What type of fan generally yiels the fastest output velocity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the type of fan that yields the fastest output velocity and volumetric flow rate while maintaining a relatively low pressure drop, specifically for an application involving air flow from a larger tube to a smaller tube. The context includes considerations of fan types, efficiency, and design parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the output of a fan is highly dependent on the system it is attached to, suggesting that comparisons can vary significantly based on application.
  • Another participant mentions that achieving high velocity typically correlates with high pressure drop, indicating a potential trade-off in fan selection.
  • A centrifugal plug fan is proposed as the most efficient type of fan, although its appropriateness depends on the specific application.
  • Participants discuss the importance of a smooth transition between tube sizes to maintain airflow effectiveness, highlighting design considerations.
  • Flow rates in excess of 1m³/s are specified as a target, prompting questions about the purpose of such high flow rates.
  • Curiosity about the application leads to inquiries regarding whether the project involves a hovercraft, with participants sharing their own related projects and interests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best type of fan and the implications of design choices, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on a specific fan type or design approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the effectiveness of the fan is influenced by the design of the transition between the larger and smaller tubes, which remains an unresolved aspect of the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in fan selection for fluid dynamics applications, particularly in projects involving airflow management, such as hovercraft or other propulsion systems.

infamous_Q
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Hey everyone i was just wondering, for future reference, which type of fan generally yields the greatest output velocity/volumetric flowrate and a relatively low pressure drop (ie like +/- 10kpa sort of thing), assuming axial speed is the same for each of the general types of fans. This would be for an application in a tube approximately 2.5 - 4 cm in radius. If i need to be more specific let me know, of if there's a specific answer out there that'd be great too.
I know this is very vague, but thanks for your help guys!
 
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The output of any fan is going to be greatly dependent on the system it is attached to. You can do direct comparisons if they discharge to free air, but after that, their respective curves could vary greatly. So it looks like the answer is it depends.

What's the application?
 
Last edited:
Tough to look for high velocity and low pressure drop, since high velocity tends to mean high pressure drop (at the very least, it is a high velocity pressure, of course). In general, the most efficient type of fan is a centrifugal plug fan, but it is, of course, going to depend on your application whether that is really appropriate.

http://www.cincinnatifan.com/PlugFan.html
 
alright, the application (in the most basic sense) is air flowing from one large tube (about 10cm in radius) to a small tube (2.5-5cm in radius) and then the air flows through the fan (separately driven by a motor). Basically any type of fan can be applied to this (space isn't too much of an issue really, configuration comes later). I also have Solidworks and FloWorks at my disposal, so if there are basic designs out there that i could follow, then i can probably test these myself. The problem for me thus far is finding designs. And the faster the better.
Thanks again guys.
 
How much flow are you looking for and for what purpose?
 
just out of curiosity,

what are you trying to acomplish with building this device?

also the transition from the larger tube to the smaller tube would eithere have to be gradual, and semi-smooth, or it would have to be very very smooth, and then could be more abrupt

otherwise the air flow would be dissruped, thus reducing the overall efectiveness of the fan.

also, is the air being forced into the larger tube to exit through the smaller tube, or is it being pushed into the smaller tube to exit from the larger tube?

if you are going for the maximum efficency, you should also make sure that your design is more efficent then your fan.
 
- flow rates in excess of 1m^3/s are what I am looking for.
- large tube to smaller tube
 
infamous_Q said:
- flow rates in excess of 1m^3/s are what I am looking for.

but why do you need such high rates? what would they be be used for.
 
is it really that important or is it just that you're curious?
 
  • #10
So you're doing a hovercraft project? What is your reasoning behind wanting the highest velocity?
 
  • #11
infamous_Q said:
is it really that important or is it just that you're curious?

im just curious, because some of your reasearch might help me in a model Ufo i am building, that is and has been grounded until i get more money to by 4 extra ducted fans to supply the rest of the needed lift
 
  • #12
well, in regard to my research...there really isn't any, just some flakey ideas, this is the extent of it. and yes it's regarding some sort of hover craft, the idea for this is lift and propulsion, which is why the high flow rate is needed. Any ideas now? lol. thanks guys.
 

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