Plenum Fan

Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive

AMCA certified for sound and air performance

High system efficiency

Variable speed with VFD

No maintenance

Compact design
Plenum Fans
Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive

Both systems with an impeller size 18“ were tested in the same duty point at the same conditions in the new Ziehl-Abegg
laboratory InVent. The belt driven plenum fan was running at nominal speed directly at the mains. To achieve the same
duty point with the direct driven fan a VFD was used to get the required speed.

Duty point: 3355 cfm @ 2.4”wg.

Ziehl-Abegg ER..C Common

plenum fan direct driven plenum fan belt driven

Air performance Power input

4,0 2500

3,5
electrical power input P1 [W]

2000
3,0

2,5
1500
∆p [in.wg]

2,0

1,5 1000

1,0
500
0,5

0,0 0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
qv [cfm] qv [cfm]

System efficiency Sound power

0,7 88

0,6
static system efficiency sys [-]

86
inlet sound power LwiA [dB]

0,5
84
0,4
82
0,3
80
0,2

78
0,1

0,0 76
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
qv [cfm] qv [cfm]

Performance certified is for installation type A: free inlet, free outlet. Performance ratings
Ziehl-Abegg plenum fan direct driven, 1730 rpm include the effects of spring dampers. The A-weighted sound power ratings shown have
been calculated per AMCA Standard 301. Values shown are for inlet LwiA sound power
Common plenum fan belt driven, 1640 rpm levels for installation type A: free inlet, free outlet.
Plenum Fans
Direct Drive

Return on Investment

In accordance with the test and related duty points a stronger ROI favors the Ziehl-Abegg direct drive option.

Duty Point: 3355 cfm @ 2.4” wg.

Direct Drive Belt Drive

rpm: 1730 rpm 1640 rpm
P1 : 1644 W 1932 W
Energy saving: 288 W

Daily operating time Energy saving per year Cost saving per year
0.08 $/kWh 0.10 $/kWh 0.12 $/kWh
8 h 840 kWh 67 $ 84 $ 101 $
16 h 1680 kWh 135 $ 168 $ 202 $
24 h 2520 kWh 202 $ 252 $ 303 $

Higher initial costs of the direct driven plenum fan including VFD: 140 $

0.08 $/kWh 0.10 $/kWh 0.12 $/kWh

ROI at 24/7 operation in years 0,7 0,6 0,5

Advantages Customer Benefits

No transmission losses  Less power required
No belt residue  Elimination of filter
No maintenance  Reduced operating costs
Easy to clean  Better hygiene
Lower load on motor bearing  Longer life time
Speed control with VFD  Variable flow applications
Low vibration levels  Smooth and quiet operation
Motor directly connected to wheel  Compact, space saving design
No bearings in the fan inlet  Higher performance
Reduced weight  Easy handling

Plenum fan for horizontal airflow Plenum fan for vertical airflow
 Plenum Fans

© by Ziehl-Abegg - May 2009 - US - Subject to technical modifications.

Certified Ratings

Ziehl-Abegg Inc. certifies that the type ER35C-ER10C and GR35-GR63C Plenum
Fans shown herein are licensed to bear the AMCA seal.

The ratings shown are based on tests and procedures performed in accordance
with AMCA publication 211 and AMCA publication 311 and comply with the
requirements of the AMCA Certified Ratings Program.

InVent - an investment in tomorrow´s innovations!

Ziehl-Abegg, the family-owned company with traditional

values, is setting new standards with its headquarter-based
Technology Centre in Germany.

The numerous technical innovations provided by Ziehl-Abegg

over many years have enabled Ziehl-Abegg to occupy a
leading position in the fields of fans, drives and control
technology.

With advanced technology, the power to innovate,

and a focus on quality, Ziehl-Abegg will continue to
win over customers all around the world.

Key Attributes:

• Airflow tests in accordance with ISO 5801

• Noise tests in accordance with ISO 13347-3
• In-duct noise tests in accordance with ISO 5136
• Precision methods for anechoic rooms in
accordance with ISO 3745 (class 1)
• AMCA 210-99 certification

Ziehl-Abegg Inc.
6348 Burnt Poplar Road · Greensboro · NC 27409
Tel. 336 834 9339 · Fax 336 834 9340
info@ziehl-abegg.us · www.ziehl-abegg.us