Fans and Blowers for Medical Equipment Industry

Virtually every system in a medical setting is required to provide no-failure performance throughout emergency situations and to provide long-term safety and wellness for patients, staff, and visitors. To ensure this constant functionality, every component within these critical systems must be reliable. Not only do they need to provide consistent performance at a standard, controllable pace, but they also must offer minimal downtime for maintenance and repair. Parts that can meet these conditions are much less likely to fail in critical moments.

At Pelonis Technologies, Inc., we specialize in creating blowers that fulfill the unique application and quality standards for systems across the medical equipment industry. They provide critical cooling functions so equipment can continuously run, even in compact configurations or extreme applications. Our micro air blowers and DC blowers have innovative designs, are rigorously tested, and have a long history of meeting the needs of our clients.

Applications for Micro Air Blowers and DC Blowers in the Medical Equipment Industry

Fans and blowers provide cool air and ventilation for electronic products and medical equipment so the systems can run continuously or provide fast, critical functions in patient care and building management. Today's complex configurations of sensors, fans, medical motors, and blowers can provide increasingly granular control of air quality, temperature, and pressure so equipment always runs its best.

Pelonis Technologies's inventory of fans and blowers includes multiple parts and product lines to meet the unique size, airflow, and pressure requirements of virtually any equipment setup. The parts are also designed to meet or exceed low-noise expectations so patients can rest and staff can do their jobs without disruptive noise. Along with these critical functionalities, our fan and blower assemblies also offer:

• Low standard operating currents
• Programmable Pulse With Modulation (PWM) speed controls for variable and automated control of fan speed
• IP-rated conformal coatings that protect the assemblies from moisture, making them ideal for use in high-humidity environments or potential exposure to moisture

These features and more equip our diverse products for use across multiple medical equipment applications, including the following:

Air Beds

Patients who are bedridden or must spend long periods in bed are at significant risk of developing bedsores. However, air beds can substantially reduce this risk. Air beds raise and lower surfaces across the bed by inflating and deflating individual air chambers within the bed. This slightly changes the position of the patient each time and prevents constant pressure or friction from causing bedsores. Air beds are constructed of air-permeable materials that further reduce the risk. Air blowers and fans play a critical role in inflating the air chambers and ensuring the movement of air throughout the mattress.

Respiratory Devices

Respiratory devices support patient breathing for conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, and blowers and fans help ensure consistent performance. Our side channel blowers provide regulated ventilation in half-stationary or portable systems. Each fan and blower is built for a long lifespan with minimal downtime to provide patients with uninterrupted respiratory support.

Sterilization

Steam sterilizers disinfect or clean equipment that cannot otherwise be easily or completely sterilized to the standard required in hospitals. Sterilization systems generate hot steam, which transports heat energy to the surface of the parts needing sterilization; as those parts heat up, the proteins of contaminants are destroyed and the germs are denatured. Humid heat is ideal for hospitalization equipment sterilization. The process is faster and doesn't require as high of temperatures as dry steam sterilization. Fans and blowers move humid steam throughout the sterilization vessel for thorough airflow and complete sterilization.

Incubators

Incubators help premature babies in NICUs by protecting the general hospital environment. Each incubator houses fans and blowers that can help regulate atmospheric pressure within the incubator, temperature, and ventilation. Maintaining a tightly controlled environment is crucial for helping premature babies develop and minimize the risk of contamination or stress.

The fans and blowers used in incubators must be vibration-free and low-noise. They also must be fail-safe to ensure the environmental conditions within the incubator are stable and optimal.

About Pelonis

At Pelonis Technologies, Inc., we design and manufacture air movement parts and systems for specialty applications across the medical industry. Our standard parts are available for fast shipping, and we also offer custom design solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our competitive pricing for custom projects or request a quote to start your order.

Micro Fans in the Electronics Industry

To prevent overheating and damage, many electronics rely on internal cooling fans. With today's products becoming increasingly smaller, small ventilation fans are the ideal thermal cooling solutions for applications such as laptops and tablets that have limited space and restricted power budgets.

Known as micro fans, these minuscule fans can be as small as 8 mm wide and they effectively cool the internal components of all kinds of electronics to support optimal functionality. Pelonis Technologies, Inc. (PTI) manufactures uniquely engineered micro fans to meet the needs of today's demanding applications.

