Here’s how to choose the right fan for your Gear Boxes, brakes, and servomotors from ATEK.
Why is a fan so important for an electric motor?
An electric motor generates heat during operation due to energy losses. Without an effective fan , this heat cannot be dissipated sufficiently, leading to overheating. This can drastically shorten the lifespan of the motor – a 10°C increase in operating temperature can halve lifespan – and lead to loss of performance or even failures .
What main types of fans are there for electric motors and when are they used?
There are mainly axial fans and radial fans. Axial fans move large volumes of air at low pressure and are well-suited for the general cooling of motor housings. Radial fans generate higher pressure and are often the choice for tight installation spaces or when air needs to be directed precisely.
What material is best suited for fan blades of electric motors?
The choice of material depends heavily on the maximum operating temperature ab. PPN (polypropylene) is suitable for temperatures up to +90°C. Polyamide (Ultramid) withstands temperatures up to +170°C. For very high temperatures up to +249°C, Aluminum is the best choice. A correct selection is crucial for reliability.
When should an external fan for an electric motor be considered?
An external fan is particularly recommended when electric motors are operated with frequency converters at low speeds , as the self-cooling of the motor is often insufficient. They ensure a speed-independent, constant cooling and can also contribute to noise reduction at high motor speeds . In such applications, an external fan can significantly extend the motor’s lifespan.
What should I pay attention to in dimensions when I want to replace an electric motor fan?
Since there are hardly any overarching standards, precise measurements are essential. Important are the shaft diameter of the motor, the outer diameter of the fan blades , and the installation depth. For fan covers, the inner diameter is crucial. Even slight deviations can cause assembly problems or imbalances.
Does ATEK Drive Solutions also offer custom fan solutions?
Yes, ATEK Drive Solutions specializes in developing custom drive solutions. This also includes individually tailored fans and external ventilation systems , such as untreated aluminum blades for in-house processing or fully tailored axial fans and radial blower components to ensure optimal cooling performance for your specific application .
What protection classes (IP classes) are available for ATEK external fans?
Our external fans standardly offer protection class IP66, which provides high protection against dust and strong spray water. For particularly harsh environmental conditions, optional higher protection classes such as IP55, IP57, or IP67 are available to ensure reliable operation even under demanding operating conditions .
How do optimized fans contribute to the energy efficiency of electric motors?
Optimized fan blade profiles and the use of lightweight, high-performance materials can reduce the energy consumption of the fan itself. A more efficient fan provides better cooling, which in turn can minimize the losses in the motor and improve its efficiency. This contributes to the overall energy balance of the system and can lower energy costs.
Die The correct choice of the electric motor fan is crucial for the operational safety and longevity of the motor; a 10°C higher operating temperature can halve the motor lifespan, while optimal cooling minimizes downtimes.
External ventilation systems provide an effective, speed-independent cooling, especially for frequency-controlled drives, and can extend the motor lifespan in such applications by up to 30% and reduce the noise generation.
ATEK Drive Solutions, as a system provider, delivers tailored standard and custom fan solutions, with the right choice of material (e.g., aluminum for up to +249°C) and precise sizing ensuring maximum cooling performance and reliability .Discover how the right electric motor fan increases the efficiency of your industrial drive technology and minimizes downtimes. Expert knowledge and practical tips for manufacturing companies!
Overheating is a common problem with electric motors. The right fan is crucial for performance and lifespan. ATEK Drive Solutions offers you comprehensive solutions for the entire drive train. Contact us for a personalized consultation at our contact form.
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Introduction to electric motor fans
An overheated motor can cause downtime and costs. Optimal fans for electric motors improve performance and reliability of industrial drives, contribute to efficiency, and minimize downtimes.
Overheating in the electric motor can interrupt production processes. Electric motor fans continuously dissipate heat. A 10°C increase in operating temperature can, for example, halve the motor’s lifespan. Adequate motor cooling is essential for the reliable operation of machines and systems.
Electric motors heat up due to energy losses during the conversion to mechanical movement. Without effective cooling, trapped heat damages windings and bearings. A blocked or unsuitable cooling fan for the motor can, for example, lead to temperature increases that exceed the motor’s insulation class. Correct selection and maintenance of the ventilation system affect the longevity and performance of every drive.Types of electric motor fans and their applications
Axial and radial fans have different optimal application areas. Axial fans move large volumes of air at low pressure and are suitable for the general cooling of motor housings. For example, they are used in many servo motors for wide heat dissipation. The choice of the appropriate type of electric motor fan should consider specific installation conditions and required air throughput.
- Axial fans are suitable for large air volume flows at low pressure, ideal for general motor cooling..
- The choice of fan type must always include the specific installation conditions and the required air throughput.
