5.

FANS AND BLOWERS

Bureau of Energy Efficiency 93
Syllabus
Fans and blowers: Types, Performance evaluation, Efficient system operation, Flow
control strategies and energy conservation opportunities
5.1 Introduction
Fans and blowers provide air for ventilation and industrial process requirements. Fans
generate
a pressure to move air (or gases) against a resistance caused by ducts, dampers, or other
components
in a fan system. The fan rotor receives energy from a rotating shaft and transmits it to
the air.
Difference between Fans, Blowers and Compressors
Fans, blowers and compressors
are differentiated by the method
used to move the air, and by the
system pressure they must operate
against. As per American
Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME) the specific ratio - the
ratio of the discharge pressure
over the suction pressure is
used for defining the fans,
blowers and compressors (see
Table 5.1).
5.2 Fan Types
Fan and blower selection depends on the volume flow
rate, pressure, type of material handled, space limitations,
and efficiency. Fan efficiencies differ from
design to design and also by types. Typical ranges of
fan efficiencies are given in Table 5.2.
Fans fall into two general categories: centrifugal
flow and axial flow.
In centrifugal flow, airflow changes direction
twice - once when entering and second when leaving
(forward curved, backward curved or inclined, radial)
(see Figure 5.1).
In axial flow, air enters and leaves the fan with no
change in direction (propeller, tubeaxial, vaneaxial)
(see Figure 5.2).
TABLE 5.1 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FANS, BLOWER
AND COMPRESSOR
Equipment Specific Ratio Pressure rise (mmWg)
Fans Up to 1.11 1136
Blowers 1.11 to 1.20 1136 2066
Compressors more than 1.20
Centrifugal Fans
Airfoil, backward 7983
curved/inclined
Modified radial 7279
Radial 6975
Pressure blower 5868
Forward curved 6065
Axial fan
Vane axial 7885
Tube axial 6772
Propeller 4550
TABLE 5.2 FAN EFFICIENCIES
Type of fan Peak Efficiency
Range
Centrifugal Fan: Types
The major types of centrifugal fan are: radial, forward curved and backward curved (see
Figure 5.3).
Radial fans are industrial workhorses because of their high static pressures (upto 1400 mm
WC) and ability to handle heavily contaminated airstreams. Because of their simple design,
radial fans are well suited for high temperatures and medium blade tip speeds.
Forward-curved fans are used in clean environments and operate at lower temperatures.
They are well suited for low tip speed and high-airflow work - they are best suited for
moving
large volumes of air against relatively low pressures.
Backward-inclined fans are more efficient than forward-curved fans. Backward-inclined
fans reach their peak power consumption and then power demand drops off well within their
useable airflow range. Backward-inclined fans are known as "non-overloading" because
changes in static pressure do not overload the motor.
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Figure 5.1 Centrifugal Fan Figure 5.2 Axial Fan
Figure 5.3 Types of Centrifugal Fans
Paddle Blade (Radial blade) Forward Curved (Multi-Vane) Backward Curved
Axial Flow Fan: Types
The major types of axial flow fans are: tube axial, vane axial and propeller (see Figure 5.4.)
Tubeaxial fans have a wheel inside a cylindrical housing, with close clearance between
blade and housing to improve airflow efficiency. The wheel turn faster than propeller fans,
enabling operation under high-pressures 250 400 mm WC. The efficiency is up to 65%.
Vaneaxial fans are similar to tubeaxials, but with addition of guide vanes that improve
efficiency
by directing and straightening the flow. As a result, they have a higher static pressure
with less dependence on the duct static pressure. Such fans are used generally for pressures
upto
500 mmWC. Vaneaxials are typically the most energy-efficient fans available and should be
used whenever possible.
Propeller fans usually run at low speeds and moderate temperatures. They experience a
large change in airflow with small changes in static pressure. They handle large volumes of
air
at low pressure or free delivery. Propeller fans are often used indoors as exhaust fans.
Outdoor
applications include air-cooled condensers and cooling towers. Efficiency is low
approximately
50% or less.
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Tube Axial Vane Axial Propeller
Figure 5.4 Types of Axial Fans
The different types of fans, their characteristics and typical applications are given in Table
5.3.