How Micro Fans Work

Electronic fans move air by creating a pressure differential. The goal is to remove heat from an enclosure by drawing cool air in to replace the hot air that is filling a space. When air is blocked, pressure builds and air becomes stagnant. When the fan is out in the open, airflow is maximized because there is no pressure across the fan. The ideal operating point lies somewhere between these extremes.

The internal size of the electronic device creates resistance to airflow, limiting the amount of free airflow through the device. Micro fans create pressure that generates airflow within the space and pushes out the heat. In the case of small, concentrated heat sources, micro fans help increase heat transfer within a tiny area. The use of these small electronics fans keeps system size at a minimum.

Types of Micro Fans for Electronics

For maximum efficiency, PTI produces a line of miniature axial fans that perform without any reduction in airflow when miniaturized. Axial fans are better suited for miniaturization than centrifugal fans, which experience flow performance issues at reduced sizes and are difficult to miniaturize due to their silicon motor construction

PTI’s AIR-G Series Micro Fans and Blowers are more compact and use less energy than traditional fans and blowers and are an ideal alternative for cooling small electronic devices. They feature minimal power loss at higher temperatures thanks to specially grooved bearings with Axial Air-Gap technology.

Our mini fans for electronics have a long operating life and are customizable to provide the most effective cooling solution for your application.

How Big are Micro Fans?

At PTI, we produce fans smaller than the face of a dime at 15 mm wide. Our largest micro cooling fan measures 30 mm wide, about the length of a paperclip.

These small-sized electronics fans require expert assembly and maintenance. Because they are precision-balanced machines, any mishandling will create unbalance in the fan, increasing acoustic noise and diminishing reliability and cooling performance. These micro fans are not waterproof and wires must be hand-soldered. Special padding and packaging may be required for the shipment of finished board assemblies.

Applications: Choosing the Right Micro Fan

Incredibly versatile, micro fans are used in consumer electronics like desktop computers, televisions, tablets, and laptops. Additional applications in which PTI micro fans are suitable include:

• CCTV systems and IP cameras
• LED lighting
• Portable medical and surgical devices
• Micro fuel cells
• Solar and wind energy devices
• Mask and helmet ventilation
• Portable gas or particle detectors
• Portable plasma generators

To select the appropriate micro cooling fan, it is necessary to first determine the model, type, specification, and key parameters of the cooling fan used on the original equipment.

Learn More About Micro Fans

At Pelonis Technologies, all of our micro fans meet UL, CUL, and CE requirements. With power savings between 20% and 40% over traditional fan technology, they offer a lower profile for compact digital and mobile devices and a lower startup voltage for increased design flexibility.

Providing high-quality products at competitive prices, our goal is to give our customers value-added services, effective solutions, and custom designs to meet their needs. Flexible manufacturing techniques enable us to meet both large and small-scale requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our micro fans or to request a quote on items you are interested in. We offer expert consultation on fans and products adapted to your application.

Both fans and blowers are commonly used equipment for cooling and providing air circulation throughout buildings, internal spaces, outdoor environments, and more. They're also vital components in HVAC systems. While 'fans' and 'blowers' are often considered synonymous, they each have different functionalities, advantages, and applications.

Fans vs. Blowers

Because fans and blowers are used as interchangeable terms, it's important to be clear about what you need for your specific application. Consider how the two differ in terms of functionality, common applications, and unique benefits.

Function

Blowers are electromechanical systems that direct air to a certain point or in a particular direction by means of a fan and controlled channels. Fans themselves are electrical devices that move the air. Fans can also exist separately from blowers to circulate air throughout a space without a specific destination for the air. Picture a blower as a whole assembly with a channel, or an inlet and outlet, that surrounds the fan so large volumes of air can be pumped in a specific direction. The interior fan has small blades and uses centrifugal force to push the air outward; blowers also provide some degree of air pressurization to drive it out and forward. A fan, on the other hand, consists of blades arranged around a central point and a motor that powers the fan and drives the blade motion. Fans are generally powered by electric motors, but some models can use internal combustion engines or hydraulic motors. When you're determining whether you need a fan or blower based on functionality, keep these two rules in mind:

1. Blowers operate at moderate pressure, with an air pressure ratio of 1:1.1 to 1:1.2, and fans move large volumes of air with little to no change in air pressure.
2. Blowers direct air in a specific direction, while fans circulate air throughout a defined space.

