What’s the difference between DC fans and AC fans?


Category:

Industry Trends

Release time:

2019-11-27

1. Working principle:
DC cooling fan Working principle: Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy via direct current voltage and electromagnetic induction, driving the blades to rotate. Depending on the continuous switching of the coil and IC, the induced magnetic ring drives the blades to rotate.
The operating principle of an AC fan: It is driven by an AC power source, with the voltage alternating between positive and negative values. It does not rely on circuit control and generates a magnetic field. The frequency of the power supply is fixed. The speed at which magnetic poles are generated in the silicon steel laminations depends on the frequency of the power supply. The higher the frequency, the faster the magnetic field switches, and theoretically, the faster the fan operates. However, the frequency should not be too high—excessively high frequencies can make it difficult to start the fan.
2. Structural Composition:
The rotor of the DC cooling fan includes the DC cooling fan blades, which serve as the source of airflow; the fan shaft, which supports the balanced rotation of the fan blades; the rotor magnetic ring, permanent magnets, and the magnetic ring frame; and the fixed magnetic ring. Additionally, it incorporates supporting springs. These components work together to secure the assembly and enable the entire part to rotate smoothly. The fan boasts excellent speed regulation performance and simple control.
The internal structure of a single-phase AC fan consists of two coil windings: one is the start winding, and the two windings are connected in series with each other, forming three connection points. The point where the two windings are connected in series serves as the common terminal; the end of the start winding is the start terminal, while the other end of the winding is the run terminal. Additionally, a starting capacitor is required. The capacitance typically ranges from 12 μF, and the voltage rating is usually 250 V. There are two connectors: one end is connected to one end of the start winding, and the other end is connected to one end of the run winding. The power supply—without distinguishing between the live wire and the neutral wire—is connected to one end of the run winding (which is also connected to one end of the capacitor); the other end is connected to the common terminal, and the ground wire is connected to the motor housing.
3. Material characteristics:
DC cooling fan Material: Made from alloy materials, this product has a service life of over 50,000 hours under continuous use. The DC internal structure features a transformer and a main control board (including a frequency conversion circuit, rectifier filter, amplifier circuit, and more), which are unaffected by voltage fluctuations, thus ensuring an extended service life.
The internal structure of an AC fan primarily consists of a transformer. Most of the materials used in AC fans are made from household discharge needles—typically tungsten or stainless steel. If voltage fluctuations are too severe, they can affect the transformer's service life. The above is a description of the differences between DC and AC fans; we hope it will be helpful to everyone. Shenzhen Jiangshan Lai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is a large-scale enterprise specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service of brushless DC motors, DC cooling fans, DC brushless fans, DC stand fans, boosted cooling fans, miniature cooling fans, DC cooling fans, DC blowers, and non-standard custom fans. We are a wholesale manufacturer and supplier of DC fans. Our products are best-selling in Guangdong Province—including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan—as well as in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces.
 

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