Conventional ceiling fans work on induction motors because they are inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and durable. However, the induction motors have a drawback because of the slip associated with single-phase motors where the rotors do not synchronize with the magnetic field that induces the rotor motion.
The friction loss associated with mechanical commutation is another significant drawback. In contrast, BLDC motors alleviate these issues because of the synchronization between the rotor and the rotating magnetic field produced by electronic commutation.
- Studies show that a 75W AC induction motor has an efficiency of 75%, whereas the 75W BLDC motor displays an efficiency of 90%.
- A Taiwanese study has shown that the energy consumption of a BLDC ceiling fan is around 50% of that of a regular ceiling fan with a split-phase induction motor.
- An Australian experimental study shows that the BLDC motor reduces energy consumption by a factor of 3 at low speeds and 2 at high speeds.
Other factors that help reduce power consumption include using active materials like lamination steel and copper, reduced stator-rotor air gap, and standard-grade aluminum for die-cast rotors.
Here is the comparison table that shows the difference in power consumption by BLDC fans and regular ceiling fans at different rotating speeds.
| Fan Speed Level | BLDC Fans – Power consumption (Watts) | Regular ceiling fans – Power Consumption (Watts) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.8 | 13 |
| 2 | 7.7 | 24 |
| 3 | 13.8 | 40 |
| 4 | 22.7 | 56 |
| 5 | 35.8 | 70 |
Why are BLDC fans expensive?
Compared to regular ceiling fans, BLDC fans use advanced technologies, making them more expensive. We have discussed the complete working of the BLDC fan, which explains the different technologies used in manufacturing and functionality.
- The BLDC motor is more advanced than the regular induction motor. It has lower rotor inertial levels, leading to better dynamic characteristics.
- The BLDC fan has a microcontroller system that coordinates with the motor to optimize power consumption versus processing speed to ensure better performance.
- The other features include an electronic speed controller, temperature control, temperature sensors, remote control, and specialized software.
These additional features increase manufacturing costs, making the BLDC ceiling fan more expensive than the conventional ceiling fan.