Applications

Fans and blowers are used for very different applications. The two common applications of fans are:

• Cooling areas by moving the air
• Ventilating spaces, such as living areas

The common applications of blowers are:

• Drying goods and surfaces by forcefully directing air toward it
• Cleaning surfaces and areas, like a leaf blower
• Increasing the size of a fire

Benefits

Both assemblies have key benefits that will make them useful in your facility. The unique advantage of selecting a fan is its energy efficiency. They use less electricity than blowers that move the equivalent amount of air. Blowers, on the other hand, are advantageous because of the direct airflow and power they provide. Blowers also have a lower initial purchase price.

Should You Use a Fan or a Blower?

Now that you know more about the different uses and advantages of fans and blowers, you can better select the right fit for your needs. Consider these factors:

• Pressure:
  • If you need a tool that increases air pressure, choose a blower.
  • If you need air pressure to remain the same, choose a fan.
• Power Source and Availability:
  • If you have more power available, you can choose a blower.
  • If you have less power available, choose a fan.
• Air Flow Requirements:
  • If you need to direct air in a specific direction, choose a blower.
  • If you need indirect airflow throughout a space, choose a fan.

Based on the particular functions and capabilities you need, there are multiple different fans and blowers to choose from. Fans come in axial, centrifugal, and cross-flow fans, each of which provides different types of air motion; blowers are available in centrifugal and positive displacement models, which use different types of force to move the air from the inlet through the outlet and in a specific direction.

Fans and Blowers From Pelonis Technologies

At Pelonis Technologies, we provide standard and customized fan and blower systems for commercial and industrial clients. For over 25 years, we've been delivering innovative air movement solutions, and we’re here to help you choose the best option for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities, or request a quote to get started.

How to Select an Industrial Heater

Industrial heaters can be used in a variety of applications. When used in drying processes, the heat creates steam that removes moisture from materials. Industrial heaters are also essential to making many types of products, including concrete and asphalt.

To help you choose the appropriate type of industrial heater for your project, we put together this guide to demonstrate how to select the best industrial heating element for your needs.

Industrial Heaters

Industrial heaters transform energy from a fuel or energy source into thermal energy in a system, process stream, or closed environment. Heat transfer is the process through which thermal energy changes from an energy source to a system.

The most essential components in any industrial heating system are industrial heating elements. Regardless of the application, selecting the proper industrial heating element will increase efficiency, saving money and time.

Key Questions to Ask While Choosing an Industrial Heater

Before you buy a heater, first gather the appropriate information by asking the correct questions. These questions should focus on how to heat up the solid, liquid, or gas in your industrial process and what heating elements are required to achieve optimal heating results. The following are some of the most important considerations:

• What kind of heat source should be utilized?
• What is the ideal operating temperature for your heating element?
• What sort of control do you need?
• What is the minimum voltage?
• What is the length of time that the heating element will be active?

Be sure to know the answers to these questions in advance, as they will help you make a quicker and more informed buying decision later.

Types of Industrial Heaters and Their Applications

When purchasing industrial heaters, buyers should examine the characteristics of different types of heaters. For example, an engineer will need to consider how much space needs to be heated before determining what sort of heating system is required. A large warehouse in a cold environment will require a different heating system than a tiny room.

Industrial heaters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. These are some of the most common types:

Air Heaters

Radiant heaters, space heaters, and forced air devices are examples of this class of heater.

Circulation Heaters

Circulation heaters are used to warm streams of flowing, moving, or circulating fluid. The fluid heats as it passes through the heater. 

Duct Heaters

Duct heaters warm up moving air or gas that passes through a duct.

Flexible Heaters

Heaters that are flexible may be molded to heat a specific shape.

Immersion Heaters

This sort of heater must be placed into the substance it is heating.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are the best option for small spaces. They're generally portable, non-emitting, and safe to use.

Industrial heaters are essential in a wide range of industrial applications, including annealing, heat treating, curing/tempering, drying, melting, and OEM/custom heating. Choosing the right heater for a specific job is safer, cost-effective, and more efficient in the long term.

