AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

FUNDAMENTALS

PRESSURE

Pressure is the force exerted

per unit area

Pressure is the action of one

force against another force.
Pressure is force applied to,
or distributed over, a
surface.

The pressure P of a force F

istributed over an area A is
defined as P = F/A

Pressure Measurement
Terms

Absolute Pressure
Measured above total vacuum or zero absolute. Zero absolute represents total lack of
pressure.
Atmospheric Pressure
The pressure exerted by the earths atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is
14.696 psia. The value of atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude.
Barometric Pressure
Same as atmospheric pressure.
Gauge Pressure
The pressure above atmospheric pressure. Represents positive difference between
measured pressure and existing atmospheric pressure. Can be converted to absolute
by adding actual atmospheric pressure value.
Vacuum Pressure
The pressure above atmospheric pressure. Is the difference between atmospheric
pressure and absolute pressure. Can be converted to absolute by deducting it from
actual atmospheric pressure value.
Differential Pressure
The difference in magnitude between some pressure value and some reference
pressure. In a sense, absolute pressure could be considered as a differential pressure
with total vacuum or zero absolute as the reference. Likewise, gauge pressure
(defined above) could be considered as Differential Pressure with atmospheric
pressure as the reference.

4#

ABSOLUTE, GAUGE & VACUUM PRESSURES

Pressure Measurement

Atmospheric Pressure
14.7 psia

Vacuum

Pressure Measurement

14.7 psia =
407in. Water

14.7 psia =
29.92 in. Mercury (Hg.)

Negative Pressure =
Less Than Atmospheric

Positive Pressure =
Greater Than Atmospheric

Pressure Relationships

How Do We Make Air

Move ?

Flow of air or any other fluid

is caused by a pressure
differential between two
points. Flow will originate
from an area of high energy,
or pressure, and proceed to
area(s) of lower energy or
pressure.

P1

FLOW

P1>P0

P0

Pressure Differential
Causes Movement
FLOW

LOW

HIGH

FAN

BURTON 3-6

Duct air moves according to three

fundamental laws of physics

1.Conservation of mass
2.Conservation of
energy
3.Conservation of
momentum

LAW OF CONSERVATION OF
MASS
Conservation of mass simply states that an
air mass is neither created nor destroyed. From
this principle it follows that the amount of air
mass coming into a junction in a ductwork
system is equal to the amount of air mass
leaving the junction
In ductwork, the law of conservation of mass
means a duct size can be recalculated for a
new air velocity using the simple equation:
V2 = (V1 * A1)/A2
Where V is velocity and A is Area

LAW OF CONSERVATION OF
ENERGY
The law of energy conservation states that
energy cannot disappear; it is only converted from
one form to another.
This is the basis of one of the main expression of
aerodynamics, the Bernoulli equation. Bernoulli's
equation in its simple form shows that, for an
elemental flow stream, the difference in total
pressures between any two points in a duct is equal
to the pressure loss between these points, or:
(Pressure loss)1-2 = (Total pressure)1 - (Total
pressure)2

LAW OF CONSERVATION OF
MOMENTUM
Conservation of momentum is
based on Newton's law that a body
will maintain its state of rest or
uniform motion unless compelled by
another force to change that state.
This law is useful to explain flow
behavior in a duct system's fitting.

Pressure Terms
Airflow through a duct system creates three types of
pressures

Static
Pressure
Velocity
Pressure
Total
Pressure

STATIC PRESSURE
Static pressure is the measure of the
potential energy of a unit of air in the
particular cross section of a duct.
Air pressure on the duct wall is considered
static.
Imagine a fan blowing into a completely closed duct; it will create
only static pressure because there is no air flow through the duct.
A balloon blown up with air is a similar case in which there is
only static pressure.

Static Pressure
Static pressure (SP) is exerted in all directions.

Probe located
on the surface
of the duct
Airflow

Duct

Static pressure

What is use of the term

Static Pressure ?
Accelerate the
air.

Overcome
resistance to
friction.

DYNAMIC PRESSURE
Dynamic pressure is the kinetic energy
of a unit of air flow in an air stream.
Dynamic pressure is a function of both
air velocity and density:
Dynamic pressure = (Density) *
(Velocity)2 / 2
P v = (V/4005)2
V = Velocity through the duct.

