Axial and centrifugal fans are both helpful in circulating air, but they do so differently. This is how an axial fan operates: it moves air directly, in the same direction as the blades. Take the manual fan which blow air straight ahead; hence the name: axial fan! These fans live in spots such as air conditioning vents, cooling towers and even grade-school computers and other electronics to prevent overheating.
Centrifugal fans, on the other hand, are another story. It sucks air in closer to the center, then draws the air outwards. The fan blades internally torque the air, ejecting it through an aperture. This type of fan is commonly used in systems that provide heating or cooling to buildings, called heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. So from the time you start to feel refreshed from a vent or warm from a radiator somewhere, you might be aware of the work of these fans.
That’s one big advantage: They can move air easy and fast. Doing so allows for a more comfortable atmosphere, such as cooling us down on a scorching summer’s day or making sure our homes can breathe. These fans also contribute to energy conservation. They can allow HVAC systems to move air more efficiently and use less energy, which is great for our bills and for the planet.
However, axial fans and centrifugal fans are different in many ways. For instance, an axial fan is typically smaller and cheaper than a centrifugal fan. But it’s faster, and that can mean noisier. If you have ever heard a fan blowing air loudly, that was probably an axial fan. Unlike that, the centrifugal fan is way quieter. It has improved performance in certain scenarios, and is capable of producing higher airflow pressure, which is an advantage in applications where airflow must be pushed through extensive ducts / tubes.
Take a closer look at how the fans in-built. The axial fans are made up of blades, which are attached to a central part known as the hub. This hub rotates inside a casing (protective cover). The blades are shaped like the wings of an airplane. As the hub spins, the blades change shape to lift and push the air straight out in one direction. This layout is efficient for focused airflow in one direction.
Gas centrifugal fans, on the other hand, are a different designed fan. They feature a base that supports a number of blades, which can be curved or straight. These blades, when they spin, turn the air around, and that action pushes the air out through an exhaust. All things being equal, blades in centrifugal fans are larger and heavier than those in axial fans. This enables them to generate a continuous airflow and makes them quite powerful in terms of moving the air of longer distances. This is highly useful for large buildings or factories where the air needs to flow from position A to position B.
In low-pressure but high-airflow applications, axial fans are typically preferred. They are more compact and easier to fit into small spots, so they perform well in areas with limited space. Centrifugal fans, meanwhile, are most suitable for applications that require high pressure and low airflow. They especially abound in larger systems, where greater horsepower is needed to move air effectively.