Amca - 201 Fans and Systems

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AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Publication 201-02
(R2007)
The International Authority on Air System Components

Fans and Systems
AMCA
Copyrighted material licensed to Gholamali Semsarilar on 19-Mar-2011 for licensee's use only. No further reproduction or networking is permitted. Distributed by Thomson Scientific, Inc., www.techstreet.com.
AMCA PUBLICATION 201-02 (R2007)
Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893

Fans and Systems
30 West University Drive

© 2007 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections 107 and
108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for
permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive Director, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Forward
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating, provides a
basis for accurately rating the performance of fans when tested under standardized laboratory conditions. The
actual performance of a fan when installed in an air moving system will sometimes be different from the fan
performance as measured in the laboratory. The difference in performance between the laboratory and the field
installation can sometimes be attributed to the interaction of the fan and the duct system, i.e., duct system design
can diminish the usable output of the fan.
AMCA Publication 201 Fans and Systems, introduced the concept of System Effect Factor to the air moving
industry. The System Effect Factor quantifies the duct system design effect on performance. The System Effect
Factor has been widely accepted since its inception in 1973. It must be remembered, however, that the "factors"
provided are approximations as it is prohibitive to test all fan types and all duct system configurations. The major
revision to this edition of AMCA Publication 201 Fans and Systems, is a change to the use of SI units of measure,
with Inch-Pound units being given secondary consideration.
AMCA 201 Review Committee
Bill Smiley The Trane Company / LaCrosse
James L. Smith Aerovent, A Twin City Fan Company
Tung Nguyen Emerson Ventilation Products
Patrick Chinoda Hartzell Fan, Inc.
Rick Bursh Illinois Blower, Inc.
Sutton G. Page Austin Air Balancing Corp.
Paul R. Saxon AMCA Staff
Disclaimer
AMCA International uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the industry and the public in light
of available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA International does not guarantee, certify
or assure the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or
operated in accordance with AMCA International standards or that any tests conducted under its standards will be
non-hazardous or free from risk.
Objections to AMCA Standards and Certifications Programs
Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints regarding
its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for submitting and
handling complaints, write to:
Air Movement and Control Association International

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
or
AMCA International, Incorporated

c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire
RG10 9TH United Kingdom
Related AMCA Standards and Publications
Publication 200 AIR SYSTEMS
System Pressure Losses

Fan Performance Characteristics
System Effect
System Design Tolerances
Air Systems is intended to provide basic information needed to design effective and energy efficient air systems.
Discussion is limited to systems where there is a clear separation of the fan inlet and outlet and does not cover
applications in which fans are used only to circulate air in an open space.
Publication 201 FANS AND SYSTEMS
Fan Testing and Rating

The Fan "Laws"
Air Systems
Fan and System Interaction
System Effect Factors
Fans and Systems is aimed primarily at the designer of the air moving system and discusses the effect on inlet and
outlet connections of the fan's performance. System Effect Factors, which must be included in the basic design
calculations, are listed for various configurations. AMCA 202 and AMCA 203 are companion documents.
Publication 202 TROUBLESHOOTING
System Checklist
Fan Manufacturer's Analysis
Master Troubleshooting Appendices
Troubleshooting is intended to help identify and correct problems with the performance and operation of the air
moving system after installation. AMCA 201 and AMCA 203 are companion documents.
Publication 203 FIELD PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS OF FAN SYSTEMS
Acceptance Tests
Test Methods and Instruments
Precautions
Limitations and Expected Accuracies
Calculations
Field Performance Measurements of Fan Systems reviews the various problems of making field measurements
and calculating the actual performance of the fan and system. AMCA 201 and AMCA 202 are companion
documents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2 Some limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2. Symbols and Subscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2.1 Symbols and subscripted symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2.2 Subscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3. Fan Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.1 ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.2 Ducted outlet fan tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.3 Free inlet, free outlet fan tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3.4 Obstructed inlets and outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4. Fan Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.1 The Fan Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.2 Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4.3 Fan performance curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5. Catalog Performance Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
5.1 Type A: Free inlet, free outlet fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
5.2 Ducted fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
6. Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
6.1 The system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
6.2 Component losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
6.3 The system curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
6.4 Interaction of system curve and fan performance curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
6.5 Effect of changes in speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
6.6 Effect of density on system resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
6.7 Fan and system interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
6.8 Effects of errors in estimating system resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

6.9 Safety factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
6.10 Deficient fan/system performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
6.11 Precautions to prevent deficient performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
6.12 System effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
7. System Effect Factor (SEF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
7.1 System Effect Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
7.2 Power determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
8. Outlet System Effect Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
8.1 Outlet ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
8.2 Outlet diffusers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
8.3 Outlet duct elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
8.4 Turning vanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
8.5 Volume control dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
8.6 Duct branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
9. Inlet System Effect Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
9.1 Inlet ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
9.2 Inlet duct elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
9.3 Inlet vortex (spin or swirl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
9.4 Inlet turning vanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
9.5 Airflow straighteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
9.6 Enclosures (plenum and cabinet effects) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
9.7 Obstructed inlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
10. Effects of Factory Supplied Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
10.1 Bearing and supports in fan inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.2 Drive guards obstructing fan inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.3 Belt tube in axial fan inlet or outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.4 Inlet box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.5 Inlet box dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.6 Variable inlet vane (VIV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Annex A. SI / I-P Conversion Table (Informative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Annex B. Dual Fan Systems - Series and Parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
B.1 Fans operating in series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
B.2 Fans operating in parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Annex C. Definitions and Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
C.1 The air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
C.2 The fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
C.3 The system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Annex D. Examples of the Convertibility of Energy from Velocity

Pressure to Static Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
D.1 Example of fan (tested with free inlet, ducted outlet) applied to a
duct system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
D.2 Example of fan (tested with free inlet, ducted outlet), connected to a
duct system and then a plenum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
D.3 Example of fan with free inlet, free outlet - fan discharges directly
into plenum and then to duct system (abrupt expansion at fan outlet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
D.4 Example of fan used to exhaust with obstruction in inlet, inlet elbow,
inlet duct, free outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Annex E. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

AMCA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Fans and Systems values inconsistent with the values presented.
Mechanical design of the fan is not within the scope

1. Introduction of this publication.
ANSI/AMCA 210 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans 2. Symbols and Subscripts

For Aerodynamic Performance Rating, offers the
system design engineer guidance as to how the fan For symbols and subscripted symbols, see Table 2.1.
was tested and rated. AMCA Publication 201 Fans For subscripts, see Table 2.2.
and Systems, helps provide guidance as to what
effect the system and its connections to the fan have
on fan performance.
3. Fan Testing
Recognizing and accounting for losses that affect the Fans are tested in setups that simulate installations.
fan’s performance, in the design stage, will allow the The four standard installation types are as shown in
designer to predict with reasonable accuracy, the Figure 3.1.
installed performance of the fan.
AMCA INSTALLATION TYPE A:
1.1 Purpose Free Inlet, Free Outlet
This part of the AMCA Fan Application Manual

includes general information about how fans are
tested in the laboratory, and how their performance
ratings are calculated and published. It also reviews
some of the more important reasons for the "loss" of
fan performance that may occur when the fan is AMCA INSTALLATION TYPE B:
installed in an actual system. Free Inlet, Ducted Outlet
Allowances, called System Effect Factors (SEF), are

also given in this part of the manual. SEF must be
taken into account by the system design engineer if a
reasonable estimate of fan/system performance is to
be determined.
AMCA INSTALLATION TYPE C:
Ducted Inlet, Free Outlet
1.2 Some limitations
It must be appreciated that the System Effect Factors

given in this manual are intended as guidelines and
are, in general, approximations. Some have been
obtained from research studies, others have been
published previously by individual fan manufacturers, AMCA INSTALLATION TYPE D:
and many represent the consensus of engineers with Ducted Inlet, Ducted Outlet
considerable experience in the application of fans.
Fans of different types and even fans of the same

type, but supplied by different manufacturers, will not
necessarily react with the system in exactly the same Figure 3.1 - Standard Fan Installation Types
way. It will be necessary, therefore, to apply judgment
based on actual experience in applying the SEF.
3.1 ANSI/AMCA Standard 210
The SEF represented in this manual assume that the
Most fan manufacturers rate the performance of their
fan application is generally consistent with the
products from tests made in accordance with
method of testing and rating by the manufacturer.
ANSI/AMCA 210 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans
Inappropriate application of the fan will result in SEF
for Aerodynamic Performance Rating. The purpose
1
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Table 2.1 - Symbols and Subscripted Symbols
UNITS OF MEASURE
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION SI I-P
A Area of cross section m2 ft2

D Diameter, impeller mm in.
D Diameter, Duct m ft
H Fan Power Input kw hp
H/T Hub-to-Tip Ratio Dimensionless
Kp Compressibility Coefficient Dimensionless
Cp Loss Coefficient Dimensionless
N Speed of Rotation rpm rpm
Ps Fan Static Pressure Pa in. wg
Pt Fan Total Pressure Pa in. wg
Pv Fan Velocity Pressure Pa in. wg
pb Corrected Barometric Pressure kPa in. Hg
PL Plane of Measurement --- ---
Q Airflow m3/s ft3/min
Re Fan Reynolds Number Dimensionless
SEF System Effect Factor Pa in. wg
td Dry-Bulb Temperature °C °F
tw Wet-Bulb Temperature °C °F
μ Air Viscosity Pa•s lbm/ft•s
V Velocity m/s fpm
W Power Input to Motor watts watts
ηs Fan Static Efficiency % %
ηt Fan Total Efficiency % %
ρ Air Density kg/m3 lbm/ft3
Table 2.2 - Subscripts
SUBSCRIPT DESCRIPTION
a Atmospheric conditions
c Converted Value
x Plane 0, 1, 2, ...as appropriate
1 Fan Inlet Plane
2 Fan Outlet Plane
3 Pitot Traverse Plane
5 Plane 5 (nozzle inlet station in chamber)
6 Plane 6 (nozzle discharge station in chamber)
8 Plane 8 (inlet chamber measurement station)
2
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
of ANSI/AMCA 210 is to establish uniform methods The angle of the transition between the test duct and
for laboratory testing of fans and other air moving the fan outlet is limited to ensure that uniform airflow
devices to determine performance in terms of airflow, will be maintained. A steep transition, or abrupt
pressure, power, air density, speed of rotation and change of cross section would cause turbulence and
efficiency, for rating or guarantee purposes. Two eddies. The effect of this type of airflow disturbance
methods of measuring airflow are included: the Pitot at the fan outlet is discussed later.
tube and the long radius flow nozzle. These are
incorporated into a number of "setups" or "figures". Uniform airflow conditions ensure consistency and
In general, a fan is tested on the setup that most reproducibility of test results and permit the fan to
closely resembles the way in which it will be installed develop its maximum performance. In any installation
in an air system. Centrifugal and axial fans are where uniform airflow conditions do not exist, the
usually tested with an outlet duct. Propeller fans are fan's performance will be measurably reduced.
normally tested in the wall of a chamber or plenum.
Power roof ventilators (PRV) are tested mounted on As illustrated in Figure 3.3 Plane 2, the velocity
a curb exhausting from the test chamber. profile at the outlet of a fan is not uniform. The section
of straight duct attached to the fan outlet controls the
It is very important to realize that each setup in diffusion of the outlet airflow and establishes a more
ANSI/AMCA 210 is a standardized arrangement that uniform velocity as shown in Figure 3.3 Plane X.
is not intended to reproduce exactly any installation
likely to be found in the field. The infinite variety of The energy loss when a gas, such as air, passes
possible arrangements of actual air systems makes it through a sudden enlargement is related to the
impractical to duplicate every configuration in the fan square of the velocity. Thus the ducted outlet with its
test laboratory. more uniform velocity significantly reduces the loss at
the point of discharge to the atmosphere.
3.2 Ducted outlet fan tests
A manufacturer may test a fan with or without an inlet
Figure 3.2 is a reproduction of a test setup from duct or outlet duct. For products licensed to use the
ANSI/AMCA 210. Note that this particular setup AMCA Certified Ratings Seal, catalog ratings will
includes a long straight duct connected to the outlet state whether ducts were used during the rating tests.
of the fan. A straightener is located upstream of the
Pitot traverse to remove swirl and rotational If the fans are not to be applied with the same duct(s)
components from the airflow and to ensure that as in the test setup, an allowance should be made for
airflow at the plane of measurement is as nearly the difference in performance that may result.
uniform as possible.
1 2
Transition Straightener
Piece
FOR FAN INSTALLATION TYPES:

B: Free Inlet, Ducted Outlet D: Ducted Inlet, Ducted Outlet
Figure 3.2 - Pitot Traverse in Outlet Duct
3
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
3.3 Free inlet, free outlet fan tests calculated from the performance of smaller fans in
the series using the appropriate equations.
Figure 3.4 illustrates a typical multi-nozzle chamber
test setup from ANSI/AMCA 210. This simulates the Because of the relationship between the airflow,
conditions under which most exhaust fans are tested pressure and power for any given fan, each set of
and rated. Fan performance based on this type of equations for changes in speed, size or density,
test may require adjustment when additional applies only to the same Point of Rating, and all the
accessories are used with the fan. Fans designed for equations in the set must be used to define the
use without duct systems are usually rated over a converted condition. A Point of Rating is the specified
lower range of pressures. They are commonly fan operating point on its characteristic curve.
cataloged and sold as a complete unit with suitable
drive and motor. The Fan Law equations are shown below as ratios.
The un-subscripted variable is used to designate the
3.4 Obstructed inlets and outlets initial or test fan values for the variable and the
subscript c is used to designate the converted,
The test setups in ANSI/AMCA 210 result in dependent or desired variable.
unobstructed airflow conditions at both the inlet and
the outlet of the fan. Appurtenances or obstructions Qc = Q × (Dc/D)3 × (Nc/N) × (Kp/Kpc)
located close to the inlet and/or outlet will affect fan
performance. Shafts, bearings, bearing supports and Ptc = Pt × (Dc/D)2 × (Nc/N)2 × (ρc/ρ) × (Kp/Kpc)
other appurtenances normally used with a fan should
be in place when a fan is tested for rating. Pvc = Pv × (Dc/D)2 × (Nc/N)2 × (ρc/ρ)
Variations in construction which may affect fan Psc = Ptc - Pvc

performance include changes in sizes and types of
sheaves and pulleys, bearing supports, bearings and
Hc = H × (Dc/D)5 × (Nc/N)3 × (ρc/ρ) × (Kp/Kpc)
shafts, belt guards, inlet and outlet dampers, inlet
vanes, inlet elbows, inlet and outlet cones, and
cabinets or housings. ηtc = (Qc × Ptc × Kp) / Hc (SI)
Since changes in performance will be different for ηtc = (Qc × Ptc × Kp) / (6362 • Hc) (I-P)
various product designs, it will be necessary to make
suitable allowances based on data obtained from the ηsc = ηtc × (Psc/Ptc)
applicable fan catalog or directly from the
manufacturer. These equations have their origin in the classical
theories of fluid mechanics, and the accuracy of the
Most single width centrifugal fans are tested using results obtained is sufficient for most applications.
Arrangement 1 fans. Some allowance for the effect Better accuracy would require consideration of
of bearings and bearing supports in the inlet may be Reynolds number, Mach number, kinematic viscosity,
necessary when using Arrangement 3 or dynamic viscosity, surface roughness, impeller blade
Arrangement 7. The various AMCA standard thickness and relative clearances, etc.
arrangements are shown on Figures 3.5, 3.6, and
3.7. 4.2 Limitations
4. Fan Ratings Under certain conditions the properties of gases

change and there are, therefore, limitations to the use
4.1 The Fan Laws of the Fan Laws. Accurate results will be obtained
when the following limitations are observed:
It is not practical to test a fan at every speed at which
it may be applied. Nor is it possible to simulate every a. Fan Reynolds Number (Re). The term Reynolds
inlet density that may be encountered. Fortunately, number is associated with the ratio of inertia to
by use of a series of equations commonly referred to viscous forces. When related to fans, investigations
as the Fan Laws, it is possible to predict with good of both axial and centrifugal fans show that
accuracy the performance of a fan at other speeds performance losses are more significant at low
and densities than those of the original rating test. Reynolds number ranges and are effectively
negligible above certain threshold Reynolds
The performance of a complete series of numbers. In an effort to simplify the comparison of
geometrically similar (homologous) fans can also be the Reynolds numbers of two fans, the fan industry
4
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
PL X
BLAST AREA PL 2 DISCHARGE DUCT
OUTLET AREA
CUTOFF
CENTRIFUGAL FAN
PL 2 PL X
AXIAL FAN
Figure 3.3 - Controlled Diffusion and Establishment of a Uniform Velocity

Profile in a Straight Length of Outlet Duct
38mm ±6mm
(1.5in. ±0.25 in.)
PL.5 PL.6 PL.8 PL.1 PL.2
0.5 M MIN.
0.2M 0.5M 0.2 M MIN.
MIN. MIN. 0.3 M MIN.
t d2
AIRFLOW M FAN
VARIABLE
SUPPLY t d3
SYSTEM 0.1 M MIN.
SETTLING SETTLING
MEANS MEANS
(See note 4)
Ps5 P Pt8
Figure 3.4 - Inlet Chamber Setup - Multiple Nozzles in Chamber

(ANSI/AMCA 210-99, Figure 15)
5
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
ANSI/AMCA Standard 99-2404-03 Page 1 of 2
Drive Arrangements for Centrifugal Fans

An American National Standard - Approved by ANSI on April 17, 2003
ISO 13349
AMCA Drive Alternative Fan
Drive Description Fan Configuration
Arrangement Configuration
Arrangement
1 SWSI 1 or For belt or direct drive.

