Everything you need to know about the advantages, applications, and selection of the right external fan.
When is an external fan absolutely necessary for an electric motor?
An external fan is indispensable, when the motor’s self-cooling is insufficient, especially during operation with variable frequency drives at low speeds, high torque requirements, or when attachments like sensor systems replace the internal fan..
What advantages does an external fan offer for electric motors operated with variable frequency drives?
At variable frequency drive operation, especially at reduced speeds, the effectiveness of the internal motor fan decreases. An external fan provides a constant, speed-independent cooling that prevents overheating and allows for the full torque range even at low speeds..
How do I choose the appropriate protection class (e.g., IP66) for an external fan?
The protection class depends on the environmental conditions. For example, IP66 offers high protection against dust and powerful water jets.For very harsh or moist environments, correspondingly higher protection classes should be chosen to ensure reliability.
Can external fans be easily retrofitted to existing electric motors?
Yes, many external fans are designed for retrofitting. Manufacturers like ATEK Drive Solutions offer modular systems and mounting adapters (housings), which facilitate adaptation to various motor sizes. A shortening of the motor shaft may be necessary.
What role does voltage selection (e.g., multivolt) play for external fans?
The correct voltage is crucial for safe and efficient operation.. Multivolt options offer flexibility for different power supply voltages and international applications.. Special voltages are available for specific applications.
What are the key aspects in selecting materials for an external fan?
Material selection depends on the application. As standard, aluminum or plastic fan blades are used. For demanding conditions such as corrosive environments or high mechanical loads, cast iron housings or stainless steel variants as well as special coatings are recommended.
Are there special external fans for use in explosion hazardous areas (ATEX)?
Yes, for applications in explosion hazardous areas (Zone 2, 22) there are ATEX-certified external fans.They meet specific safety requirements, to minimize ignition hazards.
How does ATEK Drive Solutions assist in selecting the right external fan?
ATEK Drive Solutions offers comprehensive consulting as a system provider.We analyze your specific application and assist in selecting the optimal external fan, even for customized special solutions, to ensure maximum performance and lifespan of your drives.
External fans for electric motors are crucial to prevent overheating, especially during operation with variable frequency drives and low speeds, and can reduce production downtime due to motor damage by up to 5%..
The selection of the appropriate external fan requires consideration of protection classes (e.g., IP66), voltages, materials and the specific application. Modular systems and mounting adapters facilitate integration and retrofitting.
Modern external fans offer improved energy efficiency and lower noise levels (reduction of up to 10 dB(A) possible), while intelligent systems with sensors increase plant efficiency and extend the lifespan of motors.Discover how external fans can optimize the performance and lifespan of your electric motors. This article provides you with comprehensive information and practical tips for selection and integration.
In demanding industrial environments, the right cooling of electric motors is critical. External fans ensure a constant temperature, even at low speeds or high loads. Learn more about the benefits and contact us for personalized consulting at Contact.
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Get consulting now!External fan electric motor: Maximum performance and lifespan for your drives.
Electric motors under thermal load require measures to secure performance and lifespan. External fans provide an effective solution. The targeted use of external ventilation can increase the reliability of drives and reduce failures by implementing a suitable cooling solution for specific requirements.Introduction to External fans for electric motors
What are external fans and why are they important?
Overheating of a motor during peak production times can severely disrupt operation. External fans, also referred to as external ventilation units , are external cooling units, that prevent this. They are required when the motor’s self-cooling, especially at low speeds during variable frequency drive operation, is no longer sufficient, to ensure an operating temperature below 40°C ambient temperature. For cooling at modern three-phase motors , they are often crucial.
- External fans They are external cooling units, which protect motors from overheating.
- They become necessary when the motor-integrated cooling, especially at low speeds or during variable frequency drive operation, is insufficient.
- The main goal is to maintain an operating temperature below 40°C (ambient temperature).
- Overheating is a major cause of premature motor failures and can lead to production losses of up to 5%.
- In industries such as food production and machine engineering, they ensure process stability.
- The use of external fans can enable the use of smaller, more efficient motors, saving space and costs.
The role of external fans in various industries
Studies show that overheating is a major cause of premature motor failure and can lead to production losses of up to 5%. In industries such as food production, which requires hygiene and constant temperatures, or machine engineering with its precision requirements, external fans contribute to process stability. The constant cooling provided by an external fan can enable the use of smaller, more efficient motors, saving space and costs. ATEK Drive Solutions offers support in selecting the appropriate Die konstante Kühlung durch einen Fremdlüfter kann den Einsatz kleinerer, effizienterer Motoren ermöglichen, wodurch Platz und Kosten gespart werden. ATEK Drive Solutions bietet Unterstützung bei der Auswahl des passenden motor with brake und additional fans.Applications and necessity of external fans
variable frequency drive operation and low speeds.
