Axial fans are a type of fan that consists of a single-bladed impeller encased in a plastic or metal cage. They draw air in and propel it forward at the same axis, hence the name axial fan. Axial is the most common type of non-industrial fan and is often used in the design of most floor and table fans.
Their primary purpose is as a cooling fan, often included as part of a bigger system to cool machinery down during and after use. As such, axial fans come in a wide array of sizes, typically ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches and voltage requirements. They are also used to affect airflow, either by propelling or sucking air throughout a system.
RS carries axial fans for a variety of functions, including cooling fans for heavy machinery in industrial settings down to CPU units.
Applications of Axial Fans
Cooling Applications
Axial fans are important in cooling applications across a broad range of systems. In industrial settings, these fans act as coolers and are essential for maintaining the optimal temperature of heavy machinery, preventing electric motor overheating, and ensuring efficient operation. The robust design of axial fans allows them to handle the demanding cooling needs of large-scale equipment, such as generators, compressors, and HVAC systems.
Additionally, axial fans are essential to the cooling mechanisms of smaller units, like CPUs in computers. By effectively dispersing heat, they enhance the performance and longevity of electrical equipment. Whether in massive industrial machines or compact electronic devices, axial fans play a critical role as temperature control devices in sustaining ideal operating temperatures, making them indispensable in various cooling scenarios.
Airflow Management
Axial fans are highly effective in managing airflow, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of numerous systems. These fans are designed to either propel or suck air through a system, ensuring proper ventilation and air circulation.
In ventilation systems, axial fans facilitate the removal of stale air and the introduction of fresh air, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable environment. Their ability to move large volumes of air makes them ideal for applications in agricultural, automotive, and aerospace industries, where controlled airflow is paramount.
Choosing the Right Cooling Axial Fan
If you are building a custom server cabinet, CPU, or other units with mechanical hardware that produces a lot of heat, you will need to include at least one cooling fan in your build. Choosing the right axial fan for your build depends on several factors, as explained below:
- Available space: The space constraints of your build play a pivotal role in determining the size of the axial fan. Compact builds might benefit from mini axial fans, while larger units can accommodate bigger fans such as 80mm fans or even larger options.
- Heat output of the device: Understanding the thermal requirements of your system is essential. High heat output necessitates a more robust cooling solution, which might involve using larger fans or multiple axial fans to ensure adequate cooling.
- Power supply availability: The power supply options available will influence whether you opt for DC or AC axial fans. DC axial fans, commonly found in portable and low-power applications, are quieter and offer more control options. Conversely, AC axial fans are preferred in industrial environments due to their durability and ability to handle larger volumes of air.
- Size and power options: Axial fans come in various sizes and power configurations to suit different needs. For instance, 60mm fans and 80mm fans are popular choices for many builds, while larger fans are suitable for industrial applications. Power options range from 5V fans for low-power needs to 12V and 24V fans for more demanding applications.
- Mini fans: These are ideal for compact builds where space is at a premium. Despite their small size, mini axial fans can provide efficient cooling for devices with lower heat outputs.
- AC vs DC fans: The choice between AC and DC fans depends on the specific requirements of your build. DC axial fans are more common in scenarios where low noise and precise control are important, such as in portable devices and small electronics. On the other hand, AC axial fans are robust and suitable for industrial settings, where they can handle higher air volumes and withstand more demanding conditions.
Common Power Requirements of Axial Fans
Axial fans come with various power requirements to suit different applications, ensuring efficient cooling and optimal performance. Understanding these power needs is crucial for selecting the right fan for your specific setup. Here are the common power requirements for axial fans:
- 5V Fans: These axial fans are typically used in smaller or portable devices. Their low power consumption makes them ideal for USB-powered applications, such as cooling laptop components, small electronics, and compact gadgets. Despite their lower power input, 5V fans can provide effective cooling for devices with moderate heat output, making them a versatile option for many consumer electronics.
- 12V Fans: The 12v axial fan is the standard for most computer and electronics cooling applications. These fans strike a balance between power consumption and cooling efficiency, making them perfect for a wide range of uses, from desktop computers to home appliances.
- 24V Fans: Often used in industrial applications, 24V axial fans are designed to handle more robust power supplies. These DC and AC axial fans are built for environments where higher performance and durability are essential. Industrial machinery, heavy-duty equipment, and high-performance HVAC systems commonly use 24V fans due to their ability to manage larger volumes of air and withstand demanding operating conditions.
Axial Flow Fans
As the designation "axial fan" covers any type of fan by this design, they can be found in other applications beyond electronics. Rather than being used for cooling, axial flow fans are commonly used to accelerate the flow of air in HVAC systems.
Depending on which way the impeller's blades spin, axial flow fans will propel or intake air. This makes them highly versatile in HVAC systems of all sizes.
Benefits of Axial Fans
Axial fans offer a number of distinct advantages in both industrial and residential settings. With their horizontal windmill configuration, axial fans are capable of deeply and efficiently circulating air through spaces, allowing for precise temperature control. They also operate at lower pressures than comparable blowers yet move larger volumes of air, making axial fans an ideal choice for applications like cooling factories, vents or large equipment. Furthermore, axial fans are versatile enough to act as different types of exhaust fans, such as inline exhaust fans or extractor fans. This is why axial fans are becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking for highly efficient airflow solutions.
Purchase Axial Fans At RS
As one of the leading suppliers of electronic and industrial products in the Philippines, RS has a wide selection of axial fans, offering the most reliable brands, such as ARX, ebm-papst and others. Whether you're looking for a tube axial exhaust fan, vane axial fan, or co-axial pipe fan in the Philippines, you can be sure to find it at RS as we partner with over 2,500 globally recognized suppliers. Our competitive prices mean that you will find the perfect axial fan for your needs at an unbeatable cost. Browse our selection of HVAC, fans & thermal management solutions today.