FAN

HVAC&R MODULE

113

Skills
Workshop
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PERFORMANCE
Skills summary
n What?
This Skills Workshop discusses the performance rating of fans,
the tests used to rate performance, how test data is turned into
A guide to fan test configurations, fan performance performance information, the limitations of the test methods
(including performance curves), and manufacturers’
selection aids. and the data produced.
n Who? It also discusses fan and system efficiency and the overall
Relevant for anyone involved in the design, selection,
installation, operation, maintenance and assessment
of fans and fan systems.
impact of fans on system energy use.
PULLOUT

ANSI/AMCA 210 / ANSI/ASHRAE 51 Laboratory ISO 1940 specifies balance tolerances, the
INTRODUCTION Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic necessary number of correction planes, and
This section discusses the performance rating Performance Rating defines uniform methods methods for verifying the residual unbalance
of fans, the tests used to rate performance, how for conducting laboratory tests on housed fans for rotors in a constant (rigid) state.
test data is turned into performance information, to determine airflow rate, pressure, power and
efficiency, at a given speed of rotation. The standard Recommendations are given concerning the
the limitations of the test methods and the data
also includes requirements for checking effectiveness balance quality requirements for rotors in a
produced. The section also discusses fan and
of the airflow settling means and testing for chamber constant rigid state according to their machinery
system efficiency and the overall impact of fans
leakage. This standard and test method(s) type and maximum service speed. A balance
on system energy use.
is equivalent to but not identical with AS ISO 5801. quality grade of G6.3 is appropriate to most
fans and a grade of less than G2.5 is usually only
FAN TEST AS/NZS ISO 12759 specifies requirements for
classification of fan efficiency for all fan types
achievable on very special equipment. ISO 1940.1
states acceptance criteria for the verification of
STANDARDS driven by motors with an electrical input power residual unbalances. Detailed consideration of
range from 0.125kW to 500kW. It is applicable errors associated with balancing and verification
In order that the performance of various products to bare shaft and driven fans, as well as fans
can be compared, fan manufacturers must rate of residual unbalance are given in ISO 1940.2.
integrated into products. Fans integrated into
the performance of their equipment in accordance products are measured as stand-alone fans. It is
with a recognised code or standard. The following
are the main fan test methods and standards used
not applicable to fans for smoke extraction; fans TEST
for industrial processes; fans for non-stationary
by fan manufacturers: applications (e.g., trains, aircraft, automotive), fans CONFIGURATIONS
AS ISO 5801 deals with the determination for explosive atmospheres; box fans, powered roof Fan performance curves are produced by the
of the performance of fans of all types except ventilators and air curtains or jet fans for use in manufacturer by testing a fan in standardised
those designed solely for air circulation e.g. ceiling carparks and tunnel ventilation. conditions as prescribed by the relevant standard
fans and table fans. Estimates of uncertainty of ISO 5802 deals with the determination of the such as AS ISO 5801.
measurement are provided and rules for the performance of fans as they are installed within
conversion, within specified limits, of test results There are four standard test configurations
a system, i.e., an in-situ performance test method.
for changes in speed, gas handled and, in the case that attempt to represent the range of basic fan
of model tests, size, are given. This standard allows ISO 13347 deals with the determination of the applications as shown in Figure 1. Roof ventilator
the use of a star type straightener for ducted tests. acoustic performance of industrial fans. It may be fans are represented by Category A, roof discharge
AS ISO 5801 superseded AS 2936. used to determine the acoustic performance of fans by Category C. Centrifugal fans in air handling
fans combined with an ancillary device such as units or plenums are likely to be represented by
AS 4429 classifies smoke-spill fans and describes a roof cowl or damper or, where the fan is fitted manufacturers as Category B. Category D is the
laboratory test methods and procedures used to with a silencer, the sound power resulting from one most likely to be closest to the representation
rate their performance (and that of their motors). the fan and silencer combination. of both axial and centrifugal fans in many ducted
Fans are rated in terms of their suitability to ventilation and air conditioning applications. Many
ISO 13350 deals with the determination of the
operate continuously without significant loss of heat rejection fan applications in refrigeration are
performance of jet fans.
performance for a specified time at a specified represented by Category A.
air temperature. This standard deals only with ISO 14695 describes a method of measuring
laboratory type testing and does not consider the vibration characteristics of fans and ISO 14694 Centrifugal fan performances have usually been
the testing of smoke-spill fans after they have gives specifications for vibration and balance limits derived from measurements for fans with free
been installed in a building. Performance ratings of fans of all types except those designed solely inlets and ducted outlets (category B), but this
are specified in AS/NZS 1668.1. for air circulation. depends on the size and type of fan. For axial fans,

