ASHRAE Journal - ACMA Supplement - Fall 2013 - 12

other international standards. AMCA Publication 802 describes
in detail the process used by fan manufacturers in selecting
full-size fans from model fan data. Today, this process is most
commonly done using a computer algorithm. It is important
to assure that the model fan is equipped with the same accessories that the full-size fan will be equipped with, or that
appropriate corrections to the model fan data are included to
account for these accessories. Figure 3 shows a typical model
fan test setup in accordance with AMCA 210 for a doublewidth double-inlet (DWDI) fan with inlet boxes and shaft
through the inlet.
It is critical to understand the method used in AMCA 210 to
conduct laboratory model testing, and therefore built into the
model fan data from which full-size fan data is predicted.
According to AMCA 210, laboratory testing is conducted using
either an open inlet configuration with a long run of straight
outlet ductwork or an open outlet configuration with a long run
of straight inlet ductwork, thus resulting in an even profile of
gas entering and leaving the fan. If the actual fan installation is
expected to have system elements that will result in distorted
inlet or discharge flow, the fan manufacturer should be advised

Suggested reference publications
The publications referenced in this article can be found
in the Publications section of AMCA International at
www.amca.org.

AMCA Publication 201-02 (R2011) Fans and Systems.
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210-07 | ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified
Aerodynamic Performance Rating.
AMCA Publication 801-01 (R2008) Industrial Process/
Power Generation Fans: Specification Guidelines.
AMCA Publication 802-02 (R2008), Industrial Process/
Power Generation Fans: Establishing Performance
Using Laboratory Models.
AMCA Standard 803-02 (R2008), Industrial Process/
Power Generation Fans: Site Performance Test Standard.
of this because these elements can have a
negative effect on the output and efficiency
of the fan. Drawings or sketches of the
ductwork should be provided, as this will
allow the fan manufacturer to predict what
the impact of these duct elements may be.
AMCA Publication 201 provides curves for
predicting the effect that this “system effect
factor” can have on the performance of a
full size fan. The flow for such systems can
also be modeled using computational fluid
dynamics (CFD), and appropriate turning
vanes could be designed to help minimize
or eliminate the system effect. AMCA Publication 803 includes a description of inlet
flow distortion levels that are considered to
be acceptable as they would not have a
significant impact on the performance of a
full-size fan.

www.info.hotims.com/44636-8

Fa l l 2 0 1 3

a m c a I n t e r nat I o na l

AMCA Publications 801, 802, and 803 are
available at no charge from the AMCA
website and contain a wealth of information
on applying, writing specifications, laboratory model testing, and full-size fan field
testing for fans for industrial process and
power generation applications. Selecting
the appropriate fan for these applications is
an important first step in this application
process. These documents can help the fan
specifier in this process.

inmotion

w w w. a m c a . o r g

http://www.amca.org http://www.hartzellairmovement.com http://www.info.hotims.com/44636-8 http://WWW.AMCA.ORG

ASHRAE Journal - ACMA Supplement - Fall 2013

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