A user from the packaging industry reported: “Since we External fans started using in our frequency-controlled drives, we no longer have problems with overheating at low cycle rates.” This example illustrates a common application. Especially at speeds below 50% of the nominal speed, the cooling performance of the motor-integrated fan decreases significantly, while the motor often still needs to provide high torque. An external fan for the electric motor compensates for this. The correct design is crucial for efficient gear motors. High torque requirements and sensor systems
Hohe Drehmomentanforderungen und Gebersysteme
When motors frequently start from standstill with high torque or a sensor system is attached, eliminating the internal fan, external ventilation is often necessary. The additional heat generation during high starting torques or the absence of self-cooling require constant, speed-independent cooling. Die zusätzliche Wärmeentwicklung bei hohen Anlaufmomenten oder der Wegfall der Eigenkühlung machen eine konstante, drehzahlunabhängige Kühlung erforderlich. ATEK, for instance, relies on customer-specific special gear units with integrated servo motors as standard to ensure performance across the entire speed range. external ventilationTechnical aspects and selection criteria for
Technische Aspekte und Auswahlkriterien von external fans
Understanding protection classes, voltages, and insulation classes.
For reliable operation of motors under adverse conditions like dust or splash water, the protection class of the external fan is relevant. For example, IP66 means complete protection against dust and powerful water jets. Selecting the correct voltage variant (e.g., multivolt for global applications, special voltages for specific applications) and the appropriate insulation class (often Class F, up to 155°C) is crucial.. KMMP offers External fans with standard IP66 and options for UL/CSA approvals. These details should be considered when selecting industrial motors. The protection class (e.g., IP66) must be chosen according to the environmental conditions (dust, water).
- Die Schutzart (z.B. IP66) muss entsprechend den Umgebungsbedingungen (Staub, Wasser) gewählt werden.
- The correct voltage (standard, multivolt, special voltage) and insulation class (e.g., Class F) are crucial for safe operation.
- Options for UL/CSA approvals may be required for certain markets.
- Materials such as aluminum, plastic, or cast iron as well as special designs (e.g., heavy mill duty) are available for different operating conditions.
- For corrosive environments, there are external cooling units with special coatings.
- The required air volume (in m³/h) must be precisely matched to the heat loss of the motor.
- A correct match of the air volume ensures effective cooling without wasting energy.
Evaluate materials, designs, and air volumes.
For corrosive environments, special External fans for electric motors versions are available. In addition to standard versions with aluminum or plastic fan blades, there are heavy mill duty versions with cast iron housings and special coatings. The required air volume (in m³/h) must be precisely matched to the heat loss of the motor to ensure effective cooling without wasting energy.. Manufacturers like Seva-tec, for example, offer models for motor sizes from IEC 63 to 315 with air performances over 8000 m³/h.Integration, retrofitting, and accessories.
Installation and adaptation to existing motors.
The retrofitting of a external fan is not necessarily complicated. Many manufacturers offer interchangeable mounting adapters (frames) that allow for adaptation to various motor dimensions. When retrofitting, it is usually necessary to remove the existing self-cooling fan and the fan cover; occasionally, shortening the motor shaft is required.. ATEK Drive Solutions relies on modular systems that facilitate this integration, as seen in the air-cooled gear motors of the company.
- Retrofitting of external fans is often straightforward and can be adapted to different motor sizes using mounting adapters.
- Typical steps in retrofitting include removing the self-cooling fan and the fan cover.
- Sometimes, shortening the motor shaft is necessary for the installation of the external fan. may be necessary.
- Modular systems facilitate integration into existing drives.
- Useful accessories like standstill heaters prevent condensation in the motor.
- Rain protection roofs provide additional protection in outdoor applications.
- Special or two-part terminal boxes can simplify electrical connections and increase operational safety.
Useful accessories for optimized operation
A standstill heater in the External fans can prevent the formation of condensation in the motor during temperature fluctuations and is an example of useful accessories. Options like rain protection roofs for outdoor use or special terminal boxes can enhance the operational safety and lifespan of the entire system.. Two-part terminal boxes, for example, simplify the electrical connection in tight construction spaces, an aspect that can be considered when planning new electric motors. manufacturers, products, and market trends
Hersteller, Produkte und Markttrends
ATEK Drive Solutions and other providers in focus
ATEK Drive Solutions is a system provider for the industrial drive system, encompassing gear boxes, brakes, servomotors, and related External fans. The company has a warehouse with over 400,000 individual parts for fast delivery times. In addition to standard solutions, custom special solutions are developed, including for external cooling units tailored to specific applications.. Other providers like KMMP or SEW also offer broad portfolios, for example, with ATEX-certified external fans for explosive hazardous areas.
Innovations: Quieter, more efficient, smarter
The trend in external cooling units aims at higher energy efficiency and lower noise levels. Intelligent external fans with sensors for monitoring and predictive maintenance are gaining importance to enhance system efficiency.. Manufacturers are working, for example, on optimized blade geometries and motor designs that can reduce the noise level by up to 10 dB(A), which is advantageous in noise-sensitive production environments. These developments are also relevant for thermally protected motors. relevant.
A correctly sized and installed external fan for the electric motor contributes to higher operational safety, longer motor lifetimes, and reduced downtime. The adaptability of modern External fans to specific operating conditions offers an important advantage. For individual consultation on selecting the optimal external fan for electric motors is available from ATEK Drive Solutions.
