Annual Sessions of IESL, pp.

[1 - 10], 2016
© The Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka

Performance Analysis of Pedestal and Table fans

A.G.T. Sugathapala, R.A.C.P. Ranasinghe, B. Anthujan, S. Srikandaraj and
V.Vipulan
Abstract: The pedestal and table fans are widely used to provide air mixing and comfort region in
enclosed spaces. There are different brand of fans with various blade shapes, sizes and number of
blades which lead to different level of performances. Aerodynamic characteristic is one of the
important aspect which affects the fan performance. Performance of four different type of fans were
analysed through the experimental measurements of velocity distribution, power consumption and
angular velocity. A test rig was constructed with suitable instrumentation and integrated using a
computerised data acquisition platform to acquire axial flow velocity measurements at each plane.
The velocity distribution was measured at sufficient number of planes with different regulator
position of the fan. Key parameters such as the flow rate, kinetic energy, linear momentum and the jet
diameter were calculated from the experimental data. Different velocity distributions were obtained
for different type of fans in the analysis of the data. Iso-velocity lines were obtained to analyse the
spread of the velocity. Results show that the velocity profiles of the fans depend on the regulator
position and blade parameters such as blade shape and material. It is also found that the overall
energy efficiency of the fan depends on the angular velocity for different regulator positions. Further
the incremental flow rate was also calculated to analyse the percentile change in flow rate for each
regulator position. The impact on the performance when the fan was set to oscillate is also discussed
in this paper. The results of the present study indicate the complexity of the influence of various
parameters on the performance of the fan such as blade shape, angular velocity and power
consumption and the necessity of a detailed experimental analysis of the velocity distribution of the
fan for performance analysis.

Keywords: Velocity distribution, Iso-velocity, Energy efficiency, Test rig, Pedestal fan, Table fan

1. Introduction 2. Experimental Investigation

2.1 Test rig setup
Pedestal and table fans are widely used to
produce a comfortable environment in enclosed
spaces. There are different brands of fans
available in the market with various blade
shapes, sizes and number of blades as well as
different levels of performances [1]. Globally
there is an increasing effort to improve the
energy efficiency of appliances as an effective
mitigation option in responding to the growing
energy and environment issues [3].Initially a
testing procedure was developed in order to
conduct the performance analysis of pedestal
and table fans. A test rig was created with
appropriate sensors to conduct the
experiments. Then, a testing protocol was
developed with respect to the results gained
from the experiments. Finally a suitable
performance grading scheme was developed Figure 1- Test rig construction
from the experimental analysis considering the
different factors such as service factor,
incremental flow rate, power factor, and
oscillation factor.
 Eng. (Dr.) A.G.T. Sugathapala, B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa),
Dr. Eng. (Cambridge,UK), Senior Lecturer of Mechanical
Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Moratuwa.
Eng. (Dr.) R.A.C.P. Ranasinghe, B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa),
Dr. Eng. (Loughborough, UK), Senior Lecturer of
Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
Mr. B. Anthujan, B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa)
Mr. S. Srikandaraj, B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa)
Mr. V.Vipulan, B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa)
Velocity measurements in each plane should be
obtained at several points in both X and Y
(horizontal and vertical) directions. A test rig as
shown in Figure 1 was created where the
horizontal bar could be moved along the Y axis
direction and the sensors could be moved on
the cross bar along the X axis direction.
Similarly a vertical bar was used to obtain the
velocity measurements along the Y axis. The
setup shows a single sensor mounted on both
the vertical and the horizontal bar but a total of
five sensors were mounted on each and
readings were taken simultaneously.
2.2 Instrumentation
The velocity measurements were obtained in
different planes using hot wire anemometers
which have the resolution of 0.01 m/s and the
range of 0.2 to 20 m/s and they were collected
using a DAQ device. The velocity
measurements were cross-checked using a
handheld anemometer which has the resolution
of 0.001 m/s and the range of 0 to 30 m/s. The
current, voltage, power consumption,
frequency, and power factor were measured
using a Handheld Tester. The humidity and
temperature of the testing facility was
measured using humidity and temperature
meter. The angular velocity of each fan was
Figure 2 - Cross line laser level
measured using digital tachometer which has
the resolution of 0.1.
As shown in Figure 2 a cross line laser level
which projects horizontal and vertical lines
onto flat surfaces, along with an additional
vertical line, 90 degrees from the cross line and
a laser distance measuring meter were used to
align the fans and sensors to particular position.
The oscillation angle was measured with use of
a laser level. The laser level was mounted on
the front cage hub of the fan and the range
swiped by the laser line was measured by
means of marking starting and ending edge of
the sweep.
2.3 Software interface
The sensors were logged in to LabVIEW based
DAQ device to obtain real time data and
simultaneous average values. Continues
sampling was preferred over other sampling
methods in order to obtain reliable continuous
value and consider the whole range of values
obtained at one particular point. All five
sensors were monitored separately and
simultaneously in order to make sure the
sensors are acquiring reliable values.
3. Preliminary experimental
investigation
The placement of the fan and the dimensions of
the test chamber were decided based on a
comprehensive analysis of the entire flow
pattern around several fans. Accordingly,
aiming to decide the minimum required
distances from the fan to the front walls, back
walls and side walls such that their effects on
the fan performances will be negligible.
3.1 Determination of the back wall distance
from the fan blade center
In order to minimise the wall effect at the fan
inlet the fan blade center was kept at a distance
of 2m from the wall. The velocities were
measured at planes situated in 1D (40cm), 2D
(80cm) and 3D (120cm) respectively from blade
center where D represents the diameter of a fan.
The resulting velocity distributions in each
plane were obtained. According to the velocity
analysis the inlet velocity gradually reduces
with distance and at 3D (120cm) away from the
plane the magnitude of the velocity profile
becomes nearly equal to zero. Hence with a
25% allowance the distance behind the fan was
maintained at 3.75D (150cm) between the wall
and the blade center in order avoid the impact 8
of the back wall. 7