Common Blower Types
Blowers can achieve much higher pressures than fans, as high as 1.20 kg/cm2. They are also
used to produce negative pressures for industrial vacuum systems. Major types are:
centrifugal
blower and positive-displacement blower.
Centrifugal blowers look more like centrifugal pumps than fans. The impeller is typically
gear-driven and rotates as fast as 15,000 rpm. In multi-stage blowers, air is accelerated as it
passes through each impeller. In single-stage blower, air does not take many turns, and hence
it
is more efficient.
Centrifugal blowers typically operate against pressures of 0.35 to 0.70 kg/cm2, but can
achieve
higher pressures. One characteristic is that airflow tends to drop drastically as system
pressure
increases, which can be a disadvantage in material conveying systems that depend on a
steady air
volume. Because of this, they are most often used in applications that are not prone to
clogging.
Positive-displacement blowers have rotors, which "trap" air and push it through housing.
Positive-displacement blowers provide a constant volume of air even if the system pressure
varies.
They are especially suitable for applications prone to clogging, since they can produce
enough pressure
- typically up to 1.25 kg/cm2 - to blow clogged materials free. They turn much slower than
centrifugal blowers (e.g. 3,600 rpm), and are often belt driven to facilitate speed changes.
5.3 Fan Performance Evaluation and Efficient System Operation
System Characteristics
The term "system resistance" is used when referring to the static pressure. The system
resistance
is the sum of static pressure losses in the system. The system resistance is a function of the
configuration
of ducts, pickups, elbows and the pressure drops across equipment-for example back-
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TABLE 5.3 TYPES OF FANS, CHARACTERISTICS, AND TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Centrifugal Fans Axial-flow Fans
Type Characteristics Typical Type Characteristics Typical
Applications Applications
Radial High pressure, Various Propeller Low pressure, high Air-circulation,
medium flow, industrial flow, low efficiency, ventilation,
efficiency close to applications, peak efficiency close exhaust
tube-axial fans, suitable for to point of free air
power increases dust laden, delivery (zero static
continuously moist pressure)
air/gases
Forward- Medium pressure, Low pressure Tube-axial Medium pressure, HVAC, drying
curved high flow, dip in HVAC, high flow, higher ovens, exhaust
blades pressure curve, packaged efficiency than systems
efficiency higher units, suitable propeller type, dip in
than radial fans, for clean and pressure-flow curve
power rises dust laden air / before peak pressure
continuously gases point.
Backward High pressure, HVAC, Vane-axial High pressure, High pressure
curved high flow, high various medium flow, dip applications
blades efficiency, power industrial in pressure-flow including
reduces as flow applications curve, use of guide HVAC
increases beyond forced draft vanes improves systems,
point of highest fans, etc. efficiencyexhausts
efficiency
Airfoil Same as backward Same as
type curved type, backward
highest efficiency curved, but for
clean air
applications
filter or cyclone. The system resistance varies
with the square of the volume of air flowing
through the system. For a given volume of air,
the fan in a system with narrow ducts and multiple
short radius elbows is going to have to work
harder to overcome a greater system resistance
than it would in a system with larger ducts and a
minimum number of long radius turns. Long
narrow ducts with many bends and twists will
require more energy to pull the air through them.
Consequently, for a given fan speed, the fan will
be able to pull less air through this system than
through a short system with no elbows. Thus, the
system resistance increases substantially as the
volume of air flowing through the system increases; square of air flow.
Conversely, resistance decreases as flow decreases. To determine what volume the fan will
produce, it is therefore necessary to know the system resistance characteristics.
In existing systems, the system resistance can be measured. In systems that have been
designed, but not built, the system resistance must be calculated. Typically a system
resistance
curve (see Figure 5.5) is generated with for various flow rates on the x-axis and the
associated
resistance on the y-axis.
Fan Characteristics
Fan characteristics can be represented in form of fan curve(s). The fan curve is a performance
curve for the particular fan under a specific set of conditions. The fan curve is a graphical
representation
of a number of inter-related parameters. Typically a curve will be developed for a
given set of conditions usually including: fan volume, system static pressure, fan speed, and
brake horsepower required to drive the fan under the stated conditions. Some fan curves will
also include an efficiency curve so that a system designer will know where on that curve the
fan
will be operating under the chosen conditions (see Figure 5.6). In the many curves shown in
the
Figure, the curve static pressure (SP) vs. flow is especially important.
