Common types of fans in cars mainly include the following
1. Classification by drive mode
Mechanical fan
Composition: Usually consists of a fan with metal blades and a clutch connected to the engine crankshaft.
Working principle: The speed is controlled by the connection between the clutch and the engine crankshaft. When the engine is running, the friction between the clutch and the crankshaft bearing causes the clutch to rotate, and the rotational power is transmitted to the fan, causing it to rotate to generate airflow to cool the engine.
Features: As the engine speed increases, the speed of the fan blades will also increase, resulting in a greater cooling effect. However, the disadvantage of mechanical fans is that they generate more noise and consume more engine power.
Electric fan (electronic fan)
Composition: Usually consists of a motor, fan blades, temperature sensor and electronic control unit (ECU).
Working principle: The temperature sensor measures the engine temperature and transmits data to the ECU, which controls the speed of the electronic fan based on this data to ensure that the engine is always within the appropriate temperature range.
Features: At lower temperatures, the electronic fan can run at a lower speed to reduce fuel consumption; at high temperatures, the electronic fan can run at a higher speed to ensure that the engine remains properly cooled.
2. Classification by installation position and function
Engine fan
Installation position: usually installed in front of the engine.
Function: blow air to the engine and radiator through the fan blades to help cool the engine.
Radiator fan
Installation position: installed behind the radiator.
Function: increase the cooling effect of the radiator by creating a stronger flow in the air around the radiator when driving at low speeds. When driving at high speeds, the radiator fan is usually not activated because the movement of the vehicle will generate enough airflow.
Air conditioning cooling fan
Function: specially used for heat dissipation of the air conditioning system to ensure the normal operation of the air conditioning system.
Clutch fan
Features: a fan clutch is installed between the pulley and the fan hub, and the working state of the fan is adjusted by the separation and engagement of the clutch. This not only ensures the normal operating temperature of the engine, but also reduces the power loss of the engine and reduces fuel consumption.
In addition, according to the direction in which the fan blades push the air flow, the car fan can also be divided into axial flow fans and centrifugal fans. The blades of the axial flow fan push the air to flow in the same direction as the axis, while the blades of the centrifugal fan push the air to flow in a direction perpendicular to the axis.