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Buying Guide

How to Choose a Centrifugal Fan

Sizing and selecting a centrifugal fan correctly starts with five things: airflow, static pressure, impeller size, motor type and mounting. Here is how to get it right.

1. Define Your Airflow Requirement

Start with the air volume you need to move, in m³/h or CFM. For room or equipment cooling, calculate from heat load. For ventilation, use air changes per hour. This number sets the minimum capacity of your fan.

2. Determine the Static Pressure

Static pressure (Pa) is the resistance the fan must overcome — from ductwork, filters, coils and grilles. A system with long ducts or dense filters needs higher static pressure. Always check the fan's airflow vs. static pressure curve to confirm it delivers your required airflow at your system's resistance.

3. Match the Impeller Size

Impeller diameter is the main driver of capacity. Centrifugal fans by ANENG range from 133mm to 710mm. A general rule: larger impellers move more air and generate more pressure but take more space. Your airflow/pressure point determines the right size.

4. Choose the Motor Type: AC, DC or EC

MotorBest ForTrade-off
ACSimple, fixed-speed, low budgetLower efficiency, no speed control
DCLow-voltage, controllable applicationsNeeds DC supply (e.g. 24/48V)
ECEnergy savings, ErP 2026, variable speedHigher initial cost

5. Confirm Mounting and Connections

Decide whether the fan mounts in a duct, on a panel, or inside equipment. Check inlet/outlet orientation, wiring options and protection rating (IP44/IP55) for your environment. For OEM, ANENG can customize all of these.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between airflow and static pressure?

Airflow is how much air moves; static pressure is how much resistance the fan can push against. Both matter, and you need a fan whose performance curve meets your system at the required operating point.

Backward-curved or forward-curved impeller?

Backward-curved impellers are more efficient and better for higher-pressure systems; forward-curved impellers are more compact and better for low-pressure, high-flow applications at lower cost.

Can ANENG help me select a centrifugal fan?

Yes. Share your airflow, static pressure, voltage, size and mounting needs and our engineers will recommend the right AC, DC or EC centrifugal fan, standard or custom.

Let Our Engineers Size Your Fan

Send us your airflow and static pressure specs and we'll match the right centrifugal fan for your system.

Get a Sizing Recommendation