Velocity (m/s)
6
3.2 Determination of the fan height 5
4
3.5 3
3 2
Distance (y/D)

2.5 1
2 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
1.5
1
Distance (x/D)
0.5 Figure 4 - Maximum velocity obtained at each
plane for fan type A and B
0
Maximum length of the testing facility should
0 5 10 15 20
be determined by the magnitude of the
Distance (x/D)
minimum velocity that should be measured in
Figure 3 - Jet Radius at each plane
the experiment. Velocity measurements were
The height of the fan blade center for
taken until the minimum velocity is reached as
experiment was decided based on the largest jet
shown Figure 4. The velocity measurements
diameter obtained in the tested planes at
were taken up to 18D distance from the blade
different regulator settings for different fans.
center and the velocity reaches the minimum
From the analysis of experimental results it
velocity at 20D. The velocity at 20D was
could be observed that the jet diameter
estimated by interpolating the prevailing data
increases in each plane as the distance between
obtained. Further the rate of kinetic energy
the plane and the blade increases. The velocity
reduces drastically with distance until the plane
measurements were taken at 13 planes which
at 18D from the fan blade center. Hence for this
were 0.2D, 0.25D, 0.5D, D, 2D, 4D, 6D, 8D, 10D,
experiment the downward length required was
12D, 14D,16D and18D this is shown in Figure
determined as 25D including a 25% allowance.
3.Measurements obtained from two fans at the
Hence with the backward wall distance a total
highest regulator position were used to
minimum distance of 28.75D should be
determine the fan blade center height.
available as length of the test facility.
The maximum jet radius was considered in
order to obtain the blade center height the fan
3.4 Determination of the optimum gap
should be placed for the test. An additional 25%
between measurement points
allowance was given for the jet radius to avoid
Velocity measurements were analysed at
the impact of the floor and ceiling. From the
different gaps between measuring points in
experiment the fan blade center was obtained
order to determine the optimum distance
as 3.75D (150cm). Since the thickness of the
between measurement points. The flow rate
shear layer cannot be measured using the
was calculated with 11 radial points, 6 radial
available instrumentation, a thorough analysis
points, and 3 radial points. When the point gap
should be done to analyse the thickness of the
is increased, some velocity fluctuations will be
shear layer and its behaviour due to the effects
missed, so that the flow rate values will be
created by the walls.
changed. The probability of large velocity
fluctuations being omitted is high when
3.3 Determination of the dimension of
considering 3 radial points comparing with 6
testing facility
and 11 radial points. Increasing the point gap
between measuring points will reduce the
resolution of the data obtained but having a
higher resolution will result in high time
consumption for measurements. Hence for the
experiment, 6 measurements per radius was
considered as reliable.

