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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click to Expand

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.

Micro Fans in the Electronics Industry