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[Did You Know About Cooling?] How are cooling fans classified?

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2019-06-26

Everyone is interested in Cooling fan You’re probably already quite familiar with this: The most basic classification of “cooling fans” is based on their power supply method—for example, fans powered by DC are called DC cooling fans, while those powered by AC are called AC cooling fans. Today, we’ll mainly introduce the classification of cooling fans based on the different directions of airflow entering and exiting the fan. These can be broadly divided into the following four categories:
1. Through-flow fan
The cross-flow fan, also known as a transverse-flow fan, generates a large-area airflow and is commonly used to cool large surfaces of equipment. In this type of fan, both the air intake and exhaust are perpendicular to the axis. The cross-flow fan operates using a relatively long, cylindrical impeller with a relatively large diameter. Because of its large diameter, it can maintain a substantial overall air circulation volume while operating at a lower rotational speed, thereby reducing noise caused by high-speed operation. These fans are widely used in elevators, air conditioners, automobiles, and other devices. Their main advantages include low airflow rate, low wind pressure, and a large heat dissipation area.
2. Axial-flow fan
The blades of an axial-flow fan propel air in the same direction as the shaft—parallel to it. The impeller of an axial-flow fan is somewhat similar to that of a propeller: during operation, most of the airflow flows parallel to the shaft—in other words, along the axis of the fan. When the inlet airflow is free air with zero static pressure, an axial-flow fan consumes the least power. As the backpressure of the airflow increases during operation, so does the power consumption. Axial-flow fans are typically mounted on enclosures for electronic and electrical equipment, and sometimes integrated directly into motors. Thanks to their compact design, axial-flow fans save considerable space and are easy to install, making them widely used. Their main advantages include: high airflow rates, moderate static pressure, and suitability for cooling in typical environments.
3. Mixed-flow fan
A mixed-flow fan, also known as a diagonal-flow fan, looks virtually identical to an axial-flow fan. However, while the intake air of a mixed-flow fan flows along the axis, the exhaust air is directed diagonally—both along the axis and perpendicular to it. Because the blades and outer housing of this type of fan are conical in shape, it generates higher static pressure. Under the same dimensions and with comparable performance characteristics, a mixed-flow fan produces lower noise levels than an axial-flow fan. Its key advantages include high airflow rates and relatively high static pressure, enabling superior cooling performance.
4. Centrifugal fan
When a centrifugal fan is operating, its blades propel air to flow in a direction perpendicular to the shaft—in other words, radially. Air enters along the axis of the shaft but exits at a direction perpendicular to the shaft. In most cases, axial-flow fans can achieve the desired cooling effect. However, sometimes when the airflow needs to be redirected by 90 degrees or when higher air pressure is required, a centrifugal fan becomes indispensable. Strictly speaking, a blower also falls under the category of centrifugal fans. Its main advantages include: the ability to change the direction of airflow, relatively limited flow rate, and high air pressure.
Shenzhen Jiangshanlai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. was founded in 2005 in Shenzhen, China. It is a large-scale enterprise integrating customization, R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service of DC brushless motors, DC cooling fans, cooling fans, DC brushless fans, DC stand fans, boosted cooling fans, miniature cooling fans, DC cooling fans, DC blowers, and non-standard fans. We are a wholesale manufacturer and supplier of DC fans.

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