3.5 Determination of time duration for

velocity measurement
 1.46 regulator position. The time required to become
1.44 steady from 0th regulator position to 1st, 2nd, and
Time averaged velocity

1.42 3rd regulator position were obtained as 50

1.40 minutes and the time required to become
1.38 steady from 1st regulator position to 2 nd
(m/s)

1.36
regulator position and 2nd regulator position to
1.34
1.32 3rd regulator position were obtained as 30
1.30 minutes.
1.28
1.26 3.8 Proposed test rig setup
1.24 Figure 6 shows the test rig setup obtained
0 2 4 6 8 through the preliminary analysis of the flow
Time interval (minutes)
around the fan. This defined setup is used to
Figure 5 - Velocity measurement with time
conduct the experiment for the performance
An optimum time duration has to be
analysis. All the dimensions are defined in
determined for the measurement velocity in
terms of the diameter (D) of the fan blade.
order to capture the complete pattern of the
velocity change. For this, velocity
measurements were obtained for 10 minutes for
a particular setting of a fan and the time
averaged velocity magnitudes were calculated
for different time interval. The rate of increase
of the velocity decrease to 0.02(m/s)/minute
after the three minute time interval and the rate
continues to decrease as shown in Figure 5.
Hence for this experiment the minimum time of
3 minutes was taken as time interval to Figure 6 - Defined test rig setup
measure the velocity at each point. More
accurate readings could be obtained if
measurements are taken for more than 3 4. Measurements
minutes but the time duration for the whole
experiment would increase hence the minimum 4.1 Power consumption details and
best time span was selected for this experiment. angular velocity

3.6 Determination of number of Table 1 - Power and angular velocity

measuring radii on each plane measurements
Air velocity readings were taken along four Regul Power Rotati
Annual
symmetrically located radii. This is in order to Powe Power
Fan a-tor Curren Volta Frequenc consu onal
r consum
obtain better accurate values at each radial Type Positi t (A) ge(V) y(Hz) mptio
factor
speed
ption
on n(W) (RPM)
point. Even though the fan shaft is set parallel (kWh)
to the plane of the sensor head there will be 1 196.1 242.4 50.1 47.86 1 1231 138.87
A 2 211.6 243.5 50.1 52.1 1 1310 153.17
minor alignment problem which will result in 3 249.1 240.7 50.12 56.54 0.946 1370 165.23
non-symmetric velocity distribution. Non 1 173.2 221.6 50.2 35.44 0.945 970 103.6
symmetric values will also result due to the fan B 2 185.1 219.8 50.15 40.14 0.968 1100 116.7
3 210.2 224.6 50.15 47.57 1 1230 139.5
cage design and the cage hub. 1 150.5 218.8 50.25 32.45 0.97 940 94.57
C 2 162 226.4 50.15 36.26 0.988 1080 106
3.7 Obtaining steady state of fans 3 174.5 225.8 50.1 38.84 1 1240 114.2
The fan should achieve a steady state before 1 149.9 210 50.1 30.67 0.968 1235 90.18
D 2 160.2 215.2 50.05 34.09 0.991 1310 97.71
any experimental measurements being taken. 3 184.7 215.1 50.2 38.88 0.992 1375 114
Existing standards for fans such as the IEC
60879 defines the steady based on the Each fan was differentiated through the power
temperature of the motor where steady state is output measurements and the angular velocity
achieved when the temperature change with obtained for each regulator settings as shown in
time is 1℃/hour. Table 1.
The experiment was performed to analyse the
temperature change over time from 0th 4.2 Velocity Distribution
regulator position to each of the other regulator
positions and to analyse the temperature
change over time when switching between each
The velocity distributions given are
axisymmetric since the velocity of each points
are average velocity values calculated from the 4.2 Velocity measurements for oscillating
readings taken at all four perpendicular radii. configuration of fans
This is shown in Figure 7 for Fan A however a Table 2 - Measurement for oscillation
non-symmetric behaviour is observed in each configuration
plane of measurement. The non-symmetric Oscillations Average Oscillation
Fan Type Regulator
Per minute velocity Angle
patterns are smoothed out in averagevelocity
1 4.14 0.54
distribution. Nevertheless the velocity A 2 4.73 0.55 90
distribution shown in Figure illustrate some 3 5.21 0.66
important characteristics of flow such as the jet 1 3.02 0.47
diameter, peak velocity and increments B 2 3.52 0.52 95
between each regulator position of fan A. All 3 4.28 0.6
velocity measurements were taken with the fan 1 3.41 0.36
cage to represent the domestic usage. C 2 4.09 0.38 90
3 4.8 0.45
1 5.54 0.54
D 2 5.9 0.55 75
3 6.13 0.66

