What is a Ceiling Fan?
An electrical appliance used to create airflow by
rotating a set of blades and is suspended from the ceiling is known as a ceiling fan.
The primary function of a ceiling fan is to create airflow
to cool down a room or an enclosed space.
A ceiling fan is a commonly used appliance in homes, offices,
etc. to make a room or an enclosed space comfortable during hot weather. It is
a cost-effective alternative to expensive cooling like an air conditioner.
Evolution of Ceiling Fans
Initially, people used hand-operated fans to create an
airflow to cool themselves. Those fans are generally made from leaves of trees
or feathers. In the late 19th century, electrically operated modern
ceiling fans were developed. However, they are still undergoing further
improvements and advancements.
Construction of Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan typically consists of the following major parts:
(1). Electric Motor:
In a ceiling fan, the electric motor is considered the engine
of the fan. The electric motor of the ceiling fan is housed within its body. It
drives the rotating blades of the fan. In a ceiling, a single-phase induction
motor is used. More specifically, a capacitor-start
single-phase induction motor is used in a ceiling fan.
(2). Blades:
In a ceiling fan, the blades are the second most important
component of the fan. They are responsible for creating airflow in a downward
direction to make the room comfortable.
In the case of ceiling fans, three to five blades are most
commonly used. These blades have an efficient aerodynamic design to create airflow effectively.
It is also important to note that when the number of blades in a
ceiling fan increases, the fan will become quieter. However, a fan with a larger
number of blades circulates less air. Technically, when the number of blades
increases, the air drag on the motor of the ceiling fan increases which slows it
down. Therefore, ceiling fans commonly used in homes and offices have only
three or four blades.
(3). Mounting Kit:
The mounting kit of a typical ceiling fan includes a mounting
bracket, hanger ball, down rod, and canopy. It is used to suspend the ceiling fan
securely.
Connection Diagram of Ceiling Fan
The connection diagram of a standard ceiling fan with capacitor-start
single-phase induction is shown in the following figure.
It consists of two windings namely, starting winding and running winding. The rotor is a squirrel-cage type rotor. In this ceiling fan electric motor, one end of the starting and running windings are joined together and taken as a common terminal. A capacitor is connected in series with the starting winding, then the other end of the capacitor and the running winding are joined together. Finally, the two terminals are connected to a single-phase power supply source.
Working Principle of Ceiling Fan
The working of a ceiling fan is based on the principle of
air circulation. The electric motor fitting within the body of the fan rotates
its blades. The rotating blades of the ceiling fan create airflow in the
room. This airflow or movement creates a cooling sensation on our skin through
the wind-chill effect.
It is an important point to note about ceiling fans that they do not lower the actual temperature of the room. But, they only provide
a cooling sensation through air circulation.
Types of Ceiling Fans
Depending on different parameters, such as room height and
size, design, style, etc. there are several different types of ceiling fans
available in the market. Some common types of ceiling fans are described below:
(1). Standard Ceiling Fans:
Standard ceiling fans are the ceiling fans that we usually
find in our homes and offices. These fans are typically designed for rooms with an average height of around 8 to 10 feet. These fans are suspended with the ceiling
using a down rod. Where the standard distance between the ceiling and the fan is
maintained for proper air circulation.
(2). Hugger Fans:
Hugger fans are also known as low-profile ceiling fans. This
type of ceiling does not have a down rod to suspend it with the ceiling. This
type of ceiling is commonly used in rooms with low ceiling heights of around 7.5
feet or less. Sometimes, the hugger fans are also called flush-mount ceiling fans.
(3). Dual-Motor Ceiling Fans:
As the name implies, a dual-motor ceiling is one which has
two electric motors and two sets of rotating blades. This type of ceiling fan
is designed to create increased airflow and is commonly used in large rooms and
open spaces where large airflow is required.
(4). Outdoor Ceiling Fans:
The outdoor ceiling fans are primarily designed to install
in outdoor spaces and are made up of materials that can tolerate the impacts of
moisture and humidity.
(5). Industrial Ceiling Fans:
Industrial ceiling fans are large-sized ceilings designed to
create airflow in a large open space. These fans have a heavy-duty and
powerful electric motor. They generally have a strong design to operate
continuously for long periods. Industrial ceiling fans are commonly used in
warehouses, factories, and many other large open spaces.
(6). Remote-Controlled Ceiling Fans:
These ceiling fans are similar to standard fans, but these have
a microcontroller device that allows consumers to adjust their speed, on/off,
etc. by using a remote control device.
(7). Smart Ceiling Fans:
A smart ceiling fan is one that can be integrated with a smart
home control system and can be operated through a voice command or mobile
application.
(8). BLDC Ceiling Fans:
BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) ceiling fans have a brushless DC (BLDC) motor to rotate the blades, instead of an
induction motor. BLDC ceiling fans are more energy efficient as they use an electric
motor that utilizes an electronic system to operate. Also, due to fewer moving
parts, BLDC ceiling fans require less maintenance.
How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan?
The following factors help us to select the right ceiling for
our use:
(1). Room Size:
The size of ceiling fans is directly proportional to our
room size. Therefore, if we are purchasing a ceiling fan for a smaller room,
then we can choose a small-size ceiling, but if we have a large room, then we
have to select a bigger fan with large blades.
Some standard recommendations for ceiling fan size based on
room size are as follows:
- For very small-sized rooms, we can select a ceiling fan with a diameter of 29 inches or smaller.
- For a medium-sized room, having an area of around 170 to 300 square feet, we can select a ceiling fan with a blade size from 52 to 56 inches.
- For a large-sized room, having an area of more than around 300 square feet, we should select a ceiling with a blade size of 60 inches or larger.
(2). Ceiling Height:
Ceiling height also affects the selection of a ceiling fan.
For example, if we are selecting a ceiling for a room with medium ceiling
height, then the standard-mount ceiling fans can be the best choice. But, if we
are choosing a ceiling for a room with a low ceiling, then we should choose a
flush-mount ceiling fan.
Similarly, for very high ceiling rooms, ceiling fans with long
down rods must be selected.
(3). Noise Level:
We always select a ceiling fan that has an electric motor
that produces minimal noise while operating.
(4). Style and Design:
A ceiling fan also contributes to the interior decoration of the
room and changes its visual appearance. Therefore, we should select a ceiling
fan that matches our room style. Today, a variety of styles and designs of
ceiling fans are available in the market.
Where to Buy a Ceiling Fan?
You can buy a ceiling fan from an offline store as well as
an online store. Before making a final purchase of a ceiling fan, you must
compare its price and after-sell service.
Advantages of Ceiling Fans
The following are some major advantages of ceiling fans over
their alternates for cooling:
- A ceiling fan is a cost-effective way of cooling a room as compared to an air conditioner which has a very high initial cost.
- Ceiling fans consume relatively less power as compared to other cooling appliances like coolers and air conditioners.
- A ceiling fan is a versatile appliance, as it can be installed in any space like a bedroom, kitchen, warehouse, office, etc.
Conclusion
Overall, a ceiling fan is the most common electric appliance
used to provide economical cooling in hot weather. The knowledge of general and
technical aspects of ceiling fans helps us make an informed decision while
selecting or purchasing the right ceiling for our space. A ceiling fan creates an
airflow to provide a comfortable living environment in our room, bedroom, or
office.
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