Choose a fan with a low noise and low power consumption

Despite features of fans being still more improved, it´s still the fact, that they are usually the biggest noise source in devices. If a given device is intended say for a production hall, where an ambient noise is much higher, we probably don´t have to worry about it. But at devices intended for common rooms, offices, households etc., it´s naturally important to maintain the noise of a device as low as possible. If dimensions of a device allow it, it´s usually better and more silent solution to use a fan with a bigger diameter and a lower rotation speed. However, what to do when the size and a design of a fun suit us, but a power, rotation speed and consequently a noise are still uselessly high?

A partial solution is to decrease a supply voltage. Computer enthusiasts know very well, that a noise of a given fan depends (besides its aerodynamic construction) on its rotation speed. Solid producers like Sunon, specify range of operating voltages and a rotation speed at a given voltage (for example 12V). Also in a datasheet can be usually found even a start voltage, at which a given fan will reliably start to rotate. By a change of a supply voltage, we can change a fan speed, but it´s not possible to go below certain speed (at a given fan type). It´s common, that for example a 12V fan still works at 4V (when decreasing from 12 to 4V) but it´s already not able to start at such a low voltage.

Probably the best solution is to use a slower fan (with a lower rotation speed). Today almost every series of fans is available in 2-3 power levels, what reflects in a noise but also in different power consumption. This can be illustrated on 2 types of the same construction - MEC0251V1-A99 (MEC0251V1-0000-A99) and MEC0251V3-A99 (MEC0251V3-0000-A99). As for a mechanical construction, they are the same. The only difference is only in a rotation speed - 3100 vs. 2200 turns per minute. This is then reflected in a noise 44,5 vs. 34 dB and in a power consumption 5,4 vs. 1,9 Watt. The noise difference 10,5 dB is really big ( 6 dB difference is subjectively perceived as a double volume) and in many cases it´s surely not negligible even a power consumption difference of approx. -65%. Should you still be satisfied with a lower air flow, it´s naturally possible even at these slower types further decrease rotation speed by decreasing a supply voltage. Naturally, there are even more silent fans on the market, but types from company Sunon offer a very good compromise among noise, power and a price.

Upon request, we´re able to provide you with any version from the Sunon portfolio in a short lead time.
In case of interest, please contact us at sales@soselectronic.com.