The average velocity values obtained from the

time average of velocity magnitudes obtained
from the data as shown in Table 2. The sensor
was set to capture data for 5 minutes.

5. Results

The flow rate, rate of momentum, rate of kinetic

energy, and velocity head were calculated for
each fan in different planes and were compared
each other.

Figure 7 - Velocity distribution of Fan A

Figure 8 - Variable dimensions for calculation
5.1 Volume flow rate
Figure 9 - Volume flow rate of Fan A
The volume flow rate can be expressed as
𝑟0
∫𝑟=0 𝑢 × 2𝜋𝑟𝑑𝑟 = 2𝜋∆𝑟 ∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑢𝑖 𝑟𝑖 , where the r0
represents the radius of the jet in the particular
distance from the fan blade, ∆𝑟 represents the
radial increment, ri represents the radial
position in ith number of velocity measurement,
ui represents the velocity at position ri. This is
shown in Figure 8.
Figure 9 shows flow rate of fan A. The flow rate
was calculated in different planes, and while
comparing the flow rate of the tested fans, for
fans A, C, D the maximum flow rate is obtained
at the distance of 10D, and for fan B the
maximum flow rate is obtained at the distance
of 8D. The maximum average flow rate is
obtained around 4 (3.57 to 4.41) times greater
than the flow rate near the rotor. Most of the
cases the flow rate increases with the regulator
position. For fan-A in some particular planes
the flow rate reduces from one plane to
another. For other three fans the flow rate
increases with increment of regulator position.
For each cases the velocity in center of the blade
is being increased from one regulator position
to another position though for Fan-A in
particular planes the air jet is being narrowed
because of high rate of momentum.
As mentioned above, the flow rate of fan-B
reduces after the distance of 8D, but at the
distance of 14D there is an increment in flow
rate and after that the flow rate decreases. As
the experiment was performed until 18D for
fan-A and fan-B, at the regulator position 2
there is an increment in flow rate from 16D to
18D for both fans. In regulator position 1 and 3
there is no increment in flow rate after 14D for
both fans A and B. In order to analyse the
whole pattern, the experiment should be
performed until the flow rate becomes zero.
5.2 Rate of momentum
Figure 10 - Rate of momentum of Fan A
The rate of momentum can be expressed as
𝑟0
∫𝑟=0 𝜌(𝑢 × 2𝜋𝑟𝑑𝑟)𝑢 = 2𝜋𝜌∆𝑟 ∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑢𝑖2 𝑟𝑖 , where
the r0 represents the radius of the jet in the
particular distance from the fan blade, ∆𝑟
represents the radial increment, ri represents
the radial position in ith number of velocity
measurement, ui represents the velocity at
position ri, and 𝜌 represents the density of the
air.
While comparing the rate of momentum of each
fan, fan-A and fan-B have the higher rate of
momentum than the fan-C and fan-D. For each
fan the rate of momentum is almost constant
near the fan rotor and reduces after a certain
distance. Though, in some points the rate of
momentum have some peak values after
continuous decrement.
The Figure 10 shows the rate of momentum of
fan A in different planes and in each fan there is
an initial increment in rate of momentum near
the rotor because of converging jet. The
maximum rate of momentum is obtained at
0.2D for fan-A and fan-C, at 0.25D for fan-B, at
1D for fan-D. For fan-B and fan-D the rate of
momentum was not calculated before 0.25D
because of the fan safety cage. If the rate of
momentum was obtained before 0.25D the
maximum rate of momentum may be obtained
before 0.25D for fan-B and before 1D for fan-D.