The intersection of the system curve and the static pressure curve defines the operating
point. When the system resistance changes, the operating point also changes. Once the
operating
point is fixed, the power required could be found by following a vertical line that passes
through the operating point to an intersection with the power (BHP) curve. A horizontal line
drawn through the intersection with the power curve will lead to the required power on the
right
vertical axis. In the depicted curves, the fan efficiency curve is also presented.
System Characteristics and Fan Curves
In any fan system, the resistance to air flow (pressure) increases when the flow of air is
increased. As mentioned before, it varies as the square of the flow. The pressure required by a
system over a range of flows can be determined and a "system performance curve" can be
developed (shown as SC) (see Figure 5.7).
This system curve can then be plotted on the fan curve to show the fan's actual operating
point at "A" where the two curves (N1 and SC1) intersect. This operating point is at air flow
Q1
delivered against pressure P1.
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Figure 5.5 System Characteristics
A fan operates along a performance given by the manufacturer for a particular fan speed.
(The fan performance chart shows performance curves for a series of fan speeds.) At fan
speed
N1, the fan will operate along the N1 performance curve as shown in Figure 5.7. The fan's
actu-
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Figure 5.6 Fan Characteristics Curve by Manufacturer
Figure 5.7 System Curve
al operating point on this curve will depend on the system resistance; fan's operating point at
"A" is flow (Q1) against pressure (P1).
Two methods can be used to reduce air flow from Q1 to Q2:
First method is to restrict the air flow by partially closing a damper in the system. This action
causes
a new system performance curve (SC2) where the required pressure is greater for any given
air flow.
The fan will now operate at "B" to provide the reduced air flow Q2 against higher pressure P2.
Second method to reduce air flow is by reducing the speed from N1 to N2, keeping the damper
fully open. The fan would operate at "C" to provide the same Q2 air flow, but at a lower
pressure P3.
Thus, reducing the fan speed is a much more efficient method to decrease airflow since less
power is required and less energy is consumed.
Fan Laws
The fans operate under a predictable set of laws concerning speed, power and pressure. A
change in speed (RPM) of any fan will predictably change the pressure rise and power
necessary
to operate it at the new RPM.
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Where Q flow, SP Static Pressure, kW Power and N speed (RPM)
5.4 Fan Design and Selection Criteria
Precise determination of air-flow and required outlet pressure are most important in proper
selection of fan type and size. The air-flow required depends on the process requirements;
normally
determined from heat transfer rates, or combustion air or flue gas quantity to be handled.
System pressure requirement is usually more difficult to compute or predict. Detailed
analysis
should be carried out to determine pressure drop across the length, bends, contractions and
expansions in the ducting system, pressure drop across filters, drop in branch lines, etc. These
pressure drops should be added to any fixed pressure required by the process (in the case of
ventilation fans there is no fixed pressure requirement). Frequently, a very conservative
approach is adopted allocating large safety margins, resulting in over-sized fans which
operate
at flow rates much below their design values and, consequently, at very poor efficiency.

Once the system flow and pressure requirements are determined, the fan and impeller type
are then selected. For best results, values should be obtained from the manufacturer for
specific
fans and impellers.
The choice of fan type for a given application depends on the magnitudes of required flow
and static pressure. For a given fan type, the selection of the appropriate impeller depends
additionally
on rotational speed. Speed of operation varies with the application. High speed small
units are generally more economical because of their higher hydraulic efficiency and
relatively
low cost. However, at low pressure ratios, large, low-speed units are preferable.
Fan Performance and Efficiency
Typical static pressures and power requirements for different types of fans are given in the
Figure 5.8.
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Figure 5.8 Fan Static Pressure and Power Requirements for Different Fans
Fan performance characteristics and
efficiency differ based on fan and impeller
type ( See Figure 5.9).
In the case of centrifugal fans, the hubto-
tip ratios (ratio of inner-to-outer impeller
diameter) the tip angles (angle at which forward
or backward curved blades are curved
at the blade tip - at the base the blades are
always oriented in the direction of flow),
and the blade width determine the pressure
developed by the fan.
Forward curved fans have large hub-totip
ratios compared to backward curved
fans and produce lower pressure.
Radial fans can be made with different
heel-to-tip ratios to produce different pressures.
