Fluid dynamics & thermodynamics · preliminary design

Fan affinity laws

Estimate flow, pressure and power after changing speed of the same fan.

IJ 5
01

Inputs

Same fan, density and similar curve region; system curve and efficiency can shift the real point.

02

Results

Enter values and run the calculation.

Method

What is calculated?

For the same geometry, flow scales linearly, pressure quadratically and power cubically with speed. Small speed increases therefore load the motor strongly.

Equations

V̇₂/V̇₁ = n₂/n₁

Δp₂/Δp₁ = (n₂/n₁)²

P₂/P₁ = (n₂/n₁)³

Practice

Application and limits

Assess VFD changes and pre-check motor margin.

Same fan, density and similar curve region; system curve and efficiency can shift the real point.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why does power scale cubically?

Power is approximately flow times pressure: n·n² = n³.

Does this replace the fan curve?

No. Check the new operating point against fan and system curves.

Source

Technical basis

Dubbel, turbomachinery, similarity/affinity laws and fans (local source, 2026-09-09).

The source supports the equation structure; this calculator does not claim a complete standards verification.