1/4–15
–/B 0–8.5 15–54 2,000–95,000 1/4–100
Mixed Flow
–/D 0–9.0 15–54 1,000–95,000 1/4–100
–/B 0–1 20–72 400–80,000 1/4–15
Propeller
–/D 0–1 8–48 50–49,000 1/6–10
Roof BI/B 0–1.25 7–54 100–34,000 1/4–7.5
Ventilator BI/D 0–1 6–18 75–3,200 1/8–3/4
BI/B 0–1.25 9–48 200–26,000 1/4–5
Roof Upblast
BI/D 0–1.25 9–14 300–3,100 1/8–1
BI/B 0–1.25 14–24 850–8,200 1/4–2
Sidewall
BI/D 0–1 6–18 80–4,000 1/8–3/4
Inline BI/B 0–2.25 7–36 60–22,600 1/4–10
Centrifugal BI/D 0–1.75 6–16 60–5,100 1/8–2
Notes:
FC—Forward Curved B—Belt Drive
BI—Backward Inclined D—Direct Drive
AF—Backward Inclined Airfoil DWDI—Double Width, Double Inlet
SWSI—Single Width, Single Inlet
26.02 Fan Construction Classes
A. Fan construction classes are shown in the following table:
Fan Class Maximum Total Pressure

I 3–3/4" W.G.
II 6–3/4" W.G.
III 12–3/4" W.G.
IV Over 12–3/4" W.G.
26.03 Fan Selection Criteria
A. Fan to be catalog rated for 15 percent greater static pressure (SP) than specified
SP at specified volume.
B. Select the fan so that the specified volume is greater than at the apex of the fan curve.
C. Select the fan to provide a stable operation down to 85 percent of the design vol-
ume operating at a required speed for the specified conditions.

Bell_ch26.indd 460 8/17/07 5:25:01 PM

Fans
Fans 461
D. Specified SP at specified airflow.
E. Consider system effects. Fans are tested with open inlets and a length of straight
duct on discharge. When field conditions differ from the test configuration, per-
formance is reduced. Therefore, the fan must be selected at a slightly higher pres-
sure to obtain the desired results.
F. Fan Design Arrangements (see Fig. 26.1)

1. Series Fan Operation: At equal CFM, static pressure is additive.
2. Parallel Fan Operation: At equal static pressure, CFM is additive.
3. Standby Fans: Standby fan arrangements are often used for reliability purposes in the
event of fan failure. Standby fans may be provided with coupled or headered systems
(see Figs. 26.2 and 26.3).
G. Every attempt should be made to have 1.0–1.5 diameters of straight duct on the
discharge of the fan as a minimum.
H. There should be a minimum of 1.0 diameter of straight duct between fan inlet and
an elbow. In plenum installations, there should be a minimum of 0.75 of the wheel
diameter between the fan inlet and the plenum wall.
FIGURE 26.1 FAN SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS.

Bell_ch26.indd 461 8/17/07 5:25:04 PM

Fans
462 Pa rt 2 6
FIGURE 26.2 STANDBY FANS.
26.04 Fan Terms
A. Centrifugal. Flow within the fan is substantially radial to the shaft.
B. Axial. Flow within the fan is substantially parallel to the shaft.
C. Static Pressure. Static pressure is the compressive pressure that exists in a con-
fined airstream. Static pressure is a measure of potential energy available to pro-
duce flow and to maintain flow against resistance. Static pressure is exerted in all
directions and can be positive or negative (vacuum).
D. Velocity Pressure. Velocity pressure is the measure of the kinetic energy result-
ing from the fluid flow. Velocity pressure is exerted in the direction of fluid flow.
Velocity pressure is always positive.
E. Total Pressure. Total pressure is the measure of the total energy of the airstream.
Total pressure is equal to static pressure plus velocity pressure. Total pressure
can be either positive or negative.
F. Quantity of Airflow. Volume measurement expressed in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).

