Centrifugal Fans: ebm-papst (EC Motors)
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Australian Made Centrifugal Fans with German Made ebm-papst EC Motors
Centrifugal fans are also called “blowers” because of the high-pressure flow they are able to create.
The blades in centrifugal fans are mounted around a circular hub (motor). The rotating motion within this hub pulls air inside, then the pressure is increased and the air is pushed at a 90-degree bend through the fan. The higher pressure generated makes centrifugal fans a preferred option for when air must be transported through a long system of ducts or tubes. This higher pressure, however, comes at the cost of a higher market price.
Another advantage of centrifugal fans is that their blades are enclosed, making them safer to work with and more resilient to damage from solid particles sucked in with airflow. This makes centrifugal fans preferred for working in harsh conditions, such as subfloor spaces. Centrifugal fans are largely used to transport air in mines, where there is dust and debris from rocks and minerals in the air.
Components
German Made Centrifugal Fan with an EC Motor
This is the EC motor. It is a long life motor rated for 30,000 hours of operation. It is available in 150mm, 200mm, 250mm and 300mm sizes.
Variable Speed Controller
The 0-10V speed control device allows infinitely variable speed adjustment between 0% and 100%. It can be removed from the fan and extended for remote installation elsewhere.
3 Pin Plug and Lead
Plug and play operation in a standard Australian power point or socket outlet, without the need for an electrician.
Inlet Duct Spigot
The inlet duct spigot is located before the fan motor. Air is sucked in from this point. Duct can be easily attached and securely taped, allowing air to be drawn in from elsewhere.
Outlet Duct Spigot
The outlet duct spigot is located after the fan motor. Air is blown out at this point. Duct can be easily attached and securely taped, allowing air to be exhausted elsewhere.
Fan Profiles
To make your installation simple, all of our centrifugal fans with EC motors have a pre-wired Australian plug and lead.
These options are exclusive to Fresh Ventilation.
Low Profile / Variable Speed
Low Profile fans are only available in 150mm size.
Our Low Profile fan housing features an updated design with improved air deflection fins inside. The Low Profile version now has marginally more air flow with marginally less noise, as the improved fins create less air turbulence (compared to the 150mm Normal Profile version).
The smaller footprint means that Low Profile fans are recommended for shallow installations where access height is limited.
Low Profile fans are oval with a width of 340mm and a height of 217mm.
Low Profile fans with EC motors feature a 0-10V speed control device that allows infinitely variable speed adjustment between 0% and 100%.
Normal Profile / Variable Speed
Normal Profile fans are available in 150mm, 200mm, 250mm and 300mm sizes.
Normal Profile is our standard fan configuration.
The 250mm and 300mm Normal Profile fan housings feature the same updated design with improved air deflection fins inside as the 150mm Low Profile fan housing.
Normal Profile fans are round.
Normal Profile fans with EC motors feature a 0-10V speed control device that allows infinitely variable speed adjustment between 0% and 100%.
R3G190 Motor Specifications
Available in 150mm and 200mm Fan Housings
Specifications
- Variable speed.
- 45-48 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 100% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- 25-27 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 30% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- R3G190 motor manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
- Custom Australian made fan housing.
- 5 year warranty.
- IP 54 protection rating.
100% Speed (10V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 83W.
- Maximum Delivery: 735 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 825 Pa.
- RPM: 3,530.
80% Speed (8V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 49W.
- Maximum Delivery: 580 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 369 Pa.
- RPM: 2,800.
60% Speed (6V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 24W.
- Maximum Delivery: 445 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 218 Pa.
- RPM: 2,150.
40% Speed (4V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 10W.
- Maximum Delivery: 310 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 105 Pa.
- RPM: 1,500.
R3G220 Motor Specifications
Available in 200mm and 250mm Fan Housings
Specifications
- Variable speed.
- 40-44 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 100% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- 22-27 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 30% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- R3G220 motor manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
- Custom Australian made fan housing.
- 5 year warranty.
- IP 54 protection rating.
100% Speed (10V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 84W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,015 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 660 Pa.
- RPM: 2,815.
80% Speed (8V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 40W.
- Maximum Delivery: 795 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 285 Pa.
- RPM: 2,200.
60% Speed (6V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 22W.
- Maximum Delivery: 650 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 190 Pa.
- RPM: 1,800.
40% Speed (4V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 10W.
- Maximum Delivery: 505 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 115 Pa.
