Are electric radiator fans worth it?
Although they will place an additional draw on the electrical system, they are a more efficient alternative to mechanical fans and don’t cause the dreaded parasitic horsepower loss. Here are a few other advantages of electric fans: Consistent cooling—they maintain their airflow at all times. Reduced water pump wear.
Are electric radiator fans better?
We’ll jump right into the heart of the matter: An electric fan is the better performance solution, freeing up maximum horsepower and mpg. But it’s not always the better cooling solution. The full answer to this question is that both electric and belt-driven fans have their place.
How much HP do electric fans add?
In contrast, the use of electric fans allow for fan reversal, which keep the heat exchangers clean while cooling with much lower power needed than the mechanical fan. In a normal pickup situation, even in high ambient temperatures, the electric fan system will only draw a maximum of about 5 horsepower from the engine.
What is the main advantage of having an electric cooling fan compared to a directly driven fan?
A key advantage of electric fans is increased engine cooling and improved air conditioning cooling at idle, when it is most needed. In addition, replacing an engine-driven fan can increase horsepower and improve fuel economy as the engine drag from turning the fan is eliminated.
Do you need a fan shroud with an electric fan?
If you rely on a belt-driven fan for engine cooling, a fan shroud is a must to pull the air through the radiator. Without a shroud, air will take the path of least resistance, pulling air from over and under the radiator instead of through it.
What size electric fan do I need?
As a general rule of thumb, follow these minimum cubic feet per minute (cfm) ratings when using an electric fan as the primary cooling source on a basic engine: 1,250 cfm for a 4-cylinder. 2,000 cfm for a 6-cylinder. 2,500 cfm for a 8-cylinder.
Why do most late model vehicles have an electrically driven cooling fan?
Virtually all today’s cars have electric motorized fans. These work well: they can be designed and specified to run at the optimal speed (or range of speeds), and only when needed. Without a fan, the cold engine warms up faster, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
What RPM does a car alternator run at?
Typically, alternators have their full output rated at 6000 RPM but can continue to spin up to 12,000 RPM or more without any additional increase in output. The speed of an alternator is different for different type of car. The speed of an alternator depends on the speed of the engine.
How much horsepower does it take to run a 100 amp alternator?
An alternator takes about 1 HP for every 25 Amps of power. At full output, a 100 Amp alternator will need about 4 HP.
How do you size an electric radiator fan?
When it comes to diameter, you should get a fan that covers as much of the radiator core as possible. Measure the area with the existing fan and shroud removed to find out how much room you have to work with. Larger fans will keep your car idling in the heat for longer period of time without overheating.
How far should an electric fan be from the radiator?
The fan is designed to create negative pressure behind the radiator to pull air through. But the farther away the fan is from the radiator, the less effective it becomes. Flex-A-lite recommends that the fan blades be within 1 inch of the radiator and no more than 2 inches away. But that may not be enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric fan?
The Pros and Cons of Ceiling Fans
- PRO: Convenient Comfort. Ceiling fans are an easy and instant way to feel cooler in a too-warm room—or warmer in a chilly room.
- CON: More Heat. Fans do not reduce a room’s temperature.
- PRO: Cost-Effective.
- CON: Noise.
- PRO: Environmental Impact.
- CON: Lighting and Cleaning.
- The Bottom Line.
What temp should my electric fan turn on?
To check the temperature at which the fan comes on, turn the A/C off and keep the engine running until it reaches normal operating temperature. Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees.