Session 5 - Fan Current

Power-up

The fan drive circuit contains components such as smoothing capacitors. When the power is turned on, they start charging all at once, and a large instantaneous current flows. This phenomenon is called an inrush current.
The peak value of the inrush current is determined by the fan's drive circuit and is often the highest point of the current change, but it only lasts for a short time.

Startup

After the fan is turned on, a high peak current is generated even when the rotational speed is low. We call this the startup current The startup current is at its maximum immediately after startup, then gradually decreases as the fan's rotational speed increases.
This is because rotating fans also act as generators, and generate power called "counter-electromotive force," which is proportional to the rotational speed.
The length of this startup current varies depending on the fan, but in most cases it is less than 10 seconds.

During normal operation

The current at which a fan's rotational speed is stable is called the rated current. Moreover, due to the influence of counter-electromotive force and other factors, the current during normal operation contains ripple. The rated current listed in the catalog is an average that includes ripple, but it does not have a significant effect on the average because ripple periodically occurs in approximately the same amount.

Locked rotor burnout protection function

In the event that fan blades are restricted by some external factor, a high current similar to the startup current will be generated. To prevent fans from burning out from the flow of high peak current, we equip our products with "locked rotor burnout protection functions." For example, in DC fans, the current is automatically turned on and off on a periodic cycle using the "current cutoff system," preventing fan burnout.

Date of publication: May 7, 2018