INTRODUCTION
The ceiling fan is a motor hanging from the ceiling with blades that spin and help us feel cool when we are hot but how many of us know how ceiling fans work?
Ceiling fans were a significant contribution to mankind.
Though today we have the electrical version of the ceiling fan, it dates back to almost 500 BC.
HISTORY
In 1882, Philip Diehl paved the way for the first electrically powered fan when he adapted the motor used in Singer sewing machines to power the ceiling fan.
As the concept caught on, in 1886 John Hunter along with his son, James, built a belt-driven ceiling fan with blades that were powered by a running water turbine.
By 1920, Ceiling fans had become a popular household appliance in the US and gradually gained international fame.
PARTS
ELECTRIC MOTOR
The ceiling fan has a motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
the capacitor of the ceiling fan torques up the electric motor, thereby causing it to start and run.
BLADES
The primary function of the fan blade is to push air downward while creating a downward raft and making the room feel cooler.
These blades can push air either up towards the fan or downwards towards the floor.
BLADE IRONS
Blade irons (also known as blade brackets, blade arms, blade holders, or flanges), which hold the blades and connect them to the motor.
FLYWHEEL
It is a metal, plastic, or tough rubber double-torus that is attached to the motor shaft and to which the blade irons may be attached.
A flywheel is a rotating mechanical device that is used to store rotational energy.
PRINCIPLE
All the electricity that is driving the fan turns directly into heat. So a fan does not cool the room at all.
By blowing air around, the fan makes it easier for the air to evaporate sweat from your skin, which is how you eliminate body heat.
The more evaporation, the cooler you feel.
As you probably already know, warm air rises, and cool air sinks.
Ceiling fans cause the mixture of air which is normally arranged in distinct stagnant layers.
If you stand under a fan, you feel as if the air is becoming cooler when what it does is lowering your body’s temperature.
The reason for the cooling sensation is the downdraft of air is helping your sweat to evaporate quicker.
Ceiling fans work by rotating the blades in a reverse counter-clockwise motion to help produce a comfortable breeze to cool the skin during hot weather.
Contrary to popular belief, the number of blades on a ceiling fan does not affect the airflow of a room.
A ceiling fan with three blades can be just as effective as a ceiling fan with eight.
What matters is the blade size and the speed at which the fan blades move.
Fast fans increase airflow, but also require more energy to operate.
Large blades move large amounts of air and are more effective when it comes to maintaining comfortable temperatures.
CONCLUSION
This is the simple version of the principle of how ceiling fans cool us.
Although, it is more complex than this you are now informed on all the basics of its mechanics.
Reference; HeatingCoolingAir
