Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best cooling fan control board desing

18 Aug.,2025

 

A Complete Guide to Fan Speed Controllers - RS Components

Fan speed controllers are used to control the speed of various kinds of electric fans, including centrifugal fans, extractor fans, propeller fans and axial fans. They increase or decrease fan speeds to reduce wear and tear on equipment, cut noise levels and save energy. Some models are variable, adjusting speed dynamically according to the situation, while others offer a set number of available speeds. An infinitely variable model can be fully adjusted without limitation between 0 and 100 per cent.

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They are also known as:

  • Fan regulators
  • Fan speed regulators
  • Fan controllers

Fan speed controllers can be divided into five key types.

Conventional models rely on electrical resistance. They contain a wired controller circuit attached to an adjustable dial or toggle for changing the speed of the attached fans. These devices contain wire spools - conductors - with varying amounts of resistance to electrical current. Adjusting the dial on the fan speed control switch aligns a conductor with a particular fan - a process called placing it in series - and the new level of electrical resistance then changes the power reaching the fan, and thereby its speed. Higher levels of resistance will reduce speed or switch off the fan altogether.

However, this electrical resistance produces heat and so uses energy which could potentially match the energy saved by reducing the speed of the fan. Capacitor-based models address this issue by increasing the speed of the fan when the voltage drops - and decreasing it when the power increases. This means that no heat and energy are lost through electrical resistance. A capacitor is a device which stores energy as an electrical charge. The amount it can store is called its capacitance.

Capacitor-based models are typically smaller and provide fine, linear control of speed.

Meanwhile, thermostatic models respond directly to temperature. Sensors monitor the temperature within the chassis and switch the fan on or off according to predefined settings. This reduces fan noise when usage levels are low.

Time switch controllers make use of a timer switch. This is an electrical timer controlling a set of switches. Users can pre-set fans to run at certain times and speeds.

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Pulse width modulation (PWM) is the default choice for laptop and PC fan controllers on the circuit boards of computers from many leading manufacturers. PWM provides a way for digital, binary devices like the microcontroller units (MCUs) on circuit boards to control non-digital devices like fans. PWM technology produces short, modulated pulses of voltage to simulate an analogue-style control output. Once in motion, inertia ensures that the fan continues to revolve even during the brief interruptions to power caused by the modulation. The microcontroller, in conjunction with the fan speed software, can make swift, on-the-fly adjustments to cooling fans.

When looking for the best fan speed controller, it’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements. The type of fans you’re using, the size of your setup, and the level of control you need are all important factors to consider.

One key aspect is compatibility. You will need a model which is fully compatible with the fans you wish to control. This means checking for compatibility with the number of fans, the voltage and amperage requirements, and any other specific features or connections.

Another important factor to consider is the level of control you need. Some fan controllers offer basic on/off functionality, while others offer more advanced controls such as multiple speed settings and remote-control capabilities.

We offer a comprehensive range of fan controllers to help you identify the product that is most suited to your needs. Our offering includes models with different features and capabilities so that you can find the perfect controller for your needs.

5 Tips for Selecting an Electrical Panel Cooling Fan - Kooltronic

In the right environment, a fan can be a great option to protect electrical components from excess heat. Since they use the enclosure’s surrounding air as the cooling medium, fans are best suited for clean industrial environments where electrical equipment can tolerate temperatures slightly higher than ambient. Enclosure cooling fans are low maintenance, occupy minimal cabinet space, and will move a substantial volume of air against low static pressure to keep heat-sensitive equipment running optimally.

The tips below will help you size and select the proper electrical panel cooling fan for your application.

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  1. Determine the heat load of the electrical panel

    The first step in sizing a panel cooling fan is to determine the heat load of the electrical panel. You can accomplish this step quickly and easily with the help of an enclosure cooling calculator. Once the heat load is known, you can focus on airflow capacity – the force that drives the excess heat out of the enclosure.

  2. Select a fan with sufficient CFM capacity

    Airflow rating is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It is important to note that the CFM rating of a fan is not the same as its power rating. The CFM rating is a measure of the amount of air that the fan can move, while the power rating is a measure of the amount of electricity that the fan uses. Selecting the appropriate airflow for your enclosure fan will enhance its ability to extract heat and keep electrical components operating at peak efficiency.

  3. Choose a fan type

    There are two main types of electrical panel fans. These include axial fans and centrifugal fans. Axial fans move air parallel to the axis of rotation, while centrifugal fans (typically known as blowers) move air perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Fans and blowers each have unique features which may (or may not) be advantageous depending on the application requirements. For help deciding, watch our video, Fans vs. Blowers: How Do They Differ and Which Should You Use?




  4. Consider other application and location requirements

    When selecting a panel cooling fan, be aware of additional considerations, such as size, power, NEMA rating, and noise. Fans come in many sizes and styles, so identify the dimensions and voltage that best fit your electrical cabinet. Be sure to select a fan with an appropriate NEMA rating – one that matches your enclosure’s NEMA rating. Also, choose an enclosure fan with a decibel level (dBA) suitable for your electrical enclosure application and its immediate surroundings.

  5. Install the fan in a cool, well-ventilated area

    There should be ample space near the enclosure fan’s intake/exhaust areas to ensure a steady flow of air. Keep the nearby area around the electrical cabinet clean and free of dust. Fans usually have an integrated filtration system, but it doesn’t hurt to increase protection against drawing airborne particulate into the enclosure.