12 (Arr. 1 with
Impeller overhung on shaft, two
sub-base) bearings mounted on pedestal
base.
Alternative: Bearings mounted

on independant pedestals, with
or without inlet box.
2 SWSI 2 For belt or direct drive.
Impeller overhung on shaft,

bearings mounted in bracket
supported by the fan casing.
Alternative: With inlet box.
3 SWSI 3 or For belt or direct drive.

11 (Arr. 3 with
Impeller mounted on shaft
sub-base) between bearings supported by
the fan casing.

on independent pedestals, with
3 DWDI 6 or For belt or direct drive.

18 (Arr. 6 with
sub-base) between bearings supported by
the fan casing.

on independent pedestals, with
or without inlet boxes.
4 SWSI 4 For direct drive.
Impeller overhung on motor

shaft. No bearings on fan.
Motor mounted on base.

shaft. No bearings on fan.
Motor flange mounted to
casing.
AMCA International, Inc. | 30 W. University Dr. | Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 | U.S.A
Figure 3.5 - AMCA Standard 99-2404 / Page 1
6
AMCA 201-02 AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
ISO 13349
Arrangement
7 SWSI 7 For coupling drive.
Generally the same as Arr. 3,

with base for the prime mover.

on independent pedestals with
7DWDI 17 For coupling drive.

(Arr. 6 with
Generally the same as Arr. 3
base for motor) with base for the prime mover.



9 SWSI 9 For belt drive.

bearings mounted on pedestal
base.
Motor mounted on the outside

of the bearing base.
10 SWSI 10 For belt drive.

with motor mounted inside of
the bearing pedestal.
7
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Drive Arrangements for Axial Fans

An American National Standard - Approved by ANSI on June 10, 2003
Note: All fan orientations may be horizontal or vertical
ISO 13349
Arrangement
1 1 For belt or direct drive.

12 (Arr. 1 with
sub-base) bearings mounted either
upstream or downstream of the
impeller.
Alternative: Single stage or two

stage fans can be supplied with
inlet box and/or discharge
evasé.
3 3 For belt or direct drive.

11 (Arr. 3 with
sub-base) between bearings on internal
supports.
Alternative: Fan can be

supplied with inlet box, and/or
discharge evasé.
4 4 For direct drive.

shaft. No bearings on fan. M M
Motor mounted on base or M M
integrally mounted.
Alternative: With inlet box

and/or with discharge evasé.

M M

and/or discharge evasé.

with base for the prime mover. M M
Alternative: Single stage or two

stage fans can be supplied with
inlet box and/or discharge
evasé.
9 9 For belt drive.
Generally same as Arr. 1 with

motor mounted on fan casing,
and/or an integral base.
M
and/or discharge evasé
8
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
has adopted the term Fan Reynolds Number. calculated using the proper specific heat ratio for the
gases being handled.
Re = (πND2ρ) / (60μ)
d. Specific Heat Ratio (Cp). Model fan tests are
where: N = impeller rotational speed, rpm usually based on air with a specific heat ratio of 1.4.
D = impeller diameter, m(ft) Induced draft fans may handle flue gas with a specific
ρ = air density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3) heat ratio of 1.35. Even though these differences may
μ = absolute viscosity, normally be considered small, they make a
1.8185 × 10-3 Pa•s (5°C to 38°C) (SI) noticeable difference in the calculation of the
(1.22 × 10-05 lbm/ft•s (40°F to 100°F)) (I-P) compressibility coefficient. Refer to AMCA
Publication 802, Annex A, for calculation procedures.
The threshold fan Reynolds number for centrifugal
and axial fans is about 3.0 × 106. That is, there is a e. Tip Speed Mach Parameter (Mt). Tip speed Mach
negligible change in performance between the two parameter is an expression relating the tip speed of
fans due to differences in Reynolds number if both the impeller to the speed of sound at the fan inlet
fans are operating above this threshold value. When condition.
the Reynolds number of a model fan is below 3.0 ×
106, there may be a gain in efficiency (size effect) for When airflow velocity at a point approaches the
a full size fan operating above the threshold speed of sound, some blocking or choking effects
compared to one operating below the threshold. This occur that reduce the fan performance.
occurs only when both fans are operating near peak
efficiency. Therefore, when a model test is being 4.3 Fan performance curves
conducted to verify the rating of a full size fan, the
Reynolds number should be above 3.0 ×106 to avoid A fan performance curve is a graphic presentation of
any uncertainty relating to Reynolds number effects. the performance of a fan. Usually it covers the entire
range from free delivery (no obstruction to airflow) to
b. Point of Rating. To predict the performance of a no delivery (an air tight system with no air flowing).
fan from a smaller model using the Fan Laws, both One, or more, of the following characteristics may be
fans must be geometrically similar (homologous), plotted against volume airflow (Q).
and both fans must operate at the same
corresponding rating points on their characteristic Fan Static Pressure Ps
curves. Two or more fans are said to be operating at Fan Total Pressure Pt
corresponding “points of rating” if the positions of the Fan Power H
operating points, relative to the pressure at shutoff Fan Static Efficiency ηs
and the airflow at free delivery, are the same. Fan Total Efficiency ηt
c. Compressibility. Compressibility is the characteristic Air density (ρ), fan size (D), and fan rotational speed
of a gas to change its volume as a function of (N) are usually constant for the entire curve and must
pressure, temperature and composition. The be stated.
compressibility coefficient (Kp) expresses the ratio of
the fan total pressure developed with an A typical fan performance curve is shown in Figure
incompressible fluid to the fan total pressure 4.1. Figure 4.2 illustrates examples of performance
developed with a compressible fluid (See curves for a variety of fan types.
ANSI/AMCA 210). Differences in the compressibility
coefficient between two similar fans must be
9
EFFICIENCY, η PERCENT
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
POWER, H
Figure 4.1 - Fan Performance Curve at N RPM

ηs
STANDARD DENSITY
AIRFLOW, Q
SIZE 30 FAN AT N RPM
OPERATION AT
Ps
H
ηt
Pt
PRESSURE, P
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
10
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
TYPE IMPELLER DESIGN HOUSING DESIGN
• Highest efficiency of all centrifugal fan designs. • Scroll-type design for efficient conversion of velocity
• Ten to 16 blades of airfoil contour curved away from pressure to static pressure.
AIRFOIL
direction of rotation. Deep blades allow for efficient • Maximum efficiency requires close clearance and
expansion within blade passages alignment between wheel and inlet
• Air leaves impeller at velocity less than tip speed.
• For given duty, has highest speed of centrifugal
fan designs
• Efficiency only slightly less than airfoil fan. • Uses same housing configuration as airfoil design.
BACKWARD-
BACKWARD-
• Ten to 16 single-thickness blades curved or inclined

INCLINED
CURVED
away from direction of rotation

CENTRIFUGAL FANS
• Efficient for same reasons as airfoil fan.
• Higher pressure characteristics than airfoil, • Scroll. Usually narrowest of all centrifugal designs.
backward-curved, and backward-inclined fans. • Because wheel design is less efficient, housing
RADIAL
• Curve may have a break to left of peak pressure dimensions are not as critical as for airfoil and
R R
and fan should not be operated in this area. backward-inclined fans.
• Power rises continually to free delivery.
M
M
• Flatter pressure curve and lower efficiency than the • Scroll similar to and often identical to other centrifugal
FORWARD-
airfoil, backward-curved, and backward-inclined. fan designs.

CURVED
• Do not rate fan in the pressure curve dip to the left • Fit between wheel and inlet not as critical as for airfoil
of peak pressure. and backward-inclined fans.
• Power rises continually toward free delivery. Motor
selection must take this into account.
• Low efficiency. • Simple circular ring, orifice plate, or venturi.

PROPELLER
• Limited to low-pressure applications. • Optimum design is close to blade tips and forms
• Usually low cost impellers have two or more blades of smooth airfoil into wheel.
single thickness attached to relatively small hub.
• Primary energy transfer by velocity pressure.
• Somewhat more efficient and capable of developing • Cylindrical tube with close clearance to blade tips.
AXIAL FANS
TUBEAXIAL
more useful static pressure than propeller fan.

• Usually has 4 to 8 blades with airfoil or single-
thickness cross section.
• Hub usually less than transfer by velocity pressure.
• Good blade design gives medium- to high-pressure • Cylindrical tube with close clearance to blade tips.
VANEAXIAL
capability at good efficiency. • Guide vanes upstream or downstream from impeller

• Most efficient of these fans have airfoil blades. increase pressure capability and efficiency.
• Blades may have fixed, adjustable, or controllable
pitch.
• Hub is usually greater than half fan tip diameter.
• Performance similar to backward-curved fan except • Cylindrical tube similar to vaneaxial fan, except
CENTRIFUGAL
capacity and pressure are lower. clearance to wheel is not as close.

TUBULAR
• Lower efficiency than backward-curved fan. • Air discharges radially from wheel and turns 90° to
• Performance curve may have a dip to the left of flow through guide vanes.
peak pressure.
SPECIAL DESIGNS
A
• Low-pressure exhaust systems such as general • Normal housing not used, since air discharges from
CENTRIFUGAL
factory, kitchen, warehouse, and some commercial impeller in full circle.

POWER ROOF VENTILATORS
installations. • Usually does not include configuration to recover

• Provides positive exhaust ventilation, which is an velocity pressure component.
advantage over gravity-type exhaust units.
• Centrifugal units are slightly quieter than
B axial units.
• Low-pressure exhaust systems such as general • Essentially a propeller fan mounted in a supporting
factory, kitchen, warehouse, and some commercial structure
installations.
AXIAL
• Hood protects fan from weather and acts as safety

• Provides positive exhaust ventilation, which is an guard.
advantage over gravity-type exhaust units. • Air discharges from annular space at bottom of
weather hood.
Figure 4.2 - Types of Fans

Adapted with permission from 1996 ASHRAE Systems and Equipment Handbook (SI)
11
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
a
PERFORMANCE CURVES PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS APPLICATIONS
10
Pt • Highest efficiencies occur at 50 to 60% of wide open • General heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
PRESSURE-POWER
8
Ps 10 volume. This volume also has good pressure applications.
6 8 characteristics. • Usually only applied to large systems, which may be
EFFICIENCY
ηt
4 ηs 6 • Power reaches maximum near peak efficiency and low-, medium-, or high-pressure applications.
wo 4 becomes lower, or self-limiting, toward free delivery. • Applied to large, clean-air industrial operations for
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 2 significant energy savings.
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Similar to airfoil fan, except peak efficiency slightly lower. • Same heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 applications as airfoil fan.
6 8 • Used in some industrial applications where airfoil
EFFICIENCY
4
6 blade may corrode or erode due to environment.
4
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 2
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Higher pressure characteristics than airfoil and backward- • Primarily for materials handling in industrial plants.
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 curved fans. Also for some high-pressure industrial requirements.
6 8 • Pressure may drop suddenly at left of peak pressure, but • Rugged wheel is simple to repair in the field. Wheel
EFFICIENCY
4
6 this usually causes no problems. sometimes coated with special material.
4 • Power rises continually to free delivery. • Not common for HVAC applications.
2
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Pressure curve less steep than that of backward-curved • Primarily for low-pressure HVAC applications, such as
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 fans. Curve dips to left of peak pressure. residential furnaces, central station units, and
6 8 • Highest efficiency to right of peak pressure at 40 to 50% packaged air conditioners.
EFFICIENCY
4
6 of wide open volume.
4 • Rate fan to right of peak pressure.
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 2 • Account for power curve, which rises continually toward
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 free delivery, when selecting motor.
10
• High flow rate, but very low-pressure capabilities. • For low-pressure, high-volume air moving applications,
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 • Maximum efficiency reached near free delivery. such as air circulation in a space or ventilation through
6 8 • Discharge pattern circular and airstream swirls. a wall without ductwork.
EFFICIENCY
6 • Used for makeup air applications.

4
4
2
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• High flow rate, medium-pressure capabilities. • Low- and medium-pressure ducted HVAC applications
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 • Performance curve dips to left of peak pressure. Avoid where air distribution downstream is not critical.
6 8 operating fan in this region. • Used in some industrial applications, such as drying
EFFICIENCY
4
6 • Discharge pattern circular and airstream rotates or swirls. ovens, paint spray booths, and fume exhausts.
4
2
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• High-pressure characteristics with medium-volume flow • General HVAC systems in low-, medium-, and high-pressure
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 capabilities. applications where straight-through flow and compact
6 8 • Performance curve dips to left of peak pressure due to installation are required.
EFFICIENCY
4
6 aerodynamic stall. Avoid operating fan in this region. • Has good downstream air distribution
4 • Guide vanes correct circular motion imprated by wheel and • Used in industrial applications in place of tubeaxial fans.
2
2 improve pressure characteristics and efficiency of fan. • More compact than centrifugal fans for same duty.
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Performance similar to backward-curved fan, except • Primarily for low-pressure, return air systems in HVAC
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 capacity and pressure is lower. applications.
6 8 • Lower efficiency than backward-curved fan because air • Has straight-through flow.
EFFICIENCY
4
6 turns 90°.
4 • Performance curve of some designs is similar to axial flow
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 2 fan and dips to left of peak pressure.
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Usually operated without ductwork; therefore, operates at • Low-pressure exhaust systems, such as general factory,
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 very low pressure and high volume. kitchen, warehouse, and some commercial installations.
6 8 • Only static pressure and static efficiency are shown for • Low first cost and low operating cost give an advantage over
EFFICIENCY
4
6 this fan. gravity flow exhaust systems.
4 • Centrifugal units are somewhat quieter than axial flow units.
2
2
VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 0
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
10
• Usually operated without ductwork; therefore, operates at • Low-pressure exhaust systems, such as general factory,
PRESSURE-POWER
8
10 very low pressure and high volume. kitchen, warehouse, and some commercial installations.
6 8 • Only static pressure and static efficiency are shown for • Low first cost and low operating cost give an advantage
EFFICIENCY
6 this fan. over gravity flow exhaust systems.

