DC Fans
Direct current (DC), which is an electrical current that flows in one direction only, powers DC fans with a potential of fixed value—for instance, a battery's voltage. Depending upon the amount of power an application needs, DC fans are typically low voltage and are available in 5V, 12V, 24V, and 48V values. The power source connects to a transformer in a DC fan, which converts the AC power to DC and uses magnets to generate the energy needed to attract and repel a rotor for movement.
PTI has designed our advanced fans to offer quiet, dependable, economical, and long-term performance. We offer several DC axial, centrifugal, inline duct, and box fans in a range of voltages to best meet our clients' needs. Our custom-made DC fans adhere to stringent international safety standards for the industry, complying with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.
Direct current fans offer numerous benefits, both in general and in comparison to AC fans. Firstly, DC fans consume far less power and voltage than AC fans. This makes them applicable for restaurants or other commercial spaces in which users can leave the fan on for a long period without incurring high energy costs or creating an unsafe situation. They also offer variable flow. For a minimal extra cost, we can design DC fans with several options for speed control, including voltage, current, temperature, PWM signals, and resistance. Some DC brushless fans now use intelligent motion controls as well, which is the result of our inclusion of full-wave-in-board circuitry and feature design, incorporating smarter air movement in a system.
Another benefit is that DC fans are supremely quiet. Select models utilize an electronically commutated motor (ECM). Apart from being very efficient, these motors are also fairly silent. They have versatility in that, because we can customize DC fans to be resistant to water and dust, users can operate DC fans for outdoor applications and the equipment can stand harsh weather and environmental conditions, even up to NASA or military standards. Lastly, there is less electromagnetic interference with DC fans because of the low power requirement and the application of complex electronic switching, making them ideal for usage in computers without inhibiting their functionality.
As for their applications, DC fans are useful in residential, commercial, and industrial settings for:
- Air vent exhaust
- Car entertainment systems
- Cooling electronic devices
- Environments requiring low noise
- Low-pressure environments
- Medical instruments
- Telecom switches
- Ventilation for computer systems and components
As an example of our work, one of our medical manufacturer clients came to us for a respiratory equipment solution. They needed a quiet fan to cool the internal components of a mechanical ventilator system, as well as custom wire connectors and labeling. PTI was able to design a custom DC fan to achieve the clients' desired results, leading to an ongoing partnership with that client.
AC Fans
Alternating current (AC) is a current that can alternate and reverse direction, and it is this current type that powers AC fans with a changing voltage in equal positive and negative values. AC fans typically use sinusoidal voltage, with size options of 100VAC, 120VAC, 200VAC, 220VAC, 230VAC, and 240VAC, and frequencies of 50 or 60Hz. AC fans function via a direct connection to a power source. This power source then generates the energy required for the fan to function.
PTI's AC fans are reliable, safe, and available in several configurations and sizes to enable easy customization. Our customized fans feature an original multi-blade design that enhances airflow as well as high-quality bearings for quiet operation. We offer plastic frames and metal blades, as well as reverse/high, high, low, reverse/standard, and standard fan models. Our AC fans are also RoHS-compliant and meet the strictest safety standards. We incorporate various safety features in the design to safeguard against vibrations, dust, moisture, and high temperatures. For additional customization and safety, optional rotation detectors and tachometers are available to monitor fan operation and fan speed, respectively.
Unlike DC fans, AC fans offer the benefit of uninterrupted airflow for continuous use that lacks undesirable fluctuations. A DC fan tends to cost more than an equivalent AC fan, meaning AC fans can be a more economical option. Also, AC fans do not require a converter, so it can be as simple as plugging these fans into a socket during installation. They have applications in:
- Appliances, for refrigeration systems
- Condenser cooling
- Diesel engines
- Generators
- Hot air exhausts
- Industrial cooling
- Outlets
- Ventilation
Blowers
Fan blowers help cooling systems achieve efficient air movement. DC and AC blowers from PTI are recognized industry-wide for their reliable durability, innovative and versatile features, and exceptional performance. We have a variety of available configurations, with tachometers, alarm output, thermal speed and automatic temperature control, voltage signal control, OV and ingress protection, and rotation and life detection for greater customization opportunities.
Made from galvanized steel and reinforced plastic, our brushless DC motor blowers have a compact footprint and are available in either standard designs or customizable TITAN® series models. DC blowers from the TITAN series are ideal for high-end equipment designs needing application-specific customization as they incorporate intelligent motion control. At PTI, we offer our clients the option to customize their DC blower with an extra 15 intelligent motion controls to improve its efficiency and functionality, resulting in a longer life span.
AC blowers from PTI consist of reinforced plastic, an aluminum-alloy frame, a capacitor-run induction motor, and a ball bearing system. These fans pass air through a cooling coil to chill it before it leaves the component for cooling spaces or system parts.
Blowers are ideal for:
- Computers
- Constant-speed applications
- High air pressure applications
- HVAC systems
- Industrial products
- Manufacturing units
- Medical equipment
- Network servers
- Telecommunication devices