Velocity Pressure
Velocity Pressure (VP) is kinetic (moving pressure)
resulting from air flow.

Velocity pressure
Total pressure

Static
pressure
Velocity pressure = Total pressure Static pressure

What is use of the term

Velocity Pressure ?
Determine the
air flow.
To design the
system.
V = 4005(VP)1/2

TOTAL PRESSURE
Consists of the pressure the air exerts in the
direction of flow (Velocity Pressure) plus the
pressure air exerts perpendicular to the
plenum or container through which the air
moves.
In other words:
PT = PV + PS
PT = Total Pressure
PV = Velocity Pressure
PS = Static Pressure

Total Pressure
Total pressure (TP) is the algebraic sum of the VP
and SP.

Probe located in the

duct, facing into the
direction of airflow

Total pressure

Static Pressure and Velocity

Pressure are Mutually Convertible
When air is accelerated, the static
pressure is converted to velocity
pressure.

=
When air is decelerated, the velocity
pressure can be transformed back into
static pressure.

STATIC, TOTAL & VELOCITY PRESSURES

Pressure Upstream and

Downstream of the Fan

Up-stream
Down-stream

TP

SP

VP

Fluids in Motion
All fluids are assumed in this
treatment to exhibit
streamline flow.

Streamline
Streamlineflow
flowisisthe
themotion
motionof
ofaafluid
fluidin
inwhich
which
every
everyparticle
particlein
inthe
thefluid
fluidfollows
followsthe
thesame
samepath
pathpast
pastaa
particular
particularpoint
pointas
asthat
thatfollowed
followedby
byprevious
previousparticles.
particles.

Assumptions for Fluid

Flow:
All
Allfluids
fluidsmove
movewith
withstreamline
streamlineflow.
flow.
The
Thefluids
fluidsare
areincompressible.
incompressible.
There
is
no
internal
There is no internalfriction.
friction.

Streamline flow

Turbulent flow

Rate of Flow
The rate of flow R is defined as the volume V of a fluid that passes a
certain cross-section A per unit of time t.
The volume V of fluid is given by the
product of area A and vt:

V Avt
vt

Volume = A(vt)

Avt
R
vA
t

Rate of flow = velocity

x area

Constant Rate of Flow

For an incompressible, frictionless fluid, the velocity increases when
the cross-section decreases:

R v1 A1 v2 A2
A1

v d v2 d
2
1 1

R = A1v1 = A2v2

A2
v1

v2

v2

2
2

Example 1: Water flows through a rubber hose 2 cm in

diameter at a velocity of 4 m/s. What must be the diameter
of the nozzle in order that the water emerge at 16 m/s?
The area is proportional to the
square of diameter, so:

v1d12 = v2d22
dd2 =
0.894 cm
2 = 0.894 cm

Example 1 (Cont.): Water flows through a rubber

hose 2 cm in diameter at a velocity of 4 m/s.
What is the rate of flow in m3/min?

R v1 A1 v2 A2

d12
R v1 A1 ; A1
4
2
2
d1 (4 m/s) (0.02 m)
R1 v1

4
4
m3 1 min
R1 0.00126

min 60 s

R1 = 0.00126 m3/s

3
RR1 =
0.0754
m
/min
3
=
0.0754
m
/min
1

The Venturi Meter

h

The higher velocity in the constriction B causes a difference of

pressure between points A and B.
PPA --PPB =
gh
A
B = gh

Work in Moving a
Volume of Fluid
A1

A2
P2

Note differences in
pressure P and
area A

F2
P2 ; F2 P2 A2
A2

P1

Volume V

F1
P1 ; F1 P1 A1
A1

A2
P2

A1

, F2

P1
F1
Fluid is raised to a
height h.

Work on a Fluid (Cont.)

v2

F1 = P1A1
h1

s1

F2 = P2A2
A2

v1
A1

s2

h2

Net
Network
workdone
doneon
onfluid
fluidisis
sum
sumof
ofwork
workdone
doneby
by
input
force
F
less
the
input force Fi i less the
work
workdone
doneby
byresisting
resisting
force
forceFF22,,as
asshown
shownin
in
figure.
figure.

