Blowers

ebm-papst centrifugal blowers for heating and heating technology are used in the supply, recirculation or exhaust air of solid fuel heating systems. The gas blowers are also compatible as a system with venturi, valve and automatic burner control in condensing boiler technology in the heating industry.

ebm-papst hot air or circulation blowers are now also being used in domestic ovens.

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What is a blower?

A blower is a mechanical device for moving or transporting gas or air through a specific system. The main function of a blower is to increase the air flow or generate pressure in a ventilation system. This makes it an indispensable component in many industrial applications.

How does a blower work?

Blowers play a crucial role in numerous ventilation, air conditioning and heating technology applications as well as in industrial processes. Their main purpose is to move air or other gases to fulfil various requirements such as cooling, ventilation or the removal of exhaust gases. This section explains how blowers work, what types there are and for which situations they are best suited.

Basic principle of operation

Blowers increase the speed of the air or gas and then guide it in the desired direction. This is achieved by using a radial impeller that rotates in a housing. The movement of the impeller creates a difference in air pressure that causes the air to flow through the fan and then into the system or environment where it is needed. The movement of the impeller creates a difference in air pressure that causes the air to flow through the fan and then into the system or environment where it is needed.

The movement of the impeller creates a difference in air pressure that causes the air to flow through the fan and then into the system or environment where it is needed.

Centrifugal blower

Radial or centrifugal blowers move the air perpendicular to the axis of rotation and are effective in moving air against higher resistance. This allows them to be used in systems that require higher pressure, such as dust extraction systems, industrial processes or air conditioning for larger buildings.

Tangential blower

With these blowers, the air flows through the impeller at right angles to the axis of rotation. They are characterised by their flat design and are often used in air conditioning and ventilation systems. You can find tangential blowers under tangential fans.

Choosing the right blower

Choosing the right blower depends on several factors, including the required air volume, pressure, energy efficiency and specific application requirements. Axial blowers are ideal in situations where efficiency in moving large volumes of air is paramount, while centrifugal blowers are favoured when a stronger airflow against resistance is required.

Detailed knowledge of how blowers work and the different types of blowers enables users and planners to find the optimum solution for their specific needs, whether in general ventilation, industrial applications or air conditioning.

How are blowers designed?

Blowers are complex mechanical devices designed to move air or gas to create a desired airflow or pressure in various applications. Their design varies depending on the type and area of application, but they share basic components and design principles.

Basic components of a blower

Basic components of a blower

the impeller (impeller), the enclosure, the drive mechanism as well as inlet and outlet.

Impeller

The impeller is the centrepiece of a blower that is responsible for moving the air. The shape and number of blades on the impeller play a decisive role in determining the performance of the fan, including air volume flow and pressure build-up.

Enclosure

The housing encloses the impeller and guides the moving air in the desired direction. The enclosure of centrifugal blowers often has a spiral shape, which helps to increase the air pressure. This enclosure is also known as a worm or spiral enclosure.

Drive mechanism

The drive mechanism is usually an electric motor. This drives the impeller. The connection between the motor and impeller can be direct or via belts and pulleys. However, the belt drive is outdated and should be replaced with modern, energy-saving designs. You can find information on modernising such motorised valve gate units under Retrofit.

Inlet and outlet

Inlet and outlet are the openings through which air enters and leaves the blower. The size and shape of these openings are customised to the specific use of the fan.

Additional components and features

In addition to these basic components, blowers can also have the following elements:

Air filters: Protect the fan from dirt and prevent foreign bodies from entering the system. Silencers: Reduce the operating noise of the fan and ensure quieter operation. For example, in the form of a protective grid; at ebm-papst the ‘FlowGrid’. Vibration dampers: Minimise the transmission of vibrations to the foundation or structure on which the fan is mounted. Control technology: Includes frequency converters for conventional AC centrifugal fans and valves that enable precise control of the air flow and pressure. The EC blowers with integrated electronics can be controlled in an energy-efficient manner using BUS systems, for example.

Type-specific structure

Blowers can be designed differently depending on the type:

Centrifugal blowers (screw or spiral blowers): Characterised by the spiral-shaped housing that surrounds the impeller. The air enters axially and is expelled radially. Axial fans: Consist of a propeller in a simple tube or frame without a spiral housing. The air moves parallel to the axis of rotation of the impeller. Cross-flow blowers: Have an elongated impeller that moves the air at right angles to the axis of rotation. The enclosure is designed to allow an even air flow over a wide area.

The design of a blower is decisive for its functionality and efficiency in the desired application. By selecting suitable components and design features, blowers can be customised specifically to the requirements of air volume, pressure and operating conditions.

How are blowers installed?

The installation of a blower is a critical process that directly affects the performance and efficiency of the appliance. Proper installation not only ensures that the blower functions optimally, but also guarantees its longevity and reliability. The basic steps and considerations for the installation of blowers are described below.

Preparation and planning

The basic steps and considerations for the installation of blowers are described below. Zu den wichtigsten Schritten zählen:

Site selection: Select a suitable installation location that allows an undisturbed air supply and exhaust and is easily accessible for maintenance work. Check the ambient conditions: Ensure that the ambient temperature, humidity and other conditions are within the permissible range for the fan. Depending on the ambient conditions, blowers can also be made more robust with corresponding protection types (moisture and dust protection). Calculate the air requirement: Determine the required air flow and pressure for your application to select the appropriate blower model.