4
4
2
2
0 VOLUME FLOW RATE, Q 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
a: These performance curves reflect general characteristics of various fans as commonly applied. They are not intended to provide complete selection criteria, since other parameters,
such as diameter and speed, are not defined.
Figure 4.2 - Types of Fans

Adapted with permission from 1996 ASHRAE Systems and Equipment Handbook (SI)
12
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
5. Catalog Performance Tables 1) Type B: Free inlet, ducted outlet

2) Type C: Ducted inlet, free outlet
5.1 Type A: Free inlet, free outlet fans 3) Type D: Ducted inlet, ducted outlet
Fans designed for use other than with duct systems The performance of fans intended for use with duct
are usually rated over a lower range of pressures. systems is usually published in the form of a "multi-
They are commonly cataloged and sold as a rating" table. A typical multi-rating table, as illustrated
complete unit with suitable drive and motor. in Figure 5.2 shows:
Typical fans in this group are propeller fans and a) the speed (N) in rpm
power roof ventilators. They are usually available in b) the power (H) in kw (hp)
direct or belt-drive arrangements and performance c) the fan static pressure (Ps) in Pa (in. wg)
ratings are published in a modified form of the multi- d) the outlet velocity (V) in m/s, (fpm)
rating table. Figure 5.1 illustrates such a table for part e) the airflow (Q) in m3/s (cfm)
of a line of belt-drive propeller fans.
Figure 5.3 shows constant speed characteristic
5.2 Ducted fans curves superimposed on a section of the multi-rating
table for the same fan. A brief study of this figure will
There are three types of ducted fans, as described in assist in understanding the relationship between
Section 3: curves and the multi-rating tables.
SIZE No. of Motor Peak AIRFLOW (m3/s) @ STATIC PRESSURE (Pa)

rpm
(cm) Blades kW kW 0 31 62 93 124 155 186 217 248
0.19 862 0.13 2.02 1.58 0.58
0.19 960 0.20 2.25 1.87 0.97
61 3
0.25 1071 0.27 2.51 2.18 1.76 0.76
0.37 1220 0.40 2.86 2.57 2.24 1.70 0.81
0.19 806 0.20 2.89 2.36 1.05
0.25 883 0.27 3.17 2.68 1.94 0.76
69 3
0.37 1035 0.43 3.71 3.30 2.85 1.56 0.95
0.56 1165 0.62 4.18 3.83 3.44 3.01 1.60 1.10
0.37 825 0.42 4.36 3.76 3.04 1.27
0.56 945 0.62 4.99 4.48 3.92 2.38 1.42
84 3 0.75 1045 0.82 5.23 5.08 4.57 4.01 2.31 1.52
1.12 1190 1.19 6.29 5.90 5.47 5.01 4.48 2.79 1.94
1.49 1306 1.64 6.91 6.53 6.15 5.75 5.32 4.81 3.05 2.24 1.84
TYPICAL RATING TABLE FOR A SERIES OF BELT-DRIVEN PROPELLER FANS
SIZE No. of Motor Peak AIRFLOW (ft3/min) @ STATIC PRESSURE (in. wg)
rpm
(in.) Blades hp bhp 0 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1
1/4 862 0.18 4,283 3,350 1,230
1/4 960 0.27 4,770 3,960 2,050
24 3
1/3 1071 0.36 5,321 4,620 3,730 1,600
1/2 1220 0.54 6,062 5,450 4,750 3,600 1,710
1/4 806 0.27 6,123 4,990 2,230
1/3 883 0.36 6,708 5,675 4,100 1,620
27 3
1/2 1035 0.57 7,862 7,000 6,035 3,315 2,020
3/4 1165 0.83 8,850 8,110 7,290 6,385 3,400 2,330
1/2 825 0.56 9,240 7,970 6,430 2,700
3/4 945 0.83 10,580 9,500 8,300 5,040 3,010
33 3 1 1045 1.1 11,710 10,755 9,685 8,490 4,890 3,215
1½ 1190 1.6 13,335 12,490 11,580 10,610 9,500 5,905 4,100
2 1306 2.2 14,630 13,845 13,030 12,185 11,280 10,200 6,470 4,740 3,900
TYPICAL RATING TABLE FOR A SERIES OF BELT-DRIVEN PROPELLER FANS
Figure 5.1 - Propeller Fan Performance Table
13
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
IMPELLER DIAMETER: 927 mm OUTLET AREA: .71 SQ METERS

TIP SPEED IN m/s: .0485 × RPM MAXIMUM kW: 13.65 × (RPM/1000)3
Outlet 62 Pa 93 Pa 124 Pa 155 Pa 186 Pa 217 Pa 246 Pa 310 Pa 373 Pa
Volume
Vel.
m3/s rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW rpm kW
(m/s)
1.81 2.55 222 0.14
2.17 3.06 236 0.17 270 0.25
2.53 3.56 253 0.22 284 0.30 313 0.39
2.89 4.07 272 0.27 300 0.36 327 0.45 352 0.55
3.25 4.58 292 0.34 317 0.43 343 0.53 366 0.64 389 0.75 411 0.87
3.61 5.08 314 0.42 337 0.52 360 0.63 382 0.74 403 0.86 424 0.98 443 1.10
3.97 5.59 338 0.51 358 0.62 378 0.73 399 0.85 419 0.98 438 1.10 458 1.19 494 1.52
4.33 6.10 361 0.62 379 0.74 398 0.86 417 0.98 436 1.11 455 1.25 472 1.39 507 1.68 540 1.99
4.69 6.61 385 0.74 402 0.87 419 1.00 437 1.13 454 1.26 472 1.41 489 1.56 522 1.86 554 2.18
5.06 7.13 409 0.88 426 1.01 441 1.16 457 1.30 473 1.44 489 1.58 506 1.74 538 2.06 568 2.39
5.42 7.63 434 1.03 449 1.18 464 1.33 479 1.49 494 1.63 509 1.79 524 1.95 555 2.28 584 2.62
5.78 8.14 458 1.21 473 1.37 488 1.53 501 1.69 515 1.86 529 2.01 543 2.18 572 2.53 600 2.89
6.14 8.65 483 1.41 498 1.58 511 1.75 525 1.92 537 2.09 550 2.26 564 2.43 590 2.78 617 3.16
6.50 9.15 508 1.63 522 1.81 535 1.99 538 2.16 560 2.35 572 2.54 585 2.71 610 3.07 635 3.45
6.86 9.66 547 2.06 559 2.25 571 2.44 584 2.62 595 2.82 606 3.01 630 3.39 654 3.78
7.22 10.17 571 2.34 585 2.54 595 2.74 607 2.93 616 3.14 629 3.34 651 3.74 674 4.15
7.94 11.18 621 2.99 633 3.20 644 3.41 654 3.63 665 3.85 675 4.07 695 4.52 715 4.96
8.67 12.21 682 3.98 693 4.20 703 4.44 712 4.68 721 4.93 741 5.40 759 5.89
9.39 13.23 742 5.13 752 5.38 761 5.64 769 5.90 788 6.41 805 6.94
10.11 14.24 791 6.20 801 6.47 810 6.73 818 7.01 834 7.57 852 8.11
10.83 15.25 850 7.70 859 7.99 867 8.27 883 8.87 898 9.47
11.55 16.27 908 9.40 916 9.70 932 10.32 946 10.96
12.28 17.30 965 11.30 981 11.95 995 12.62
13.00 18.31 1015 13.06 1030 13.77 1044 14.46
13.72 19.32 1072 15.78 1093 16.50
14.44 20.34 1129 17.98 1142 18.76
TYPICAL MULTISPEED RATING TABLE FOR A SINGLE WIDTH, SINGLE INLET CENTRIFUGAL FAN
IMPELLER DIAMETER: 36.5 IN OUTLET AREA: 7.65 SQ FT

TIP SPEED IN FPM: 9.56 × RPM MAXIMUM BHP: 18.3 × (RPM/1000)3
Outlet 1/4 in. wg 3/8 in. wg 1/2 in. wg 5/8 in. wg 3/4 in. wg 7/8 in. wg 1 in. wg 1-1/4 in. wg 1-1/2 in. wg
Volume
Vel.
CFM rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp rpm bhp
(fpm)
3825 500 222 0.185
4590 600 236 0.233 270 0.334
5355 700 253 0.292 284 0.400 313 0.519
6120 800 272 0.365 300 0.483 327 0.608 352 0.743
6885 900 292 0.450 317 0.579 343 0.716 366 0.856 389 1.01 411 1.17
7650 1000 314 0.560 337 0.695 360 0.840 383 0.992 403 1.15 424 1.31 443 1.48
8415 1100 338 0.682 358 0.832 378 0.981 399 1.144 419 1.31 438 1.48 458 1.60 494 2.04
9180 1200 361 0.826 379 0.988 398 1.149 417 1.314 436 1.49 455 1.68 472 1.86 507 2.25 540 2.67
9945 1300 385 0.989 402 1.163 419 1.340 437 1.514 454 1.69 472 1.89 489 2.09 522 2.49 554 2.92
10710 1400 409 1.175 425 1.360 441 1.553 457 1.741 473 1.93 489 2.12 506 2.34 538 2.76 568 3.20
11475 1500 434 1.387 449 1.587 464 1.780 479 1.993 494 2.19 509 2.40 524 2.61 555 3.06 584 3.52
12240 1600 458 1.626 473 1.837 488 2.048 501 2.269 515 2.49 529 2.70 543 2.92 572 3.39 600 3.87
13005 1700 483 1.895 498 2.115 511 2.346 525 2.570 537 2.80 550 3.03 564 3.26 590 3.73 617 4.24
13770 1800 508 2.191 522 2.424 535 2.665 538 2.901 560 3.15 572 3.40 585 3.64 610 4.12 635 4.63
14535 1900 547 2.767 559 3.017 571 3.275 584 3.52 595 3.78 606 4.04 630 4.55 654 5.07
15300 2000 571 3.144 585 3.403 595 3.672 607 3.93 618 4.21 629 4.48 651 5.02 674 5.56
16830 2200 621 4.003 633 4.289 644 4.577 654 4.87 665 5.16 675 5.46 695 6.06 715 6.65
18360 2400 682 5.335 693 5.632 703 5.96 712 6.28 721 6.61 741 7.24 759 7.90
19890 2600 742 6.885 752 7.22 761 7.56 769 7.91 788 8.60 805 9.30
21420 2800 791 8.308 801 8.67 810 9.03 818 9.40 834 10.15 852 10.88
22950 3000 850 10.32 859 10.71 867 11.09 883 11.89 898 12.70
24480 3200 908 12.50 916 13.01 932 13.84 946 14.70
26010 3400 965 15.16 981 16.03 995 16.92
27540 3600 1015 17.52 1030 18.47 1044 19.39
29070 3800 1072 21.16 1093 22.13
30600 4000 1129 24.11 1142 25.16
TYPICAL MULTISPEED RATING TABLE FOR A SINGLE WIDTH, SINGLE INLET CENTRIFUGAL FAN
Figure 5.2 - Centrifugal Fan Performance Tables
14
PRESSURE IN IN. WG
BRAKE HORSEPOWER
1/4” SP 3/8” SP 1/2” SP 5/8” SP 3/4” SP 7/8” SP 1” SP 1-1/4” SP 1-1/2” SP 1-3/4” SP
RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP RPM BHP
VOLUME OUTLET
390 RPM
490 RPM
CFM VELOCITY
3825 500 222 .185

4590 600 236 .233 270 .334
5355 700 253 .292 284 .400 313 .519
6120 800 272 .365 300 .483 327 .608 352 .743
585 RPM
6885 900 292 .450 317 .579 343 .716 366 .856 389 1.01 411 1.17
7650 1000 314 .560 337 .695 360 .840 332 .992 403 1.15 424 1.31 443 1.48
8415 1100 338 .682 358 .822 378 .981 399 1.144 419 1.31 438 1.48 458 1.60 494 2.04
9180 1200 361 .826 379 .988 398 1.149 417 1.314 436 1.49 455 1.58 472 1.86 507 2.25 540 2.67
9945 1300 335 .988 482 1.163 419 1.340 437 1.514 454 1.69 472 1.89 489 2.09 522 2.49 554 2.92 584 3.37
10710 1400 409 1.175 426 1.360 441 1.553 457 1.741 473 1.93 489 2.12 506 2.34 538 2.76 568 3.28 598 3.66
11475 1500 434 1.387 449 1.587 464 1.78 479 1.995 494 2.19 509 2.40 524 2.61 555 3.06 584 3.52 612 3.99
12240 1600 456 1.626 473 1.837 488 2.048 501 2.269 515 2.49 529 2.70 543 2.92 572 3.49 600 3.87 627 4.36
13005 1700 482 493 2.115 511 2.346 525 2.570 537 2.80 550 3.03 564 3.26 590 3.73 617 4.24 643 4.76
CFM
13770 1800 508 2.19 522 2.424 535 2.665 538 2.901 560 3.15 572 3.40 585 3.84 610 4.12 635 4.63 661 5.18
14535 1900 547 2.767 559 3.017 571 3.276 584 3.52 595 606 4.04 630 4.55 654 5.07 678 5.63
15300 2000 571 3.744 584 3.403 596 607 3.93 618 4.21 629 4.48 651 5.02 674 5.56 696 6.11
16830 2200 629 4.003 633 4.289 644 4.577 654 4.87 665 5.16 675 5.46 695 6.06 715 6.65 736 7.24
18360 2400 682 5.335 693 5.632 703 5.76 712 6.28 721 6.81 741 7.24 759 7.90 778
19890 2600 742 6.885 752 7.22 761 7.56 769 7.91 788 8.60 9.30 822 10.02
21420 2800 791 8.308 801 8.67 810 9.03 818 8.48 834 10.15 852 10.88 867 11.65
22950 3000 850 10.32 859 10.71 867 11.09 883 11.89 898 12.70 914 13.48
24480 3200 908 12.60 916 13.01 932 13.84 946 14.70 960 15.56
of Constant Speed Performance Curves

810 RPM
26010 3400 965 15.16 981 16.03 995 16.92 1009 17.83
27540 3600 1015 17.52 1030 18.47 1044 19.39 1057 20.35
29070 3800 1079 21.16 1093 22.13 1106 23.12
30600 4000 1129 24.11 1142 25.16 1155 26.18
Figure 5.3 - Typical Fan Performance Table Showing Relationship to a Family

RECOMMENDED
SELECTION RANGE
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
15
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Most performance tables do not cover the complete 6. Air Systems

range from no delivery to free delivery but cover only
the typical operating range. Figure 5.4 illustrates the 6.1 The system
recommended performance range of a centrifugal
fan. Comparison of Figure 5.4 with Figure 5.3 will An air system may consist simply of a fan with
show that the published performance table also ducting connected to either the inlet or outlet or to
covers only the recommended performance range of both. A more complicated system may include a fan,
the fan. ductwork, air control dampers, cooling coils, heating
coils, filters, diffusers, sound attenuation, turning
It should be remembered that fans are generally vanes, etc. See AMCA Publication 200 Air Systems,
tested without obstructions in the inlet and outlet and for more information.
without any optional airstream accessories in place.
Catalog ratings will, therefore, usually apply only to 6.2 Component losses
the bare fan with unobstructed inlet and outlet.
Every system has a combined resistance to airflow
Fan performance adjustment factors for airstream that is usually different from every other system and
accessories are normally available from either the fan is dependent upon the individual components in the
catalog or the fan manufacturer. system.
Fans are usually tested in arrangement 1, or similar The determination of the "pressure loss" or
(see Figure 3.5). Rating tables will, therefore, also "resistance to airflow," for the individual components
apply only to the tested arrangement. Allowances for can be obtained from the component manufacturers.
the effect of bearing supports used in other The determination of pressure losses for ductwork
arrangements should be obtained from the design is well documented in standard handbooks
manufacturer if not shown in the catalog. such as the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.
SELECTION NOT USUALLY