Net Work = P1V - P2V = (P1 P2) V

Conservation of Energy
v2

F2 =
P2 A 2

Kinetic Energy K:

K mv22 mv12
Potential Energy U:

F1 =
P1A1
h1

U mgh2 mgh1

also

Net Work = K + U

A2

v1
A1

s2

h2

s1

Net Work = (P1 - P2)V

( P1 P2 )V ( mv mv ) (mgh2 mgh2 )
2
2

2
1

Conservation of Energy
( P1 P2 )V ( mv mv ) ( mgh2 mgh2 )
2
2

2
1

Divide by V, recall that density m/V, then simplify:

P1 gh1 v12 P2 gh2 v22

v2
v1

Bernoullis Theorem:

P1 gh1 v Const

h2

2
1

h1

DUCT

A Duct is a passageway or
conduit made of noncombustible
material for movement of air
from one place to the another.

Classification of duct systems

Ducts are classified based on the load on duct due to
air pressure and turbulence.
The
classification
varies
from
application
to
application, such as for residences, commercial
systems, industrial systems etc. For example, one such
classification is given below:
Low pressure systems: Velocity 10 m/s, static pressure 5
cm H2O (g)
Medium pressure systems: Velocity 10 m/s, static pressure
15 cm H2O (g)
High pressure systems: Velocity > 10 m/s, static pressure
15<ps 25 cm H2O (g)

Classification of duct
systems

Pressure Losses or Resistance to Flow

Pressure loss is the loss of total pressure in a duct or fitting. There

are three important observations that describe the benefits of using
total pressure for duct calculation and testing rather than using only
static pressure.

1. Only total pressure in ductwork always drops in the direction of

flow. Static or dynamic pressures alone do not follow this rule.
2. The measurement of the energy level in an air stream is uniquely
represented by total pressure only. The pressure losses in a duct
are represented by the combined potential and kinetic energy
transformation, i.e., the loss of total pressure.
3. The fan energy increases both static and dynamic pressure. Fan
ratings based only on static pressure are partial, but commonly
used.

PRESSURE LOSS
COMPONETS
Pressure loss in ductwork has three
components
1. Frictional losses along duct walls
2. Dynamic losses in fittings and
3. Component losses in duct-mounted
equipment.

FRICTION LOSS IN DUCTs

Frictional losses in duct sections are result
from air viscosity and momentum
exchange among particles moving with
different velocities.
Factors affecting friction loss are
1.
2.
3.
4.

Air Velocity
Duct size & shape
Duct material roughness factor
Duct Length

DUCT VELOCITY

High velocities in the ducts results in:

1. Smaller ducts and hence, lower initial cost and lower space requirement
2. Higher pressure drop and hence larger fan power consumption
3. Increased noise and hence a need for noise attenuation
Recommended air velocities depend mainly on the application and the
noise
criteria.

Typical recommended velocities are:

1. Residences: 3 m/s to 5 m/s
2. Theatres: 4 to 6.5 m/s
3. Restaurants: 7.5 m/s to 10 m/s

If nothing is specified, then a velocity of 5 to 8 m/s is used for main

ducts
and a velocity of 4 to 6 m/s is used for the branches. The allowable air
velocities can be as high as 30 m/s in ships and aircrafts to reduce the
space requirement.

ASPECT RATIO
RATIO OF LONGEST DIMENSION
TO THE SHORTEST DIMENSION
Recommended Max Aspect ratio is
4:1
Aspect ration of an elbow is the dimension of the
side where the radius of the curve lies to that of the
other side.

SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF
DUCTs

RECOMMENDED FRICTION
RATES

FRICTION LOSS
DETERMINATION
Frictional loss per unit length can be
determined using
1. Friction Chart (ASHRAE, 1997)
2. The Darcy-Weisbach Equation

FRICTION CHART

Darcy-Weisbach Equation
hl

fL V
hl
D 2g

L
where f is the dimensionless friction factor, L is
the length of the pipe/duct and D is the diameter
in case of a circular duct and hydraulic diameter
in case of a noncircular duct.