July 2018 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 15

HVAC&R Skills Workshop
ducted inlets and ducted outlets have usually corrections should be applied when obstructions Note: pt = ps + pv, therefore pt can never be less than
been used. These methods have been adopted and accessories exist and to account for the effect pv, so the fan performance curve doesn’t reach
for convenience since, for double-width centrifugal of the system connections. zero pressure, but rather pv. When volume flow
fans, flow measurement at the inlets would be is zero pt = ps and pv = 0
difficult and for axial fans the presence of swirl at Fans are also commonly packaged into products
such as air handling units, rooftop units, ducted Power Vs Volume curve – plot of the fan power
the outlet causes complications. Flow straighteners drawn for any point on the performance curve.
are used to remove the swirl in AS ISO 5801. split air conditioners and other HVAC&R systems
and products. It is important to consider the Efficiency Vs Volume curve – plot of fan
performance of these products, as a fan in a efficiency for any point on the performance curve.
packaged unit, rather than as a fan connected
to a ductwork system. Individual product The efficiency curve is produced by dividing air
manufacturers should be able to provide product power (air power = pressure in Pa × volume flow
performance data which accounts for casing losses rate in m3/s) by the power input to the fan unit.
and internal components. Designers should rely This can be static efficiency (using ps) or total
a) Category A b) Category B
on this information instead of using stand-alone efficiency (using pt). See equation 1.
fan performance data for such equipment. Note: ISO12759 requires the use of motor input power.

Using the test data, a complete set of fan

FAN PERFORMANCE performance curves is produced as illustrated
c) Category C in Figure 3.
CURVES
Fan performance curves offer a convenient
The fan performance or characteristic curve method of fan selection as well as additional
is a graphical representation of fan performance information such as the amount of reserve
and is one of the most useful tools for optimising pressure that exists between the design
d) Category D fan selections. A series of performance curves pressure and peak available pressure, the
for a particular fan type is usually presented as maximum power the fan may draw and
Figure 1: Fan test configuration categories. a graph of flow versus pressure and flow versus the likely efficiency of operation.
power with a separate curve for each particular
Open inlet measurements (categories A or B) fan speed. Typical “generic” fan performance curves
may be taken with or without an inlet cone fitted. for common fan types are shown in Figure 4.
Fan performance curves are developed based
The fan performance without an inlet cone is likely
on standard tests measuring the output of a fan, Note: None of these curves would “hunt” as the
to be less than that with a cone. Restricted space
its volume flow rate, and pressure for a range system resistance curve would need to intersect
around the inlet of a category A or B fan, or around
of conditions. This concept is shown in Figure 2, the fan curve at two points. However, a steeper
the outlet of a category A or C fan, will affect the
with tests ranging from the flow being fully vane axial fan curve to the left of peak pressure,
performance. For optimum performance there
closed off to when the air path is completely would lead to instability for certain specific system
should be no restriction within two fan diameters.
open, all measured at a constant fan speed curves, hence the warning “Possibly Unstable”.
This is of major importance wherever the fan
is contained within a machine or a box, such (although fan speeds do vary when tested). Note: Some designers prefer to select at 10–15% below
as an air handling unit or a dust collection unit. Back pressure fans are typically used to change peak pressure.
the duty of the fan under test. At the same time
Fans mounted in a manner that does not reflect the power input to the motor is recorded and These typical curves are exaggerated and idealised
any of the standard categories (such as roof extract operating noise levels are established. indicative performance curves. Individual fans
fans, or in air handling units) will have altered will perform differently from this although the
performance characteristics. The fan performance graph is generally composed attributes will be similar. This includes the areas of
of a series of separate performance curves instability shown where the fan can flip between
With good duct design, most fans (except plate- including: two possible flow rates at the same pressure,
mounted fans) give their highest performance
Static pressure Vs Volume curve – Called the called hunting, or instability as a consequence
under category D conditions. Reference to
fan performance or fan characteristic curve, this is of the fan stalling (refer to Section 7). Some
manufacturer catalogues should show which
a plot of static pressure against volume at a constant axial flow fans have adjustable pitch blades of
installation category has been used in the test,
speed and gas density. which the first 10–20 degrees have a non-stalling
but where there is doubt, the manufacturer
characteristic. Manufacturers will generally identify
should be contacted for clarification.
Fan total pressure (pt) and velocity pressures (pv) recommended working ranges for their products
are also plotted against volume. within their technical literature.
FAN PERFORMANCE
Performance data may be presented either Blocked off
graphically in a fan curve, or in tabular form Shutoff
in a rating table. Performance data is either
listed for standard air temperature and pressure,
Restricted
or the air temperature, density and pressure at
which the tests were carried out are listed so that
appropriate adjustments to expected performance Less restricted
Static pressure

can be made.
Fan
cha
Note: Standard temperature and pressure (STP) rac Flow
ter straighteners
air is defined as clean, dry air with a density is ti
of 1.2 kg/m3, a sea level barometric pressure
c

of 101.325kPa and a temperature of 20°C. Wide open

It should be remembered that catalogued

fan performance data is the result of testing
generally without any obstructions in the fan
inlet or outlet and without any optional accessories Volume flow (q) ps pv
in place. Unless careful design of inlets, outlets Measuring
and ductwork has been undertaken a fan will Free delivery station
not perform in practice as per the catalogued
performance data. Appropriate pressure drop Figure 2: The creation of a fan performance characteristic.