Ready to Select an Industrial Heater?

To select the best type of heater for your project or industry, it's important to know some key information, such as required heat sources, intended outcomes, and area specifications. Invest some time into considering these factors before making your final decision, and it will pay off in the end. Our team of experts can assist you with selecting the appropriate type or size of heating system for your needs.

At Pelonis Technologies Inc., we are committed to producing high-quality heating elements at our ISO 9000 and 14000 certified plants. Contact us or request a quote now to discover more about our heating solutions!

How to Select the Right Cooling Fan

In many devices and systems, the buildup of heat can lead to reduced performance, prematurely deteriorated components and materials, and increased safety risks. For these reasons, many pieces of equipment utilize cooling fans to dissipate heat buildup and avoid these potentially costly consequences.

Since cooling fans are used in a wide range of products, they are available in a variety of designs and configurations to suit different application requirements and restrictions. While this broad selection makes it possible for product designers and engineers to find a component that meets their exact needs, it can also make it more challenging to find the right one. The following article serves as a helpful selection guide for readers, outlining the steps to follow when choosing a cooling fan for a particular application. 

The Cooling Fan Selection Process

Step 1: Perform a Thermal Analysis

The first step in the cooling fan selection process is performing a thermal analysis. A thermal analysis determines the amount of heat generated inside a particular piece of equipment or during a particular process. The result can be used to calculate the volume of air needed to cool the device or system. 

Thermal analysis operations use sensors and other instruments to determine the source(s) of heat and the amount of heat generated by each source. The heaviest consumers of power and, consequently, the biggest contributors to heat dissipation are often components like microcontrollers, processors, FPGAs, and MOSFETs. Once the necessary information is obtained, the amount of airflow required to cool the device or system can be calculated. Afterward, the cooling air path can be mapped using sensors and software to ensure that all major heat sources receive the air needed to cool them sufficiently. 

Step 2: Determine the System Impedance

After the thermal analysis is performed and the required air volume is calculated, the next step in the cooling fan selection process is determining the system impedance. System impedance refers to the sum of the pressure drop experienced as air travels between the fan’s inlet vents and exhaust vents. If a system has multiple air paths, the individual impedance values are added. The value(s) can be measured for different rates of airflow with pressure sensors or by placing the system in an air chamber. 

Step 3: Choose the Type of Fan

After the system impedance is identified, it can be used with the calculated airflow requirement to gauge the static pressure needed for the system. This information can then be utilized to determine which fan will serve as the best solution. 

Cooling fans are divided into two categories based on the way air flows through them. 

• Axial fans have air enter and exit in the same plane. Similar to an airplane propeller, they have blades that generate aerodynamic lift and pressurize the air. They can provide high airflow and are ideal for applications involving relatively low static pressure. 
• Centrifugal fans have air enter in one plane and exit in another. They have rotating impellers with blades that increase the speed of air streams and convert them into pressure. They can produce high pressures and are suitable for applications involving harsh conditions (e.g., moist or dirty air streams). 

Some of the factors to consider when selecting between these two fan designs are: 

• Pressure
• Airflow rate
• Efficiency rate
• Space constraints
• Noise generation
• Drive configuration
• Operating temperature range
• Operating environment range
• Cost
• Delivery time
• Availability

Step 4: Final Considerations 

In addition to the above, other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a cooling fan for a system include: 

• Integrating speed controls: Fans that run continuously at fast speeds will wear out quickly. Integrating speed control elements that alter the speed of the fan when needed can significantly increase the overall service life of a unit. 
• Incorporating performance monitoring circuits: Performance monitoring circuits track fan performance to identify potential malfunctions before they occur. 
• Establishing maintenance schedules/programs: Regardless of the fan you choose, it is essential to create and implement a maintenance schedule for it. Otherwise, the unit may break down unexpectedly. A basic maintenance program should cover the following: bearings, belts and sheaves, leakage, motor condition, and system cleaning. 

Quality Cooling Fans From Pelonis Technologies, Inc. (PTI)

Need additional assistance selecting a cooling fan for your application? Ask the experts at PTI! At Pelonis Technologies, Inc., we have developed and manufactured specialty cooling products for commercial and industrial operations for over 25 years. We have the knowledge and skills to answer any questions you may have and find the product that suits your exact needs. Contact us today to get started on your solution.