DYNAMIC PRESSURE LOSSES

Dynamic losses are the result of changes in direction and velocity of air
flow. Dynamic losses occur whenever an air stream makes turns,
diverges, converges, narrows, widens, enters, exits, or passes dampers,
gates, orifices, coils, filters, or sound attenuators. Velocity profiles are
reorganized at these places by the development of vortexes that cause
the transformation of mechanical energy into heat. The disturbance of
the velocity profile starts at some distance before the air reaches a
fitting. The straightening of a flow stream ends some distance after the
air passes the fitting. This distance is usually assumed to be no shorter
then six duct diameters for a straight duct.
Dynamic losses are proportional to dynamic pressure and can be
calculated using the equation:
Dynamic loss = (Local loss coefficient) * (Dynamic pressure)
where the Local loss coefficient, known as a C-coefficient, represents flow
disturbances for particular fittings or for duct-mounted equipment as a
function of their type and ratio of dimensions. Coefficients can be found
in the ASHRAE Fittings diagrams.

DYNAMIC LOSSES AND EQUIVAENT

LENGTHS

COMPONENT PRESSURE
LOSSES
Due to physical items with known
pressure drops, such as hoods,
filters, louvers or dampers.

System Resistance
Sum of Static, Dynamic & Component
pressure losses in system
Configuration of ducts, pickups, elbows
Pressure drop across equipment

Increases with square of air volume

Long narrow ducts, many bends: more
resistance
Large ducts, few bends: less resistance

60

System Resistance
System resistance curve for various
flows
Actual with
system
resistance

calculated

61

PRESSURE COMPONENTS IN DUCTS

PRESSURE COMPONENTS IN DUCTS

CONSIDERING FRICTION

DUCT DESIGN CRITERIA

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Space Availability
Installation Cost
Air Friction Loss
Noise Level
Duct heat transfer and airflow
leakage
6. Codes and standards requirements

SPACE AVAILABILITY

INSTALLATION COST

AIR FRICTION LOSS

DUCT SIZE
DUCT SHAPE
DUCT ROUTE
MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
FITTINGS USED

NOICE LEVEL

HEAT TRANSFER AND

LEAKAGE

CODES AND STANDARDS

SMACNA
DW 144

DUCT DESIGNING
METHODS
1. Velocity method
2. Equal Friction Method
3. Static Regain method

VELOCITY METHOD
The various steps involved in this method are:
1. Select suitable velocities in the main and branch ducts.
2. Find the diameters of main and branch ducts from airflow rates and
velocities for circular ducts. For rectangular ducts, find the crosssectional area from flow rate and velocity, and then by fixing the
aspect ratio, find the two sides of the rectangular duct
3. From the velocities and duct dimensions obtained in the previous
step, find the frictional pressure drop for main and branch ducts
using friction chart or equation.
4. From the duct layout, dimensions and airflow rates, find the
dynamic pressure losses for all the bends and fittings
5. Select a fan that can provide sufficient FTP for the index run
6. Balancing dampers have to be installed in each run. The damper in
the index run is left completely open, while the other dampers are
throttled to reduce the flow rate to the required design values.

VELOCITY METHOD
Merits and Demerits
The velocity method is one of the simplest ways of
designing the duct system for both supply and return air.
However, the application of this method requires selection
of suitable velocities in different duct runs, which requires
experience.
Wrong selection of velocities can lead to very large ducts,
which, occupy large building space and increases the cost,
or very small ducts which lead to large pressure drop and
hence necessitates the selection of a large fan leading to
higher fan cost and running cost.
In addition, the method is not very efficient as it requires
partial closing of all the dampers except the one in the
index run, so that the total pressure drop in each run will
be same.

EQUAL FRICTION
METHOD

In this method the frictional pressure drop per unit length

in the main and branch ducts (pf/L) are kept same.
Then the stepwise procedure for designing the duct system is as
follows:
1. Select a suitable frictional pressure drop per unit length (pf/L)
so that the combined initial and running costs are minimized.
2. Then the equivalent diameter of the main duct (A) is obtained
from the selected value of (pf/L) and the airflow rate.
3. From the airflow rate and (pf/L) the equivalent diameter of the
main duct can be obtained either from the friction chart or using
the frictional pressure drop equation.
4. Since the frictional pressure drop per unit length is same for all
the duct runs, the equivalent diameters of the other duct runs,
can be obtained.

