Use and advantages of fans with electronically switchable motors

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In this article we will address the what, how and where of the increasing use of ventilation solutions where the built-in motor is of the electronically switchable type. Table of Contents What is an electronically commutable motor and how is it different from an AC motor? Differences between EC and AC motors Using solutions with EC motors Advantages of using EC motors in ventilation Conclusions What is an electronically commutable motor and how is it different from an AC motor? Regarding the supply voltage, there are basically two types of motors on the market: Alternating current (AC) motors : They are characterized by their flexibility of use although they suffer in efficiency. Direct current (DC) motors : They have high efficiency although it is a non-conventional type of voltage at the domestic and tertiary level. The motors known as EC (electronically commutable) combine part of both types with their respective advantages. On the one hand, they allow an easy-to-achieve alternating power supply, whether single-phase or three-phase, and, at the same time, the high efficiency of a DC motor by performing voltage rectification inside it. For the aforementioned rectification it is necessary to incorporate electronics within the motor itself.

Hence its name electronically switched (EC). At a structural level there are significant differences between an AC motor compared to an EC. Taking an external rotor motor as a basis for comparison, the main differences are: Incorporation of an electronic board that performs both voltage rectification and motor control functions. The external rotor now incorporates permanent magnets. As a result, we obtain a motor with a conventional power supply but with high energy efficiency. In addition, an electronic control module is incorporated by default that allows both manual and automatic regulation through the input of an analog signal (-V or -mA) from an external control or sensor. Differences betwee Vatican City Email List EC and AC motors There are several differences in terms of the design of the engines and the technology used inside: Efficiency . Due to the way they are designed, EC motors have an efficiency of up to % while AC motors will at best reach -% efficiency. Absorbed power . This aspect directly affects the electricity bill. At equal revolutions, that is, without taking into account the regulation, an EC motor consumes % less than an AC motor. However, under regulation, an EC motor can save up to % more absorbed electrical power compared to a solution with an AC motor. Regulation . While EC motors are easily adjustable by analog signal (-V or -mA), AC motors need electronic regulators, autotransformers that modulate the V or V alternating voltage, or frequency converters. Regulating an analog signal is simple and does not require special care regarding cable section.



This allows for a very tight cost. On the other hand, regulating an AC motor is not only more expensive, but also causes an increase in temperature inside the motor, forcing certain limitations to be established. On the other hand, this does not happen in an EC motor. It is relevant to keep in mind that the regulation range is not the same either. That is, while an EC can be regulated from -V analog signal, the percentage equivalent of -%, on the other hand, in an AC the maximum regulation is usually carried out between V-V electrical voltage (single-phase power supply case), that is, between %-%. Therefore we can conclude that with an EC motor not only does it consume less but it can also reach a much greater regulation range with the consequent differential savings. Protections . The electronics incorporated in EC fans have a series of thermal protectors that an AC motor does not have by itself; they must be added to the installation. Using solutions with EC motors In the previous section we have seen the significant differences in both the regulation capacity and the consequent reduction in absorbed power. This helps us understand in which cases it is convenient to use fans with electronically switchable motors. All these installations designed to operate under regulation systems, both manual and automatic, are clearly the greatest argument for recommending these solutions. Ventilation systems where the air flow demand is variable over time depending on a series of control parameters make EC motors the best energy and economic allies. Advantages of using EC motors in ventilation.