Figure 5.9 Fan Performance Characteristics Based on
Fans/ Impellers
At both design and off-design points, backward-curved fans provide the most stable
operation.
Also, the power required by most backward curved fans will decrease at flow higher than
design values. A similar effect can be obtained by using inlet guide vanes instead of replacing
the impeller with different tip angles. Radial fans are simple in construction and are
preferable
for high-pressure applications.
Forward curved fans, however, are less efficient than backward curved fans and power rises
continuously with flow. Thus, they are generally more expensive to operate despite their
lower
first cost.
Among centrifugal fan designs, aerofoil designs provide the highest efficiency (upto 10%
higher than backward curved blades), but their use is limited to clean, dust-free air.
Axial-flow fans produce lower pressure than centrifugal fans, and exhibit a dip in pressure
before reaching the peak pressure point. Axial-flow fans equipped with adjustable / variable
pitch blades are also available to meet varying flow requirements.
Propeller-type fans are capable of high-flow rates at low pressures. Tube-axial fans have
medium pressure, high flow capability and are not equipped with guide vanes.
Vane-axial fans are equipped with inlet or outlet guide vanes, and are characterized by high
pressure, medium flow-rate capabilities.
Performance is also dependant on the fan enclosure and duct design. Spiral housing designs
with inducers, diffusers are more efficient as compared to square housings. Density of inlet
air
is another important consideration, since it affects both volume flow-rate and capacity of the
fan to develop pressure. Inlet and outlet conditions (whirl and turbulence created by grills,
dampers, etc.) can significantly alter fan performance curves from that provided by the
manufacturer
(which are developed under controlled conditions). Bends and elbows in the inlet or
outlet ducting can change the velocity of air, thereby changing fan characteristics (the
pressure
drop in these elements is attributed to the system resistance). All these factors, termed as
System
Effect Factors, should, therefore, be carefully evaluated during fan selection since they would
modify the fan performance curve.
Centrifugal fans are suitable for low to moderate flow at high pressures, while axial-flow
fans are suitable for low to high flows at low pressures. Centrifugal fans are generally more
expensive than axial fans. Fan prices vary widely based on the impeller type and the
mounting
(direct-or-belt-coupled, wall-or-duct-mounted). Among centrifugal fans, aerofoil and
backward-
curved blade designs tend to be somewhat more expensive than forward-curved blade
designs and will typically provide more favourable economics on a lifecycle basis. Reliable
cost
comparisons are difficult since costs vary with a number of application-specific factors. A
careful
technical and economic evaluation of available options is important in identifying the fan
that will minimize lifecycle costs in any specific application.
Safety margin
The choice of safety margin also affects the efficient operation of the fan. In all cases where
the
fan requirement is linked to the process/other equipment, the safety margin is to be decided,
based on the discussions with the process equipment supplier. In general, the safety margin
can
be 5% over the maximum requirement on flow rate.
In the case of boilers, the induced draft (ID) fan can be designed with a safety margin of
20% on volume and 30% on head. The forced draft (FD) fans and primary air (PA) fans do
not
require any safety margins. However, safety margins of 10 % on volume and 20% on
pressure
are maintained for FD and PA fans.
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Some pointers on fan specification
The right specification of the parameters of the fan at the initial stage, is pre-requisite for
choosing the appropriate and energy efficient fan.
The user should specify following information to fan manufacturer to enable right
selection:
Design operating point of the fan volume and pressure
Normal operating point volume and pressure
Maximum continuous rating
Low load operation - This is particularly essential for units, which in the initial few
years may operate at lower capacities, with plans for upgradation at a later stage. The
initial low load and the later higher load operational requirements need to be specified
clearly, so that, the manufacturer can supply a fan which can meet both the requirements,
with different sizes of impeller.
Ambient temperature The ambient temperatures, both the minimum and maximum, are
to be specified to the supplier. This affects the choice of the material of construction of the
impeller.
The maximum temperature of the gas at the fan during upset conditions should be
specified to the supplier. This will enable choice of the right material of the required creep
strength.
Density of gas at different temperatures at fan outlet
Composition of the gas This is very important for choosing the material of construction
of the fan.
Dust concentration and nature of dust The dust concentration and the nature of dust
(e.g. bagasse soft dust, coal hard dust) should be clearly specified.
The proposed control mechanisms that are going to be used for controlling the fan.
