S-Force Fans - The Power to Do More

Allfans are not the same. Fan performance is more than simply specifying a certainvolume of flow capacity and then hoping for the best. In the real world, mostfans can't deliver their theoretical performance.  However, ebm-papst has introduced a new lineof S-Force tube-axial fans that deliver dramatic and consistent performance.

Fromthe start, motor technology, aerodynamics and electronics were made thefoundation of the design of the S-Force fans. For instance, according to Joe Landrette,an engineer with ebm-papst, the new design offers not only improved airhandling performance, but also reduced acoustic impact, and improved reliabilityand efficiency... "All of which are revolutionary improvements in key areas ofconcern for today's thermal engineers."

TheS-Force series is built around compact multi-pole motors that deliver highefficiency with low dissipated energy. In fact, some of the new motors attain apeak power of more than 300 watts.  Altogether,the new combinations of motor materials increases fan motor efficiency by8-11%. Likewise, the S-Force motors offer 400-500% more power handlingcapabilities compared to fans of just three years ago -- and the more efficientmotors and motor cooling technology result in longer life and higher MTBF.

Aboveall, notes Landrette, S-force fans can offer 40 - 100% more "insystem" performance.  "Our S-Force showan improvement in free flow measurements compared to earlier fans but it is whenthey are matched to an enclosure that their performance advantage reallybecomes apparent," he adds.  Unlike mostfans, S-Force fans provide a high static pressure, meaning they actually moveair in situations where circuitry, cabling and inadequate ventilation openingswould stop traditional designs. 

"Wenot only improved the speed and flow of the fan but we optimized itsperformance by applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve ourresults.  That high performance andhigher pressure capability translates into ample air flow and reliableperformance in a wide range of chassis and system configurations. 

"Theremay be a high level of flow resistance but our fan tends to maintain itsconstant speed and flow all while providing a high degree of fan reliability," addsLandrette.  

Beyondsheer performance, the S-Force also offers new or improved capabilities inother areas as well. For instance, the new fan blade geometry - winglets havebeen added to the blade tips as well as new blade shapes -- offers up to a 6-8dBAnoise reduction, which means half the sound power and a 50% reduction in soundlevel.  And, new fan control options areavailable, too. These features include speed monitoring, closed loop speedcontrol, operation monitoring, integrated or external temperature sensor, ormicroprocessor-controlled motor management for software-controlled fanoperation.

"TheS-Series is a tremendous step forward," notes Landrette. Furthermore, he says,"ebm-papst has tremendous expertise in fan control designs, fan tray designs,drop, shock, vibration, climate and acoustic testing, sheet metal capabilities,custom fan designs and even thermal consulting, so we can work with customersto solve any kind of problem."