EQUAL FRICTION METHOD PROCEDURE

1. If the ducts are rectangular, then the two sides of the rectangular
duct of each run are obtained from the equivalent diameter of that
run and by fixing aspect ratio as explained earlier. Thus the
dimensions of the all the duct runs can be obtained.
2. The velocity of air through each duct is obtained from the
volumetric flow rate and the cross-sectional area.
3. Next from the dimensions of the ducts in each run, the total
frictional pressure drop of that run is obtained by multiplying the
frictional pressure drop per unit length and the length.
4. Next the dynamic pressure losses in each duct run are obtained
based on the type of bends or fittings used in that run.
5. Next the total pressure drop in each duct run is obtained by
summing up the frictional and dynamic losses of that run
6. Next the fan is selected to suit the index run with the highest
pressure loss.
7. Dampers are installed in all the duct runs to balance the total
pressure loss.

EQUAL FRICTION METHOD

MERITS AND DEMERITS
Equal friction method is simple and is most widely used conventional
method. This method usually yields a better design than the velocity
method as
most of the available pressure drop is dissipated as friction in the duct
runs,
rather than in the balancing dampers. This method is generally suitable
when the
ducts are not too long, and it can be used for both supply and return
ducts.
However, similar to velocity method, the equal friction method also
requires
partial closure of dampers in all but the index run, which may generate
noise. If
the ducts are too long then the total pressure drop will be high and due
to
dampening, ducts near the fan get over-pressurized.

STATIC REGAIN METHOD

This method is commonly used for high
velocity systems with long duct runs,
especially in large systems. In this
method the static pressure is maintained
same before each terminal or branch.

STATIC REGAIN METHOD

The procedure followed is as given below:
1. Velocity in the main duct leaving the fan is
selected first.
2. Velocities in each successive runs are
reduced such that the gain in static pressure
due to reduction in velocity pressure equals
the frictional pressure drop in the next duct
section. Thus the static pressure before each
terminal or branch is maintained constant.

STATIC REGAIN METHOD

MERITS AND DEMERITS

Static Regain method yields a more

balanced system
Does not call for unnecessary dampening.
As velocity reduces in the direction of
airflow, the duct size may increase in the
airflow direction.
Velocity at the exit of the longer duct runs
may become too small for proper air
distribution in the conditioned space.

General rules for duct design

1. Air should be conveyed as directly as possible to save
space, power and material
2. Sudden changes in directions should be avoided.
When not possible to avoid sudden changes, turning
vanes should be used to reduce pressure loss
3. Diverging sections should be gradual. Angle of
divergence 20o
4. Aspect ratio should be as close to 1.0 as possible.
Normally, it should not exceed 4
5. Air velocities should be within permissible limits to
reduce noise and vibration
6. Duct material should be as smooth as possible to
reduce frictional losses

DUCT DESIGN PROCESS

STEPS

DESIGN STEP-1

DETERMINE NO OF ZONES

DESIGN STEP-2

PERFORM COOLING AND HEATING LOAD

ESTIMATES

DESIGN STEP-3

DETERMINE SPACE, ZONE & BLOCK

AIR FLOWS

DESIGN STEP-4

SELECT DUCT MATERIAL, SHAPE &

INSULATION

DESIGN STEP-5
LAY OUT DUCTWORK FROM AHU TO AIR
DISTRIBUTION DEVICES

FIT MAIN DUCT TO BUILDING

CREATE A
SYSTEM
SIZING
SCHEMA
TIC

DESIGN STEP-6

SUMMARISE DUCT CFM AND LABEL

DUCT SCHEMATIC

DESIGN STEP-7

SIZE DUCTWORK FROM FAN, OUT TO

EXTREMITIES
USE STANDARD METHODS

DUCT SIZING USING FRICTION

CHART
1. Select desired velocity in first duct section
2. Enter friction loss chart, read round duct
diameter a intersection of CFM and Velocity lines
3. Read resulting friction loss value at bottom of
friction chart; verify that it is acceptable.
4. If sizing round duct, we have completed sizing
the first section. Proceed to the next duct section
using desired friction rate.
5. If sizing rectangular duct, we must convert round
sizes to equivalent rectangular sizes using Table