RECOMMENDED IN THIS RANGE
RECOMMENDED
SELECTION RANGE
PR
ES
SU
RE
PRESSURE
E
RV
CU
SELECTION
NOT USUALLY
EM
RECOMMENDED
ST
SY
IN THIS RANGE
E
RV
CT
CU
DU
EM
YST
C TS
DU
AIRFLOW
Figure 5.4 - Recommended Performance Range of a Typical Centrifugal Fan
16
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
In a later section, the effects of some system The system curve of a "fixed system" plots as a
components and fan accessories on fan performance parabola in accordance with the above relationship.
are discussed. The System Effects presented will Typical plots of the resistance to flow versus volume
assist the system designer to determine fan airflow for three different and arbitrary fixed systems,
selection. (A, B, and C) are illustrated in Figure 6.1. For a fixed
system an increase or decrease in airflow results in
6.3 The system curve an increase or decrease in the system resistance
along the given system curve only. Also, as the
At a fixed airflow through a given air system a components in a system change, the system curve
corresponding pressure loss, or resistance to this changes.
airflow, will exist. If the airflow is changed, the
resulting pressure loss, or resistance to airflow, will Refer to Figure 6.1, Duct System A. With a system at
also change. The relationship between airflow the design airflow (Q) and at a design system
pressure and loss can vary as a function of type of resistance (P), an increase in airflow to 120% of Q
duct components, their interaction and the local will result in an increase in system resistance P of
velocity magnitude. In many cases, typical duct 144% since system resistance varies with the square
systems operate in the turbulent flow regime and the of the airflow. Likewise, a decrease in airflow Q to
pressure loss can be approximated as a function of 50% would result in a decrease in system resistance
velocity (or airflow) squared. The simplifying P to 25% of the design system resistance.
relationship used in this publication governing the
change in pressure loss as a function of airflow for a In Figure 6.1, System Curve B is representative of a
fixed system is: system that has more component pressure loss than
System Curve A, and System Curve C has less
Pc/P = (Qc/Q)2 component pressure loss than System Curve A.
A more through discussion of duct system pressure Notice that on a percentage basis, the same
losses can be found in AMCA Publication 200 Air relationships also hold for System Curves B and C.
Systems. These relationships are characteristic of typical fixed
systems.
200
180
PERCENT OF SYSTEM RESISTANCE
160
C
E M
140
ST
SY
120
100
SYSTEM
80 A DESIGN
EM
B
POINT
ST
ME
SY
ST
60
SY
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
PERCENT OF SYSTEM AIRFLOW
Figure 6.1 - System Curves
17
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
6.4 Interaction of system curve and fan is now at Point 3 (the intersection of the fan curve and
performance curve the new System C), with the airflow at approximately
120% of Q.
If the system characteristic curve, composed of the
resistance to system airflow and the appropriate SEF 6.5 Effect of changes in speed
have been accurately determined, then the fan will
deliver the designated airflow when installed in the Increases or decreases in fan rotational speed will
system. alter the airflow through a system. According to the
Fan Laws (see below), the % increase in airflow is
The point of intersection of the system curve and the directly proportional to the fan rotational speed ratio,
fan performance curve determines the actual airflow. and the fan static pressure is proportional to the
System Curve A in Figure 6.2 has been plotted with a square of the fan rotational speed ratio. Thus, a 10%
fan performance curve that intersects the system increase in fan rotational speed will result in a new
design point. fan curve with a 10% increase in Q, as illustrated in
Figure 6.3. Since the system components did not
The airflow through the system in a given installation change, System Curve A remains the same. With
may be varied by changing the system resistance. airflow increasing by 10% over the original Q, the
This is usually accomplished by using fan dampers, system resistance increases along System Curve A
duct dampers, mixing boxes, terminal units, etc. to Point 2, at the intersection with the new fan curve.
Figure 6.2 shows the airflow may be reduced from The greater airflow moved by the fan against the
design Q by increasing the resistance to airflow, i.e., resulting higher system resistance to airflow is a
changing the system curve from System A to System measure of the increased work done. In the same
B. The new operating point is now at Point 2 (the system, the fan efficiency remains the same at all
intersection of the fan curve and the new System B) points on the same system curve.
with the airflow at approximately 80% of Q. Similarly,
the airflow can be increased by decreasing the This is due to the fact that airflow, system resistance,
resistance to airflow, i.e., changing the system curve and required power are varied by the appropriate
from System A to System C. The new operating point ratio of the fan rotational speed.
200
180
EM
C
M
ST
160 E
ST
SY
SY
140
FAN CURVE
120 2
SYSTEM
100 1 DESIGN
POINT
80
3
60 B
T EM
40 SYS
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Figure 6.2 - Interaction of System Curves and Fan Curve
18
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
6.5.1 Fan Laws - effect of change in speed - (fan air density of 1.2 kg/m3 (0.075 lbm/ft3) is standard in
size and air density remaining constant) the fan industry throughout the world. Figure 6.4
illustrates the effect on the fan performance of a
For the same size fan, Dc = D and, therefore, (Dc/D) density variation from the standard value.
= 1. When the air density does not vary, ρc = ρ and
the air density ratio (ρc/ρ) = 1. Kp is taken as equal to 6.6.1 Fan Laws - effect of change in density - (fan
unity in this and following examples. size and speed remaining constant)
Qc = Q × (Nc/N) When the speed of the fan does not change, Nc = N

and, therefore, (Nc/N) = 1. The fan size is also fixed,
Ptc = Pt × (Nc/N)2 Dc = D and therefore (Dc/D) = 1.
Psc = Ps × (Nc/N)2 Qc = Q
Pvc = Pv × (Nc/N)2 Ptc = Pt × (ρc/ρ)
Psc = Ps × (ρc/ρ)
Hc = H × (Nc/N)3
Pvc = Pv × (ρc/ρ)
6.6 Effect of density on system resistance
Hc = H × (ρc/ρ)
The resistance of a duct system is dependent upon
the density of the air flowing through the system. An
A
EM
ST
SY
CT
DU
H (AT 1.1N)
160 S (AT 1.1N)
PRESSURE
133
PERCENT OF POWER
140
S (AT N)
PRESSURE
120 2
H (AT N)
100 1
100
80
60
40 50
20
110%
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Figure 6.3 - Effect of 10% increase in Fan Speed
19
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
FAN PRESSURE CURVE

SYSTEM A
@ DENSITY ρ
@ DENSITY ρ
FAN INLET
RESISTANCE AND FAN PRESSURE
100
SYSTEM A
PERCENT OF SYSTEM
FAN PRESSURE CURVE @ DENSITY ρ/2

80 @ DENSITY ρ/2 FAN INLET
60
40
20
100
PERCENT OF POWER
POWER @ DENSITY ρ
80
60
40
POWER @ DENSITY ρ/2

20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Figure 6.4 - Density Effect
20
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
6.7 Fan and system interaction condition results in an actual airflow at Point 2, which
is at a higher pressure and lower airflow than was
When system pressure losses have been accurately expected.
estimated and desirable fan inlet and outlet
conditions have been provided, design airflow can be If the actual duct system pressure loss is greater than
expected, as illustrated in Figure 6.5. Note again that design, an increase in fan speed may be necessary
the intersection of the actual system curve and the to achieve Point 5, the design airflow.
fan curve determine the actual airflow. However,
when system pressure losses have not been CAUTION: Before increasing fan rotational
accurately estimated as in Figure 6.6, or when speed, check with the fan manufacturer to
undesirable fan inlet and outlet conditions exist as in determine whether the fan rotational speed can
Figure 6.7, design performance may not be obtained. be safely increased. Also determine the expected
increase in power. Since the power required
6.8 Effects of errors in estimating system increases as the cube of the fan rotational speed
resistance ratio, it is very easy to exceed the capacity of the
existing motor and that of the available electrical
6.8.1 Higher system resistance. In Figure 6.6, service.
System Curve B shows a situation where a system
has greater resistance to airflow than designed 6.8.2 Lower system resistance. Curve C in Figure
(Curve A). This condition is generally a result of 6.6 shows a system that has less resistance to airflow
inaccurate allowances of system resistance. All than designed. This condition results in an actual
pressure losses must be considered when airflow at Point 3, which is at a lower pressure and
calculating system resistance or the actual system higher airflow than was expected.
will be more restrictive to airflow than intended. This
CALCULATED SYSTEM CURVE
PEAK FAN PRESSURE
1
FAN PRESSURE
CURVE
DESIGN RESISTANCE
DESIGN AIRFLOW
Figure 6.5 - Fan/System Curve at Design Point
21
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
6.9 Safety factors the fan speed, adjusting the variable inlet vane (VIV),
if installed, or inlet dampers. The system resistance
It has been common practice among system could also be increased to Point 1 on Curve A, Figure
designers to add safety factors to the calculated 6.6. The change in fan operating point should be
system resistance to account for the “unexpected”. evaluated carefully, since a change in fan power
In some cases, safety factors may compensate for consumption may occur.
resistance losses that were unaccounted for and the
actual system will deliver the design airflow, Point 1, The system designer should also evaluate the fan
Figure 6.6. If the actual system resistance is lower performance tolerance and system resistance
than the design system resistance, including the tolerance to determine if the lower or upper limits of
safety factors, the fan will run at Point 3 and deliver the probable airflow in the system are acceptable.
more airflow. This result may not be advantageous The combination of these tolerances should be
because the fan may be operating at a less efficient evaluated to ensure that the “high-side” system
point on the fan’s performance curve and may require resistance curve does not fall into the unstable range
more power than a properly designed system. Under of performance. Operation in this area of the curve
these conditions, it may be desirable to reduce the should be avoided and precautions taken to ensure
fan performance to operate at Point 4 on Curve C, operations outside of the unstable area, especially at
Figure 6.6. This may be accomplished by reducing the highest expected system resistance.
CURVE B:
ACTUAL SYSTEM
ACTUAL SYSTEM RESISTANCE

MORE THAN DESIGN CURVE A:
CALCULATED SYSTEM
5
CURVE C
ACTUAL SYSTEM
PEAK FAN
PRESSURE 2
ACTUAL SYSTEM
LESS THAN
3 DESIGN
DESIGN RESISTANCE
FAN PRESSURE
CURVE
DESIGN AIRFLOW
Figure 6.6 - Fan/System Curve Not at Design Point
22
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
6.10 Deficient fan/system performance • Include adequate allowance for the effect of all
accessories and appurtenances on the
The most common causes of deficient fan/system performance of the system and the fan. If
performance are improper fan inlet duct design, fan possible, obtain from the fan manufacturer
outlet duct design, and fan installation into the duct data on the effect of installed appurtenances
system. Any one or a combination of these conditions on the fan's performance (See Section 10).
that alter the aerodynamic characteristics of the air
flowing through the fan such that the fan’s full airflow • Use field measurement techniques that can be
potential, as tested in the laboratory and cataloged, is applied effectively on the particular system.
not likely to be realized. Be aware of the probable accuracy of
measurement and conditions that affect this.
Other major causes of deficient performance are: Refer to AMCA Publication 203 Field
Performance Measurement of Fan Systems;
• The air performance characteristics of the for more precise measurement see AMCA
installed system are significantly different from Standard 803 Industrial Process/Power
the system designer's intent (See Figure 6.6). Generation Fans: Site Performance Test
This may be due to a change in the system by Standard. Also, refer to AABC National
others or unexpected behavior of the system Standards, Chapter 8, Volume Measurements,
during operation. Associated Air Balance Council, 5th Edition,
1989.
• The system design calculations did not include
adequate allowances for the effect of accessories 6.12 System Effect
and appurtenances (See Section 10).
Figure 6.7 illustrates deficient fan/system
• The fan selection was made without allowing performance resulting from one or more of the
for the effect of appurtenances on the fan's undesirable airflow conditions listed in Section 6.10.
performance (See Section 10). It is assumed that the system pressure losses, shown
in system curve A, have been accurately determined,
• Dirty filters, dirty ducts, dirty coils, etc., will and a suitable fan selected for operation at Point 1.
increase the system resistance, and However, no allowance has been made for the effect
consequently, reduce the airflow - often of the system connections on the fan's performance.
significantly. To account for this System Effect it will be necessary
to add a System Effect Factor (SEF) to the calculated
• The "performance" of the system has been system pressure losses to determine the actual
determined by field measurement techniques system curve. The SEF for any given configuration is
that have a high degree of uncertainty. velocity dependent and will vary across a range of
airflow. This will be discussed in more detail in
Other "on-site" problems are listed in AMCA Section 7. (See Figure 7.1).
Publication 202 Troubleshooting, which includes
detailed checklists and recommendations for the In Figure 6.7 the point of intersection between the fan
correction of problems with the performance of air performance curve and the actual system curve B is
systems. Point 4. The actual airflow will be deficient by the
difference 1-4. To achieve design airflow, a SEF
6.11 Precautions to prevent deficient equal to the pressure difference between Point 1 and
performance 2 should have been added to the calculated system
pressure losses and the fan selected to operate at
• Use appropriate allowances in the design Point 2. Note that because the System Effect is
calculations when space or other factors velocity related, the difference represented between
dictate the use of less than optimum Points 1 and 2 is greater than the difference between
arrangement of the fan outlet and inlet Points 3 and 4.
connections (See Sections 8 and 9).
The System Effect includes only the effect of the
• Design the connections between the fan and system configuration on the fan's performance.
the system to provide, as nearly as possible,
uniform airflow conditions at the fan outlet and
inlet connections (See Sections 8 and 9).
23
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
7. System Effect Factor (SEF) 7.1 System Effect Curves
A System Effect Factor is a value that accounts for Figure 7.1 shows a series of 19 System Effect
the effect of conditions adversely influencing fan Curves. By entering the chart at the appropriate air
performance when installed in the air system. velocity (on the abscissa), it is possible to read
across from any curve (to the ordinate) to find the
SEF for a particular configuration.
CURVE B
ACTUAL SYSTEM
WITH SYSTEM EFFECT
CURVE A
CALCULATED SYSTEM
WITH NO ALLOWANCE
FOR SYSTEM EFFECT
2
SYSTEM EFFECT LOSS

AT DESIGN AIRFLOW
4
SYSTEM 3 FAN CATALOG

EFFECT AT PRESSURE
ACTUAL AIRFLOW CURVE
DESIGN RESISTANCE
AIRFLOW
DEFICIENCY
DESIGN AIRFLOW
Figure 6.7 - Deficient Fan/System Performance - System Effect Ignored
24
25
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
W
Q
U
S
X
T
P
30
O
N
20
M
Figure 7.1 - System Effect Curves (SI)

FG H I J K L
(Air Density = 1.2 kg/m3)

AIR VELOCITY, (m/s)
9 10
8
7
6
5
4
3
2.5
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
SYSTEM EFFECT FACTOR PRESSURE, Pa
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
FG H I J K L M N O
5.0
P
4.0
Q
3.0
2.5 R
SYSTEM EFFECT FACTOR - PRESSURE, in. wg
2.0
S
1.5
1.0
0.9 U
0.8
0.7
0.6
V
0.5
0.4 W
0.3
0.25
X
0.2
0.15
0.1
5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 60
AIR VELOCITY, ft/min × 100

(Air Density = 0.075 lbm/ft3)
Figure 7.1 - System Effect Curves (I-P)
26
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Table 7.1 - System Effect Coefficients
Curve in Dynamic Pressure

Figure 7.1 Loss Coefficient C
F 16.00
G 14.20
H 12.70
I 11.40
J 9.50
K 7.90
L 6.40
M 4.50
N 3.20
O 2.50
P 1.90
Q 1.50
R 1.20
S 0.75
T 0.50
U 0.40
V 0.25
W 0.17
X 0.10
2
⎛ V ⎞
SEF = C ⎜ ⎟ ρ
⎝ 1.414 ⎠ SI
2
⎛ V ⎞
SEF = C ⎜ ⎟ ρ
⎝ 1097 ⎠ I-P
27
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
The SEF is given in Pascals (in. wg) and must be The System Effect Curves are plotted for standard air
added to the total system pressure losses as shown at a density of 1.2 kg/m3 (0.075 lbm/ft3). Since the
on Figure 7.2. System Effect is directly proportional to density,
values for other densities can be calculated as below:
The velocity used when entering Figure 7.1 will be
either the inlet or the outlet velocity of the fan. This
⎛d ⎞
will depend on whether the configuration in question SEF2 = SEF1 ⎜ 2 ⎟
is related to the fan inlet or the fan outlet. Most ⎝ d1 ⎠
catalog ratings include outlet velocity figures but, for
centrifugal fans, it may be necessary to calculate the Where:
inlet velocity (See Figure 9.14). The inlet velocity and SEF2 = SEF at actual density
outlet velocity of an axial fan can be approximated by
SEF1 = SEF at standard density
using the fan impeller diameter to determine the
d2 = actual density
airflow area. The necessary dimensioned drawings
are usually included in the fan catalog. d1 = standard density
In Sections 8 and 9, typical inlet and outlet Alternatively, the SEF may be calculated by the
configurations are illustrated and the appropriate method shown in Table 7.1. Determine the
System Effect Curve is listed for each configuration. configuration being evaluated and use the
If more than one configuration is included in a appropriate loss coefficient, Cp, and application
system, the SEF for each must be determined velocity, V. The SEF can then be calculated using the
separately and the total of these System Effects must equations shown in Table 7.1.
be added to the total pressure losses.
FAN POWER
ACTUAL SYSTEM W/ SEF