Bell_ch26.indd 462 8/17/07 5:25:05 PM

Fans
Fans 463
FIGURE 26.3 STANDBY FANS.
G. Fan Outlet Velocity. Fan airflow divided by the fan outlet area.
H. Fan Velocity Pressure. Fan velocity pressure is derived by converting fan velocity
to velocity pressure.
I. Fan Total Pressure. Fan total pressure is equal to the fan’s outlet total pressure
minus the fan’s inlet total pressure.
J. Fan Static Pressure. Fan static pressure is equal to the fan’s total pressure minus
the fan’s velocity pressure. Numerically, it is equal to the fan’s outlet static pres-
sure minus the fan’s inlet total pressure.
K. Fan Horsepower. Theoretical calculation of horsepower assuming there are no

losses.
L. Break Horsepower (BHP). Break horsepower is the actual power required to

drive the fan.
M. System Effect. System effect is the reduced fan performance of the manufactur-
er’s fan catalog data due to the difference between field installed conditions and
laboratory test conditions (precisely defined inlet and outlet ductwork geometry
assuring uniform entrance and exit velocities).

Bell_ch26.indd 463 8/17/07 5:25:07 PM

Fans
464 Pa rt 2 6
1. Maintain a minimum of three duct diameters of straight duct upstream and down-
stream of the fan inlet and outlet at 2,500 feet per minute (fpm) duct velocity or less.
One additional duct diameter should be added for each 1,000 fpm above 2,500 fpm.
2. Recommend maintaining a minimum of five duct diameters of straight duct upstream
and downstream of the fan inlet and outlet at 2,500 feet per minute (fpm) duct velocity or
less. One additional duct diameter should be added for each 1,000 fpm above 2,500 fpm.
3. The system effect may require a range of 3–20 duct diameters of straight duct upstream
and downstream of the fan inlet and outlet.
26.05 AMCA Spark Resistant Construction
A. Type A. All parts of the fan in contact with the airstream must be made of nonfer-
rous material.
B. Type B. The fan shall have a nonferrous impeller and nonferrous ring about the
opening through which the shaft passes. Ferrous hubs, shafts, and hardware are
allowed if construction is such that a shift of the impeller or shaft will not permit
two ferrous parts of the fan to rub or strike.
C. Type C. The fan must be so constructed that a shift of the wheel will not permit
two ferrous parts of the fan to rub or strike.
26.06 Centrifugal Fans
A. Forward Curved (FC) Fan

1. FC fans have a peak static pressure curve corresponding to the region of maximum effi-
ciency, slightly to the right. Best efficiency at low or medium pressure (0–5 in. W.G.)
2. BHP is minimum at no delivery and increases continuously with increasing flow, with
maximum BHP occurring at free delivery.
3. They have a steep pressure volume performance curve; therefore, a slight change in pres-
sure will not greatly affect CFM.
4. Fan blades curve toward the direction of rotation.
5. Advantages:
a. Low cost. Less expensive than BC, BI, or AF fans.
b. Low speed (400–1,200 RPM) minimizes the shaft and bearing sizes.
c. Large operating range: 30–80 percent wide open CFM.
d. Highest efficiency occurs: 40–50 percent wide open CFM.
6. Disadvantages:
a. Possibility of paralleling in multiple fan applications.
b. Possibility of overloading.
c. Weak structurally: Not capable of high speeds necessary for developing high static
pressures.
7. Used primarily in low- to medium-pressure HVAC applications: central station air han-
dling units, rooftop units, packaged units, residential furnaces.
8. High CFM, low static pressure.
B. Backward Inclined (BI) and Backward Curved (BC) Fans

1. BC fans have a peak static pressure curve that occurs to the left of the maximum static
efficiency. Best efficiency at medium pressure (3.5–5.0 in. W.G.).
2. BHP increases to a maximum, and then decreases. They are nonoverloading fans.

Bell_ch26.indd 464 8/17/07 5:25:07 PM

Fans
Fans 465
4. Fan operates at high speeds—1,200–2,400 RPM—about double that of FC fans for simi-
. lar air quantity.
5. Blades curve away from, or incline from, the direction of rotation.
6. BI fans are less expensive than BC fans but do not have as great a range of high efficiency
operation.
7. Advantages:
a. Higher efficiencies.
b. Highest efficiency occurs: 50–60 percent wide open CFM.
c. Good pressure characteristics.
d. Stronger structural design makes it suitable for higher static pressures.
e. Nonoverloading power characteristics.
8. Disadvantages:
a. Higher speeds require larger shaft and bearings.
b. Has a larger surge area than a forward curved fan.
c. Operating range 40–80 percent of wide open CFM.
d. Can be noisier.
e. More expensive than FC fans.
9. Used primarily in large HVAC applications where power savings are significant. Can be
used in low-, medium-, and high-pressure systems.
C. Airfoil Fans (AF)