5.3 Rate of kinetic energy

Figure 12 - Velocity head of Fan A
The Figure 12 shows the velocity head of fan A
and while considering the velocity head, for
each fan the velocity head decreases
continuously. The velocity head near the rotor
of the fan-A and fan-B is much higher than the
velocity head of fan-C and fan-D.
5.5 Service factor

Figure 11 - Rate of Kinetic Energy of Fan A

The rate of kinetic energy can be expressed as
𝑟0 1
∫𝑟=0 2 𝜌(𝑢 × 2𝜋𝑟𝑑𝑟)𝑢2 = 𝜋𝜌∆𝑟 ∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑢𝑖3 𝑟𝑖 , where
the r0 represents the radius of the jet in the
particular distance from the fan blade, ∆𝑟
represents the radial increment, ri represents
the radial position in ith number of velocity
measurement, ui represents the velocity at
position ri, and 𝜌 represents the density of the
Figure 13 - Variation of service factor along
air.
downstream of Fan-A
The Figure 11 shows the rate of kinetic energy
The service factor is defined as the flow rate per
of fan A and the rate of kinetic energy
unit power consumption [2]. As the flow rate
continuously decreases for each fan. The kinetic
has been calculated in different planes for each
energy should be increased until the je diameter
regulator positions, the service factor also can
reaches its minimum value. As the minimum jet
be calculated in different planes for each
diameter for fan-A, fan-B, fan-C becomes at the
regulator positions. While consider the service
minimum plane accounted for the
factor plot, it can be seen that the pattern of the
measurements. For fan-D the minimum air jet
service factor varies like the pattern of flow rate
diameter becomes at 1D, though the rate of
varies for each fan, because there is no variation
kinetic energy at 1D is less than rate of kinetic
in power consumption for different planes.
energy at 0.25D and 0.5D. So, the minimum jet
Figure 13 shows the variation of service factor
diameter of fan-D should come before 0.25D.
for Fan A.
While comparing the rate of kinetic energy of
each fan, fan-A and fan-B have the higher rate
5.6 Overall efficiency
of kinetic energy than fan-C and fan-D. 𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
5.4 Velocity head Overall Efficiency =
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡
The overall efficiency can be defined as fluid
power output by electric power input. Overall
efficiency of each fans are shown in Table 3.
The overall efficiency of fan-A is much higher
than other fans at regulator position 3. For fan-
A the overall efficiency is above 20 percentage
at each regulator positions and for fan-B the
overall efficiency is above 20 percentage at
regulator position 3. In other cases the overall
efficiency is less than 20 percentage. For ceiling
fans mostly the overall efficiency is less than 20
percentage.
Table 3 - Overall efficiency of tested fans
Regulator Overall
Fan type
position efficiency
1 21.54
Fan-A 2 24.71
3 25.27
1 13.21
Fan-B 2 18.59
3 24.83
1 5.94
Fan-C 2 9.58
3 14.08
1 6.75
Fan-D 2 7.44
3 8.64
5.7 Iso-velocity lines
Figure 14 - Iso-velocity lines of Fan A
The velocity distributions of the four fans were
measured in different planes, and according to
the velocity profile, different iso-velocity lines
were obtained as shown in the Figure 14 which
was obtained for fan A. Further considering the
0.5 m/s iso-velocity line, for fan A and B the jet
is developed beyond 1.8 D in radial distance of
the fan, but in fans C and D the jet is developed
within 1.8 D. Hence, for fans A and B the area
covered by 0.5 m/s will be higher than the fans
C and D. The maximum velocity of each fan is
obtained near the rotor plane, and it varies
from fan to fan. Further the jet diameter in each
planes, downstream distance, and the area
where the velocity is greater than a particular
value can be obtained from the above iso
velocity lines.
5.8 Velocity distribution and its impact
on comfort while oscillation
While considering the oscillation of the fan, the
velocity in a particular position varies with time
according to the oscillation speed and
oscillation angle. As a person is seated in a
particular position, the comfort level of the
person is being decided by the air temperature,
humidity, air speed, metabolic rate and clothing
insulation. As the air temperature, humidity,
metabolic rate, and clothing insulation does not
vary a lot in a particular time, according to the
air speed the comfort region can be changed.
The minimum velocity required for the thermal
comfort depends on other factors.
In Sri Lankan context, as the experiments were
performed in the average temperature of 30 °C
and the average humidity of 70 percentage, the
minimum air speed required for a person who
is involved in sedentary work is 0.6 m/s as
discussed in the research “Orientation of roof
and openings: Their influences on indoor
thermal comfort of single storey houses” [5].