ACTUAL POWER REQUIRED
CALCULATED
ACTUAL SYSTEM RESISTANCE
SEF SYSTEM W/NO

ALLOWANCE
FOR SEF
FAN PRESSURE
DESIGN AIRFLOW
Figure 7.2 - Effect of System on Fan Selection
28
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
7.2 Power determination should examine catalog ratings carefully for

statements defining whether the published ratings
When all the applicable System Effect Factors (SEF) are based on tests made with A: free inlet, free outlet;
have been added to the calculated system pressure B: free inlet, ducted outlet; C: ducted inlet, free outlet
losses the power shown in the catalog for the actual or D; ducted inlet, ducted outlet.
point of operation, Figure 7.2 or Table 7.1 may be
used without further adjustment. ANSI/AMCA 210 specifies an outlet duct that is no
greater than 105% or less than 95% of the fan outlet
8. Outlet System Effect Factors area. It also requires that the slope of the transition
elements be no greater than 15° for converging
8.1 Outlet ducts elements or greater than 7° for diverging elements.
As previously discussed, fans intended primarily for Figure 8.1 shows changes in velocity profiles at
use with duct systems are usually tested with an various distances from centrifugal and axial flow fan
outlet duct in place (See Figure 3.2). In most cases outlets. By definition, 100% "effective duct length" is
it is not practical for the fan manufacturer to supply a minimum of two and one half (2½) equivalent duct
this duct as part of the fan, but rated performance will diameters. For velocities greater than 13 m/s (2500
not be achieved unless a comparable duct is included fpm), add 1 duct diameter for each additional 5 m/s
in the system design. The system design engineer (1000 fpm).
BLAST AREA
DISCHARGE DUCT
OUTLET AREA
CUTOFF
25%
50%
75%
CENTRIFUGAL FAN
100% EFFECTIVE DUCT LENGTH
AXIAL FAN
To calculate 100% duct length, assume a minimum of 2½ duct diameters for 12.7 m/s (2500 fpm) or less. Add 1
duct diameter for each additional 5.08 m/s (1000 fpm).
EXAMPLE: 25.4 m/s (5000 fpm) = 5 equivalent duct diameters. If the duct is rectangular with side dimensions a
and b, the equivalent duct diameter is equal to (4ab/π)0.5.
Figure 8.1 - Fan Outlet Velocity Profiles
29
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
8.1.1 Axial flow fan - outlet ducts. Most exhaust full-length outlet duct, then a SEF must be added to
axial flow fans are tested and/or rated with two to the system resistance losses. System Effect Curves
three equivalent duct diameters attached to the fan for centrifugal fans with less than optimum outlet duct
outlet. Often, fans are installed without an outlet length are shown in Figure 8.3.
duct, either because of available space or for
economic reasons. Tubeaxial fans installed with no 8.2 Outlet diffusers
outlet ducts have System Effect Factors (SEF)
approaching zero. Many air systems are space-constricted and must, of
necessity, use relatively small ducts having high
Vaneaxial fans, however, do not perform as static pressure losses. If space is not severely
cataloged when they are installed with less than 50% constricted, the use of larger ductwork and moving
"effective duct length." System Effect Curves for air at a lower velocity may be beneficial. Larger
tubeaxial and vaneaxial fans with less than optimum ductwork (within reason) reduces system pressure
outlet duct are shown in Figure 8.2. requirements.
To determine the applicable SEF, calculate the To effectively transition from a smaller duct size to a
average velocity in the outlet duct and enter the larger duct size it is necessary to use a connection
System Effect Curve (Figure 7.1) at this velocity, piece between the duct sections that allows the
utilizing the appropriate System Effect Curve airstream to expand gradually. This piece is called a
selected from Figure 8.2, then read over horizontally diffuser, or evasé. These terms are used
to the System Effect Factor, Pascals (in. wg) on the interchangeably in the industry. A properly designed
ordinate. evasé has a smooth and gradual transition between
the duct sizes so that airflow is relatively undisturbed.
8.1.2 Centrifugal flow fan - outlet ducts.
Centrifugal fans are sometimes installed with a less An evasé operates on a very simple principle: air
than optimum outlet duct. If it is not possible to use a flowing from the smaller area to the larger area loses
AXIAL FAN
To calculate 100% duct length, assume a minimum of 2½ duct diameters for 12.7 m/s (2500 fpm) or less. Add 1
duct diameter for each additional 5.08 m/s (1000 fpm).
EXAMPLE: 25.4 m/s (5000 fpm) = 5 equivalent duct diameters
12% 25% 50 % 100%

No Duct Effective Effective Effective Effective
Duct Duct Duct Duct
Tubeaxial Fan --- --- --- --- ---
Vaneaxial Fan U V W --- ---
Determine SEF by using Figure 7.1
Figure 8.2 - System Effect Curves for Outlet Ducts - Axial Fans
30
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
velocity as it approaches the larger area, and a See AMCA Publication 200 Air Systems, for an
portion of the change (reduction) in velocity pressure example showing the effect of a diffuser on a duct
is converted into static pressure. This process is exit.
called “static regain”, and is simply defined as the
conversion of velocity pressure to static pressure. 8.3 Outlet duct elbows
The efficiency of conversion (or loss of total pressure)
will depend upon the angle of expansion, the length Values for pressure losses through elbows, which are
of the evasé section, and the blast area/outlet area published in handbooks and textbooks, are based
ratio of the fan. upon a uniform velocity profile at entry into the elbow.
Any non-uniformity in the velocity profile ahead of the
The fan manufacturer will, in most cases, be able to elbow will result in a pressure loss greater than the
provide design information for an efficient diffuser. industry-accepted value.
BLAST AREA
DISCHARGE DUCT
OUTLET AREA
CUTOFF
CENTRIFUGAL FAN
To calculate 100% duct length, assume a minimum of 2½ duct diameters for 2500 fpm or less. Add 1 duct diameter
for each additional 1000 fpm.
EXAMPLE: 5000 fpm = 5 equivalent duct diameters. If the duct is rectangular with side dimensions a and b, the
equivalent duct diameter is equal to (4ab/π)0.5.
12% 25% 50% 100%

No Duct
Effective Duct Effective Duct Effective Duct Effective Duct
Pressure
0% 50% 80% 90% 100%
Recovery
Blast Area
System Effect Curve
Outlet Area
0.4 P R-S U W —
0.5 P R-S U W —
0.6 R-S S-T U-V W-X —
0.7 S U W-X — —
0.8 T-U V-W X — —
0.9 V-W W-X — — —
1.0 — — — — —
Determine SEF by using Figure 7.1
Figure 8.3 - System Effect Curves for Outlet Ducts - Centrifugal Fans
31
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Since the velocity profile at the outlet of a fan is not 8.3.1 Axial fans - outlet duct elbows. Tubeaxial
uniform, an elbow located at or near the fan outlet will fans with two-piece and four-piece mitered elbows at
develop a pressure loss greater than the industry- varying distances from the fan outlet have a
accepted value. negligible SEF (see Figure 8.4).
The amount of this loss will depend upon the location Vaneaxial fans with two and four-piece mitered
and orientation of the elbow relative to the fan outlet. elbows at varying distances from the fan outlet
In some cases, the effect of the elbow will be to resulted in System Effect Curves as shown in Figure
further distort the outlet velocity profile of the fan. 8.4.
This will increase the losses and may result in such
uneven airflow in the duct that branch- takeoffs near 8.3.2 Centrifugal fans - outlet duct elbows. The
the elbow will not deliver their design airflow. (See outlet velocity of centrifugal fans is generally higher
Section 8.6) toward one or adjacent sides of the rectangular duct.
If an elbow must be located near the fan outlet it
Wherever possible, a length of straight duct should should have a minimum radius-to-duct-diameter ratio
be installed at the fan outlet to permit the diffusion of 1.5, and it should be arranged to give the most
and development of a uniform airflow profile before uniform airflow possible. Figure 8.5 gives System
an elbow is inserted in the duct. If an elbow must be Effect Curves that can be used to estimate the effect
located near the fan outlet then it should be a radius of an elbow at the fan outlet. It also shows the
elbow having a minimum radius-to-duct-diameter reduction in losses resulting from the use of a straight
ratio of 1.5. outlet duct.
TUBEAXIAL FAN SHOWN
% EFFECTIVE
DUCT LENGTH
% EFFECTIVE
DUCT LENGTH
VANEAXIAL FAN SHOWN
12% 25% 50 % 100%

90° Elbow No Duct Effective Effective Effective Effective
Duct Duct Duct Duct
Tubeaxial Fan 2 & 4 Pc --- --- --- --- ---
Vaneaxial Fan 2 Pc U U-V V W ---
Vaneaxial Fan 4 Pc W --- --- --- ---
Determine SEF by using Figures 7.1 and 8.1
Figure 8.4 - System Effect Curves for Outlet Duct Elbows - Axial Fans
32
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
POSITION C
POSITION D
POSITION B
E
C TIV TH
FE G
EF LEN
% CT
DU
INL
ET
POSITION A
SWSI CENTRIFUGAL FAN SHOWN
Note: Fan Inlet and elbow positions must be oriented as shown for the proper application of the table on the facing
page.
Figure 8.5 - Outlet Elbows on SWSI Centrifugal Fans
33
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Outlet 12% 25% 50% 100%

Blast Area No Outlet
Elbow Effective Effective Effective Effective
Outlet Area Duct
Position Duct Duct Duct Duct
A N O P-Q S
B M-N N O-P R-S
0.4
C L-M M N Q
D L-M M N Q
A O-P P-Q R T
B N-O O-P Q S-T
0.5
C M-N N O-P R-S
D M-N N O-P R-S
A Q Q-R S U
B P Q R T
0.6
C N-O O Q S
NO System Effect Factor

D N-O O Q S
A R-S S T V
B Q-R R-S S-T U-V
0.7
C P Q R-S T
D P Q R-S T
A S S-T T-U W
B R-S S T V
0.8
C Q-R R S U-V
D Q-R R S U-V
A T T-U U-V W
B S S-T T-U W
0.9
C R S S-T V
D R S S-T V
A T T-U U-V W
B S-T T U W
1.0
C R-S S T V
D R-S S T V
SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES FOR SWSI FANS
DETERMINE SEF BY USING FIGURES 7.1 AND 8.1
For DWDI fans determine SEF using the curve for SWSI
fans. Then, apply the appropriate multiplier from the
tabulation below
MULTIPLIERS FOR DWDI FANS
ELBOW POSITION A = ΔP × 1.00

ELBOW POSITION B = ΔP × 1.25
ELBOW POSITION C = ΔP × 1.00
ELBOW POSITION D = ΔP × 0.85
Figure 8.5 - Outlet Elbows on SWSI Centrifugal Fans
34
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
8.4 Turning vanes a large plenum or to free space a parallel blade

damper may be satisfactory.
Turning vanes will usually reduce the pressure loss
through an elbow, however, where a non-uniform For a centrifugal fan, best air performance will usually
approach velocity profile exists, such as at a fan be achieved by installing an opposed blade damper
outlet, the vanes may serve to continue the non- with its blades perpendicular to the fan shaft;
uniform profile beyond the elbow. This may result in however, other considerations, such as the need for
increased losses in other system components thrust bearings, may require installation of the
downstream of the elbow. damper with its blades parallel to the fan shaft.
8.5 Volume control dampers When a damper is required, it is often furnished as

accessory equipment by the fan manufacturer (see
Volume control dampers are manufactured with Figure 8.6). In many systems, a volume control
either "opposed" blades or "parallel" blades. When damper will be located in the ductwork at or near the
partially closed, the parallel bladed damper diverts fan outlet.
the airstream to the side of the duct. This results in a
non-uniform velocity profile beyond the damper and Published pressure drops for wide-open control
airflow to branch ducts close to the downstream side dampers are based on uniform approach velocity
may be seriously affected. profiles. When a damper is installed close to the
outlet of a fan the approach velocity profile is non-
The use of an opposed blade damper is uniform and much higher pressure losses through the
recommended when air volume control is required at damper can result. Figure 8.7 lists multipliers that
the fan outlet and there are other system should be applied to the damper manufacturer's
components, such as coils or branch takeoffs catalog pressure drop when the damper is installed at
downstream of the fan. When the fan discharges into the outlet of a centrifugal fan. These multipliers
should be applied to all types of fan outlet dampers.
PARALLEL-BLADE DAMPER OPPOSED-BLADE DAMPER

ILLUSTRATING DIVERTED AIRFLOW ILLUSTRATING NON-DIVERTED
AIRFLOW
Figure 8.6 - Parallel Blade vs. Opposed Blade Damper
35
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
VOLUME CONTROL DAMPER
BLAST AREA PRESSURE DROP

OUTLET AREA MULTIPLIER
0.4 7.5
0.5 4.8
0.6 3.3
0.7 2.4
0.8 1.9
0.9 1.5
1.0 1.2
Figure 8.7 - Pressure Drop Multipliers for Volume Control Dampers on a Fan Discharge
36
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
8.6 Duct branches In Figure 8.8 branch takeoffs or splits are located
close to the fan outlet. Non-uniform airflow conditions
Standard procedures for the design of duct systems will exist and pressure loss and airflow may vary
are based on the assumption of uniform airflow widely from the design intent. Wherever possible a
profiles in the system. length of straight duct should be installed between
the fan outlet and any split or branch takeoff.
Note: Avoid location of split or duct branch close to fan discharge. Provide a straight section of duct to allow for air
diffusion.
Figure 8.8 - Branches Located Too Close to Fan
37
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
9. Inlet System Effect Factors loss of energy, or even a flat flange (e) on the end of
the duct or fan will reduce the loss to about one half
Fan performance can be greatly affected by non- of the loss through an un-flanged entry.
uniform or swirling inlet flow. Fan rating and catalog
performance is typically obtained with unobstructed ANSI/AMCA 210 limits an inlet duct to a cross-
inlet flow. Any disruption to the inlet airflow will reduce sectional area no greater than 112.5% or less than
a fan’s performance. Restricted fan inlets located 92.5% of the fan inlet area. The slope of transition
close to walls, obstructions or restrictions caused by elements is limited to 15° converging and 7° diverging.
a plenum or cabinet will also decrease the
performance of a fan. The fan performance loss due 9.2 Inlet duct elbows
to inlet airflow disruption must be considered as a
System Effect. Non-uniform airflow into a fan inlet is a common
cause of deficient fan performance. An elbow located
9.1 Inlet ducts at, or in close proximity to the fan inlet will not allow
the air to enter the impeller uniformly. The result is
Fans intended primarily for use as "exhausters" may less than cataloged air performance.
be tested with an inlet duct in place, or with a special
bell-mouthed inlet to simulate the effect of a duct. A word of caution is required with the use of inlet
Figure 9.1 illustrates variations in inlet airflow that will elbows in close proximity to fan inlets. Other than the
occur. The ducted inlet condition is shown as (a), and incurred System Effect Factor, instability in fan
the effect of the bell-mouth inlet as (b). operation may occur as evidenced by an increase in
pressure fluctuations and sound power level. Fan
Fans that do not have smooth entries (c), and are instability, for any reason, may result in serious
installed without ducts, exhibit airflow characteristics structural damage to the fan. Axial fan instabilities
similar to a sharp edged orifice that develops a vena were experienced in some configurations tested with
contracta. A reduction in airflow area is caused by the inlet elbows in close proximity to the fan inlet.
vena contracta and the following rapid expansion Pressure fluctuations approached ten (10) times the
causes a loss that should be considered as a System magnitude of fluctuations of the same fan with good
Effect. inlet and outlet conditions. It is strongly advised
that inlet elbows be installed a minimum of three
If it is not practical to include such a smooth entry, a (3) diameters away from any axial or centrifugal
converging taper (d) will substantially diminish the fan inlet.
a. b. c.
IDEAL SMOOTH ENTRY TO BELL MOUTH INLET PRODUCES VENA CONTRACTA AT INLET
DUCT ON A DUCT SYSTEM FULL FLOW INTO FAN REDUCES EFFECTIVE FAN INLET AREA
d. e.
CONVERGING TAPERED ENTRY FLANGED ENTRY INTO
INTO FAN OR DUCT SYSTEM FAN OR DUCT SYTEM
Figure 9.1 Typical Inlet Connections for Centrifugal and Axial Fans
38
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
9.2.1 Axial fans - inlet duct elbows. The System listed on Figure 9.4, and the System Effect Curves for
Effect Curves shown in Figure 9.2 for tubeaxial and various square duct elbows of given radius/diameter
vaneaxial fans are the result of tests run with two and ratios are listed on Figure 9.5. The SEF for a
four piece mitered inlet elbows at or in close proximity particular elbow is found in Figure 7.1 at the
to the fan inlets. Other variables tested included hub- intersection of the average fan inlet velocity and the
to-tip (H/T) ratio and blade solidity. The number of tabulated System Effect Curve.
blades did not have a significant affect on the inlet
elbow SEF. This pressure loss should be added to the friction and
dynamic losses already determined for the particular
9.2.2 Centrifugal fans - inlet duct elbows. Non- elbow. Note that when duct turning vanes and/or a
uniform airflow into a fan inlet, Figure 9.3A, is a suitable length of duct is used (three to eight
common cause of deficient fan performance. The diameters long, depending on velocities) between the
System Effect Curves for mitered 90° round section fan inlet and the elbow, the SEF is not as great.
elbows of given radius/diameter (R/D) ratios are These improvements help maintain uniform airflow
TUBEAXIAL FAN SHOWN
DUCT LENGTH
DUCT LENGTH
VANEAXIAL FAN SHOWN
H/T 90° Elbow No Duct [1][2] 0.5D [1][2] 1.0D [1][2] 3.0D
Tubeaxial Fan .25 2 piece U V W ---
Tubeaxial Fan .25 4 piece X --- --- ---
Tubeaxial Fan .35 2 piece V W X
Vaneaxial Fan .61 2 piece Q-R Q-R S-T T-U
Vaneaxial Fan .61 4 piece W W-X --- ---
Notes:
[1] Instability in fan operation may occur as evidenced by an increase in pressure fluctuations and sound level.
Fan instability, for any reason, may result in serious structural damage to the fan.
[2] The data presented in Figure 9.2 is representative of commercial type tubeaxial and vaneaxial fans, i.e. 60%
to 70% fan static efficiency.
Figure 9.2 - System Effect Curves for Inlet Duct Elbows - Axial Fans
39
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
into the fan inlet and thereby approach the airflow A counter-rotating vortex at the inlet may result in a
conditions of the laboratory test setup. slight increase in the pressure-volume curve but the
power will increase substantially.
Occasionally, where space is limited, the inlet duct
will be mounted directly to the fan inlet as shown on There are occasions, with counter-rotating swirl,
Figure 9.3B. The many possible variations in the when the loss of performance is accompanied by a
width and depth of a duct influence the reduction in surging airflow. In these cases, the surging may be
performance to varying degrees and makes it more objectionable than the performance change.
impossible to establish reliable SEF. Note: Capacity Inlet spin may arise from a great variety of approach
losses as high as 45% have been observed in conditions and sometimes the cause is not obvious.
poorly designed inlets such as in Figure 9.3B.
This inlet condition should be AVOIDED.
Existing installations can be improved with guide