1. AF fans have a peak static pressure curve that occurs to the left of the maximum static
efficiency.
2. BHP increases to a maximum, and then decreases. They are nonoverloading fans. Best
efficiency at medium pressure (4.0–8.0 in. W.G.).
4. Fan operates at high speeds—1,200–2,800 RPM—about double that of FC fans for simi-
lar air quantity.
5. Blades have an aerodynamic shape similar to an airplane wing and are backwardly
curved (away from direction of rotation).
6. Advantages:
a. Higher efficiencies.
b. Highest efficiency occurs: 50–60 percent wide open CFM.
c. Good pressure characteristics.
d. Stronger structural design makes it suitable for higher static pressures.
e. Nonoverloading power characteristics.
7. Disadvantages:
a. Higher speeds require a larger shaft and bearings.
b. Has a larger surge area than a forward curved fan.
c. Operating range 40–80 percent of wide open CFM.
d. Can be noisier.
e. Most expensive centrifugal fan.
8. Used primarily in large HVAC applications where power savings are significant. Can be
used in low-, medium-, and high-pressure systems.
9. Airfoil blade fans have a slightly higher efficiency and the surge area is slightly larger
than backward inclined or backward curved fans.
D. Radial (RA) Fans

1. Radial fans have self-cleaning blades.
2. Fan horsepower increases with an increase in air quantity (overloads), while static pres-
sure decreases.
3. RA fans operate at high speed and pressure—2,000–3,000 RPM.
4. Blades radiate from the center along the radius of fan.
5. Used in industrial applications to transport dust, particles, or materials handling. Not
commonly used in HVAC applications.

Bell_ch26.indd 465 8/17/07 5:25:08 PM

Fans
466 Pa rt 2 6
26.07 Axial Fans
A. Propeller Fans
1. Low pressure, high CFM fans.
2. Horsepower is lowest at maximum flow.
3. Maximum efficiency is approximately 50 percent and is reached near free delivery.
4. No ductwork.
5. Blade rotation is perpendicular to the direction of airflow.
6. Advantages:
a. High volumes, low pressures.
b. BHP is lowest at free delivery.
c. Inexpensive.
d. Operates at relatively low speeds—900–1,800 RPM.
7. Disadvantages:
a. Cannot handle static pressure.
b. BHP increases with static pressure; could overload and shut off.
c. Air delivery decreases with increases in air resistance.
B. Tubeaxial Fans
1. Heavy duty propeller fans arranged for duct connection. Fan blades have aerodynamic
configuration.
2. Slightly higher efficiency than propeller fans.
3. Discharge air pattern is circular in shape and swirls, producing higher static losses in the
discharge duct.
4. Used primarily in low- and medium-pressure, high-volume, ducted HVAC applications
where the discharge side is not critical. Also used in industrial applications: fume hoods,
spray booths, drying ovens.
5. Fans operate at high speeds—2,000–3,000 RPM.
6. Fans are noisy.
7. Fans may be constructed to be overloading or nonoverloading. Nonoverloading type
fans are more common.
8. Advantages:
a. Straight through design.
b. Space savings.
c. Capable of higher static pressures than propeller fans.
9. Disadvantages:
a. The discharge swirl creates higher pressure drops.
b. High noise level.
C. Vaneaxial Fans
1. Vaneaxial fans are tubeaxial fans with additional vanes to increase efficiency by straight-
ening out airflow.
2. Vaneaxial fans are more costly than tubeaxial fans.
3. High-pressure characteristics with medium flow rate capabilities.
4. Fans operate at high speeds—2,000–3,000 RPM.
5. Fans are noisy.
6. Fans may be constructed to be overloading or nonoverloading. Nonoverloading type
fans are more common.
7. Typical selection: 65–95 percent wide open CFM.
8. Used in general HVAC applications—low-, medium-, and high-pressure—where straight
through flow and compact installation are required. Also used in industrial applications:
usually more compact than comparable centrifugal type fans for the same duty.