Related Products

Traditional heaters can experience a number of issues that cause discomfort or injury to users, including, but not limited to, hot spots. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters serve as a solution to these and other problems. 

 

PTC Heating vs. Traditional Heating

Traditional heaters and PTC heaters have widely different designs and constructions, which results in significant differences in their operation and performance. 

Traditional heaters generate heat using coils and wires. Additionally, they typically utilize a single-point sensor to determine the temperature for the entire heater. This design poses a functionality issue and creates a safety risk since it can lead to the development of overly hot areas on the surface of the heater. 

PTC heaters have heating elements made from barium titanate-based ceramic stones. The material’s unique properties enable a PTC heater unit to self-regulate; it can run open-loop without needing external diagnostic or feedback controls. As a result, PTC heaters are highly reliable, offering consistent and uniform heat without the risk of overheating.

 

Advantages of PTC Heaters

As indicated above, PTC heaters offer better reliability than traditional heaters, which makes them the more suitable heating option for numerous applications. Other key advantages include: 

• Safer heating functionality. PTC heaters eliminate the safety problems generally associated with heaters that use resistive wire, carbon fiber, or etched foil to generate heat.

• Higher operational efficiency. Since PTC heaters are self-regulating, they can optimize power consumption to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. For example, they will draw at full power at colder temperatures to ensure they reach the threshold temperature quickly.

• Smaller size, lighter weight. PTC heaters can be made to thicknesses as small as .0005 inches, which allows them to have smaller and lighter forms.

• Greater strength and durability. These heaters can withstand significant mechanical abuse, including creasing, folding, and piercing, without experiencing damage or degradation that affects their operation or performance. 

• Bigger cost savings. Since PTC heaters are durable and efficient, they often cost less to run and maintain than traditional heaters in the long, which can result in significant savings for users. 

 

Innovative PTC Heating Solutions From Pelonis Technologies, Inc. (PTI)

Want to learn more about positive temperature coefficient heaters and why you should use them over traditional heaters? Ask the experts at Pelonis Technologies! We’ve developed and manufactured specialty heating products for commercial and industrial use for over 25 years. This extensive experience provides us with the knowledge we need to answer and address any questions or concerns you may have about these heating products. 

Additionally, combined with our many standard products, vast customization services, and ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certified manufacturing facilities, it provides us with everything we need to make quality heating solutions that offer superior reliability, efficiency, and safety. Whether you need a stock or highly customized PTC heating unit, our team can deliver. 

Immersion heaters, also known as bayonet heaters, are electrically powered direct contact heating devices used to heat material inside a container. They are versatile, able to be used in a variety of applications and processes where the temperature of oils, solutions, heat transfer fluids, and other liquids must be regulated. Electric immersion heaters often replace other types of furnaces like fuel-based fluid heaters, reactors, infrared, microwave, and resistance heaters. Industrial immersion heaters play an important role in many sectors, from food and agriculture to chemical applications and more.

Applications of Immersion Heaters

Immersion heaters have many uses for both residential and industrial applications. They offer a more accurate, controllable heating method as well as enhanced heating efficiency, broad versatility, and low maintenance requirements. Household uses include electric water heaters, air conditioning, instant hot water taps, steam generators, reactors, and other corrosive or high-temperature applications. Industrial uses for immersion heaters are vast and varied, including:

• Cement curing. Immersion heaters speed up the cement curing process with fast, consistent results.
• Chemical industry. Electric immersion heaters are critical for keeping a stable temperature and preventing freezing of detergents, water, oils, and acidic or basic solutions.
• Food processing. Ceramic immersion heaters are ideal for controlling moisture that leads to the growth of pathogens and bacteria that threaten the quality of food items. Immersion heaters can sterilize containers and heat liquids to meet government regulations and comply with quality standards required of food processing operations.
• Laboratories. Immersion heaters are used in labs for sterilization, autoclaves, and pill drying.
• Nuclear power. Nuclear power plants require pressurized water in reactors to produce steam. Immersion heaters accurately raise water temperatures to keep consistent pressure.
• Oil and gas industry. Immersion heaters allow oil and petrochemical products to flow at cold temperatures by heating them without changing their underlying infrastructure.
• Wastewater management. When temperatures get cold, immersion heaters ensure that water in reservoirs and pipes doesn't freeze to ensure water treatment doesn’t fail.