vanes or the conversion to square or mitered elbows
with guide vanes, but a better alternative would be a
D
specially designed inlet box similar to that shown in
LENGTH
Figure 9.6.
OF DUCT
9.2.3 Inlet boxes. Inlet boxes are added to

centrifugal and axial fans instead of elbows in order
to provide more predictable inlet conditions and to R
maintain stable fan performance. They may also be
used to protect fan bearings from high temperature,
or corrosive / erosive gases. The fan manufacturer
should include the effect of any inlet box on the fan
performance, and when evaluating a proposal it
should be established that an appropriate loss has
been incorporated in the fan rating. Should this Figure 9.3A - Non-Uniform Airflow Into a Fan
information not be available from the manufacturer, Inlet Induced by a 90°, 3-Piece Section Elbow--
refer to Section 10.4 for an approximate System Effect. No Turning Vanes
9.3 Inlet vortex (spin or swirl)
Another major cause of reduced performance is an

inlet duct design or fan installation that produces a
vortex or spin in the airstream entering a fan inlet. An
example of this condition is illustrated in Figure 9.7.
An ideal inlet condition allows the air to enter

uniformly without spin in either direction. A spin in the
same direction as the impeller rotation (pre-rotation)
reduces the pressure- volume curve by an amount
dependent upon the intensity of the vortex. The effect
is similar to the change in the pressure-volume curve Figure 9.3B - Non-Uniform Airflow Induced Into
achieved by variable inlet vanes installed in a fan Fan Inlet by a Rectangular Inlet Duct
inlet; the vanes induce a controlled spin in the
direction of impeller rotation, reducing the airflow,
pressure and power (see Section 10.6).
40
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
LENGTH SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES

D
OF DUCT
R/D NO 2D 5D
+ DUCT DUCT DUCT
R
— N P R-S
Figure 9.4A - Two Piece Mitered 90° Round Section Elbow - Not Vaned
SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES
R/D NO 2D 5D
DUCT DUCT DUCT
LENGTH 0.5 O Q S
OF DUCT
D
0.75 Q R-S T-U
+
1.0 R S-T U-V
R
2.0 R-S T U-V
3.0 S T-U V
Figure 9.4B - Three Piece Mitered 90° Round Section Elbow - Not Vaned
R/D NO 2D 5D
DUCT DUCT DUCT
LENGTH 0.5 P-Q R-S T

OF DUCT D
0.75 Q-R S U
+
1.0 R S-T U-V
R
2.0 R-S T U-V
3.0 S-T U V-W
Figure 9.4C - Four or More Piece Mitered 90° Round Section Elbow - Not Vaned
DETERMINE SEF BY USING FIGURE 7.1
Figure 9.4 - System Effect Curves for Various Mitered Elbows without Turing Vanes
41
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)

H
R/D NO 2D 5D
DUCT DUCT DUCT
LENGTH H
OF DUCT 0.5 O Q S
+ 0.75 P R S-T
R
1.0 R S-T U-V
1.0 S T-U V
Figure 9.5A - Square Elbow with Inlet Transition - No Turning Vanes
H SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES
R/D NO 2D 5D
LENGTH H DUCT DUCT DUCT
OF DUCT
0.5 S T-U V
+
R
1.0 T U-V W
2.0 V V-W W-X
Figure 9.5B - Square Elbow with Inlet Transition - 3 Long Turning Vanes
H SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES
R/D NO 2D 5D
H DUCT DUCT DUCT
LENGTH
OF DUCT
R 0.5 S T-U V
+
1.0 T U-V W
2.0 V V-W W-X
Figure 9.5C - Square Elbow with Inlet Transition - Short Turning Vanes
D = Diameter of the inlet collar
The inside area of the square duct (H x H) should be equal to the inside area of the fan inlet collar.
* The maximum permissible angle of any converging element of the transition is 15°, and for a diverging element, 7°.
DETERMINE SEF BY USING FIGURE 7.1
Figure 9.5 - System Effect Curves for Various Square Duct Elbows
42
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Figure 9.6 - Improved Flow Conditions with a Special Designed Inlet Box
IMPELLER
ROTATION
COUNTER-ROTATING SWIRL
Figure 9.7 - Example of a Forced Inlet Vortex
IMPELLER IMPELLER
ROTATION ROTATION
PRE-ROTATING SWIRL COUNTER-ROTATING SWIRL
Figure 9.8 - Inlet Duct Connections Causing Inlet Spin
43
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
9.4 Inlet turning vanes airflow entering a duct elbow with turning vanes will
leave the duct elbow with non-uniform airflow.
Where space limitations prevent the use of optimum
fan inlet conditions, more uniform airflow can be 9.5 Airflow straighteners
achieved by the use of turning vanes in the inlet
elbow (see Figure 9.9). Numerous variations of Figure 9.10 shows two airflow straighteners used in
turning vanes are available, from a single curved testing setups to reduce fan swirl before measuring
sheet metal vane to multi-bladed "airfoil" vanes. stations. Figure 9.10A is the egg-crate straightener
used in ANSI/AMCA 210; larger cell sizes made
The pressure drop (loss) through these devices must proportionately longer could be used.
be added to the system pressure losses.
Figure 9.10B shows the star straightener used in the
The amount of loss for each device is published by ISO standard. A single splitter sheet may be used to
the manufacturer, but it should be realized that the eliminate swirl in some cases. Straighteners are
cataloged pressure loss will be based upon uniform intended to reduce swirl before or after a fan or a
airflow at the entry to the elbow. If the airflow process station. Do not install straighteners where
approaching the elbow is significantly non-uniform the air profile is known to be non-uniform, the
because of a disturbance farther upstream in the device will carry the non-uniformity further
system, the pressure loss through the elbow will be downstream.
higher than the published figure. A non-uniform
TURNING
VANES
TURNING
VANES
TURNING
IMPELLER
IMPELLER VANES
ROTATION
ROTATION
CORRECTED PRE- CORRECTED COUNTER-

ROTATING SWIRL ROTATING SWIRL
Figure 9.9 - Corrections for Inlet Spin
44
45
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
DUCT
Figure 9.10A - ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 Egg-Crate Straightener

0.45D
DUCT
Figure 9.10 - Test Standard Airflow Straighteners

Figure 9.10B - ISO 5801 Star Straightener
D
2D
D
0.075D
0.075D
DUCT
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
9.6 Enclosures (plenum and cabinet effects) one-half impeller diameter between an enclosure wall
and the fan inlet. Adjacent inlets of multiple double
Fans within plenums and cabinets or next to walls width centrifugal fans located in a common enclosure
should be located so that air may flow unobstructed should be at least one impeller diameter apart if
into the inlets. Fan performance is reduced if the optimum performance is to be expected. Figure 9.11
space between the fan inlet and the enclosure is too illustrates fans with restricted inlets and their
restrictive. It is common practice to allow at least applicable System Effect Curves.
2L
L L
EQUAL
INLET
DIA.
EQUAL
DIAMETER L
OF INLET
Figure 9.11A - Fans and Plenum Figure 9.11B - Axial Fan Near Wall
L L L L
DWDI SWSI
Figure 9.11C - Centrifugal Fan Near Wall(s) Figure 9.11D - DWDI Fan Near Wall on One Side
L - DISTANCE For Figures 9.11A, B & C For Figures 9.11D

INLET TO WALL SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES SYSTEM EFFECT CURVES
0.75 x DIA. OF INLET V-W X

0.50 x DIA. OF INLET U V-W
0.40 x DIA. OF INLET T V-W
0.30 x DIA. OF INLET S U
Determine SEF by calculating inlet velocity and using Figure 7.1
Figure 9.11 - System Effect Curves for Fans Located in Plenums and Cabinet
Enclosures and for Various Wall-to-inlet Dimensions
46
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
The manner in which the air stream enters an common inlet obstructions. Some accessories such
enclosure in relation to the fan inlets also affects fan as fan bearings, bearing pedestals, inlet vanes, inlet
performance. Plenum or enclosure inlets or walls that dampers, drive guards and motors may also cause
are not symmetrical with the fan inlets will cause inlet obstruction and are discussed in more detail in
uneven airflow and/or inlet spin. Figure 9.12A Section 10.
illustrates this condition that must be avoided to
achieve maximum performance from a fan. If this is Obstruction at the fan inlet may be defined in terms
not possible, inlet conditions can usually be improved of the unobstructed percentage of the inlet area.
with a splitter sheet to break up the inlet vortex as Because of the shape of the inlet cones of many fans
illustrated in Figure 9.12B. it is sometimes difficult to establish the area of the fan
inlet. Figure 9.14 illustrates the convention adopted
For proper performance of axial fans in parallel for this purpose. Where an inlet collar is provided, the
installations minimum space of one impeller diameter inlet area is calculated from the inside diameter of
should be allowed between fans, as shown in Figure this collar. Where no collar is provided, the inlet plane
9.13. Placing fans closer together can result in erratic is defined by the points of tangency of the fan
or uneven airflow into the fans. housing side with the inlet cone radius.
9.7 Obstructed inlets The unobstructed percentage of the inlet area is

calculated by projecting the profile of the obstruction
A reduction in fan performance can be expected on the profile of the inlet. The adjusted inlet velocity
when an obstruction to airflow is located in the fan obtained is then used to enter the System Effect Curve
inlet. Building structural members, columns, butterfly chart and the SEF determined from the curve listed
valves, blast gates and pipes are examples of more for that unobstructed percentage of the fan inlet area.
SPLITTER SHEET
Figure 9.12A - Enclosure Inlet Not Figure 9.12B - Flow Condition of Figure 9.12A
Symmetrical with Fan Inlet. Pre- Improved with a Splitter Sheet. Substantial
Rotational Vortex Induced Improvement Would Be To Relocate
Enclosure Inlet as Shown in Figure 9.11A
Figure 9.12 - Fan in Plenum with Non-Symmetrical Inlet
1 DIA.
MIN
Figure 9.13 - Parallel Installation of Axial Flow Fans
47
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
ER
ET
AM AR
DI LL
DE CO
SI T
IN E
INL
INLET PLANE
FREE INLET AREA PLANE - FAN WITH INLET COLLAR

POINT OF TANGENT
WITH FAN HOUSING SIDE
AND INLET CONE RADIUS
R
TE
E NT
AM GE
DI N
TA
OF
INLET PLANE
FREE INLET AREA PLANE - FAN WITHOUT INLET COLLAR
Table for Figure 9.14
System Effect Curve (Figure 7.1)

Distance from obstruction to inlet plane
Percentage of 0.75 Inlet 0.5 Inlet 0.33 Inlet 0.25 Inlet

At Inlet plane
unobstructed inlet area diameter diameter diameter diameter
100 - - - - -
95 - - X W V
90 - X V-W U-V T-U
85 X W-X V-W U-V S-T
75 W-X V U S-T R-S
50 V-W U S-T R-S Q
25 U-V T S-T Q-R P
Figure 9.14 - System Effect Curves for Inlet Obstructions

(Table based on Fans and Fan Systems, Thompson & Trickler, Chem Eng MAR83, p. 60)
48
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
10. Effects of Factory Supplied Accessories If possible, the necessary information should be
obtained directly from the manufacturer. The data
Unless the manufacturer's catalog clearly states to presented in this section are offered only as a guide
the contrary, it should be assumed that published fan in the absence of specific data from the fan
performance data does not include the effects of any manufacturer. See Figure 10.1 for terminology.
accessories supplied with the fan.
Cone Type
Variable
Inlet Vanes
Figure 10.1 - Common Terminology for Centrifugal Fan Appurtenances
49
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
10.1 Bearing and supports in fan inlet 10.3 Belt tube in axial fan inlet or outlet
Arrangement 3 and 7 fans (see Figure 3.5) require With a belt driven axial flow fan it is usually necessary
that the fan shaft be supported by a bearing and that the fan motor be mounted outside the fan
bearing support in the fan inlet or just adjacent to it. housing (see Figure 3.7 Arrangement 9, and Annex B
Figure B.7).
These components may have an effect on the flow of
air into the fan inlet and consequently on the fan To protect the belts from the airstream, and also to
performance, depending upon the size of the prevent any air leakage through the fan housing,
bearings and supports in relation to the fan inlet manufacturers in many cases provide a belt tube.
opening. The location of the bearing and support,
that is, whether it is located in the actual inlet or Most manufacturers include the effects of an axial fan
"spaced out" from the inlet, will also have an effect. belt tube in their rating tables. In cases where the
effect is not included, the appropriate SEF is
In cases where manufacturer's performance ratings approximated by calculating the percentage of
do not include the effect of the bearings and unobstructed area of air passage way and using
supports, it will be necessary to compensate for this Figure 9.14.
inlet restriction. Use the fan manufacturer's
allowance for bearings in the fan inlet if possible. 10.4 Inlet box
If no better data are available, use the procedures When an inlet box configuration is supplied by the fan
described in Section 9.7 as an approximation. manufacturer, the fan performance should include
the effect of the inlet box.
10.2 Drive guards obstructing fan inlet
The System Effect of fan inlet boxes can vary widely
All fans have moving parts that require guarding for depending upon the design. This data should be
safety in the same way as other moving machinery. available from the fan manufacturer. In the absence
Fans located less than 2.1 m (7 ft) above the floor of fan manufacturer's data, a well-designed inlet box
require special consideration as specified in the should approximate System Effect Curves "S" or "T"
United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Act. of Figure 7.1.
National, federal, state and local rules, regulations,
and codes should be carefully considered and 10.5 Inlet box dampers
followed.
Inlet box dampers may be used to control the airflow
Arrangement 3 and 7 fans may require a belt drive through the system. Either parallel or opposed blades
guard in the area of the fan inlet. Depending on the may be used (see Figure 10.1).
design, the guard may be located in the plane of the
inlet, along the casing side sheet, or it may be The parallel blade type is installed with the blades
"spaced out" due to "spaced out" bearing pedestals. parallel to the fan shaft so that, in a partially closed
position, a forced inlet vortex will be generated. The
In any case, depending on the location of the guard, effect on the fan characteristics will be similar to that
and on the inlet velocity, the fan performance may be of a variable inlet vane control.
significantly affected by this obstruction. It is
desirable that a drive guard located in this position be The opposed blade type is used to control airflow by
furnished with as much opening as possible to allow the addition of pressure loss created by the damper
maximum flow of air to the fan inlet. in a partially closed position.
If available, use the fan manufacturer's allowance for If possible, complete data should be obtained from
drive guards obstructing the fan inlet. SEF for drive the fan manufacturer giving the System Effect of the
guard obstructions situated at the inlet of a fan may inlet box and damper pressure drop over the range of
be approximated using Figure 9.14. application. If data are not available, System Effect
Curves "S" or "T" from Figure 7.1 should be applied
Where possible, open construction on guards is for the inlet box and pressure loss from the damper
recommended to allow free air passage to the fan manufacturer for the damper in making the fan
inlet. Guards and sheaves should be designed to selection.
obstruct, as little of the fan inlet as possible and in no
case should the obstruction be more than 1/3 of the
fan inlet area.
50
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
10.6 Variable inlet vane (VIV) When variable inlet vanes are supplied by the fan
manufacturer, the performance should include the
Variable inlet vanes are mounted on the fan inlet to effects of the variable inlet vane unit.
maintain fan efficiency at reduced airflow. They are
arranged to generate an inlet vortex (pre-rotation) The System Effect of a wide-open VIV (see Figure
that rotates in the same direction as the fan impeller. 10.2) must be accounted for in the original fan
Variable inlet vanes may be of two different basic selection. If data are not available from the fan
types: 1) cone type integral with the fan inlet, 2) manufacturer the following System Effect Curves
cylindrical type add-on (Figures 10.1 and 10.2). should be applied in making the fan selection.
VANE TYPE SYSTEM EFFECT CURVE