Bell_ch26.indd 466 8/17/07 5:25:08 PM

Fans
Fans 467
9. Advantages:
a. Discharge vanes increase efficiency and reduce discharge losses.
b. Reduced size and straight through design.
c. Space savings.
d. Capable of higher static pressures than propeller fans.
10. Disadvantages:
a. Maximum efficiency only 65 percent.
b. Selection range: 65–90 percent wide open CFM.
c. High noise level.
D. Tubular Centrifugal Fans

1. Tubular centrifugal fans are similar to backward inclined centrifugal fans except that
the fan capacity and pressure capabilities are lower.
2. Tubular centrifugal fans have a lower efficiency than backward inclined centrifugal fans.
3. Tubular centrifugal fans have a peak static pressure curve that occurs to the left of the
maximum static efficiency.
4. BHP increases to a maximum, and then decreases. They are nonoverloading fans.
5. They have a steep pressure volume performance curve; therefore, a slight change in
pressure will not greatly affect CFM.
6. The fan operates at high speeds—1,200–2,400.
7. Blades curve away from, or incline from, the direction of rotation.
8. Advantages:
a. Good pressure characteristics.
b. Nonoverloading power characteristics.
c. The fan has straight through flow for inline duct applications.
9. Disadvantages:
a. Higher speeds require a larger shaft and bearings.
b. An operating range 40–80 percent of wide open CFM.
c. Can be noisier.
10. Primarily used for low-pressure, return air HVAC systems.
E. Mixed Flow Fans

1. Mixed flow fans combine the best properties of tubeaxial, vaneaxial, and tubular cen-
trifugal fans.
2. Mixed flow fans operate at a lower RPM than tubeaxial, vaneaxial, or centrifugal fans,
resulting in less noise.
3. Used in general HVAC applications, low-, medium-, and high-pressure where straight
through flow and compact installation are required. Also used in industrial applications:
usually more compact than comparable centrifugal type fans for the same duty.
4. Advantages:
a. Less noisy than either the tubeaxial or vaneaxial fans.
b. More efficient and therefore reduced horsepower requirements over tubeaxial, vane-
axial, or tubular centrifugal fans.
c. Smaller physical size for equal airflow and static pressure requirements than tube-
axial, vaneaxial, or tubular centrifugal fans.
d. Generally less expensive than comparable tubeaxial, vaneaxial, or tubular centrifugal fans.
26.08 Installation and Clearance Requirements
A. The minimum recommended clearance around fans is 24 inches. Maintain mini-

mum clearance as required to open access and control doors on fans for service,
maintenance, and inspection.

Bell_ch26.indd 467 8/17/07 5:25:09 PM

Fans
468 Pa rt 2 6
B. Mechanical room locations and placement must take into account how fans can
be moved into and out of the building during initial installation and after con-
struction for maintenance and repair and/or replacement.
26.09 Fan Rotation and Discharge Positions
See Figure 26.4.
FIGURE 26.4 FAN ROTATION AND DISCHARGE POSITIONS.

Bell_ch26.indd 468 8/17/07 5:25:11 PM

Fans
Fans 469
26.10 Fan Motor Positions
See Figures 26.5 and 26.6.
FIGURE 26.5 CENTRIFUGAL FAN MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS.
FIGURE 26.6 INLINE FAN MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS.

Bell_ch26.indd 469 8/17/07 5:25:13 PM

Fans
470 Pa rt 2 6
26.11 Fan Drive Arrangements
See Figures 26.7 to 26.13.
FIGURE 26.7 CENTRIFUGAL FAN DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

Bell_ch26.indd 470 8/17/07 5:25:15 PM

Fans
Fans 471

Bell_ch26.indd 471 8/17/07 5:25:17 PM

Fans
472 Pa rt 2 6

Bell_ch26.indd 472 8/17/07 5:25:19 PM

Fans
Fans 473

Bell_ch26.indd 473 8/17/07 5:25:22 PM

Fans
474 Pa rt 2 6
FIGURE 26.11 AXIAL FAN DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

Bell_ch26.indd 474 8/17/07 5:25:24 PM

Fans
Fans 475

Bell_ch26.indd 475 8/17/07 5:25:26 PM

Fans
476 Pa rt 2 6
26.12 Centrifugal Fan Inlet Box Positions
See Figure 26.14.
FIGURE 26.14 CENTRIFUGAL FAN INLET BOX POSITIONS.

Bell_ch26.indd 476 8/17/07 5:25:28 PM

Fans
Fans 477
26.13 Centrifugal Fan Damper Arrangements

for Reversible Flow
See Figures 26.15 and 26.16.
FIGURE 26.15 SWSI CENTRIFUGAL FANS (REVERSIBLE FLOW).

