3-176 Section 3

level (usually denoted by Kw) shows backward-curved centrifugal fans with aerodynamic blades perform
best among the designs. Details of noise characteristics are given elsewhere (ASHRAE, 1991).
While each type of fan has some speciÞc qualities for certain applications, most installations use
centrifugal (radial-ßow) fans. A primary exception is for very-high-ßow, low-pressure-rise situations
where axial (propeller) fans are used.
Similarities exist between fans and pumps because the ßuid density essentially does not vary through
either type of machine. Of course, in pumps this is because a liquid can be assumed to be incompressible.
In fans, a gas (typically air) is moved with little pressure change. As a result, the gas density can be
taken to be constant. Since most fans operate near atmospheric pressure, the ideal gas assumptions can
be used in determining gas properties.
Flow control in fan applications, where needed, is a very important design concern. Methods for
accomplishing this involve use of dampers (either on the inlet or on the outlet of the fan), variable pitch
vanes, or variable speed control. Dampers are the least expensive to install, but also the most inefÞcient
in terms of energy use. Modern solid state controls for providing a variable frequency power to the drive
motor is becoming the preferred control method, when a combination of initial and operating costs is
considered.

Defining Terms
Cavitation: Local liquid conditions allow vapor voids to form (boiling).
NPSH: Net positive suction head is the difference between the local absolute pressure of a liquid and
the thermodynamic saturation pressure of the liquid based upon the temperature of the liquid. Applies
to the inlet of a pump.
NPSHA: Actual net positive suction head is the NPSH at the given state of operation of a pump.
NPSHR: Required net positive suction head is the amount of NPSH required by a speciÞc pump for a
given application.

References
ASHRAE, 1991. ASHRAE Handbook 1991, HVAC Applications, American Society of Heating, Refrig-
erating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, Chapter 42.
ASME, 1990. ASME Performance Test Codes, Code on Fans, ASME PTC 11-1984 (reafÞrmed 1990),
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York.
Boehm, R.F. 1987. Design Analysis of Thermal Systems, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 17Ð26.
Ewbank, T. 1842. A Description and Historical Account of Hydraulic and Other Machines for Raising
Water, 2nd ed., Greeley and McElrath, New York.
Krutzsch, W.C. 1986. Introduction: classiÞcation and selection of pumps, in Pump Handbook, 2nd ed.,
I. Karassik et al., Eds., McGraw-Hill, New York, Chapter 1.
Lobanoff, V. and Ross, R. 1992. Centrifugal Pumps: Design & Application, 2nd ed., Gulf Publishing
Company, Houston.
Turton, R.K. 1994. Rotodynamic Pump Design, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England.

Further Information
Dickson, C. 1988. Pumping Manual, 8th ed., Trade & Technical Press, Morden, England.
Dufour, J. and Nelson, W. 1993. Centrifugal Pump Sourcebook, McGraw-Hill, New York.
Fans. 1992. In 1992 ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Systems and Equipment, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA, Chapter 18.
Garay, P.N. 1990. Pump Application Book, Fairmont Press, Liburn, GA.
Krivchencko, G.I. 1994. Hydraulic Machines, Turbines and Pumps, 2nd ed., Lewis Publishers, Boca
Raton, FL.
Stepanoff, A.J. 1993. Centrifugal and Axial Flow Pumps: Theory, Design, and Application (Reprint
Edition), Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, FL.
© 1999 by CRC Press LLC