16 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | July 2018

HVAC&R Skills Workshop

airflow (m3/s) x Total pressure (Pa) x 100 Many fan manufacturers have web-based selection
Total efficiency % = programs available. The most appropriate choice
Power input, in W Equation 1
will still depend on many factors. Specifiers and
designers should review choices in detail rather
airflow (m3/s) x Static pressure (Pa) x 100 than rely on a choice made from a brief comparison
Static efficiency % = summary table.
Power input, in W
The most important issue with computer selection
programs is to input the correct information about
Fan the fan application. This includes an accurately
effi
cie calculated fan duty and the other specific
n
conditions of service such as air temperature and

cy
Pressure density. Most fan curves are only valid for standard
Power temperature and pressure ranges.
Efficiency
Optimum selection range
INTERPRETING FAN

Fa
n
MANUFACTURER
to
ta
Fa

lp
n

DATA
re
s ta

er

ssu
tic

ow

re
p
pr

ut
es

in p With a basic understanding of the fan performance

su

n
Fa
re

curve, designers can predict the way the fan

performance would change if the fan characteristics
were changed or if combinations of fans, in series
ssure or in parallel, are used in a system. Designers need
oc it y pre
Fan vel to be aware of the following uses when interpreting
performance curves:
Volume flow (q) Fan performance curves are developed under
Figure 3: Fan performance curves showing recommended selection range. controlled test conditions with the fan installed
with favourable inlet and discharge connections.
These connection conditions are often not able
PULLOUT

d Note: A certified performance curve should to be replicated in the field.

Back ward-cur ve Possibly require a works test be performed on the specific
aerofoil unstable
fan being supplied. In the HVAC&R market, a Fan performance curves are developed under
Safe works test is not often specified or allowed for a specified air condition (temperature, pressure,
l working within project budgets.
V a n e a x ia density), the air conditions prevalent during the
Total pressure

ranges
test. Check the actual conditions the fans have
For w
a rd - c u r v e d
c e nt r i f u g al MANUFACTURER been tested at. Do not rely on the term “Standard”
to identify this as this varies between fan test
A xial
FAN SELECTION AIDS centre locations.
Selection charts Fan performance curves are generally developed
A selection chart shows the performance map for without any of the optional accessories that may
a family of similar fans. They are often formatted on be available. Some accessories may alter the
semi-log or log-log scales to display a wide range of aerodynamic performance of the fan and hence
Volume flow (q) flow and pressure on a single chart. The chart shows will vary from the standard performance curve.

Figure 4: Typical ‘generic’ fan performance curves. the various fan sizes and designs available and a Fan noise is a function of the fan design,
selection is made by evaluating the fans with a best volume flow rate, total pressure and efficiency.
efficiency point near the specified operating points. The sound power generation of a given fan
performing a given duty is best obtained from
PUBLISHED Once the fan size has been selected the individual
the fan manufacturer’s actual test data taken
fan performance curve should be consulted for
AND CERTIFIED full details of the fan performance, capability and
under standardised test conditions. However, test
conditions vary and some manufacturers display
PERFORMANCE characteristics.
actual measured data without manipulation while
CURVES Fan rating tables others manipulate data to provide example in-
duct noise levels which changes for each different
The fan performance curves generated under Similar to fan selection charts, multi-rating
installation. The true measured sound power data
test become the basis of the catalogue curves tables have traditionally been used for selecting is the only way to compare how each fan will
and selection tables used by manufacturers to centrifugal fans. Usually airflow, pressure, fan speed perform in the specific installation. Manufacturers
market their products. The manufacturing process and power are tabulated, for equal increments of generally have available descriptions of how the
and associated tolerances are designed to ensure outlet velocity for a given size of fan. fans are tested and how the data is presented. n
that a fan will match the catalogued performance. These tables can be used for fan selection
When purchasing or specifying a fan, designers although some interpolation may be required. AND HEATING
IONING
, AIR CONDIT
RATION
REFRIGE
TE OF
LIAN INSTITU

can request its certified performance curve This month’s Skills Workshop
THE AUSTRA

to ensure compliance with the published data. Computer selection programs has been taken from AIRAH
Unlike the published curve, which represents a More frequently used than traditional charts DA13
FANS
Application Manual
general curve or set of curves for a fan model or tables, computerised data selection allows DA13 – Fans.
AL
MANU
ATION
APPLIC

and size, the certified performance curve reflects for the rapid selection of many possible fans and
the actual test results for a particular fan. selection optimisation at the click of a button.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Next month: Applied psychrometrics

July 2018 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 17