The operating frequency varies from plant-to-plant, depending on the source of power
supply. Since this has a direct effect on the speed of the fan, the frequency prevailing or
being maintained in the plant also needs to be specified to the supplier.
Altitude of the plant
The choice of speed of the fan can be best left to fan manufacturer. This will enable him to
design the fan of the highest possible efficiency. However, if the plant has some preferred
speeds
on account of any operational need, the same can be communicated to the fan supplier.
Installation of Fan
The installation of fan and mechanical maintenance of the fan also plays a critical role in the
efficiency of the fan. The following clearances (typical values) should be maintained for the
efficient operation of the impeller.
Impeller Inlet Seal Clearances
Axial overlap 5 to 10 mm for 1 metre plus dia impeller
Radial clearance 1 to 2 mm for 1 metre plus dia impeller
Back plate clearance 20 to 30 mm for 1 metre plus dia impeller
Labyrinth seal clearance 0.5 to 1.5 mm
The inlet damper positioning is also to be checked regularly so that the "full open" and "full
close" conditions are satisfied. The fan user should get all the details of the mechanical
clearances
from the supplier at the time of installation. As these should be strictly adhered to, for
efficient operation of the fan, and a checklist should be prepared on these clearances. A check
on these clearances should be done after every maintenance, so that efficient operation of the
fan is ensured on a continuous basis.
System Resistance Change
The system resistance has a major role in determining the performance and efficiency of a
fan.
The system resistance also changes depending on the process. For example, the formation of
the coatings / erosion of the lining in the ducts, changes the system resistance marginally. In
some cases, the change of equipment (e.g. Replacement of Multi-cyclones with ESP /
Installation of low pressure drop cyclones in cement industry) duct modifications, drastically
shift the operating point, resulting in lower efficiency. In such cases, to maintain the
efficiency
as before, the fan has to be changed.
Hence, the system resistance has to be periodically checked, more so when modifications
are introduced and action taken accordingly, for efficient operation of the fan.
5.5 Flow Control Strategies
Typically, once a fan system is designed and installed, the fan operates at a constant speed.
There may be occasions when a speed change is desirable, i.e., when adding a new run of
duct
that requires an increase in air flow (volume) through the fan. There are also instances when
the
fan is oversized and flow reductions are required.
Various ways to achieve change in flow are: pulley change, damper control, inlet guide vane
control, variable speed drive and series and parallel operation of fans.
Pulley Change
When a fan volume change is required on a
permanent basis, and the existing fan can
handle the change in capacity, the volume
change can be achieved with a speed
change. The simplest way to change the
speed is with a pulley change. For this, the
fan must be driven by a motor through a vbelt
system. The fan speed can be increased
or decreased with a change in the drive pulley
or the driven pulley or in some cases,
both pulleys. As shown in the Figure 5.10, a
higher sized fan operating with damper control
was downsized by reducing the motor
(drive) pulley size from 8" to 6". The power
reduction was 15 kW.
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Figure 5.10 Pulley Change
11 kW
Damper Controls
Some fans are designed with damper controls (see Figure 5.11). Dampers
can be located at inlet or outlet. Dampers provide a means of changing
air volume by adding or removing system resistance. This resistance
forces the fan to move up or down along its characteristic curve, generating
more or less air without changing fan speed. However, dampers
provide a limited amount of adjustment, and they are not particularly
energy efficient.
Inlet Guide Vanes
Inlet guide vanes are another mechanism that can be used
to meet variable air demand (see Figure 5.12). Guide
vanes are curved sections that lay against the inlet of the
fan when they are open. When they are closed, they
extend out into the air stream. As they are closed, guide
vanes pre-swirl the air entering the fan housing. This
changes the angle at which the air is presented to the fan
blades, which, in turn, changes the characteristics of the
fan curve. Guide vanes are energy efficient for modest
flow reductions from 100 percent flow to about 80 percent.
Below 80 percent flow, energy efficiency drops
sharply.
Axial-flow fans can be equipped with variable pitch
blades, which can be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled
to change blade pitch, while the fan is at stationary.
Variable-pitch blades modify the fan characteristics
substantially and thereby provide dramatically higher energy efficiency than the other options
discussed thus far.
