Hi,
I’m looking to replace a 93×93×30 mm centrifugal blower, 12 V DC, used in a video projector / enclosed electronics

The one currently used in the device is this one


Size: 93×93×30 mm
Voltage: 12 V
Current: 0.15 A
Speed: 1800 RPM
Bearing: Ball bearing
2-wire

The fan works but is audibly noisy (bearing/air noise).
I’m trying to find a quieter alternative with the same form factor, ideally from a reputable manufacturer.

 

Have you tried cleaning the blades to reduce noise?

 

that may be difficult or improvements will be marginal. everything i've seen in that form factor seem to be at best 32-38dB.

to make it really quiet, consider using ultra quiet fan series (like Noctua NF-A9 PWM is only 22dB) and 3D printing own adapter.

replacements would often have more wires: tach wire can be ignored, speed control may be ignored in some cases but not always. for example automotive fans do not run at all unless control signal is in certain range. but this is something that can be easily tricked...

 

that may be difficult or improvements will be marginal. everything i've seen in that form factor seem to be at best 32-38dB.

to make it really quiet, consider using ultra quiet fan series (like Noctua NF-A9 PWM is only 22dB) and 3D printing own adapter.

replacements would often have more wires: tach wire can be ignored, speed control may be ignored in some cases but not always. for example automotive fans do not run at all unless control signal is in certain range. but this is something that can be easily tricked...

Do you know of any good 3d printed adapter design?

 

of course not... it would need to be custom. but that is what 3D printing enables...

btw. what you are dealing with is already niche... i am not aware of any group silencing projector. you may find it but i would not hold my breath. but there is tons of people silencing 3D printers...

 

I would expect any fan with that same form factor and that generates significantly less noise would also have a reduced rotation speed and consequent air-flow, so would not provide the cooling you need. It would be nice to be proved wrong though.

 

yup, lower RPM and lower CFM are common ways to fight the noise which is why so many fans have speed control. if target is not too hot - run at lower speed (quieter).

but there is more to it. just saw some 10000RPM fans and there were whisper quiet, i could not believe it.
for example vibrations can be reduced by proper balancing. also the vibrations caused by airflow / turbulence can be reduced by shape and air path, strategic stiffening of the unit etc. also noise is often not the fan itself but something else that is touching the fan, so soft mounts are important help here. i am no expert on this, certainly there is more to it - my rationale is that best bet is to start with a fan that for same voltage, able to produce same CFM but is inherently much quieter - even if one need to get a custom made air duct.

 

QUESTION: was that specific device EVER quiet enough?? OR is the TS simply not satisfied with the sound level??
Firs, balance the rotor. Bearing noise can be reduced, first try better lubrication, then replacement with quieter bearings, and then a change to sleeve bearings. Sound deadening on the housing may help. AND, if the colling remains adequate, reducing thespeed a bit will lower the noise level.

 

QUESTION: was that specific device EVER quiet enough?? OR is the TS simply not satisfied with the sound level??
Firs, balance the rotor. Bearing noise can be reduced, first try better lubrication, then replacement with quieter bearings, and then a change to sleeve bearings. Sound deadening on the housing may help. AND, if the colling remains adequate, reducing thespeed a bit will lower the noise level.

The noise level has always been the same. I was trying to reduce it as much as possible.

 

Quieter fan = more bucks.

 

Quieter fan = more bucks.

Yeah.. Do you know any quieter replacement?

 

Before you can find a replacement, you will need to know the dB level and the CFM of the current fan.

After that your search would be as good as mine, I would start with Noctua, but I don't know if they make blower fans.

 

I would start with Noctua, but I don't know if they make blower fans.

Unfortunately they dont

 

Before going any farther, I suggest contacting that blower's manufacturer and seeing if there is a quieter model available.