(100% Open)
a) Cone type, integral “Q” or “R”

b) Cylindrical type “S”
Determine SEF by calculating inlet velocity and using

Figure 7.1
FAN PERFORMANCE
W/OUT VARIABLE INLET VANES
120
100 VARIABLE
INLET VANES
PERCENT OF SHUT-OFF PRESSURE
75% OPEN 100% OPEN
CONE TYPE 80
VARIABLE INLET
VANES 75% OPEN
60
40
75% OPEN
20
CYLINDRICAL TYPE
VARIABLE INLET
VANES 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
PERCENT OF WIDE OPEN VOLUME
Figure 10.2 - Typical Variable Inlet Vanes for a Backward Inclined Fan
51
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Annex A. SI / I-P Conversion Table (Informative)
Taken from AMCA 99-0100
Quantity I-P to SI SI to I-P
Length (ft) 0.3048 = m (m) 3.2808 = ft
Mass (weight) (lbs) 0.4536 = kg (kg) 2.2046 = lbs.
Time The unit of time is the second in both systems
(ft-s) 0.3048 = ms (ms) 3.2808 = ft-s

Velocity
(ft/min) 0.00508 = ms (ms) 196.85 = ft/min
Acceleration (in./s2) 0.0254 = m/s2 (m/s2) 39.370 = in./s2
Area (ft2) 0.09290 = m2 (m2) 10.764 = ft2
Volume Flow Rate (cfm) 0.000471948 = m3/s (m3/s) 2118.88 = cfm
Density (lb/ft3) 16.01846 = kg/m3 (kg/m3) 0.06243 = lb/ft3
(in. wg) 248.36 = Pa (Pa) 0.004026 = in. wg

Pressure (in. wg) 0.24836 = kPa (kPa) 4.0264 = in. wg
(in. Hg) 3.3864 = kPa (kPa) 0.2953 = in. Hg
Viscosity:
Absolute (lbm/ft-s) 1.4882 = Pa s (Pa s) 0.6719 = (lbm/ft-s)
Kinematic (ft2/s) 0.0929 = m2/s (m2/s) 10.7639 = ft2/s
Gas Constant (ft lb/lbm-°R) 5.3803 = J-kg/K (j-kg/K) 0.1858 = (ft lb/lbm-°R)
Temperature (°F - 32°)/1.8 = °C (1.8 × °C) + 32° = °F
Power (BHP) 746 = W (W)/746 = BHP

(BHP) 0.746 = kW (kW)/0.746 = BHP
52
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Annex B. Dual Fan Systems - Series and These types of systems normally have common inlet
Parallel and outlet sections, or they may have individual ducts
of equal resistance that join together at equal
It is sometimes necessary to install two or more fans velocities. In either case, the characteristic curve is
in systems that require higher pressures or airflow the sum of the separate airflows for a given static or
than would be attainable with a single fan. Two fans total pressure (Figure B.2).
may offer a space, cost, or control advantage over a
single larger fan, or it may be simply a field The total performance of the multiple fans will be less
modification of an existing system to boost pressure than the theoretical sum if inlet conditions are
or airflow. restricted or the airflow into the inlets is not straight
(see Section 9.6). Also, adding a parallel fan to an
existing system without modifying the resistance
B.1 Fans operating in series
(larger ducts, etc.) will result in lower than anticipated
airflow due to increased system resistance.
To obtain a system pressure boost, fans are often
installed in series. The fans may be mounted as close
Fans that have a “positive” slope in the pressure-
as the outlet of one fan directly attached to the inlet
volume curve to the left of the peak pressure curve,
of the next fan, or they may be placed in remote
typical of some axial and forward curved centrifugal
locations with considerable distance between fans.
fans (see Figure 4.2), can experience unstable
operation under certain conditions. If fans are
The fans must handle the same mass airflow,
operated in parallel in the region of this “positive”
assuming no loss or gains between stages. The
slope, multiple operating conditions may occur.
combined total pressure will then be the sum of each
Figure B.2 illustrates the combined pressure-volume
fan’s total pressure (Figure B.1). The velocity
curve of two such fans operating in parallel.
pressure corresponds to the air velocity at the outlet
of the last fan stage. The static pressure for the
The closed loop to the left of the peak pressure point
combination is the total pressure minus the velocity
is the result of plotting all the possible combinations
pressure and is not the sum of the individual fan
of volume airflow at each pressure. If the system
static pressures.
curve intersects the combined volume-pressure
curve in the area enclosed by the loop, more than
In practice there is some reduction in airflow due to
one point of operation is possible. This may cause
the increased air density in the later fan stage(s).
one of the fans to handle more of the air and could
There can also be significant loss of airflow due to
cause a motor overload if the fans are individually
non-uniform airflow into the inlet of the next fan.
driven. This unbalanced airflow condition tends to
reverse readily with the result that the fans will
Sometimes multiple impellers are assembled in a
intermittently load and unload. This "pulsing" often
single housing and this assembly is known as a
generates noise and vibration and may cause
“multi-stage” fan. This combination is seldom used in
damage to the fans, ductwork or driving motors.
conventional ventilating and air conditioning systems
but it is not uncommon in special industrial systems.
Aileron controls in forward curved fan outlets or
dampers near the inlets or outlets may be used to
It is advisable to request the fan manufacturer to
correct unbalanced airflow or to eliminate pulsations
review the proposed system design and make some
or reversing operation (See Figure B.3).
estimate of its installed performance.
B.2 Fans operating in parallel
Suppliers of air handling equipment and designers of

custom systems commonly incorporate two identical,
in parallel fans to deliver large volumes of air while
taking advantage of the space savings offered by
using two smaller fans.
53
Figure B.1 - Typical Characteristic Curve of Two Fans Operating in Series
SINGLE FAN
SERIES FAN
PRESSURE
PRESSURE
COMBINED
RESISTANCE
CURVE
CURVE
PERCENT OF FAN AIRFLOW

SYSTEM
100%
200%
100%
PERCENT OF FAN STATIC PRESSURE
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
54
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
FAN OPERATION NOT

RECOMMENDED IN THIS
RANGE
M
M
TE
TE
YS
YS
ES
ES
BL
BL
STA
PERCENT OF FAN STATIC PRESSURE
STA
UN
100
PARALLEL FANS - FAN PRESSURE AT

COMBINED VOLUME
SINGLE FAN -
PRESSURE
CURVE
200
PERCENT OF FAN AIRFLOW
Figure B.2 - Parallel Fan Operation
AILERON
Figure B.3 - Aileron Control
55
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Annex C. Definitions and Terminology C.1.8 Temperature. The dry-bulb temperature (td) is
the air temperature measured by a dry temperature
C.1 The air sensor. Temperatures relating to air density are
usually referenced to the fan inlet.
C.1.1 Air velocity. The velocity of an air stream is its
rate of motion, expressed in m/s (fpm). The velocity The wet-bulb temperature (tw) is the temperature
at a plane (Vx) is the average velocity throughout the measured by a temperature sensor covered by a
entire area of the plane. water-moistened wick and exposed to air in motion.
Readings shall be taken only under conditions that
C.1.2 Airflow. The airflow at a plane (Qx) is the rate assure an air velocity of 3.6 to 10.2 m/s (700 to 2000
of airflow, expressed in m3/s (cfm) and is the product ft/min) over the wet-bulb and only after sufficient time
of the average velocity at the plane and the area of has elapsed for evaporative equilibrium to be
the plane. attained.
C.1.3 Barometric pressure. Barometric pressure Wet bulb depression is the difference between dry-
(pb) is the absolute pressure exerted by the bulb and wet-bulb temperatures (td - tw) at the same
atmosphere at a location of measurement (per AMCA location.
99-0066).
C.2 The fan
C.1.4 Pressure-static. Static pressure is the portion
of the air pressure that exists by virtue of the degree C.2.1 Blast area. The blast area of a centrifugal fan
of compression only. If expressed as gauge pressure, is the fan outlet area less the projected area of the
it may be negative or positive (per AMCA 99-0066). cutoff; see Figure B.6 (per AMCA 99-0066).
Static pressure at a specific plane (Psx) is the C.2.2 Inlet area. The fan inlet area (A1) is the gross
arithmetic average of the gauge static pressures as inside area of the fan inlet (see Figure 9.14).
measured at specific points in the traverse of the
plane. C.2.3 Outlet area. The fan outlet area (A2) is the
gross inside area of the fan outlet.
C.1.5 Pressure-velocity. Velocity pressure is that
portion of the air pressure which exists by virtue of C.2.4 Fan. (1) A device, which utilizes a power-drive
the rate of motion only. It is always positive (per rotating impeller for moving air or gases. The internal
AMCA 99-0066). energy (enthalpy) increase imparted by a fan to a gas
does not exceed 25 kJ/kg (10.75 BTU/lbm). (2) A
Velocity pressure at a specific plane (Pvx) is the device having a power-driven rotating impeller
square of the arithmetic average of the square roots without a housing for circulating air in a room (per
of the velocity pressures as measured at specific AMCA 99-0066).
points in the traverse plane.
The volume airflow of a fan (Q) is the rate of airflow
C.1.6 Pressure-total. Total pressure is the air in m3/s (cfm) expressed at the fan inlet conditions.
pressure that exists by virtue of the degree of
compression and the rate of motion. It is the C.2.5 Fan impeller diameter. The fan impeller
algebraic sum of the velocity pressure and the static diameter is the maximum diameter measured over
pressure at a point. Thus if the air is at rest, the total the impeller blades.
pressure will equal the static pressure (per AMCA 99-
0066). C.2.6 Fan total pressure. Fan total Pressure (Pt) is
the difference between the total pressure at the fan
Total pressure at a specific plane (Ptx) is the algebraic outlet and the total pressure at the fan inlet. Pt = Pt1 -
sum of the static pressure and the velocity pressure Pt2 (Algebraic).
at that plane.
Ignoring the losses that exist between the planes of
C.1.7 Standard air density. A density of 1.2 kg/m3 measurement and the fan, Figures C.1, C.2 and C.3
(0.075 lbm/ft3) corresponding approximately to air at illustrate fan total pressures for three basic
20°C (68°F), 101.325 kPa (29.92 in. Hg) and 50% arrangements for fans connected to external
relative humidity (per AMCA 99-0066). systems.
56
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Where the fan inlet is open to atmospheric air or Where the fan outlet is open to atmospheric air or
where an inlet bell, as shown in the Figure C.1 is where an outlet duct three diameters or less in length
used to simulate an inlet duct, the total pressure at is used to simulate a fan with an outlet duct and the
the fan inlet (Pt1) is considered to be the same as the outlet duct is open to atmospheric air, the total
total pressure in the region near the inlet (Pta) where pressure at the fan outlet is equal to the fan velocity
no energy has been imparted to the air. This is the pressure (Pv). The following equations apply:
location of "still air". The following equations apply:
Pt = Pt2 - Pt1
Pta = 0 Pt2 = Pv
Pt = Pt2 - Pt1 Pt = Pv - Pt1
Pt1 = Pta = 0
Pt = Pt2
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
Pt2
Pt = Pt2
Figure C.1 - Fan Total Pressure for Installation Type B: Free Inlet, Ducted Outlet
57
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
Pt1
Pt = Pv2 - Pt1
Figure C.2 - Fan Total Pressure for Installation Type C: Ducted Inlet, Free Outlet
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
Pt1 Pt Pt2
Pt = Pt2 - Pt1
Figure C.3 - Fan Total Pressure for Installation Type D: Ducted Inlet, Ducted Outlet
58
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
C.2.7 Fan velocity pressure. Fan velocity pressure Where the fan outlet is open to atmospheric air
(Pv) is the pressure corresponding to the average air (ducted inlet, free outlet), ignoring the SEF, the fan
velocity at the fan outlet. Pv = Pv2 static pressure (Ps) is equal to the inlet static
pressure (Ps1) less the inlet velocity pressure (Pv1).
Assuming no change in air density or area between
the plane of measurement and the fan outlet, Figure Ps = -Ps1 - Pv1
C.4 illustrates fan velocity pressure. Ps = -(-Ps1) - Pv1
Ps = Ps1 - Pv1
C.2.8 Fan static pressure. The difference between
the fan total pressure and the fan velocity pressure. C.3 The system
Therefore, fan static pressure is the difference
between the static pressure at a fan outlet and the C.3.1 Equivalent duct diameter. The diameter of a
total pressure at a fan inlet (per AMCA 99-0066). circle having the same area as another geometric
shape. For a rectangular cross-section duct with
Ps = Pt - Pv width (a) and height (b), the equivalent diameter is:
(4ab/π)0.5 (per AMCA 99-0066).
Ignoring losses between the planes of measurement
and the fan, Figure C.5 illustrates the fan static C.3.2 Fan performance. Fan performance is a
pressure for a fan with ducted inlet and outlet. statement of the volume airflow, static or total
pressure, speed and power input at a stated inlet
Ps = Ps2 - Ps1 - Pv1 (Algebraic) density and may include total and static efficiencies.
Where the fan inlet is open to atmospheric air, (free C.3.3 Fan performance curve. Of the many forms of
inlet, ducted outlet), the fan static pressure (Ps) is fan performance curves, generally all convey
equal to the static pressure at the fan outlet. information sufficient to determine fan performance
as defined above. In this manual, ‘fan performance
Ps = Ps2 curve’ refers to the constant speed performance
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
Pv = Pv2
Pv2
Figure C.4 - Fan Velocity Pressure for Installation Type B: Free Inlet, Ducted Outlet
59
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
curve. This is a graphical representation of static or C.3.7 Point of rating. The specified fan operating
total pressure and power input over a range of point on its characteristic curve (per AMCA 99-0066).
volume airflow at a stated inlet density and fan
speed. It may include static or total efficiency curves. C.3.8 System. A series of ducts, conduits, elbows,
The range of volume airflow that is covered generally branch piping, etc., designed to guide the flow of air,
extends from shutoff (zero airflow) to free delivery gas or vapor to and from one or more locations. A fan
(zero fan static pressure). The pressure curves that provides the necessary energy to overcome the
appear are generally referred to as the pressure- resistance to flow of the system and causes air or gas
volume curves. to flow through the system. Some components of a
typical system are louvers, grills, diffusers, filters,
C.3.4 Normalized fan curve. A normalized fan curve heating and cooling coils, air pollution control
is a constant speed curve in which the fan devices, burner assemblies, sound attenuators, the
performance values appear as percentages, with ductwork and related fittings.
100% airflow at free delivery, 100% fan static
pressure at shutoff, and 100% power at the maximum C.3.9 System curve. A graphic representation of the
power input point. pressure versus volume airflow characteristics of a
particular system.
C.3.5 Point of duty. Point of duty is a statement of
air volume flow rate and static or total pressure at a C.3.10 System Effect Factor (SEF). A pressure loss,
stated density and is used to specify the point on which recognizes the effect of fan inlet restrictions,
the system curve at which a fan is to operate. fan outlet restrictions, or other conditions influencing
fan performance when installed in the system (per
C.3.6 Point of operation. The relative position on a AMCA 99-0066).
fan or air curtain performance curve corresponding to
a particular airflow, pressure, power and efficiency
(per AMCA 99-0066).
PLANE 1 PLANE 2
Ps1 Pv1 Ps2
Ps = Ps2 - Ps1 - Pv1 (algebraic)
Figure C.5 - Fan Static Pressure for Installation Type D: Ducted Inlet, Ducted Outlet
60
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
HOUSING
DIVERTER
FF
TO
CU
CENTER PLATE
BLAST AREA
DISCHARGE
OUTLET AREA
SIDE SHEET
BACKPLATE
BLADE FF
TO
CU
INLET
SCROLL
IMPELLER
FRAME
RIM
BEARING
SUPPORT
INLET COLLAR
Figure C.6 - Terminology for Centrifugal Fan Components
61
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
CASING
BACKPLATE
RIM
HUB INLET
MOTOR BLADE
GUIDE VANE
IMPELLER
INLET BELL
Figure C.7A - Tubular Centrifugal Fan-
Direct Drive
CASING
BLADE
DIFFUSER
HUB
MOTOR
IMPELLER
CASING
BEARING CASING Figure C.7B - Tubeaxial Fan-Direct Drive