Mechanical installation

The preparation phase is followed by the mechanical installation of the blower, which comprises the following steps:

Mounting the blower: Mount the blower securely on a foundation or mounting surface to minimise vibrations and noise. Use vibration dampers if necessary. Alignment: Ensure that the fan is correctly aligned, especially in relation to the connection points for air supply and exhaust. Connection to the ventilation system: Connect the fan to the air ducts or other components of the ventilation system. Ensure tight connections to prevent leaks.

Electrical connection

The electrical connection of the fan must be carried out carefully and in accordance with the electrical regulations:

Wiring: Carry out the electrical wiring, following the wiring diagrams and safety requirements. Protective measures: Ensure that appropriate protective devices such as overload protection and earthing are in place. Commissioning: Check the electrical connections and carry out a test run to confirm that the fan is working correctly.

Commissioning and fine tuning

Once the blower has been mechanically and electrically installed, it is commissioned:

Test run: Start the fan and check that it works properly without excessive vibration or noise. Performance check: Measure the air flow and pressure to ensure that the blower fulfils the required specifications. Fine tuning: If necessary, make adjustments to optimise the performance and efficiency of the fan.

Professional installation is crucial for the function and reliable operation of a blower. By following these steps, you can ensure that your fan works efficiently and contributes to the air quality and comfort in your building or process. Breuell & Hilgenfeldt can provide support with commissioning or measurements.

What are the advantages of blowers?

Blowers play a central role in a wide range of applications, from industrial processes, ventilation and air conditioning technology to commercial and domestic systems. Their versatility and efficiency bring numerous advantages that make them a favourite choice for many applications.

Efficient air movement and control

Blowers are designed to move and control air efficiently. They can transport large volumes of air over long distances while maintaining precise pressure and volume flow conditions. This capability enables effective ventilation, cooling and other air handling requirements in diverse environments.

Versatile applicability

Thanks to the different types and designs, blowers can be used in a wide range of applications. They are not only important in industry and construction, but also in agriculture, vehicles, household appliances, heating technology and medical devices. Their adaptability to specific requirements makes them a universal solution for air movement and ventilation problems.

Improving air quality

Blowers make a significant contribution to improving air quality by continuously supplying fresh air and extracting stale or polluted air. This is particularly important in closed rooms where regular air circulation is required to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor climate.

Energy efficiency

Modern blowers are known for their energy efficiency. By using technologies such as energy-efficient motors with integrated electronics in EC fans, blowers can minimise energy consumption, resulting in lower operating costs and a reduced environmental impact.

Low maintenance effort

Many blower types are designed to require minimal maintenance. This not only reduces operating costs, but also ensures a longer service life and reliability of the appliance, even under demanding operating conditions. These are known as EC fans or EC blowers.

Low-noise operation

Advanced design and damping techniques allow blowers to be operated at low noise levels. This is particularly advantageous in living and working areas where noise can impair the quality of life and work.

To summarise, blowers provide an effective solution to the challenges of air movement and control in a wide range of applications. Their advantages, such as efficient air movement, versatility, contribution to improving air quality, energy efficiency, low maintenance and quiet operation, make them an indispensable part of modern ventilation and aeration systems.

Which blowers are available?

Blowers from ebm-papst are used in numerous industrial, commercial and domestic applications to move or amplify air. The blowers differ in their design, mode of operation and specific applications. The selection of the appropriate blower type depends on the requirements of the particular application, including the desired air volume flow, pressure and ambient conditions.

Exhaust blower

Exhaust gas blowers are designed for the efficient and safe removal of combustion gases from heating systems in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The air flow rate ranges from 40 m³/h to 340 m³/h, with a back pressure of 0 Pa to 450 Pa.

Gas blowers

Gas blowers are specially designed to optimise the supply of gas to combustion chambers to ensure high combustion efficiency and low emissions. The air flow rate ranges from 50 m³/h to 8,000 m³/h, with a back pressure of 40 Pa to 7,000 Pa.

Blowers for fuel cells

Blowers for fuel cells are designed to regulate the air supply in fuel cell systems, which is crucial for the energy conversion efficiency and longevity of the cells. The air flow rate ranges from 50 m³/h to 8,000 m³/h, with a back pressure of 40 Pa to 7,000 Pa.

Blowers for solid fuel burners

Blowers for solid fuel burners enable precise air supply for the combustion of solid fuels such as pellets and coal. The air flow rate ranges from 100 m³/h to 630 m³/h, with a back pressure of 0 Pa to 550 Pa.

Hot air blowers

Hot air blowers from ebm Papst are designed for applications that require controlled hot air distribution, for example in drying processes or heating systems. Hot air blowers from ebm Papst are designed for applications that require controlled hot air distribution, for example in drying processes or heating systems.

Circulation blowers

Circulation fans are designed to circulate air within a system or room to ensure even temperature distribution and air quality. The air flow rate ranges from 100 m³/h to 200 m³/h, with a back pressure of 0 Pa to 450 Pa.