Immersion Heaters From Pelonis for a Wide Variety of Applications

Pelonis Technologies' ultra-high temperature ceramic immersion heaters provide more efficiency, durability, and flexibility compared to other heaters on the market. Improved efficiency translates to significant cost savings for your project. Our ceramic immersion heaters have a 98% higher thermal efficiency, meaning they can achieve higher temperatures with less voltage.

Key features of our immersion heaters include:

• Corrosion-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Greater heating efficiency for both gases and liquids
• High thermal conductivity
• Needs minimal repairs
• Usable in air or water

Pelonis Technologies offers the highest quality products at competitive costs. Dependable, durable, long-lasting equipment like our immersion heaters saves time and money. Partnering with Pelonis provides an excellent return on investment.

Partnering with Pelonis Technologies

Pelonis Technologies' management team and engineers have over 25 years of experience in product development and manufacturing. We use innovative and flexible manufacturing techniques that allow us to scale production for everything from large-scale to small projects. Our facilities meet or exceed the industry standards such as ASA, ANSI, and MIL-STD, and our L-10 life testing procedures monitor product life.

Our team of experts is here to provide our customers with the services, solutions, or designs to meet their needs. We have the expertise to fully customize our blowers, fans, motors, and heaters to meet specific project needs under the most demanding industrial conditions. Our immersion heaters provide numerous benefits, including superior longevity with minimal maintenance. Contact Pelonis today for questions about our products, services, or processes.

An electronically commutated (EC) fan design delivers the combined benefits of AC and DC Fans. The EC fan's power comes from a brushless DC motor, but it offers the control that AC induction fans have over the fan rotor through a printed circuit board. The electronically commutated fan's DC motor has the advantage of a variable speed control built-in.

An AC electrical supply powers the EC fan, but the on-board electronics convert the power to DC before reaching the motor. The secondary magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets makes EC fan motors considerably more efficient than AC induction motors.

This blog post will discuss the four primary benefits offered by electronically commutated fans.

Increased Efficiency

The high energy efficiency of the EC fan motor comes from the reduction in energy consumption. Even at partial speeds, EC fan motors continue to maintain high levels of efficiency. The secondary magnetic field in EC fan motors comes from permanent magnets inside the rotor. This allows EC motors to conserve energy that would generate a secondary magnetic field like the copper windings accomplish in AC induction motors.

While the EC motor is running, it constantly monitors the electricity powering the fan and makes continuous adjustments to keep fan power optimized. The fan maintains efficiency within a range of speeds rather than a single specified speed. The level of control is similar to the frequency controller used in AC motors, but EC motors can remain efficient at any speed within its design capabilities. These factors help EC fan motors achieve as much as 30% more energy efficiency than AC fan motors.

More Control

EC fan motors use multiple methods of control to deliver better efficiency and simplify control of small or large-scale applications. EC fan motors have a printed circuit board that allows precision control through a computer application. Administrators have control of fan speed, torque, and ramp-up time through a central location, and MODBUS-network protocol for scalable automation of fan controls and simplified 0-10V controllers are also available. The advanced control granted to operators allows for optimum efficiency in a variety of applications, making the fan up to 90% more efficient.

Longer Lifespan

Industries and applications that require reliability and longevity can rely on EC fans for a longer lifespan than AC fans with similar capabilities. AC fan motors have carbon brushes that eventually wear out, but the lack of carbon brushes on the EC fan motor eliminates the risk of wear.

Low operating temperatures are another factor of EC motor longevity. Electronically commutated fan motors maintain a lower temperature compared to similar AC fans, decreasing heat-related failure. More reliable operation and a longer service life can offset the higher upfront cost of switching to EC fans by reducing the need for long-term maintenance, repair, and replacement costs.

Compact & Versatile

EC fans have a space-saving design, allowing them to operate at a high capacity at a smaller physical size. The smaller size is largely due to the external rotor. The weight of an EC motor is four times less than an AC motor with similar capabilities, and the less bulky design delivers better airflow. EC motors are a practical solution in environments where space is of concern.