BELT TUBE (Impeller Downstream)
BLADE
HUB
GUIDE VANE
Figure C.7C - Vaneaxial Fan-Belt Drive
IMPELLER
Figure C.7 - Terminology for Axial and Tubular Centrifugal Fans
62
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Annex D. Examples of the Convertibility The Ps required at the fan outlet (C) will be equal to
of Energy from Velocity Pressure to the pressure drop at the desired airflow. Since there
are no inlet obstructions and the duct near the fan
Static Pressure
outlet is the same as used in the test setup, the
published fan performance can be used with no
SI CONVERSION was done using 249 Pa = 1 in. wg,
additional system effect factors applied.
1 m3/s = 2118 cfm, 1m/s = .00508 ft/min
D.1 Example of fan (tested with free inlet,

ducted outlet) applied to a duct system
The overall friction of the duct system results in a 747

Pa (3.0 in. wg) pressure drop at an airflow of 1.42
m3/s (3000 cfm).
SI I-P
A Free inlet 0.00 Pa (no SEF) 0.0 in. wg
B-C Outlet with straight

duct attached for two
or more diameters. 0.00 Pa (no SEF) 0.0 in. wg
C-D Duct friction at Q =

1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm). 747.00 Pa (duct design) 3.0 in. wg
REQUIRED FAN Ps 747.00 Pa 3.0 in. wg
Select a fan for Q = 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) and Ps = 747 Pa (3.0 in. wg).
Use manufacturer's data for rpm (N) and power (H).
NO OBSTRUCTION AT FAN INLET
Pv = 124 Pa (0.5 in.wg)
(I-P) in.wg FRICTION 747 Pa (3.0 in.wg)

AT 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm)
(SI) Pa
996 4
747 3
Pt
Pv
498 2
Ps 124 Pa
249 1 (0.5 in.wg)
0 0
A B C D
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Figure D.1 - Pressure Gradients - Fan as Tested
63
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
D.2 Example of fan (tested with free inlet, to the duct, the Pt requirement in the plenum is
ducted outlet), connected to a duct system 871.15 Pa (3.5 in. wg), Pt at duct entrance = 49.8 Pa
and then a plenum (0.2 in. wg) in contraction loss, or 921.3 Pa (3.7 in.
wg) Pt.
This example includes the same duct system as
described in Example C.1. However, there is a short Air flowing across the plenum from D to E will have a
outlet duct on the fan followed by a plenum chamber relatively low velocity and the Pv in the plenum will be
with cross-sectional area more than 10 times larger 0.0 Pa (0.0 in. wg) since the velocity is negligible.
than the area of the duct.
At point D, there is an abrupt expansion energy loss
The velocity in the duct from E to F is 14.4 m/s (2830 equal to the entire Pv in the duct discharging into the
fpm), equal to a velocity pressure of 124.5 Pa (0.5 in. plenum. The outlet duct between the fan and the
wg). At point "F" the Pv is 124.5 Pa (0.5 in. wg), the plenum is 2.5 equivalent diameters long. It is the
Ps is 0.0 Pa (0.0 in. wg), and the Pt is 124.5 Pa (0.5 same as used during the fan rating test. The Ps in the
in. wg). The friction of duct will cause a gradual outlet duct (also the Ps in the plenum) is the same as
increase in Ps and Pt back to point E. If the duct has the Ps as measured during the rating test.
a uniform cross-sectional area the Pv will be constant
through this part of the system. This example requires a fan to be selected for 921.30
Pa (3.7 in. wg) at 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm). Compare this
Since there is an energy loss of 49.8 Pa (0.2 in. wg) with the previous selection of 747 Pa (3.0 in. wg) Ps
as a result of the abrupt contraction from the plenum at 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm).
SI I-P
C-D Outlet duct on fan as tested 0.00 Pa (no SEF) 0.0 in. wg
D Pv loss (also Pt loss) as

result of air velocity decrease.
Ps does not change from
duct to plenum at D. 0.00 Pa 0.0 in. wg
E Contraction loss - plenum

to duct 49.80 Pa (part of duct system) 0.2 in. wg
E Ps energy required to
create velocity at E 124.50 Pa (part of duct system) 0.5 in. wg
E-F Duct friction at Q =

1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) 747.00 Pa 3.0 in. wg
Solution:
Select a fan for Q = 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) and Ps = 921.30 Pa (3.7 in. wg)
64
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
2.5 DIA.
NEGLIGIBLE Pv = 124 Pa (0.5in.wg)

LOSS
(I-P) in.wg FRICTION 747 Pa (3.0 in.wg)

AT 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm)
(SI) Pa 1046 Pa (3.7 in.wg)
1245 5
922 Pa (3.7 in.wg)
996 4
747 3 922 Pa Pt
(3.7 in.wg) Pv
498 2 124 Pa
747 Pa (3.0 in.wg) Ps (0.5 in.wg)
249 1
0 0
F
A B C D E ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Figure D.2 - Pressure Gradients - Plenum Effect
65
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
D.3 Example of fan with free inlet, free outlet the velocity energy is lost. In these applications, the
- fan discharges directly into plenum and energy loss and the System Effect Factor may
then to duct system (abrupt expansion at fan exceed the fan outlet velocity pressure as defined in
outlet) terms of "fan outlet area".
This example is similar to the plenum effect example The SEF for fans without outlet duct was obtained as
except the duct at the fan outlet has been omitted. follows:
The fan discharges directly into the plenum.
GIVEN:
It may seem unreasonable that the System Effect Blast Area
Fan = 0 .6
loss at the fan outlet is greater than the defined fan Outlet Area
outlet velocity. Fans with cutoffs must generate
higher velocities at the cutoff plane (blast area) than
Fan outlet velocity = 14.4 m/s
in the outlet duct (outlet area). This higher velocity
(2830 fpm) No outlet duct
(at cutoff) is partially converted to Ps when outlet
ducts are used as on fan tests. When fans with System Effect Curve = R-S, (from Figure 8.3)
cutoffs are "bulk-headed" into plenums or discharge SEF = 149.4 Pa (0.6 in. wg), (from Figure 7.1) at 14.4
directly into the atmosphere as with exhausters, all m/s (2830 fpm) velocity and system curve R)
SI I-P
B-C SEF 149.40 Pa 0.6 in. wg

(see above)
B-C Pv loss (also Pt loss) as

result of air velocity decrease.
Ps does not change from
duct to plenum at C 0.00 Pa 0.0 in. wg
D contraction loss - plenum

to duct 49.80 Pa (part of duct system) 0.2 in. wg
D Ps energy required to
create velocity at D 124.50 Pa (part of duct system) 0.5 in. wg
D-E duct friction at Q =

1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) 747.00 Pa (duct design) 3.0 in. wg
Solution:
Select a fan for 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) Q and 1070.70 Pa (4.3 in. wg) Ps.
66
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Pv = 124 Pa (0.5 in.wg)
(I-P) in.wg 149 Pa FRICTION 747 Pa (3.0 in.wg)

(0.6 in.wg) AT 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm)
(SI) Pa SEF
922 Pa (3.7 in.wg)
1245 5
872 Pa (3.5 in.wg)
996 4
747 3
Pt
Pv
498 2 124 Pa
747 Pa (3.0 in.wg) Ps (0.5 in.wg)
249 1
0 0
A B C D ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE E
Figure D.3 - Pressure Gradients - Abrupt Expansion at Fan Outlet
67
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
D.4 Example of fan used to exhaust with Three SEFs are shown in this example:
obstruction in inlet, inlet elbow, inlet duct,
free outlet 1) System Effect Curve R (see Figure 9.5 for a 3
piece inlet elbow with R/D ratio of 1 and no duct
This example is an exhaust system. Note the entry between the elbow and the fan inlet).
loss at point A. An inlet bell will reduce this loss.
2) System Effect Curve U (see Figure 9.14 for a
On the suction side of the fan, Ps will be negative, but bearing in the fan inlet which obstructs 10% of the
Pv is always positive. inlet).
3) System Effect Curve R (from Figure 8.3 for a fan

Fan Pv = 124.5 Pa (0.5 in. wg)
discharging to atmosphere with no outlet duct).
SI I-P
A Entrance loss - sharp

edge duct 99.60 Pa (duct design) 0.4 in. wg
A-B Duct friction at 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) 747.00 Pa (duct design) 3.0 in. wg
B SEF 1 149.40 Pa 0.6 in. wg
C SEF 2 49.80 Pa 0.2 in. wg
E Fan Pv 124.50 Pa 0.5 in. wg
E SEF 3 149.40.Pa 0.6 in. wg
REQUIRED FAN Pt 1319.70 Pa 5.3 in. wg
Fan Ps = fan Pt - fan Pv

Fan Ps (SI) = 1319.70 Pa – 124.5 Pa = 1195.2 Pa
Fan Ps (I-P) = 5.3 in. wg - 0.5 in. wg = 4.8 in wg
Solution:
Select a fan for 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm) Q and 1195.2 Pa (4.8 in. wg) Ps
68
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
ABRUPT
Pv = 124 Pa (0.5 in.wg) DISCHARGE SEF
149 Pa (0.6 in.wg)
FRICTION 747 Pa (3.0 in.wg)

AT 1.42 m3/s (3000 cfm)
(I-P) in.wg
ELBOW SEF OBSTRUCTION SEF
149 Pa (0.6 in.wg) 50 Pa (0.2 in.wg)
(SI) Pa
+249 +1
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
0 0
100 Pa (0.4 in.wg)
149 Pa (0.6 in.wg)
-249 -1 REQUIRED
Pt
-847 Pa (-3.4 in.wg)
Pv
-498 -2
Ps -996 Pa (4.0 in.wg)
-747 -3
224 Pa (0.9 in.wg)
-996 -4
-1245 -5
-1171 Pa (4.7 in.wg)
-971 Pa (3.9 in.wg)
A B C D E
-1121 Pa (4.5 in.wg)
FAN INLET
Figure D.4 - Pressure Gradients - Exhaust System
69
AMCA 201-02 (R2007)
Annex E. References
These references contain additional information related to the subject of this manual:
1. ANSI/AMCA 210-99, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating, Air Movement
and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A.,
1999.
2. AMCA Publication 200-95, Air Systems, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West
University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1995.
3. AMCA Publication 202-98, Troubleshooting, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West
University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1997.
4. ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Systems and Equipment, 1996, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30329 U.S.A., 1996, (Chapter 18
Fans).
5. Traver, D. G., System Effects on Centrifugal Fan Performance, ASHRAE Symposium Bulletin, Fan Application,
Testing and Selection, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.,
1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30329 U.S.A., 1971.
6. Christie, D. H., Fan Performance as Affected By Inlet Conditions, ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 77, The
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E.,
Atlanta, GA, 30329 U.S.A., 1971.
7. Zaleski, R. H., System Effect Factors For Axial Flow Fans, AMCA Paper 2011-88, AMCA Engineering
Conference, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West University Drive, Arlington
Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1988.
8. Roslyng, O., Installation Effect on Axial Flow Fan Caused Swirl and Non-Uniform Velocity Distribution,
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), 1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ, England, 1984.
9. Clarke, M. S., Barnhart, J. T., Bubsey, F. J., Neitzel, E., The Effects of System Connections on Fan
Performance, ASHRAE RP-139 Report, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning
Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30329 U.S.A., 1978.
10. Madhaven, S., Wright, T., J. DiRe, Centrifugal Fan Performance With Distorted Inflows, The American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th Street, New, York, NY, 10017 U.S.A., 1983.
11. Cory, W. T. W., Fan System Effects Including Swirl and Yaw, AMCA Paper 1832-84-A5, AMCA Engineering
Conference, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West University Drive, Arlington
Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1984.
12. Cory, W. T. W., Fan Performance Testing and Effects of the System, AMCA Paper 1228-82-A5, AMCA
Engineering Conference, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West University Drive,
Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1984.
13. Galbraith, L.E., Discharge Diffuser Effect on Performance - Axial Fans, AMCA Paper 1950-86-A6, AMCA
Engineering Conference, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., 30 West University Drive,
Arlington Heights, IL, 60004-1893 U.S.A., 1986.
14. Industrial Ventilation –23rd Edition, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1330 Kemper
Meadow Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634 U.S.A., 1998.
15. Fans and Systems, John E. Thompson and C. Jack Trickler, The New York Blower Company, Chemical
Engineering, March 21, 1983, pp. 48-63
16. AABC National Standards, Chapter 8, Volume Measurements, Associated Air Balance Council, 1518 K Street
NW, Suite 503, Washington, DC 20005 U.S.A.
70
AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL
ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Tel: (847) 394-0150 Fax: (847) 253-0088
E-Mail : info@amca.org Web: www.amca.org
The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
world’s manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.

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AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

The International Authority on Air System Components

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893

30 West University Drive

© 2007 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

AMCA 201 Review Committee

Bill Smiley The Trane Company / LaCrosse

James L. Smith Aerovent, A Twin City Fan Company

Tung Nguyen Emerson Ventilation Products

Patrick Chinoda Hartzell Fan, Inc.

Rick Bursh Illinois Blower, Inc.

Sutton G. Page Austin Air Balancing Corp.

Paul R. Saxon AMCA Staff

Objections to AMCA Standards and Certifications Programs

Air Movement and Control Association International

AMCA International, Incorporated

Publication 200 AIR SYSTEMS

System Pressure Losses

Publication 201 FANS AND SYSTEMS

Fan Testing and Rating

Publication 202 TROUBLESHOOTING

Publication 203 FIELD PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS OF FAN SYSTEMS

1.2 Some limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2. Symbols and Subscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2.1 Symbols and subscripted symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.1 ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.2 Ducted outlet fan tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

3.3 Free inlet, free outlet fan tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

3.4 Obstructed inlets and outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.1 The Fan Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4.3 Fan performance curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

5. Catalog Performance Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

5.1 Type A: Free inlet, free outlet fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

5.2 Ducted fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

6. Air Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

6.1 The system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

6.2 Component losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

6.3 The system curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

6.4 Interaction of system curve and fan performance curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

6.5 Effect of changes in speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

6.6 Effect of density on system resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

6.7 Fan and system interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

6.8 Effects of errors in estimating system resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

6.10 Deficient fan/system performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

6.11 Precautions to prevent deficient performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

6.12 System effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

7. System Effect Factor (SEF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

7.1 System Effect Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

7.2 Power determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

8. Outlet System Effect Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

8.1 Outlet ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

8.2 Outlet diffusers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

8.3 Outlet duct elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

8.4 Turning vanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

8.5 Volume control dampers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

8.6 Duct branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

9. Inlet System Effect Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

9.1 Inlet ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

9.2 Inlet duct elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

9.3 Inlet vortex (spin or swirl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40