Why EC Fans Are Now Used in 80% of New HVAC Installations？
1. What Are EC Fans
EC (Electronically Commutated) Fans are advanced ventilation devices. Its motor is apermanent magnet brushless DC motors with intelligent control module. EC motors combine the advantages of AC and DC motors, so it can dynamically adjust their speed to meet varying cooling demands. Under the same usage conditions, the power consumption is reduced by 80% compared with traditional AC fans. EC fans cover multiple powers and are mainly used in the following scenarios according to different parameters: HVAC systems, electronic cooling, data centers, and refrigeration units.
2. Why Choose EC Fans
So, what are the key differences between EC fans and AC fans in HVAC systems? Or more specifically, what unignorable advantages do EC fans offer?
(1) Energy Efficiency
EC fans work at up to 90% efficiency, consuming 80% less energy than traditional AC fans. Additionally, their wide high-efficiency range across adjustable speeds means they run efficiently most of the time, delivering substantial energy savings for high-consumption sectors like commercial buildings. Meets IE5 energy efficiency standards.
(2) Cost Savings
While traditional fans have a lower upfront cost, EC fan-based automated ventilation systems optimize energy consumption and reduce electricity bills by dynamically adjusting fan speed. For example, in livestock farming, a 1.5kW axial EC fan costs approximately $250, compared to $100 for an AC fan.
Power Consumption per Hour:
AC Motor: Actual Input Power = Rated Power / Efficiency = 1.5kW / 70% ≈ 2.143kW
EC Motor: Actual Input Power = 1.5kW / 90% ≈ 1.667kW
Hourly Energy Savings: 2.143kW - 1.667kW = 0.476kW
Annual Energy Savings: Assuming 8,760 operating hours per year (24h × 365 days): 0.476kW × 8,760h ≈ 4,170 kWh
Based on the median electricity price of $0.28/kWh in the Netherlands, one motor can save
0.28× 4170=1167.6$
As you can see, EC fans are very suitable for large-scale farms and can pay for themselves in 1-2 years through electricity bill savings.
(3) Low Noise
The noise level of EC fans is 50% lower than that of original AC fans. Due to exceptional low-noise operation, EC fans eliminate the need for additional soundproofing measures even in noise-sensitive environments such as hospitals, libraries, and offices.
(4) Longer Lifespan and low maintenance requirements
The brushless design of EC fans helps to extend their service life, which is usually 8-15 years. The service life of AC fans is generally 3-5 years, and annual maintenance costs are required. For AC fans, maintenance requires cleaning the motor housing dust quarterly, replacing bearing lubricating grease annually, and installing a voltage regulator in scenarios with large voltage fluctuations. In contrast, EC fans only need regular (semi-annual) checks to ensure wiring terminals are not loose, the electronic control board is free of condensed water, and the cooling fans are operating normally. The total life cycle cost (purchase + maintenance) is about 1.5-2 times that of EC fans.
(5) Precise Control and Variable Speed
EC fans enable precise control over airflow and temperature. They integarates 0-10V speed regulation and RS485-MODBUS remote control technology. This adaptability is critical for HVAC systems that must respond to ever-changing thermal demands.
In summary, the advantages of EC fans over AC fans are outlined in the table below:
Parameter | EC Fan | Traditional AC Fan |
Efficiency | Up to 90% | Around 70% |
Noise level | <50% of tradition fans | Higher |
Lifespan | 8-15 years | 3-5 years |
Maintenance Needs | Low | Higher |
Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
Control Flexibility | Variable speed | Fixed speeds |
3. E-hybrid Solar powered EC Fans
Our EC fans not only possess all the aforementioned advantages but also introduce innovative new products integrated with photovoltaic applications. Our EC motors utilize the proprietary E-Hybrid technology to enable seamless complementarity between solar and grid power, supporting hybrid AC/DC operation. There are mainly 3 operating modes, and the system automatically switches among them according to the weather, ensuring remarkable convenience and intelligence.
Mode 1：Solar power directly drives
Solar power drives only, no AC power.
Solar power directly drives the motor when it is sufficient.
The motor runs at a lower speed when solar power is insufficient, based on solar power tracking algorithm.
Mode 2: Solar power & AC power hybrid drives
When soalr power is in sufficient, solar power complement with AC power, and auto-balancing.
AC power input ratio based on ral-time soalr power generation.
Stable output power anytime.
Mode 3: AC power drives only
When there is no power, only AC power will drive the motors.
Additionally, the adoption of a sinusoidal magnetic field design effectively reduces torque ripple between slots and poles. We maintain our own R&D and production base for rare earth materials, ensuring the quality of core raw materials and providing one-stop services about magnets, stators/rotors, and motors. With comprehensive internal and external rotor designs and a power range spanning 0.75kW to 5.5kW, we can meet diverse ventilation requirements.