The percentage of time where the person is in
the comfort zone can be defined by the
percentage of time where the air speed is
greater than 0.6 m/s. The area covered by the
fan will depend on the oscillation angle of the
fan where the area will be proportional to the
oscillation angle. In order to analyse the
variation of air velocity and the percentage of
time where the air speed is greater than 0.6
m/s, the sensor was mounted in the centre of
the fan and in 4D from the rotor plane.
5.9 Influencing factors and Performance
grading
The Performance grading of a fan shall be
determined by four main factors such as service
value, incremental flow rate, power factor and
oscillation factor.
5.9.1 Service value
The service value is defined as the air flow rate
per unit electric power consumption [2]. The
flow rate and the power consumption varies
with the different regulator positions. In order
to incorporate the service value in performance
grading, simple average of each service value
relevant to the regulator position was obtained.
5.9.2 Incremental flow rate
The incremental flow rate is defined as the flow
rate change from one regulator position to the
next regulator position. If there is N regulator
settings for a particular fan, there will be N-1
incremental flow rate. In order to incorporate
the incremental flow rate in performance
grading, simple average of all incremental flow
rate can be used. If the flow rate in i th regulator
position is higher than the flow rate in (i+1)th
position, the flow rate change will be
decrementing flow rate. Though, when the
average incremental flow rate is calculated the
decrementing flow rate will give a penalty,
though there will be an incremental flow rate as
overall.
 will be zero and if the average power factor is
5.9.3 Average power factor equal to one the Marks for the average power
Power factor, which is the ratio between real factor will be 100.
power and apparent power, measured for each In order to give marks for oscillation factor, the
regulator setting is used to estimate the average comfort factor and angle factor were
power factor of the fan as considered. While giving marks for the comfort
𝑁
̅̅̅̅ ∑
𝑃𝐹 = 𝑖=1 𝑖
𝑃𝐹 factor, if the percentile is zero the marks will be
𝑁 zero and if the percentile is equal or greater
Where N = number of regulator setting
than 0.75 the marks will be 100. In between 0 to
𝑃𝐹𝑖 = power factor at 𝑖 𝑡ℎ regulator setting
0.75 the marks will be allocated linearly from
zero to 100. The value 0.75 is a predetermined
5.9.4 Oscillation factor
value with maximum expectation. While giving
Oscillation factor was determined by
marks for the angle factor, if the angle is equal
considering two different factors such as the
or less than 60 degree the marks will be zero
comfort factor which indicates the percentile of
and if the angle is equal or greater than 100
time where the velocity is greater than
degree the marks will be 100. In between 60
minimum required velocity for thermal comfort
degree to 100 degree the marks will be allocated
and the angle factor which indicates the area
linearly from 0 to 100. The value 60 degree and
covered by the fan. As the velocity distribution
100 degree are predetermined values. Finally
for oscillation was analysed in 4D from the
the oscillation factor was calculated by
rotor plane of fan, according to the air
combining both the comfort factor and angle
temperature and humidity the minimum
factor by giving a contribution of 0.75 and 0.25
required velocity was decided as 0.6 m/s. As
respectively.
the area covered by the fan is proportional to
The performance grading shall be estimated by
the oscillation angle, the oscillation angle was
taking the contribution from each factor which
considered for the oscillation factor.
indicates the performance of fan. As the flow
rate and the power consumption is the most
5.9.5 Performance grading
important factor 70 percent marks was
In order to propose a performance grading, for
allocated for the average service value, 10
the average service value in a particular plane,
percent marks for average incremental flow
the maximum service value of the four fans was
rate, 10 percent marks for the average power
identified and a predetermined value was
factor, and 10 percent marks for the average
given with a 25 percentage allowance of the
oscillation factor. So the total performance
maximum value. Marks allocated for the
grading can be given by the expression:
service value is defined through a linear scale
Performance grading = 0.7 × 𝑆𝑉𝑀 + 0.1 × Δ𝑄𝑀 +
from zero to the predetermined value. If the
0.1× 𝑃𝐹𝑀 + 0.1× 𝑂𝑀 .
average service value is zero the marks for the
average service value will be zero and if the
average service value is equal or greater than
the predetermined value the marks for the
average service value will be 100.