- The material of the fan blades is crucial for the temperature range and longevity of the motor fan..
- Polypropylene (PPN) is suitable for operating temperatures up to +90°C.
- Polyamide can be used at temperatures up to +170°C.
- Aluminum fans withstand temperatures up to +249°C.
- A careful selection of materials according to the maximum operating temperature is essential for reliability.
The fan blade material determines the application area and durability. PPN (polypropylene) is suitable for temperatures up to +90°C, polyamide up to +170°C, aluminum up to +249°C. A PPN-motor fan would, for example, fail in high-temperature applications, such as in temperature-compensated gear motors. Correct material selection based on maximum operating temperature is important for reliability.External ventilation systems (external fans) for electric motors
Electric motors in frequency converter operation at low speeds can overheat. External fans provide speed-independent cooling here. An external fan for the electric motor can, for example, extend the motor’s lifespan in such applications by up to 30%. External ventilation is effective for frequency-controlled drives and for noise reduction at high speeds.
- External fans provide speed-independent cooling, which is particularly important for Electric motors operation in frequency converters at low speeds.
- They can significantly extend the lifespan of motors in demanding applications.
- These systems are effective for cooling frequency-controlled drives and for reducing fan noise generated by standard motor fans at high motor speeds.
- External fans are available for a wide range of IEC motor sizes (e.g., 56 to 560).
- They offer protection classes such as IP66 (standard) and optionally IP67 for use in harsh environmental conditions.
- Many systems, such as the MW series, have approvals (e.g., UL/CSA) and are designed for wide temperature ranges.
- Designed as integrated systems (FBI), they allow for easy retrofitting on existing motors.
External fans are available for IEC motor sizes 56-560 (standard IP66, optional IP67 for harsh environments). The MW series is UL/CSA approved, designed for operating temperatures up to 70°C (also available in -40°C versions). These systems (often referred to as FBI: External Ventilation Integrated) allow for easy retrofitting and flexible adjustment to existing Electric motors.Selection criteria and mounting of electric motor fans
Incorrectly sized replacementfan wheels for electric motors can cause problems. Accurate measurements of shaft diameter, fan blade outer diameter, and installation depth are crucial, as standards are rarely consistent across the board. A 1mm deviation in shaft diameter can, for example, prevent assembly or cause imbalances. Precise measurements are necessary for successful, quick repairs.
- Measure the shaft diameter of the motor precisely.
- Determine the outer diameter of the fan blades accurately.
- Determine the correct installation depth for the motor fan.
- Note that standards for the dimensions of electric motor fans are rarely universally applicable.
- Even slight deviations in measurements can lead to assembly problems or operational disturbances.
- Pay attention to the correct assembly technique, whether it is via keyway grooves or clamping mechanisms.
- For fan housings, the appropriate inner diameter is crucial.
The assembly of the fan blades for electric motors is often done via keyway grooves or clamping mechanisms; for fan housings, inner diameter is relevant. Untreated aluminum blades with 10mm pre-drilling for custom adaptations are available. Customers use this, for example, for special drilling patterns for non-standard motor shafts. Correct assembly techniques ensure a secure fit and optimal airflow of the cooling fan.E-commerce aspects and availability of electric motor fans
Online tools facilitate the quick selection of suitable electric motor fans. Our online product configurator for Gear Box solutions and drive components filters by technical parameters or SKU. This allows for targeted searches for fan wheels for electric motors, such as for three-phase motors of specific sizes, shortening selection time. Digital tools simplify procurement and reduce the risk of incorrect orders when selecting motor fans.
Flexible payment options and reliable logistics are also relevant. PayPal Express Checkout and, if applicable, installment payments are offered for business customers. A stock of nearly 500,000 individual parts supports fast delivery times for your electric motor fans. Professional advice, especially for complex systems with frequency converters, remains essential for the optimal drive solution.Current trends and future developments in electric motor fans
Demands on modern drives regarding energy efficiency and noise reduction are increasing. Optimized blade profiles and lightweight, high-strength materials can reduce energy consumption by electric motor fans e.g. up to 15%. Innovative designs for motor fans contribute to the overall energy balance and better working environment, relevant for sustainable companies.
In the future, sensor integration for temperature monitoring and demand-based performance control of the motor cooling. will increase. Intelligent ventilation systems for motors could, for example, provide early warnings of overheating risks and enable predictive maintenance. Smart solutions can increase reliability and optimize maintenance planning, beneficial in automation and robotics.
The selection of the appropriate electric motor fans is important for the performance and lifespan of electric motors. Material, design, and operating conditions must be considered. Thoughtful solutions for the drive cooling contribute to the reliability and efficiency of industrial drives. We are available for individual advice on selecting the optimal fan wheel for your electric motor. stehen wir zur Verfügung.
