Industrial fans are the devices used in industrial cooling and ventilation applications. The industrial fans are not limited to one type of construction and output. There are several types of industrial fans depending on several criteria. However, depending on the type of power supply, the industrial fans are distinguished into two types - AC fans and DC fans. These fans are further categorized according to construction and function. This makes the selection trickier. Therefore, this post gives insights about the difference between AC fans and DC fans, along with criteria to select one of these types for specific applications.
What is AC Fan?
AC fans are the fans that are powered by alternating sinusoidal electric current. These fans are powered by positive current and the same amount of negative current. The general frequencies of AC voltage for the AC fans are 100 volts, 120 volts, 200 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, and 240 volts at max. AC fan motor rotates at 50rpm that means the blades rotate 50 times per second of operation. AC fans are designed for a specific rotation frequency of 50 Hz, however, they can be customized for the speed and airflow rate if there is an essential requirement.
What is DC Fan?
DC fans are fans that are powered by the direct current. Like AC Axial fans, there are DC axial fans and DC cross flow fans too. DC axial fans are widely used in the air-vent exhaust, electronic device cooling, computer ventilation, etc. However, the functioning mechanism of AC fans and DC fans make a huge difference in the power consumption and output of the industrial fans.
Let us discuss what properties/benefits these two types of fan feature over each other.
What are the benefits of AC fans over DC fans?
The significant benefit of AC fans over DC fans is that these fans offer continuous airflow without any fluctuations or interruptions. Therefore, these fans are used in AC outlets, ventilation, and hot air exhausts.
Are DC fans better than AC Fans?
- DC fans on the other hand provide several benefits over AC fans. Despite being a newer technology than AC, these fans consume 50-70% less power, irrespective of the type either DC axial fan or DC cross flow fan.
- Electromagnetic interference is reduced when the fan is running on over-heat conditions.
- The DC fans are water-resistant and dust-proof, thus are quite suitable for sensitive industrial applications.
- DC fans offer intelligent motion in order to vary air flow rate according to the applications.
Now that the difference between industrial AC fans and DC fans is persuaded, you can select the fan that suits your requirements. You must buy these industrial fans from a trusted supplier like Sofasco. The company has been a prominent global supplier of various types of industrial standard fans since 1981.