In order to get the marks of incremental flow
rate, the maximum incremental flow rate of
four fans was identified and a predetermined
value was given with a 25 percentage
allowance of the maximum value. Marks
allocated for the incremental flow rate is
defined through a linear scale from zero to the Figure 15 - Performance grading at each plan of
predetermined value. If the average measurement
incremental flow rate is zero the Marks for the The performance grading of each in different
average incremental flow will be zero and if the planes is shown Figure 15. The performance
average incremental flow is equal or greater grading varies from plane to plane for each fan,
than the predetermined value the Marks for the though it doesn’t show a big variation until the
average incremental flow will be 100. distance of 6D. After that as the flow rate of
Marks allocated for the power factor was Fan-B reaches its maximum flow rate at the
defined through a linear scale from a distance 8D, and other three fans reached their
predetermined value. If the average power maximum flow rate at the distance of 10D, the
factor is equal or less than the predetermined performance grading varies significantly. In
value, the Marks for the average power factor order to analyse the performance of different
fans, it would be better to analyse the variable
factors within the distance of 6D.
6. Conclusions
The main objective of this research work is to
identify parameters which affects the
performance of the pedestal and table fans and
determine an effective method to incorporate
the critical performance factor in to an equation
in order formulate a suitable performance
rating method. Another important objective is
to develop a testing protocol which was
developed through experimental analysis.
During the first phase of the study a suitable
testing protocol was developed and validated
through experimental analysis. Through the
analysis the following has been identified as
important aspects of this research in the
development of the testing protocol developed.
 The minimum dimensions of the testing
facility and the guidelines for the alignment
and placement of the blade center were
determined through experimental methods.
 Suitable methods to measure the required
parameters were developed through
experimental analysis.
 Oscillation function of the fan proves to be
an important function in the usage of
pedestal and table fan in providing comfort
level, and hence suitable testing methods
were developed to analyse the
functionality.
incorporates two important factors, the time in
which the minimum velocity for thermal
comfort is sensed and the oscillation angle. A
factor of 0.75 was given for the aspect of
thermal comfort and a factor of 0.25 was given
for the oscillation angle. The star ratings were
calculated for each plane for all four fans to
determine an optimum plane distance to
incorporate in the testing protocol.
According to the analysis variation in star
ratings for all fans are less in planes measured
up to 4D (D –fan rotor diameter).
References
1. Wallis, R. A., Axial Flow Fans And Ducts,
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1983.
2. Srilanka Standard 1600, Srilanka Stadard
Institution, 2011.
3. Mahlia, T. M. I., Masjuki, H., Taha, F. M.,
Rahim, N. A., and Saidur, R., “Energy labeling
for electric fans in Malaysia,” Energy Policy, vol.
33, no. 1, pp. 63-68, 2005.
4. Sugathapala, A. G. T., and Somarathne, P. B. I.,
“Performance Analysis of Pedestal Fans an
Experimental Investigation,” in ERU Symposium,
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2000.
5. Jayasinghe, M.T.R, Priyanvada, A.K.M, and
Jayawardena, A. I,(2002),“Orientation of
Roof and Openings: Their Influences on
Indoor Thermal Comfort of Single Storey
Houses”.

Using the testing protocol that has been

developed, the experiment was conducted by
considering four different brands of fans and
quantitative and qualitative conclusions were
drawn from the data analysis for the
performance rating. The service factor
incorporates both the flow rate and the power
consumption of the fans and hence gives a
better picture of the output achieved by the fan.
It does not incorporate other factors such as
comfort level achieved by the fan. The
incremental flow rate provides a way to
incorporate the different comfort level achieved
by the fan. The increment between each
regulator settings should be included and
hence simple averaging of the incremental flow
rate was considered for the performance rating.
The power factor of all four fans tested were
more than 0.95 and hence the impact of it on the
performance rating is negligible. As the sample
size of the experiment is only limited to four
fans, the factor for power factor was considered
and a thorough analysis has to be done with a
bigger sample size. The oscillation factor