Some of us may curious or want to find out more about the difference between ventilator and solar ventilation fan?

Basically, we should understand the working principle of ventilator and solar ventilation fan on how do they work?

Working principle of ventilator

Ventilator is a passive ventilation equipment or an equipment that requires external air flow to keep it working for ventilating indoor heat to the outside of the building

Wind speed in Thailand

Wind speed rate at Suvarnabhumi airport

Average wind speed in 1 year

From collecting wind speed data in Thailand, the average wind speed is 2-4 m / s. Therefore, the ventilator size 12” at the wind speed of 4m/s [16Km/hr] can ventilate 5,000 Lite / min or 180 CFM.

Source: (Characterising Roof Ventilators)The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Source: Windfinder

Working principle of solar ventilation fan

Solar ventilation fan is an active ventilation equipment or an equipment that does not require external wind to keep it running. Solar ventilation fans are powered by solar energy. It is for cooling or ventilate internal air out to the building.

Conditions of sunlight intensity in Thailand

Source: Hugh Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library and thaisolarenergy

With a light intensity at approximately 5.0-6.5 kWh/m2 in Thailand, normally solar energy will allow the 12”, 12w solar ventilation fan to start operating from 8.30 am until 10:30 am – 3:30 pm. (Ventilation rate 1,150 CFM) and will stop working around 16.30.

Solar ventilation fan performs better than ventilator

Due to the different working principles and the climate in Thailand, it is resulting in the efficiency of the solar ventilator fan which is 6-12 times better than the ventilator. 1 set of solar ventilator fan can replace 6-12 sets of ventilators.

Solar ventilation fan is cheaper than ventilators

Comparing the price per set, the solar ventilator fan’s price is higher than the ventilator’s price. But comparing the efficiency, 1 set of solar ventilator fan can replace up to 6 – 12 sets of ventilators, resulting in a cheaper cost of solar ventilation fan.

In addition, solar ventilation fans can prevent the leaking of rain water from the roof while the ventilator cannot.

Also solar ventilation fan has other functions that facilitate users

– Hybrid AC/DC equipment: Keeps the solar ventilation fan working at night by using electricity from power lines

– Battery: Enables the solar exhaust fan to work at night by consuming solar power

– Temperature controller: Controls solar ventilation fan with temperature

– Smart Ventilator: Turn on / off Ventilation system through smart phone

– Ventilator sensor: Solar monitoring equipment for ventilation fans

Summary

Solar ventilation fans are more efficient, cheaper, and more convenient than ventilators.