What is a Centrifugal Fan?

A centrifugal fan is a mechanical device for moving air or other gases. They are often used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to move heated or cooled air. Centrifugal fans have a rotating impeller that pushes the air or gas out of the fan in a radial direction. This type of fan can be either AC or DC powered.

Centrifugal Fans are categorized by their radial, forward curved, or backward inclined blade shapes.

Radial Blade Fans have blades that curve outward from the hub of the fan. This type of fan is used for high static pressure applications.

Forward Curved Blade Fans have blades that curve forward and are often used in residential and commercial HVAC systems.

Backward Inclined Blade Fans have blades that curve backward and are often used in industrial settings.

Centrifugal fans can be further classified by their motor type: AC or DC.

AC (Alternating Current) Motors use an alternating current to power the fan. This type of motor is typically less expensive than a DC (Direct Current) motor, but it is not as efficient.

DC (Direct Current) Motors use a direct current to power the fan. This type of motor is more efficient than an AC motor, but it is more expensive.

An alternative to a centrifugal fan is an axial fan.

Axial fans have blades that curve parallel to the axis of the fan. They include propeller, tube axial, and vane axial styles, and move an air stream along the axis of the fan. Axial fans are often used in exhaust systems.

This type of fan is typically less expensive than a centrifugal fan, but it is not as efficient.

What’s the Difference Between an AC Condenser Fan and a Blower Fan?

AC condenser fans and blower fans are two different types of centrifugal fans.

An AC condenser fan moves heated or cooled air out of an AC unit. As the name suggests, it is situated near the condenser and its job is to remove heat from the refrigerant.

A blower fan moves heated or cooled air through a furnace or air handler. It is directional. It moves room-temperature air over the evaporator coil.

AC condenser fans typically have radial blades, while blower fans typically have forward curved blades.

You can learn more about centrifugal fans from the links below or by embarking on an accredited HVAC program.

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