Find the size of round duct to carry 1800 cfm by

keeping the velocity below 1500 fpm and max
friction rate of 0.10 wg

16 DUCT
Velocity 1300 fpm
Friction rate 0.14 wg

18 DUCT
Velocity 1000 - 1200 fpm
Friction rate 0.08 wg

CIRCULAR EQUIVALENT DIAMETERS OF

RECTANGULAR DUCTS

DESIGN STEP-8

CALCULATE AIR SYSTEM

PRESSURE LOSSES

DESIGN STEP-9

SELECT FAN AND ADJUST SYSTEM

AIR FLOWS

FANS

Primary air moving devices used in industrial

applications

Fan Curve
Performance curve of fan under
specific conditions
Fan volume
System static
pressure
Fan speed
Brake
horsepower

96

Operating Point
Fan curve and system curve intersect
Flow Q1 at
pressure P1 and
fan speed N1

Move to flow Q2 by
closing damper
(increase system
resistance)
Move to flow Q2
by reducing fan
speed 97

Fan Laws

98

TYPES OF FANS
Basic groups of fans are:
Axial fans
Centrifugal fans
Special type fans

Basic Fan Types

Centrifugal

Backward Inclined Airfoil-blade

Backward Inclined Flat-blade
Forward Curved Blade
Radial Blade
Radial Tip

Axial
Propeller / Panel Fan
Tubeaxial
Vaneaxial

Special Designs

100

Power Roof Ventilators

Tubular Inline Centrifugal
Mixed Flow
Plenum/ Plug

Centrifugal: Backward Inclined AirfoilBlade

Name is derived from the airfoil shape of
blades
Developed to provide high efficiency
Used on large HVAC and clean air industrial
systems where energy savings are of prime
importance

101

Centrifugal: Backward Inclined or Curved Flat-Blade

102

Backward inclined or curved blades are single thickness

or flat
Efficiency is only slightly less than airfoil blade
Similar characteristics as airfoil blade
Same HVAC applications as airfoil blade
Also for industrial applications where airfoil blade is not
acceptable because of corrosive or erosive environment

Backward Inclined or Curved Flat &

Airfoil-Blade

High volume at moderate

pressure
Non-overloading power
characteristic
Stable performance
characteristic
Low noise

103

Centrifugal: Forward Curved Blade

Blades are curved forward in the

direction of rotation
Must be properly applied to avoid
unstable operation
Less efficient than Airfoil and
Backward Inclined
Requires the lowest speed of any
centrifugal to move a given
amount of air
Used for low pressure HVAC
systems
Clean air and high temperature
applications
Typically smallest size selection
Rising power overloading
characteristic

104

Centrifugal: Radial Blade

The blades are radial to the fan

shaft
Generally the least efficient of the
centrifugal fans
For material handling and moderate
to high pressure industrial
applications, rugged construction
Low volume at high pressure
Large wheel diameter for a given
volume- higher cost
Material handling, self cleaning
Easy to maintain
Rising Power overloading
characteristic
Suitable for dirty airstream, high
pressure, high temperature and
corrosive applications
105

Centrifugal: Radial Tip

The blades are radial to the fan

shaft at the outer extremity of
the impeller, but gradually
slope towards the direction of
wheel rotation
More efficient than the radial
blade but less than backward
inclined
Offers wear resistance in mildly
erosive air streams

106

Axial: Propeller or Panel Fan

107

One of the most basic fan designs

For low pressure, high volume
applications
Often used for ventilation through a wall
Available in square panel or round ring
fan
Maximum efficiency is reached near free
delivery
Reversible blade for reversible flow
applications like jet tunnel fans
Many axial fans can overload at shutoff

Tube axial Fan

More efficient than the panel fan
Cylindrical housing fits closely to outside
diameter of blade tips
For low to medium pressure ducted HVAC
systems
Also used in some low pressure industrial
applications
Performance curve sometimes includes a
dip to the left of peak pressure which
should be avoided

