Electric fan makers incorporate advanced mechanisms to decrease power consumption and prolong life span.

Manufacturers of stand fans in China are taking product performance a notch higher with the incorporation of motors developed in-house. Such parts are designed to improve energy efficiency, lengthen life span and reduce operating noise. Companies are steering R&D efforts toward enhancing wind strength and movement as well.

	This stand fan from China Singfun has normal, natural and sleep wind modes.

Among the suppliers employing advanced components is Airmate Electrical (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. The maker’s Energy Saving King model is equipped with a patented 3-phase brushless motor instead of the 2-phase type common in traditional releases. Because of this innovation, the unit consumes just 1,000W even while running continuously for 50hr at top speed and 143hr on the lowest setting. Compared with regular 60W versions, such styles can save up to 3,800W monthly.

Further, the mechanism prevents friction between the rotor and brush, resulting in silent operation and longevity.

The Environment Appliances Division of Midea Group, meanwhile, utilizes its original MD-SQD motor. The component, the name of which stands for safe, quiet and durable, features a compact and totally enclosed housing. This construction promotes resistance to fire, moisture, rust, mildew, salt, dust, shock and vibration. The motor also boasts an automatic heat-transfer system, enabling nonstop use for extended periods.

To increase durability, the company adopts Permawick lubricants, which withstand extreme heat and cold. In addition, Midea employs automatic injection machines from a US-based provider for more precise application.

As a result, recent releases from the manufacturer can operate optimally for 20,000hr straight, and handle maximum speeds of 1,400rpm, instant voltage of 280V and temperatures of up to 140 C. The supplier gives a lifetime warranty for such products. Most makers, on the other hand, offer a 10-year coverage period for their models.

Stand fans from China Singfun Electric Group Co. Ltd have motors with aluminum casings and stators in thick silicon steel plates. These components boast greater magnetic conductivity, heightening the unit’s EER and preventing power disruption.

The parts also come in open structures to facilitate heat transfer, thereby prolonging life span. The company utilizes Permawick lubricants as well. To ensure quality, motors undergo continuous running tests for 8,000hr.

Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai uses ball-bearing motors. These produce less friction than oil-retaining types, reducing noise output and boosting energy efficiency.

To prevent overheating, components have six transfer holes for coolant to travel through and an automatic protection system. The latter cuts power when temperature exceeds acceptable range and turns it back on once the thermal reading returns to normal. Motors from the supplier come in aluminum housings and have silicon steel stators.

Makers are likewise improving wind strength and movement. Many of the latest releases, for example, are equipped with normal, natural and sleep modes. Some models even boast multiple speed levels under these settings.

Airmate has also launched versions with 32 speed modes to suit different age groups.

In terms of oscillation, makers are offering units that follow a figure eight. One model from Midea moves in a W direction. This is equipped with a wind guide to soften the airflow.

Suppliers are modifying blade structure as well. China Singfun’s selection includes 5-blade stand fans, which are capable of moderate breeze. Another version from the company boasts a patented double 3-blade configuration, allowing it to cover a wider area.

Manufacturers are also enriching aesthetics via new design-placement techniques. In-mold decoration or IMD, for instance, is gaining prominence. Under this process, logo application is done in the molding stage, facilitating the creation of colorful patterns in varying textures. Models are then covered with a layer of transparent resin or plastic to protect details from scratches and fading.

Businesses are increasing output of versions in contrasting hues. Units from Midea are available in black-red, black-silver and white-blue combinations.

Stand fan selection

Typical stand fans from mainland China have stainless steel poles, ABS housings, PP blades and steel grilles with a 12, 14, 16 or 18in diameter. The materials and functions are the main price differentiators.

Low-end units utilize domestically sourced materials. They come in basic structures and feature motors in aluminum or iron plates. Models support three or four speeds, and 180-degree oscillation. Prices are $7 to $10.

Midrange appliances boast normal, natural and sleep wind modes. These are offered with mechanical controls, and adopt steel and plastic from local or international providers. The motors are often made of aluminum plates. Most releases have fan guards and specialized motors for smoother operation and reduced noise output. Products go for $11 to $15.

Upscale stand fans use steel and plastic procured from Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. AS is typically favored over PP for blades, while lubricant is purchased from the US. Many are capable of oscillating in a figure eight or a W pattern, and boast three to six speeds under normal, natural and sleep settings. Temperature displays, timers, LCDs and night lights are common. Prices range from $16 to $40.

Ningbo Laomu Co. Ltd also offers solar-powered units for $30 to $40.

Related articles:
Electric fans: Companies elevate functionality, aesthetics
Electric fans: Suppliers strengthen product performance
Household appliances: Makers strive to sustain viability

Product gallery

Product gallery Airmate Electrical (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd Model: FS4023R-11 MOQ: 5,000 units Delivery: 60 days Description: Motor with aluminum housing; three normal, one sleep wind modes; 8hr timer; adjustable angle; detachable base; remote-controlled

Airmate Electrical (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd Model: FS4043T3 MOQ: 5,000 units Delivery: 60 days Description: Motor with aluminum housing; five blades; three normal, one sleep wind modes; 3hr timer; adjustable angle; easily detachable grille

China Singfun Electric Group Co. Ltd Model: FS40-10E (DD1002) MOQ: HQ Delivery: 60 days Description: 16in grille; 2hr timer; three speed settings; adjustable angle

China Singfun Electric Group Co. Ltd Model: FS40-10HR (DD1007) MOQ: HQ Delivery: 60 days Description: Five AS blades; normal, natural and sleep wind modes with six, three and three speed settings, respectively; oscillates in figure eight; 12hr timer; touch switch; LED temperature display; blue night light; claret metallic finish

China Singfun Electric Group Co. Ltd Model: FD-4055R (DD932 or 933) MOQ: HQ Delivery: 60 days Description: 16in grille; normal, natural and sleep wind modes; 7.5hr timer; touch switch; adjustable angle; remote-controlled

Ningbo Laomu Co. Ltd Model: LM1606 MOQ: HQ Delivery: 50 days Description: Solar-powered; five blades; two speed settings; cross base; 23W; built-in rechargeable battery; 20 LEDs; overcharge, -discharge protection; AC/DC compatible; 3 to 8.5hr continuous operation; red, green indicator lights; optional mobile phone charger function

Ningbo Laomu Co. Ltd Model: LMSF-20B MOQ: HQ Delivery: 50 days Description: Solar-powered; two speed settings; five blades; 23W; built-in rechargeable battery; 20 LEDs; overcharge, -discharge protection; AC/DC compatible; 3 to 8.5hr continuous operation; red, green indicator lights; optional mobile phone charger function

Note: This article "Stand fans' new motors bolster product performance" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

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