What is the difference between axial flow fans and centrifugal fans?

There are significant differences between axial flow fans and centrifugal fans in terms of definition, working principle, installation and use, applicable places, air volume and pressure, appearance and shape, and maintenance.

‌Difference in definition‌: An axial flow fan is a fan in which the airflow enters the impeller and directly enters the air outlet under the action of the impeller, and its axial speed is much greater than the radial speed. A centrifugal fan is a fan in which the gas is thrown out of the impeller under the action of centrifugal force when the impeller rotates, and a negative pressure is formed in the volute, thereby achieving continuous flow.

‌Difference in working principle‌: After the axial flow fan is started, the gas enters the impeller, is compressed and flows out along the axial direction under the action of the impeller. For a centrifugal fan, when the impeller rotates, due to the action of centrifugal force, the gas flows from one end to the other and is quickly discharged.

‌Difference in installation and use‌: The installation of an axial flow fan is relatively simple, and it can be hoisted, horizontally installed or wall-mounted according to actual conditions. The installation of a centrifugal fan is more complicated, requiring professional technology for installation, and special equipment is also required for fixing when in use.

‌Difference in applicable places‌: Axial fans are usually used in local places, such as workshop ventilation, office environment ventilation, etc., which are suitable for occasions that require a large amount of air flow but low pressure requirements. Centrifugal fans are suitable for some occasions that have high requirements for fan performance, such as smoke exhaust in high-rise buildings, ventilation of industrial plants, central air conditioning, etc., which are suitable for occasions that require higher pressure‌.

‌Difference in air volume and air pressure‌: The air volume and air pressure of axial flow fans are relatively small, especially at high air volume, the efficiency is limited. The air volume of centrifugal fans is usually large, and they can still maintain high efficiency at high air volume, and can generate higher pressure‌.

‌Difference in appearance‌: The appearance of axial flow fans is basically cylindrical, while the appearance of centrifugal fans is snail-shaped, which is caused by their different internal structures and working principles‌.

‌Difference in maintenance‌: The maintenance of axial flow fans is relatively simple, and the main focus is on the maintenance of bearings and blades. The maintenance of centrifugal fans is relatively complicated. In addition to bearings and blades, attention should also be paid to the maintenance of pipes and seals.

In summary, there are significant differences between axial fans and centrifugal fans in many aspects. The choice of which device mainly depends on the specific use environment and needs.