108

Vane axial Fan

109

Highest efficiency axial fan

Cylindrical housing fits closely to
outside diameter of blade tips
The straightening vanes allow for
greater efficiency and pressure
capabilities
For medium to high pressure HVAC
systems. More compact than
centrifugal fans of same duty
Aerodynamic stall causes the
performance curve to dip to the left of
peak pressure which should be
avoided. However anti-stall options
available for both unidirectional and
reversible axials

Power Roof Ventilators

110

A variety of backward inclined centrifugal wheels or axial

impeller designs
Also available in up blast damper design to discharge air
away from the building
For low pressure exhaust systems of all building types (roof
mounted)

Inline Centrifugal Fan

Cylindrical housing is similar to a vane axial fan
Wheel is generally an airfoil or backward inclined

type
Housing does not fit close to outer diameter of
wheel
For low and medium pressure HVAC systems or
industrial applications when an inline housing is
geometrically more convenient than a centrifugal
configuration

111

Mixed Flow Fan

Specific Speed between a centrifugal and axial
fan
Cylindrical housing is similar to a vane axial
fan
High volume advantages of axial fans
Low sound, high efficiency advantages of
tubular centrifugal fans

112

PLENUM / PLUG FAN

This is basically a
centrifugal wheel and inlet in
a frame without a scroll or
housing. The housing is the
AHU box.
Offers tremendous
flexibility for inlet and
discharge in a AHU
application
More efficient than a scroll
centrifugal for high flows and
low SP. All SP rise occurs in
the blade passage
Wall clearance rules must
be followed to avoid
significant system effect
113
losses

Housed vs plenum fan

TYPES OF FAN DRIVES

Belt-drive blowers have two bearings on
the fan shaft and two bearing on the
motor
Motor pulleys and fan motor pulleys can
be adjusted to change fan speeds
Direct-drive motors use no pulleys or
belts
Direct-drive motors can be multi-speed
motors
Speeds can be changed by changing

Belt-driven
Assembly
BLOWER

BOTH THE DRIVE AND

DRIVEN PULLEYS MUST
BE PERFECTLY ALIGNED

MOTOR

DIRECT DRIVE MOTOR ASSEMBLY

THE MOTOR AND THE BLOWER TURN AT THE SAME SPEED

SO YOU HAVE ALL THESE

CHOICES
OF
FANS
TYPES
AVAILABLEWHAT
SHOULD
YOU DO TO PICK THE RIGHT
FAN FOR YOUR APPLICATION?

117

118

119

All fans selected at peak SE (Static

Efficiency) for Airflow=10,000 cfm, Static
Pressure
I wc SE %
Type
Dia (in)
Spd(SP)~2
(rpm) BHP
LwiA
(Static
Efficiency)

120

(Inlet
Sound
Power A)

Forward
Curved- SW
(Centrifugal)

30

476

5.09

61.7

89

Backward
Airfoil SW
(Centrifugal)

36.5

650

3.82

80.0

77

3
4

Plenum

33

800

4.25

74.0

80

Tubular
Mixed Flow

27

1074

4.48

70.2

81

Tubular Vane
Axial

28

1438

4.77

65.9

86

Propeller
(Axial)

30

1998

4.92

54.4

103

Fan Selection based on

Specific Speed
Dimensional Specific Speed, is the
fan speed required to raise the SP
by 1 iwc with 1 cfm airflow.
Ns = N * (Q)^0.5/(SP)^0.75
Where, N = Speed (rpm)
Q = Airflow (cfm)
SP = Static pressure (iwc)
Density = 0.075 lbm/cu ft
121

122

All fans selected at peak SE (Static Efficiency) for Specific

Speed, Ns

123

Type

Specific
Speed, Ns

Max Static
Efficiency (SE%)

Forward Curved-SW
(Centrifugal)

26,300

61

Backward Airfoil-SW
(Centrifugal)

40,000

80

Plenum

50,000

75

Tubular Mixed Flow

65,800

70

Tubular Vane Axial

90,000

65

Propeller (Axial)

