What is the difference between centrifugal fans and axial fans

There are significant differences between centrifugal fans and axial fans in many aspects, which are mainly reflected in their working principle, structural characteristics, performance parameters, application fields and maintenance methods. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

First, the working principle

Centrifugal fan: works on the principle of converting kinetic energy into potential energy. When the motor rotates, the impeller also rotates, generating centrifugal force to accelerate the gas. The gas changes the flow direction in the impeller, slows down and increases the pressure after entering the diffuser, so as to achieve the transport of gas. Such fans usually need to treat the gas as an incompressible fluid.

Axial fan: Its working principle is related to the gas pressure difference, that is, the use of gas from the high pressure area to the low pressure area of the characteristics of air flow. When the impeller rotates, the blade has a pushing effect on the gas, so that the gas moves along the axis of the fan, forming an axial flow. The working principle of axial fan makes it have the characteristics of high air volume and low pressure.

Second, structural characteristics

Centrifugal fan: mainly composed of casing, spindle, impeller, bearing transmission mechanism and motor. The shape of the casing is a spiral linear volute structure, and the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller accelerates the gas and changes the flow direction.

Axial fan: its motor and impeller are installed in a cylinder, cylindrical shape. The impeller is the core component of the whole fan, and the shape and number of blades can complete different tasks. The driving device is usually an electric motor, which drives the impeller to rotate through the transmission mechanism such as belt and gear.

Third, performance parameters

Air volume and air pressure: The axial flow fan has a large air volume but a small wind pressure, which is suitable for occasions that require large air volume and low noise. The air volume and pressure of the centrifugal fan are relatively large, which is suitable for occasions where high air pressure and a certain air volume are required.

Installation difficulty: The installation method of axial flow fan is relatively convenient, and it can be directly installed in the pipeline, on the wall or fixed by the base. The installation method of centrifugal fans mostly uses steel structure brackets, and the installation process is relatively complicated.

Fourth, application field

Centrifugal fan: Due to its high wind pressure and large air volume characteristics, centrifugal fans are widely used in electric power, cement, petrochemical, coal, mining and environmental protection and other fields, as an important supporting equipment in the industry.

Axial fan: Because of its high air volume and low noise characteristics, axial fan is often used in occasions that require large air volume ventilation, such as automobiles, high-speed rail projects, etc.

Fifth, maintenance methods

Centrifugal fan: After continuous operation, it is necessary to add cooling water, check the impeller and replace the lubricating oil and other maintenance work.

Axial fan: basically maintenance-free, but it is still necessary to regularly check the wear of bearings and belts during use, and carry out maintenance work such as cleaning.

In summary, there are significant differences between centrifugal fans and axial fans in many aspects. When choosing which type of fan to use, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific application scenarios and requirements.