How Do Bladeless Fans Work?

One of the first things associated with the word “fan” is a series of rotating fan blades. But there have been bladeless options on the market since 2009. You may even have seen them at department stores and mistaken them for ring lights. Today, bladeless models are considered some of the best fans you can buy, so let’s discuss how do bladeless fans work.

And for those who are in the market for a bladeless fan but don’t know where to start, we have a Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link HP02 review article that you can check out. We also have a great guide that covers the leading high-velocity fans.

What Is a Bladeless Fan?

Before understanding the technology behind bladeless fans, it’s essential first to know how fans work. Traditionally, most types of fans operate by forcing air movement in a particular direction through a mechanical or electric motor that rotates the blades. But with bladeless models, the process is a little different.

The best-held secret of the bladeless fan is that it isn’t technically bladeless. In actuality, there simply are no visible blades. Instead, a small fan blade is hidden in the machine’s base that rotates and sucks air into it through a series of vents.

The power of the bladeless fan comes not only through the small blade but how the machine uses physics to multiply the airflow. And it’s because of these physical principles that bladeless fans are also called air multipliers.

Once the fan draws in the initial air, the air inside the device becomes pulled into the flow, creating a multiplying effect called entrainment. Then, the air is pushed through a narrow slot in the stationary blades (which look like a hoop). The way these blades are constructed creates a pressurized effect, like a vacuum cleaner, that sucks in air from behind the hoop. And because of this, the fan’s power is multiplied further, creating a stronger cooling breeze than standard bladed fans.

Advantages of a Bladeless Fan

There are many advantages to a bladeless fan. They provide an impressive airflow with a smooth-feeling stream, unlike the choppy experience of a traditional fan blade. Also, their design reduces electricity costs. Finally, because there are no exposed fan blades, they are much safer around children and pets.