Centrifugal fans according to the type of drive
Each system has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered when designing and choosing a suitable drive, which we will be happy to help you with.
Centrifugal fans with
direct drive
These centrifugal fans have a simplified skeleton, the impeller is fixed directly on the motor shaft, the advantage of this is the smaller number of components, which makes this system less susceptible to failure. In general, these fans are more suitable for applications with lower demands and less demanding operating conditions.
Advantages
- Lower price compared to other type of drives
- The smaller number of components makes the system less susceptible to failure
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Quieter operation than belt-driven fans
- The need for a smaller number of safety features
- Less space-consuming
Disadvantages
- Lower flexibility in used rotational speed
- Limited flexibility in various operating conditions
- Vulnerable to harsh conditions
- More demanding engine replacement in case of failure
Centrifugal fans with belt drive
Their universal flexibility in the selected working speed and power allows adaptation to various conditions, which is especially valuable in industrial environments. The advantage is the even distribution of the load, which ensures reliability, protects the motor and the fan from sudden shocks when the motor starts up. Belt driven fans are preferred in industrial environments and ventilation systems. Their installation is more demanding in terms of space, but at the same time offers greater flexibility.
They use a construction where the speed change is achieved with the help of a belt transmission, which makes it possible to achieve the desired speed even with the help of a regular motor without powering a frequency converter. The greater number of components of these centrifugal fans can increase the risk of failure, although proper maintenance almost eliminates the risk.
Advantages
- Economical and efficient, especially in large industrial facilities.
- High speed flexibility made possible by optional belt transmission
- Adaptation to various conditions through simple adjustments
- Achieving various speeds with conventional motors leads to cost savings
- Shock absorption increases long-term reliability and saves costs
- Suitable for demanding industrial environments
Disadvantages
- More components increase the risk of eventual failure, but proper maintenance eliminates the risk
- More demanding maintenance
- They can be more noisy than is direct drive option, which can be minimized with proper maintenance
- More space-demanding
Centrifugal fans with
coupling drive
They use an elastic coupling on the fan shaft instead of power transmitted by a belt drive. Centrifugal fans with coupling drive are used in cases where the motor bearings are no longer suitable for direct mounting of the impeller to the motor shaft. The motor shaft transmits the torque through the coupling, and the other related forces are captured by a separately manufactured shaft system with two bearings, which can be larger than those of the separate motor if necessary. Due to the greater distance between the fan and the drive motor, these fans are especially suitable for use in environments with high temperatures, which makes them ideal for use in industries with demanding operating conditions. The advantage is relatively simple disassembly and quick replacement of parts in case of damage and minimization of downtime in the process.
Advantages
- High operational reliability
- Less demands on protective elements than with a belt drive
- Less noise compared to belt drive
- Suitable for situations that require high engine performance
- Suitable for use at high temperatures
- It can absorb shocks and torsional vibrations
- In case of a motor failure, downtime is minimized because the motor can be quickly replaced
Disadvantages
- Limited options for changing engine speed
- The most space-demanding solution
