Gelec guides readers through the process of purchasing fans, crucial products for controlling airflow during the thermal management of critical electronic components.
When choosing a fan, the first question is how much air needs to be moved to thermally manage the device? This determines fan size and speed. Where possible a large fan operating slowly is the best choice. This keeps internal temperatures down, delivers the best acoustic results, lowers energy consumption and offers the best life expectancy.
Will the product be used solely indoors, will it be outdoors or even used in extreme environmental conditions involving heat, dust or moisture? The answer to this question determines the bearing type. Sleeve bearings are cost-effective but limited regarding orientation and environment.
Ball bearings are robust, usually offering the longest life. Their resistance to heat, moisture and dust make them a good choice, with additional IP protection available. IP protection ranges from IP21 conformal coating to fully enclosed IP68.
Where environment allows, the middle ground between sleeve and ball bearing may be the perfect compromise between the desires of engineering and purchasing. Sunon’s patented MagLev technology delivers similar life expectancy and flexible mounting to ball bearing, but with pricing closer to sleeve. MagLev has become a mainstay, especially for noise-sensitive applications.
If an online catalogue is used, issues can arise. Parts with extended lead times or EoL warnings can be mistakenly designed in. If this isn’t identified before sign-off, procurement teams face considerable headaches. Poor availability and redesigns impact sales and profitability, so approving a solution with good availability and longevity eases purchasing concerns and limits the need for further engineering resources, testing and re-approval.
There needs to be a careful balance of product specification and cost. Having an open and transparent relationship with a specialist fan distributor such as Gelec will help deliver the right balance. Early and continued conversations—starting maybe even before the design work really begins—with the distributor can shortlist and then identify the right fan.