Variable Speed Drives
Although, variable speed drives are expensive, they provide almost infinite variability in
speed
control. Variable speed operation involves reducing the speed of the fan to meet reduced flow
requirements. Fan performance can be predicted at different speeds using the fan laws. Since
power input to the fan changes as the cube of the flow, this will usually be the most efficient
form of capacity control. However, variable speed control may not be economical for
systems,
which have infrequent flow variations. When considering variable speed drive, the efficiency
of the control system (fluid coupling, eddy-current, VFD, etc.) should be accounted for, in the
analysis of power consumption.
Series and Parallel Operation
Parallel operation of fans is another useful form of capacity control. Fans in parallel can be
additionally equipped with dampers, variable inlet vanes, variable-pitch blades, or speed
controls
to provide a high degree of flexibility and reliability.
Combining fans in series or parallel can achieve the desired airflow without greatly
increasing the system package size or fan diameter. Parallel operation is defined as having
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Figure 5.11 Damper
change
Figure 5.12 Inlet Guide Vanes
two or more fans blowing together side
by side.
The performance of two fans in parallel
will result in doubling the volume
flow, but only at free delivery. As Figure
5.13 shows, when a system curve is overlaid
on the parallel performance curves,
the higher the system resistance, the less
increase in flow results with parallel fan
operation. Thus, this type of application
should only be used when the fans can
operate in a low resistance almost in a free
delivery condition.
Series operation can be defined as
using multiple fans in a push-pull arrangement.
By staging two fans in series, the static
pressure capability at a given airflow can be increased, but again, not to double at every flow
point, as the above Figure displays. In series operation, the best results are achieved in
systems
with high resistances.
In both series and parallel operation, particularly with multiple fans certain areas of the
combined performance curve will be unstable and should be avoided. This instability is
unpredictable
and is a function of the fan and motor construction and the operating point.
Factors to be considered in the selection of flow control methods
Comparison of various volume control methods with respect to power consumption (%)
required power is shown in Figure 5.14.
All methods of capacity control mentioned above have turn-down ratios (ratio of
maximumtominimum flow rate) determined by the amount of leakage (slip) through the
control elements. For example, even with dampers fully closed, the flow may not be zero
due to leakage through the damper. In the case of variable-speed drives the turn-down ratio
is limited by the control system. In many cases, the minimum possible flow will be
determined by the characteristics of the fan itself. Stable operation of a fan requires that it
operate in a region where the system curve has a positive slope and the fan curve has a
negative slope.
The range of operation and the time duration at each operating point also serves as a
guide to selection of the most suitable capacity control system. Outlet damper control due
to its simplicity, ease of operation, and low investment cost, is the most prevalent form of
capacity control. However, it is the most inefficient of all methods and is best suited for
situations where only small, infrequent changes are required (for example, minor process
variations due to seasonal changes. The economic advantage of one method over the other
is determined by the time duration over which the fan operates at different operating points.
The frequency of flow change is another important determinant. For systems requiring
frequent flow control, damper adjustment may not be convenient. Indeed, in many plants,
dampers are not easily accessible and are left at some intermediate position to avoid
frequent control.
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Figure 5.13 Series and Parallel Operation
5.6 Fan Performance Assessment
The fans are tested for field performance by measurement of flow, head, temperature on the
fan
side and electrical motor kW input on the motor side.
Air flow measurement
Static pressure
Static pressure is the potential energy put into the system by the fan. It is given up to friction
in
the ducts and at the duct inlet as it is converted to velocity pressure. At the inlet to the duct,
the
static pressure produces an area of low pressure (see Figure 5.15).
Velocity pressure
Velocity pressure is the pressure along the line of the flow that results from the air flowing
through the duct. The velocity pressure is used to calculate air velocity.
Total pressure
Total pressure is the sum of the static and velocity pressure. Velocity pressure and static
pressure
can change as the air flows though different size ducts, accelerating and decelerating the
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Figure 5.14 Comparison: Various Volume Control Methods
velocity. The total pressure stays constant,
changing only with friction losses. The illustration
that follows shows how the total pressure
changes in a system.
The fan flow is measured using pitot tube
manometer combination, or a flow sensor (differential
pressure instrument) or an accurate
anemometer. Care needs to be taken regarding
number of traverse points, straight length section
(to avoid turbulent flow regimes of measurement)
up stream and downstream of measurement
location. The measurements can be
on the suction or discharge side of the fan and
preferably both where feasible.
