Axial vs Centrifugal Fan: How to Choose?
One-sentence decision: choose axial for high airflow, low static pressure, and direct blow cooling; choose centrifugal for lower airflow, high static pressure, and ducted/filtered/heat-exchanger applications. Choosing wrong means either insufficient airflow or doubled noise and cost. JIEFENGFAN specializes in AC axial fans and EC axial fans, suitable for the vast majority of cabinet and equipment direct-cooling applications.
Key Parameter Comparison
| Comparison | Axial Fan | Centrifugal Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow Direction | Parallel to shaft (straight blow) | 90° turn (thrown outward) |
| Typical Airflow | High (200-20,000 m³/h) | Medium (200-5,000 m³/h) |
| Typical Static Pressure | Low (10-80 Pa) | High (100-1000 Pa) |
| Efficiency Curve | High at free air, drops sharply with static pressure | Wide efficient range, good for duct systems |
| Noise | Low (35-55 dB) | Medium-high (45-70 dB) |
| Size | Thin (38-90mm thickness) | Thick (120-300mm volute) |
| Cost | 100% (baseline) | 200%-400% |
Scenario-based Selection
| Scenario | Recommended | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Control cabinet direct exhaust cooling | Axial | Low static pressure (30-50Pa), low cost |
| Charging pile / energy storage cabinet | Axial (with filter) | Static pressure <80Pa, axial is sufficient |
| AHU air handling unit / heat exchanger | Centrifugal | Coil static pressure >150Pa |
| Long duct ventilation | Centrifugal | High duct resistance |
| Data center CRAH fan wall | EC centrifugal | High static pressure + N+1 redundancy |
Not sure whether your application needs axial or centrifugal? Send us your airflow, static pressure, and mounting space, and we will provide a selection recommendation within 1 working day, or contact us for selection support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell axial and centrifugal fans apart?
Look at airflow direction: axial fans blow parallel to the shaft (straight through), while centrifugal fans turn airflow 90 degrees (thrown outward). Simple test: intake and exhaust on the same plane = axial; perpendicular = centrifugal.
When must I use a centrifugal fan?
Use centrifugal when system static pressure exceeds 100 Pa (with filters, ducts, heat exchangers, or long duct runs). Axial airflow drops sharply above 50 Pa static pressure, and forcing it will result in insufficient cooling.
Are centrifugal fans noisier?
At the same airflow, centrifugal fans are typically 5-10 dB(A) louder due to higher pressure and faster impeller tip speed. However, EC backward-curved centrifugal fans can control noise by variable speed slowdown.
Is an axial fan enough for control cabinet cooling?
For control cabinet direct exhaust (no ducts), static pressure is usually 30-50 Pa, and axial fans are perfectly adequate and cheaper. Consider centrifugal only if there is a heat exchanger or long duct inside the cabinet.
Does JIEFENGFAN make centrifugal fans?
JIEFENGFAN focuses on axial fans (AC/DC/EC); we do not currently manufacture centrifugal fans. If your application requires centrifugal, send us your parameters and we can recommend partner suppliers.