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Fan Curve Explorer & Selector

Compare axial, mixed-flow, and centrifugal candidates against either a quick duty point or a defined system curve. Keep operating point, assumptions, plot, and comparison matrix visible in one workspace.

Use archetypes to learn. Use imported vendor data to decide.

Synthetic archetypes are for architecture-level intuition only. For real selections, import manufacturer curve data with the correct pressure basis, reference density, and speed.

Active Candidate
Load a fan to start

The active candidate will drive the summary, assumptions, and derivation panels.

Waiting
A professional comparison starts with one explicit problem definition and at least one candidate curve.

Analysis Workspace

The active result, curve plot, and comparison matrix stay on the same screen. Click a curve or row to change the active fan.

Pressure mode compares fan and system curves. Filled markers are stable operating points; open red markers indicate unstable intersections.

Active Candidate Assumptions

Warnings are shown per candidate rather than merged into anonymous page-level noise.

Method & Derivation

Equations are shown in SI units so the substituted math remains dimensionally correct.

Candidate Comparison

Use ranking for the decision criterion you care about, or click a column header for a local sort.

Source
Methodology, Fan Families, and References

How the tool solves the problem

The tool scales each candidate to the selected speed and density, constructs the active system curve, solves all fan/system intersections, then selects the stable operating point for reporting. Duty margin is checked at the target flow, not at the operating point, because that is the actual selection question.

How to compare architectures correctly

  • Axial fans favor high flow and low pressure.
  • Backward-curved centrifugal fans favor efficiency and non-overloading power behavior.
  • Forward-curved centrifugal fans can create dual-intersection instability in the hump region.
  • Mixed-flow fans sit between axial and centrifugal behavior and are useful when footprint and pressure both matter.

Pressure basis and efficiency

The tool does not convert static and total pressure automatically because that requires velocity information. A basis mismatch is therefore treated as a blocking validity error. Efficiency is computed using the candidate's own basis only when power data is available and the comparison basis matches.

References