Fans are critical systemic components of cooling systems, especially in applications such as supermarket refrigeration, HVAC, and telecommunications cabinets. Electronic commutation (EC) motors have changed the game rules for many designers because they allow fans to run at precise speeds, unlike alternating current (AC) motors that must run at full speed even in applications that do not require cooling.
Compared to shielded pole motors and permanent phase capacitor (PSC) motors, running a fan at the appropriate speed means lower energy consumption, less noise, and less stress on components. For many years, these two types of motors have been the mainstream choices in fan and fan applications. And the motor is only used to rotate the fan, which creates the necessary air flow to cool the refrigeration unit and electronic devices.
A covered pole motor wastes a large amount of energy in the form of thermal energy and operates at a fixed speed determined by the power frequency. The performance of PSC motors has improved, but their efficiency still reaches its peak near full speed.
The EC motor converts AC voltage to DC and operates the fan efficiently with appropriate conversion. In this way, designers can use smaller power sources, reduce operating costs, and meet modern energy efficiency standards.
EC motors combine brushless DC motors with integrated electronic devices to achieve higher efficiency, precise speed control, and greater flexibility. The electronic commutation mechanism controls the current of the motor winding in a controllable sequence, which is very suitable for digital and electronic control applications.
Quickly adopt EC fan
For many years, given the cost issues of electronic devices and magnets, it has been difficult to justify the increased material costs of investing in EC motors when a simple covered pole motor or PSC motor can complete the job. As power electronic devices become increasingly affordable and energy costs continue to rise, EC has been urgently used for advanced HVAC systems and other equipment that require variable speed and quiet operation.
Using an EC motor, the fan speed can be increased or decreased based on temperature, pressure, or network signals. This makes the bearing have a longer service life, gentler starting current, and longer maintenance intervals. In addition, a fan model can be used for multiple SKUs. In view of this, fan manufacturers integrate EC technology into complete components that can easily adapt to existing designs.
EC fans have become standard equipment for many new commercial refrigeration devices, HVAC blowers, and telecommunications racks. In North America, more than half of the new commercial HVAC systems are equipped with EC motors, and supermarket refrigeration equipment has quickly recovered costs due to energy conservation after renovation. Of course, AC motors have not disappeared without a trace. In low-cost, fixed speed applications where load efficiency is not important, AC motors are often indispensable.
Replace old equipment with ebm papst's ready to use AxiACi
As an early innovator in combining DC brushless motors with compact and efficient fan designs, ebm papst has been a driving force behind the adoption of EC motor technology in fans and blowers. The company's fans integrate motors, control electronics, and aerodynamic optimized impellers into one package, achieving silent operation, precise speed control, and significant energy savings.
The company's AxiACi series fans (Figure 1) are designed specifically to replace traditional AC fans, providing designers with a practical and feasible way to upgrade cooling applications without major modifications, achieving energy efficiency improvements and modern performance.
Figure 1: AxiACi series fans use EC motors, which can replace old-fashioned AC solutions. (Image source: EBM-PAPST)
The AxiACi device combines durability and wide environmental adaptability, with a working temperature range of -40 ° C to+75 ° C. These devices are globally compatible, can connect 90 VAC to 264 VAC (50/60 Hz) inputs, and use three-phase multipole motors to reduce structural noise.
The ebm papst fan has a lifespan of up to 65000 hours and is the best alternative to outdated solutions. This fan uses efficient GreenTech EC motors and EC grade efficiency AC packaging, filling the gap between traditional AC fans and fully electronic commutation solutions.
The AxiACi120 model (such as 8315100190) is a reliable alternative to old-fashioned AC fans in cabinet cooling, industrial ventilation, or refrigeration fields. The axial design dimensions of the tube are 119 mm x 119 mm x 38 mm, and it can provide approximately 101 CFM of air flow when operated on a 115/230 VAC universal power supply. The dustproof and waterproof rating of this product is IP65, and it can operate in extreme environmental temperatures ranging from -40 ° C to+70 ° C. It is an ideal ready to use upgraded product.
For designs that require more compact products, the AXIAI92U model (such as 8315100286) has dimensions of 92 mm x 92 mm x 38 mm, making it suitable for smaller spaces and applications that require lightweight cooling. Although the airflow is relatively gentle, this product can provide an astonishing static pressure of 0.622 inches of H ₂ O (155 Pa), allowing air to pass through restrictive filters, grilles, or downstream pipes.