126,000

59

Peak efficiency or Best Efficiency Point

(BEP)
Airfoil

Type of Fan

Efficiency

Backward

Peak
Efficiency
Range

Centrifugal fans:

Radial

Tubular

Airfoil, Backward
curved/inclined

79-83

Modified radial

72-79

Radial

69-75

Pressure blower

58-68

Forward curved

60-65

Axial fans:

Forward

Flow rate

Vane axial

78-85

Tube axial

67-72

Propeller

45-50

Fan Selection at a Density Other Than

Standard
Fan performance is affected by changes in gas density.
Corrections must be employed if density varies by more than 5% from the
standard 0.075lbm/ft3
Corrected Pressure is given by:
Pe = Pa (0.075/a)
Pe = Equivalent or corrected pressure
Pa = Actual pressure
a = Actual density, lbm/ft3
Actual power requirement is given by
PWRa = PWRt (a/0.075)
PWRa = Actual power requirement
PWRt = Power requirement in rating table.
a = Actual density, lbm/ft3
Fan selection at non-standard density requires knowledge of actual
volumetric flowrate, actual pressure requirement and the density of gas at
the fan inlet .

Fan Selection
Considerations for fan selection are :
1. Capacity:
Flow rate based on system requirements. Expressed as actual cubic
feet per minute (acfm).
Pressure requirement based on system pressure requirements.
Expressed as FSP or FTP in inches of water gauge.

2. Air stream:
Material handled through fan.
Small amount of smoke or dust - backward inclined centrifugal
or axial fan is selected.
Light dust fume or moisture - backward inclined or radial fan is
preferred.
Heavy particulate loading - radial fan is selected.
Explosive or flammable material.
Spark resistant construction is used.
Explosion proof motor is used.

Fan Selection
3. Physical Limitations:
Fan size is determined by
Performance requirements
Inlet size and location
Fan weight
The most efficient fan size may not fit the physical space
available.
4. Drive arrangements:
Electric motor is the power source of fans.
Unlike packaged fans, for larger units the motor is
coupled directly to the fan or indirectly by a belt drive.

Fan Selection
Standard drive arrangements are:
Direct drive:
Offers more compact assembly and assures constant fan speed.
Fan speeds are limited to available motor speeds.
Belt drive:
Offers flexibility in changing the fan speed.
Important in applications where changes in system capacity or
pressure requirements are needed.
5.

Noise:
Generated by turbulence within he fan housing.
White noise which is a mixture of all frequencies is mostly produced.
Radial blade fans produce a pure tone at a frequency BPF.
BPF = rpm * n * CF.
Where:
BPF - blade passage frequency.
RPM - rotational rate.
N - number of blades.
CF - conversion factor, 1/60.

Fan Selection
6. Safety and accessories:
Safety guards are required at inlet, outlet, shaft, drive and
cleanout doors.
Accessories help in future maintenance requirements.
Flow control can be done using dampers.
Outlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan outlet.
Adds resistance to the system when partially closed.
Inlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan inlet.
Pre-spins air into the impeller.
Lowers operating horsepower.

Fan Selection
6. Safety and accessories:
Safety guards are required at inlet, outlet, shaft, drive and
cleanout doors.
Accessories help in future maintenance requirements.
Flow control can be done using dampers.
Outlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan outlet.
Adds resistance to the system when partially closed.
Inlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan inlet.
Pre-spins air into the impeller.
Lowers operating horsepower.

Fan Selection
Various factors effecting fan selection are:
Volume required (cfm)
Fan static pressure
Type of material handled
Explosive or inflammable material
Direct driven vs belt driven
Space limitations
Noise
Operating temperature
Efficiency
Corrosive applications

Summary

132

Fan selection is not a trivial process for a given

application.
Example shown applies to one design operating point.
The selections will change for other operating points.
There is no magic fan that will result in least cost, best
efficiency and low noise for a wide range of operating
points.
Compromises should be well understood upfront.
Direct Drive (DD) selection speeds may further limit
selections. Varying width options can optimize DD
selections.
Mechanical design requirements like balancing and
vibration levels, spark and high temp resistance,
corrosion resistance, arrangements, motors, bearings,
drives can further challenge the selection process.