News Center

[Thermal Management Know-How] Classification of Cooling Fan Structures

Category:

Industry Trends

Release time:

2019-09-23

“Cooling fans”—I’m sure everyone is thoroughly familiar with them. You’ll find them inside computers, water dispensers, refrigerators, air conditioners, air purifiers, cars, and many other devices. However… Cooling fan However, this term is merely a generic label for all types of fans. So, how much do you actually know about the specific classifications of cooling fans? At the most basic level, cooling fans can be categorized according to their power supply method: those powered by DC are called DC cooling fans, while those powered by AC are called AC cooling fans. These are fundamental distinctions that everyone is familiar with. Today, though, we’ll focus on introducing the classification based on the different directions of airflow entering and exiting the fan. Broadly speaking, there are four main categories:
 
Category 1: Axial-flow fans
The blades of an axial-flow fan propel air in the same direction as the shaft—parallel to the axis. 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 itself. 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 the enclosures of 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.
 
Category 2: Through-flow Fans
The cross-flow fan, also known as a transverse-flow fan, generates a large-area airflow and is commonly used to cool the 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 such devices. Their main advantages include low airflow rate, low wind pressure, and a large heat dissipation area.
 
Category 3: Mixed-flow fans
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 casing of this type of fan are conical in shape, it generates higher static pressure. Under the same dimensions and with comparable performance characteristics, mixed-flow fans produce lower noise levels than axial-flow fans. Their key advantages include high airflow rates and relatively high static pressure, enabling superior cooling performance.
 
Category 4: Centrifugal Fans
When a centrifugal fan is operating, its blades propel air to flow in a direction perpendicular to the shaft—i.e., 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, when the airflow needs to be redirected by 90 degrees or when higher air pressure is required, a centrifugal fan becomes essential. 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.
 
The above is a sharing of knowledge on the classification of cooling fan structures. Shenzhen Jiangshan Lai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is a large-scale enterprise integrating customization, R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service of DC brushless motors, DC 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. Our products are best-selling in Guangdong Province—specifically in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan—as well as in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces.
 
If you have any needs, feel free to consult us.

Previous: [Did You Know About Cooling?] What is a DC cooling fan, and in which fields can it be applied?

Next: [Did You Know About Cooling?] How do cooling fans prevent corrosion?

Related News

Company dinner

Company dinner

On these busy days, I’m grateful to have you all fighting side by side! At this company dinner, everyone can put aside their daily hustle and enjoy some wonderful moments together. Let’s raise our glasses and chat freely—may delicious food and laughter accompany us as we strengthen our team spirit and build an even warmer sense of unity!

2025-08-27

Weekend team-building event

Weekend team-building event

The weekend team-building event by the seaside came to a perfect close! With sunny beaches and endless laughter, the team collaborated seamlessly in fun-filled games, relaxing their minds and bodies amid the soothing sound of ocean waves. Filled with renewed energy, we’re ready to join hands and tackle new challenges together!

2025-08-25

Display cabinet

Display cabinet

The newly installed display cabinets at the Huizhou company are gradually being filled up...

2025-08-21

Jiangshan Lai Electronics wishes you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2022!

Jiangshan Lai Electronics wishes you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2022!

On a day of blooming flowers and a full moon, When families are reunited in joy, May our land send you warm wishes for a happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

2022-09-10

Jiangshan wishes you a healthy and happy Dragon Boat Festival 2022!

Jiangshan wishes you a healthy and happy Dragon Boat Festival 2022!

The fragrant aroma of zong leaves fills the air on May 5th— May our heartfelt wishes bring you peace and well-being this Dragon Boat Festival! May our land send its best wishes for your health and happiness this Dragon Boat Festival 2022!

2022-06-03

May the land and rivers bring you joy as we celebrate Labor Day!

May the land and rivers bring you joy as we celebrate Labor Day!

Salute to the workers! May our country and its people bring joy and happiness to all our customers and employees on this special occasion!

2022-05-01

The Knowledge Principles and Internal Structure of DC Brushless Cooling Fans

The Knowledge Principles and Internal Structure of DC Brushless Cooling Fans

2022-04-25

Advantages and Applications of Oil-Bearing DC Fans

Advantages and Applications of Oil-Bearing DC Fans

The pivot joint is fixed at the position of the motor stator base, ensuring an appropriate gap between the rotor and the stator. Of course, there must also be a clearance between the shaft core and the bearings to prevent the shaft core from becoming locked and thus unable to function. The stator structure of the motor—hereafter referred to as the "stator"—is designed in such a way that, once power is supplied, an induced magnetic field will be generated between the rotor and the stator. The control circuit then drives the electric fan motor into operation. Therefore, in the conventional fan motor design, as long as the fan rotor, the motor stator, and the drive circuit work together via the pivot joint between the shaft core and the bearings and through magnetic field induction, the motor can operate effectively.

2022-04-18