- RPM: 1,400.
R3G225 Motor Specifications
Available in 250mm and 300mm Fan Housings
Specifications
- Variable speed.
- 41-45 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 100% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- 35-38 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 30% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- R3G225 motor manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
- Custom Australian made fan housing.
- 5 year warranty.
- IP 54 protection rating.
100% Speed (10V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 147W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,310 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 718 Pa.
- RPM: 2,965.
80% Speed (8V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 111W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,190 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 508 Pa.
- RPM: 2,700.
60% Speed (6V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 60W.
- Maximum Delivery: 970 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 340 Pa.
- RPM: 2,200.
40% Speed (4V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 28W.
- Maximum Delivery: 750 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 200 Pa.
- RPM: 1,700.
R3G280 Motor Specifications
Available in 300mm Fan Housings
Specifications
- Variable speed.
- 43-49 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 100% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- 30-33 dB(A) breakout sound pressure at 30% speed. Please see our FAQ section below on why decibel ratings are misleading.
- R3G280 motor manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
- Custom Australian made fan housing.
- 5 year warranty.
- IP 54 protection rating.
100% Speed (10V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 152W.
- Maximum Delivery: 2,335 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 480 Pa.
- RPM: 1,980.
80% Speed (8V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 80W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,885 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 282 Pa.
- RPM: 1,600.
60% Speed (6V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 43W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,530 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 187 Pa.
- RPM: 1,300.
40% Speed (4V)
- Maximum Absorbed Power: 19W.
- Maximum Delivery: 1,180 m³/h.
- Pressure Max: 110 Pa.
- RPM: 1,000.
150mm Fan Housing Dimensions
Available with R3G190 Motors
Low Profile Dimensions
- 340mm width (A).
- 217mm height (H).
- 310mm length (G).
- 150mm duct attachment flange diameter (B).
Normal Profile Dimensions
- 342mm width (A).
- 342mm height (A).
- 336mm length (G).
- 150mm duct attachment flange diameter (B).
200mm Fan Housing Dimensions
Available with R3G190 and R3G220 Motors
Dimensions
- 342mm width (A).
- 342mm height (A).
- 312mm length (G).
- 200mm duct attachment flange diameter (B).
250mm Fan Housing Dimensions
Available with R3G220 and R3G225 Motors
Dimensions
- 325mm width (A).
- 325mm height (A).
- 308mm length (G).
- 250mm duct attachment flange diameter (B).
300mm Fan Housing Dimensions
Available with R3G225 and R3G280 Motors
Dimensions
- 390mm width (A).
- 390mm height (A).
- 330mm length (G).
- 300mm duct attachment flange diameter (B).
FAQ
Why are EC motors often out of stock?
EC motors are full of semiconductors and are affected by the current worldwide semiconductor shortage.
Our 150mm EC centrifugal fans were out of stock between July 2022 and June 2023. As of June 2023, we have limited stock available and our supply is improving.
Our 200mm EC centrifugal fans have been out of stock since October 2021. They do not currently have a return date.
Our 250mm EC centrifugal fans have been out of stock since March 2022. They do not currently have a return date.
What is the difference between AC motors and EC motors?
AC motors are cheaper than EC motors but still provide excellent performance. They are very quiet during operation and move large volumes of air through ducting. They operate at one fixed speed where they are most efficient.
In real world use, EC motors provide even higher air flow, are extremely quiet during operation, are capable of silent operation at reduced fan speeds, have smoother fan rotation, and consume almost no power at reduced fan speeds. EC motors have adjustable speed and are very efficient at all speeds.
What is an electronically commutated EC motor?
An electronically commutated (EC) motor is designed to run on an alternating current (AC) power supply, but it in fact bears a closer resemblance to a direct current (DC) motor. It is essentially a permanent magnet, brushless DC motor that incorporates on-board electronics. The added electronics allow an EC motor to combine the best features from both AC and DC motors, and then improve on them. For this reason, an EC motor is in a category of its own.
By utilizing this technology, EC fans are highly efficient and pay for themselves through lower operating costs and extended service life. They also provide many operational benefits that are often overlooked.
EC motors use permanent magnets and electrical windings to generate their magnetic fields, in a similar fashion to brushed DC motors. However, as their name suggests, they achieve commutation electronically rather than mechanically. This is only possible by incorporating on-board electronics within the housing of an electronically commutated EC motor.
