Economic electonic fans vary air flow

Electronically contolled fans are driven by 'intelligent' electric motors that accept feedback heat, pressure and humidity sensors to adjust air flow as required.

Slimline fans, QB EC Series, feature 'intelligent' motor driven impellers.

The units can be optimised for specific applications with regard to efficiency, speed, acoustic performance and cost.

Air Control Industries of Chard, UK, said that the intelligent motors combine permanent magnet motor technology with integrated electronic controls.

Therefore the fans can be set up to meet specific performance requirements and respond to feedback from such devices as heat, pressure and humidity sensors (RS485 and 0-10V signal interface).

The data is used to adjust air flow as required.

There is no loss of efficiency at any running speed, unlike conventional AC fans, said Air Control Industries, nor is there any electromagnetic 'hum' or 'rumble'.

The integrated package is also simpler to install.

It is not limited to synchronous electricity supply (50/60Hz), so it can out-perform conventional motor/drive alternatives and save space.

QB EC Series' motors has an operating efficiency of up to 90%.

They are designed for compatibility with all conventional supply systems, from 12V DC up 480V 3-phase.

So these motors give the fans economy of operation and flexibility of application across their power, flow and pressure ranges - 40W to 520W/1400m3/h (825ft3/min)/ 933Pa respectively.

In addition, with onboard rectification, the fans offer stable performance even where voltage levels fluctuate, which is particularly important where critical ambience control is required.

Usually fans are normally specified for 'worst case' scenarios, even though normal operating conditions' demands are significantly less than these.

Therefore, users QB EC fans can set performance according to actual requirement and further increase potential savings.

Also, the fans run cooler and their bearings last longer.

Whilst low-cost variable speed control can also be achieved using an asynchronous motor with a speed actuator, said Air Control Industries, such systems do not have the benefit of optimally matched components.

So, unlike the new fans, they have reduced service life and incur a significant energy consumption penalty.

The intelligent motor unit in the QB EC Series is protected against over-temperature and over-voltage cut-out, phase failure and locked rotor.

It also has an EMC and line filter.

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