Why Pelonis?

At Pelonis Technologies, we’re an industry leading vendor thanks to our innovative products, flexible manufacturing capabilities, and portfolio of value-added services. We strive to deliver affordable products made only from the highest-quality materials and are equipped to respond to orders and production runs of any size. Our manufacturing facilities are certified to meet ISO 9000 and 14000 standards, and we strictly adhere to international UL, cUL, TUV, and CE requirements.

If you need high-quality EC fans, Pelonis Technologies can help. Please contact us to see if our electronically commutated fans are right for your design.

Intelligent Motion Control (IMC) solutions modify the start-up and continuous power in brushless DC fans and blowers. These systems control every element of the equipment's functionality with multi-featured, full-wave, in-board circuit designs to ensure each piece of equipment is protected from abnormal or harmful voltage conditions. Not only can the IMC solution control how much power is run through the fan and blower systems on start-up, but they can also provide early warnings about fan malfunctions and energy usage.

IMC solutions are commonly utilized in green facilities that want to maintain a high degree of energy-efficiency, as well as plants with significant amounts of electronic or heated equipment that needs regular cooling. The benefits of Intelligent Motion Controls include:

• Better operating efficiency and performance
• Improved system oversight and maintenance
• Electronic and fan or blower components that last longer
• Fewer voltage fluctuations
• Programmable features to build a customized solution for every facility or application
• Multi-alarm connections that run multiple fans and detect potential malfunctions quickly

Each of these individual benefits work together to make fan and blower systems perform better, longer, and more safely. It's essential to select an appropriate IMC solution that will optimize each of these benefits for the highest return on investment.

Solutions

Pelonis Technologies provides many IMC control solutions for brushless DC fans and blowers. Four of the most popular control types include:

• Pulse Width Modulation (PPWM)
• Over-Voltage (OV)
• Automatic Temperature Control (TPWM)
• Manual Variable Resistor Control (RPWM) 

Pulse Width Modulation

PPWM controls allow facilities to directly manipulate signals within fan and blower systems to control how much time they spend operating on high settings. Complex circuitry systems frequently use PPWM systems to vary how much time equipment operates with a high signal. The system is analog and switches the equipment between high or low settings across a consistent period of time.

The control system works by applying a modulated signal with different frequencies ranging from 30 Hz up to 30 kHz. The high setting's pulse height can range from 3V–10V, and the low setting's maximum pulse height is 0.4V. These differences in voltage and signal change the fan system's duty cycle speed proportionally to the same percentage change in the maximum speed. 

PPWM controls also include:

• Constant Speed (CS) controls
• Inrush Current Protection (IR) controls
• Current Limit (CL) controls

PPWM controls ensure that the fan maintains a minimum speed when the duty cycle is less than 25%, and cap the maximum speed at 4,000 RPM. This setting is called Mode "A" operation.  These systems use an external blue wire.

Over-Voltage

Inconsistent voltage levels can damage equipment, especially if the voltage surges above a maximum allowable level. Over-voltage systems are protective circuits that detect voltage levels and only allow the equipment to operate when the voltage is below an established safety threshold. This maximum operating voltage is typically set at 20% more than the specific rated voltage, but the level can be customized for different equipment. 

Over-voltage systems either shut down power or clamp the output once it gets too high. The control's voltage range is double the rated voltage of the equipment it's protecting. 

OV controls are built-in tools that don't have an external wire.

Automatic Temperature Control

Instead of keeping a facility's fans and blowers on a timer, TPWM systems read the temperature to determine whether the cooling equipment needs to be running at a low or high speed. Operators can customize the upper and lower temperature limits to dictate when the system's settings should change to lower the temperature or hold the temperature steady. 

These systems use a 104J NTC thermistor, which offers 100K at 25° C. Also, the following controls come included in the system:

• Constant Speed (CS) controls
• Inrush Current Protection (IR) controls
• Current Limit (CL) controls

This system has a built-in safety in the event of open or shorted thermistors. In these conditions, the control will tell the fan or fans to run at maximum speeds. Also, the fan's Mode "A" operation will rotate at a minimum of 1,000 RPM in temperature conditions of 16° C (60.8° F) to maintain adequate airflow. These systems use an external green wire.