The on-board electronics include a rectifier that converts the AC supply to DC. An integrated controller then directs the right amount of current, in the right direction, at the right time, through each of the windings. This develops magnetic poles in the stator, which interact with the permanent magnets in the rotor.
The position of each magnet is determined by using Hall effect sensors. The appropriate magnets are attracted, in sequence, to the magnetic poles in the stator. Simultaneously, the rest of the stator windings are charged with the reverse polarity. These attraction and repulsion forces combine to achieve rotation and produce the optimal torque. Since this is all done electronically, precise motor monitoring and control are possible.
What are the advantages of an electronically commutated EC motor?
Energy Efficiency
EC motor efficiency is often above 90%, allowing EC fans to consume up to 70% less energy, when compared to conventional fans. Running an EC fan at 80% speed saves nearly 50% of the energy.
Ease of Control
By continuously monitoring motor functions and automatically adjusting the control input, high efficiency is maintained throughout the operable speed range. EC motors are often capable of being turned down to 20% of full speed, while still maintaining 85% efficiency. Sensors that produce a 0-10V signal provide speed control without the need for a complex variable frequency drive.
Versatility
EC motors are capable of exceeding rated speeds. This allows fans with EC motors to achieve higher capacity within a smaller fan package.
Why are decibel ratings misleading?
Decibel ratings are misleading, and many manufacturers are simply dishonest. Please see our Instagram post HERE and our Instagram video HERE for a good explanation of the issue.
We've been installing fans for over 10 years. In that time we've tried everything available on the market, including all of our competitors' fans. We're confident that our fans, in an installed environment, are quieter than any comparable models on the market. Our decibel ratings have been independently tested by VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd.
Frequency (pitch of the sound) is more important than overall noise (decibels). Most fans have a prominent motor ‘whine’ whereas our centrifugal fans have mostly airflow noise. Once installed, much of the airflow noise is eliminated by duct on either side of the fan, whereas motor whine still penetrates through building materials.
What is the difference between low profile fans and normal profile fans?
Low Profile fans are available in 150mm duct size only for shallow installations where access is limited. Low Profile fans are oval with a width of 340mm and a height of 217mm. Our Low Profile fan housing features an updated design with improved air deflection fins inside. The Low Profile version now has marginally more air flow with marginally less noise, as the improved fins create less air turbulence (compared to the 150mm Normal Profile version).
Normal Profile fans are available in 150mm, 200mm, 250mm and 300mm sizes. Normal Profile is our standard fan configuration. The 250mm and 300mm Normal Profile fan housings feature the same updated design with improved air deflection fins inside as the 150mm Low Profile fan housing. Normal Profile fans are round with a diameter of 342mm.
Can the fan speed be adjusted?
EC motors are variable speed motors. They have a 0-10V potentiometer mounted on them to adjust their speed precisely between 0% and 100%.
What is the airflow capacity of the fan motors?
R3G190 EC motors have a capacity of approximately 735 m³/h.
R3G220 EC motors have a capacity of approximately 1,015 m³/h.
R3G225 EC motors have a capacity of approximately 1,310 m³/h.
R3G280 EC motors have a capacity of approximately 2,335 m³/h.
How much power do the fans use?
R3G190 EC motors draw 83 W when running at 100% speed.
R3G220 EC motors draw 84 W when running at 100% speed.
R3G225 EC motors draw 147 W when running at 100% speed.
R3G280 EC motors draw 152 W when running at 100% speed.
Who manufactures the fan motors?
The fan motors are manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.
What model are the fan motors?
150mm EC motors use a R3G190 motor.
200mm EC motors use a R3G220 motor.
250mm EC motors use a R3G225 motor.
300mm EC motors use a R3G280 motor.
Where are the fan motors and housings made?
The fan motors are made in Germany.
The fan housings are custom made in Australia.
What is the warranty of the fan motors?
The fan motors have a 5 year warranty.
What is the IP rating of the fan motors?
EC motors have a protection rating of IP 54.
What Makes Fresh Ventilation Different
Fresh Ventilation is a family owned and operated business. Our main business has specialised in the installation of premium quality ventilation systems for over 10 years.
Our focus is on premium products and expert advice to create ventilation systems that actually work.
All of our kits include:
Personal installation maps tailored to your home.
One-on-one conversations to help us understand what is going on and recommend how best to solve it.
One-on-one telephone and/or FaceTime conversations to help you with installing your system.
Installation photos and videos outlining best practices and things to avoid.