Bell_ch26.indd 477 8/17/07 5:25:30 PM

Fans
478 Pa rt 2 6
FIGURE 26.16 DWDI CENTRIFUGAL FANS (REVERSIBLE FLOW).

Bell_ch26.indd 478 8/17/07 5:25:31 PM

26 - Fans

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

26 - Fans

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Source: HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 459 8/17/07 5:25:01 PM

26.01 Fans Types and Size ­Ranges

FAN COMPARISON TABLE

26.02 Fan Construction ­Classes

A. Fan construction classes are shown in the following ­table:

Fan Class Maximum Total Pressure

26.03 Fan Selection ­Criteria

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 460 8/17/07 5:25:01 PM

D. Specified SP at specified ­airflow.

F. Fan Design Arrangements (see Fig. 26.1)

FIGURE 26.1 FAN SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 461 8/17/07 5:25:04 PM

FIGURE 26.2 STANDBY FANS.

26.04 Fan ­Terms

A. Centrifugal. Flow within the fan is substantially radial to the ­shaft.

B. Axial. Flow within the fan is substantially parallel to the ­shaft.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 462 8/17/07 5:25:05 PM

FIGURE 26.3 STANDBY FANS.

K. Fan Horsepower. Theoretical calculation of horsepower assuming there are no

L. Break Horsepower (BHP). Break horsepower is the actual power required to

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 463 8/17/07 5:25:07 PM

26.05 AMCA Spark Resistant ­Construction

26.06 Centrifugal ­Fans

A. Forward Curved (FC) ­Fan

B. Backward Inclined (BI) and Backward Curved (BC) ­Fans

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 464 8/17/07 5:25:07 PM

C. Airfoil Fans (AF)

D. Radial (RA) ­Fans

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 465 8/17/07 5:25:08 PM

26.07 Axial ­Fans

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 466 8/17/07 5:25:08 PM

D. Tubular Centrifugal ­Fans

E. Mixed Flow ­Fans

26.08 Installation and Clearance ­Requirements

A. The minimum recommended clearance around fans is 24 inches. Maintain mini-

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 467 8/17/07 5:25:09 PM

26.09 Fan Rotation and Discharge ­Positions

See Figure ­26.4.

FIGURE 26.4 FAN ROTATION AND DISCHARGE POSITIONS.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 468 8/17/07 5:25:11 PM

26.10 Fan Motor ­Positions

See Figures 26.5 and ­26.6.

FIGURE 26.5 CENTRIFUGAL FAN MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS.

FIGURE 26.6 INLINE FAN MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 469 8/17/07 5:25:13 PM

26.11 Fan Drive ­Arrangements

See Figures 26.7 to ­26.13.

FIGURE 26.7 CENTRIFUGAL FAN DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

Bell_ch26.indd 470 8/17/07 5:25:15 PM

FIGURE 26.8 CENTRIFUGAL FAN DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)

26.01 Fans Types and Size Ranges

26.02 Fan Construction Classes

A. Fan construction classes are shown in the following table:

26.03 Fan Selection Criteria

D. Specified SP at specified airflow.

26.04 Fan Terms

A. Centrifugal. Flow within the fan is substantially radial to the shaft.

B. Axial. Flow within the fan is substantially parallel to the shaft.

K. Fan Horsepower. Theoretical calculation of horsepower assuming there are no

L. Break Horsepower (BHP). Break horsepower is the actual power required to

26.05 AMCA Spark Resistant Construction

26.06 Centrifugal Fans

A. Forward Curved (FC) Fan

B. Backward Inclined (BI) and Backward Curved (BC) Fans

D. Radial (RA) Fans

26.07 Axial Fans

D. Tubular Centrifugal Fans

E. Mixed Flow Fans

26.08 Installation and Clearance Requirements

A. The minimum recommended clearance around fans is 24 inches. Maintain mini-

26.09 Fan Rotation and Discharge Positions

See Figure 26.4.

26.10 Fan Motor Positions

See Figures 26.5 and 26.6.

26.11 Fan Drive Arrangements

See Figures 26.7 to 26.13.

26.12 Centrifugal Fan Inlet Box Positions

See Figure 26.14.

See Figures 26.15 and 26.16.