Manual Variable Resistor Control (RPWM)

Many applications—including controls for generators, DC motor drives, and electric welding controls—need to have manual control. Manual Variable Resistor Control systems allow operators to adjust the fan or blower speed at varying levels with an external variable resistor. The system's speed will change proportionally to the percentage change of the resistor and in correspondence to the percentage change of the maximum speed. 

The systems come with a resistor with a maximum value allowance ranging from 10–100K. The maximum fan speed is 4,000 RPM. The following controls come included in the system:

• Constant Speed (CS) controls
• Inrush Current Protection (IR) controls
• Current Limit (CL) controls

If the variable resistor drops below 25K, then the RPWM automatically enters Mode "B" operation, and the fan will stop. These systems use external orange and white wires.

IMC Solutions from Pelonis Technologies

Choosing the right IMC solution to protect your facility's fan and blower systems is essential. Pelonis Technologies can help you select the best fit. Not only do we have a wide range of Intelligent Motion Controls, our products include rotation detectors, life detection systems, DC voltage system controls, and current source signal control systems. 

 

Contact us today to learn more about upgrading your system.

 

Adding intelligent motion controls (IMC) to your fan or blower design can maximize your system’s performance. There are several types of IMC solutions available to add functionality to your fans and blowers. Four of the solutions include a rotation detector, life detection, DC voltage signal control, and current source signal control. In this post, we will discuss each of these solutions.

Solutions

Rotation Detector (Complement)

The rotation detector (complement) (RDb) control is an open collector with hardware similar to the frequency generator (tachometer) (FG) control #2a. The output signal is HIGH when the fan is rotating, but when the fan is stopped or powered OFF the output signal is set to LOW. The output can be connected in parallel to the RDb of a series of fans that end at a single alarm device, which provide a warning if any single fan has stopped working. The RDb control is an external violet wire.

Life Detection

Similar to the RDb, the life detection (LD) control is also an open collector with the same hardware as the FG control #2a. The output signal is HIGH under the fan’s normal rotation, and it is set to LOW when the fan’s rotation speed is below 70% of the device’s rated target speed. Slow rotation may be a sign of aging or wear of the fan or blower, or it could mean there is reduced power supply voltage. The LD control is a brown external wire.

DC Voltage Signal Control

The DC voltage signal (VPWM) control adjusts speed by applying an external DC voltage signal. The voltage input “Vin” can have a value ranging from 1V to 20V, with standard values of 1V to 5V. The fan speed varies linearly, is proportional to the percentage change of the “Vin” value, and corresponds to the same percentage change of the maximum speed. The constant speed (CS), inrush current protection (IR), and current limit (CL) controls are included.

The part number is followed by an additional identification entry, such as V 1 5 20 100 C 500. That number indicates that the fan speed is 1000 RPM (20%) at 1V and 5000 RPM (100%) at 5V. Additionally, the fan maintains the minimum speed if Vin is less than 1V and it stops if Vin is less than 0.5V (Mode “C” operation). The maximum fan speed is 5000 RPM, with a stop point typically set at 20% of the maximum. The VPWM control is an external white wire.

Current Source Signal Control

The current source signal (IPWM) control adjusts speed through the application of an external current source signal. The current input “Iin” may have values ranging from 4mA to 50mA, with standard values of 4mA to 20mA. The fan speed varies linearly, is proportional to the percentage change of the Iin value, and corresponds to the same percentage change of the maximum speed. The constant speed (CS), inrush current protection (IR), and current limit (CL) controls are included.

The part number is again followed by an additional identification entry, such as I 4 20 20 100 A 500. That number indicates the fan speed will be 1000 RPM (20%) at 4mA and 5000 RPM (100%) at 20mA. The fan maintains the minimum speed if Iin is less than 4mA (Mode “A” operation). The maximum fan speed is 5000 RPM, and the IPWM control is an external white wire.

Discover the IMC Solution That’s Best for You

Pelonis Technologies will help you find the perfect IMC solution to your fan or blower designs. We offer rotation detector, life detection, DC voltage signal control, and current source signal control. Learn more about our products and services on our website, where you can also contact us or request a quote.

 

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