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[Basic knowledge of fans] Lesson 1

Where are the fans used?

When people hear the word “fan,” many of them probably think of electric fans and ventilation fans used almost everywhere. These are also types of fans, designed to help lower the perceived temperature or to improve air circulation for ventilation. On the other hand, there are fans that quietly play an important role behind the scenes. These are the fans built into various devices and equipment around us, used to cool components or to circulate air where needed.
In this section, we will learn the basic knowledge necessary to choose the best fan for your devices.

The role of fans

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In recent years, advancements in device performance have made our lives increasingly convenient. However, as the performance of devices improves, the internal components become more integrated, leading to increased workload and heat generation. Just like humans, devices generate more heat when they work harder. If this heat is not properly managed, it can cause malfunctions or shorten the device's lifespan.  That’s where fans come in—they help dissipate heat and lower the temperature to keep devices running safely and efficiently.
In many cases, fans are installed in inconspicuous places, quietly and continuously cooling devices to maintain optimal temperatures. They are the unsung heroes supporting our lives behind the scenes.

Fans in everyday life

For example, fans are often used in convenience stores, which we frequently pass by in our daily lives. First, ATMs have become a common feature in these stores. The control circuits inside these ATMs are cooled by fans to prevent malfunctions or failures caused by heat. Fans are also used in cash registers (POS systems) and surveillance cameras for the same purpose. Next, fans inside copy machines are used not only for heat dissipation but also to assist in feeding paper sheets one at a time and to dry the printed ink. Fans are also used in display cases that store food and beverages to circulate air and prevent temperature variations inside.

Surveillance cameras, copy machines, ATMs, display cases, cash registers (POS systems)

Although fans may appear to be simple components, they in fact come in a wide range of types, each tailored to specific applications—revealing a surprising level of complexity. Without proper usage, fans may fail to deliver optimal performance and can even become sources of issues such as noise. This section introduces the characteristics and capabilities of fans, with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding and more effective utilization.

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Supervised by: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD. Cooling System Design Department

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