Measurement by Pitot tube
The Figure 5.16 shows how velocity pressure is
measured using a pitot tube and a manometer.
Total pressure is measured using the inner tube
of pitot tube and static pressure is measured using the outer tube of pitot tube. When the inner
and
outer tube ends are connected to a manometer, we get the velocity pressure. For measuring
low
velocities, it is preferable to use an inclined tube manometer instead of U tube manometer.
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Figure 5.15 Static, Total and Velocity Pressure
Figure 5.16 Velocity Measurement Using Pitot Tube
Measurements and Calculations
Velocity pressure/velocity calculation
When measuring velocity pressure the duct diameter (or the circumference from which to
calculate
the diameter) should be measured as well. This will allow us to calculate the velocity and
the volume of air in the duct. In most cases, velocity must be measured at several places in
the
same system.
The velocity pressure varies across the duct. Friction slows the air near the duct walls, so the
velocity is greater in the center of the duct. The velocity is affected by changes in the ducting
configuration
such as bends and curves. The best place to take measurements is in a section of duct that
is straight for at least 35 diameters after any elbows, branch entries or duct size changes
To determine the average velocity,
it is necessary to take a number of
velocity pressure readings across the
cross-section of the duct. The velocity
should be calculated for each velocity
pressure reading, and the average of
the velocities should be used. Do not
average the velocity pressure; average
the velocities. For round ducts over 6
inches diameter, the following locations
will give areas of equal concentric
area (see Figure 5.17).
For best results, one set of readings
should be taken in one direction
and another set at a 90 angle to the
first. For square ducts, the readings
can be taken in 16 equally spaced areas. If it is impossible to traverse the duct, an
approximate average
velocity can be calculated by measuring the velocity pressure in the center of the duct and
calculating
the velocity. This value is reduced to an approximate average by multiplying by 0 .9.
Air density calculation
The first calculation is to determine the density of the air. To calculate the velocity and
volume
from the velocity pressure measurements it is necessary to know the density of the air. The
density
is dependent on altitude and temperature.
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Figure 5.17 Traverse Points for Circular Duct
tC temperature of gas/air at site condition
Velocity calculation
Once the air density and velocity pressure have been established, the velocity can be
determined
from the equation:

Density of air or gas at test condition,

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Volume calculation
The volume in a duct can be calculated for the velocity using the equation:
Volumetric flow (Q), m3 /sec = Velocity,V(m / sec) x Area (m2)
Fan efficiency
Fan manufacturers generally use two ways to mention fan efficiency: mechanical efficiency
(sometimes called the total efficiency) and static efficiency. Both measure how well the fan
converts
horsepower into flow and pressure.
The equation for determining mechanical efficiency is:
The static efficiency equation is the same except that the outlet velocity pressure is not
added to the fan static pressure
Drive motor kW can be measured by a load analyzer. This kW multiplied by motor efficiency
gives the shaft power to the fan.
5.7 Energy Saving Opportunities
Minimizing demand on the fan.
1. Minimising excess air level in combustion systems to reduce FD fan and ID fan load.
2. Minimising air in-leaks in hot flue gas path to reduce ID fan load, especially in case of
kilns, boiler plants, furnaces, etc. Cold air in-leaks increase ID fan load tremendously, due
to density increase of flue gases and in-fact choke up the capacity of fan, resulting as a
bottleneck
for boiler / furnace itself.
3. In-leaks / out-leaks in air conditioning systems also have a major impact on energy
efficiency
and fan power consumption and need to be minimized.
The findings of performance assessment trials will automatically indicate potential areas for
improvement, which could be one or a more of the following:
1. Change of impeller by a high efficiency impeller along with cone.
2. Change of fan assembly as a whole, by a higher efficiency fan
3. Impeller de-rating (by a smaller dia impeller)
4. Change of metallic / Glass reinforced Plastic (GRP) impeller by the more energy efficient
hollow FRP impeller with aerofoil design, in case of axial flow fans, where significant
savings
have been reported
5. Fan speed reduction by pulley dia modifications for derating
6. Option of two speed motors or variable speed drives for variable duty conditions
7. Option of energy efficient flat belts, or, cogged raw edged V belts, in place of conventional
V belt systems, for reducing transmission losses.
