Criteria for selecting fans and blowers

As the power and component density of electronic devices increase, so does heat generation. For effective thermal management, selecting the right fan or blower is crucial for long-term device reliability.
Convection cooling is the most widely used solution and the most cost-effective method, as it dissipates heat through forced air movement.
Optimized fan solutions are necessary to meet the requirements for quiet and high-performance cooling.

Thermal management as
an integral part of
product development

Thermal management should be considered a key component as early as the product design phase to avoid quality issues and shortened product lifecycles. Unwanted heat can be effectively dissipated through the use of various fan types – axial, radial, crossflow, or centrifugal. The selection of the appropriate fan depends on several factors. A key aspect is the supply voltage, which can be either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Another important factor is the airflow capacity, which is defined by the static pressure, the air flow rate, and the cooling volume.
The sound level, also known as the noise level, must be taken into account; it is influenced by the bearing type (sliding bearings/ball bearings), the rotational speed, and the damping of the frame.
The design and available space are also critical. Different types of fans, such as axial, radial, crossflow, or centrifugal fans, offer solutions for various space constraints and requirements. Additional options include protection against dust, water, or salt spray, as well as integrated features such as tachometer signals or speed control.