8. Adopting inlet guide vanes in place of discharge damper control
9. Minimizing system resistance and pressure drops by improvements in duct system
x 100
x 100
Case Study 1
VSD Applications
Cement plants use a large number of high capacity fans. By using liners on the impellers,
which can be replaced when they are eroded by the abrasive particles in the dust-laden air,
the
plants have been able to switch from radial blades to forward-curved and backward-curved
centrifugal fans. This has vastly improved system efficiency without requiring frequent
impeller changes.
For example, a careful study of the clinker cooler fans at a cement plant showed that the
flow was much higher than required and also the old straight blade impeller resulted in low
system
efficiency. It was decided to replace the impeller with a backward-curved blade and use liners
to prevent erosion of the blade. This simple measure resulted in a 53 % reduction in power
consumption, which amounted to annual savings of Rs. 2.1 million.
Another cement plant found that a large primary air fan which was belt driven through
an arrangement of bearings was operating at system efficiency of 23 %. The fan was
replaced with a direct coupled fan with a more efficient impeller. Power consumption
reduced from 57 kW to 22 kW. Since cement plants use a large number of fans, it is generally
possible to integrate the system such that air can be supplied from a common duct in
many cases.
For example, a study indicated that one of the fans was operated with the damper open to
only 5 %. By re-ducting to allow air to be supplied from another duct where flow was being
throttled, it was possible to totally eliminate the use of a 55 kW fan.
The use of variable-speed drives for capacity control can result in significant power
savings. A 25 ton-per-hour capacity boiler was equipped with both an induced-draft and
forced-draft fan. Outlet dampers were used to control the airflow. After a study of the airflow
pattern, it was decided to install a variable speed drive to control air flow. The average
power consumption was reduced by nearly 41 kW resulting in annual savings of Rs. 0.33
million. The investment of Rs. 0.65 million for the variable-speed drive was paid back in
under 2 years.
The type of variable-speed drive employed also significantly impacts power consumption.
Thermal power stations install a hydraulic coupling to control the capacity of the
induced-draft fan. It was decided to install a VFD on ID fans in a 200 MW thermal power
plant. A comparison of the power consumption of the two fan systems indicated that for
similar
operating conditions of flow and plant power generation, the unit equipped with the VFD
control unit consumed, on average, 4 million units / annum less than the unit equipped with
the hydraulic coupling.
Case Study 2
FRP Fans in Cooling Towers / Humidification Plants
The fans used for cooling tower applications are usually axial flow fans. Such fans are also
commonly used in humidification plants. The conventional fans are made from aluminium /
steel. These fans are being replaced in recent times by high efficiency FRP (fibre reinforced
plastics) fans. The savings potential is shown below:
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ILLUSTRATIVE DATA ON ENERGY SAVINGS WITH HIGH EFFICIENCY
FRP BLADE AXIAL FLOW FANS
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QUESTIONS
1. Explain the difference between fans, blowers and compressors?
2. Which fan you would chose for moving large flows against relatively low pressures
a) Radial fan b) backward inclined fan c) forward curved fan d) axial fan
3. If efficiency is the main consideration you would select
a) Radial fan b) backward inclined fan c) forward curved fan d) axial fan
4. For heavy dust conditions, which type of fan is ideally suited
a) Radial fan b) backward inclined fan c) forward curved fan d) axial fan
5. The system resistance refers to
a) static pressure b) velocity pressure c) total pressure d) differential pressure
6. System resistance varies as
a) square of flow rate b) cube of flow rate c) directly proportional to square root
of flow rate d) directly with flow rate
7. The intersection of system curve with fan operating curve is called
a) design point b) operating point c) selection point d) shut off point
8. Varying the RPM of a fan by 10% varies the pressure by
a) 19% b) 29% c) 10% d) does not vary
9. Varying the RPM of a fan by 10% varies the flow by
a) 10% b) 20% c) 30% d) does not vary
10. Varying the RPM of a fan by 10% varies the power by
a) 27% b) 37% c) 10% d) does not vary
11. Explain the factors, which can change the system resistance?
12. What are affinity laws as applicable to centrifugal fans?
13. Explain the method of flow measurements using pitot tube?
REFERENCES
1. Technology Menu on Energy Efficiency (NPC)
2. SADC Industrial Energy Management Project
3. Energy Audit Reports of NPC