Ventilation needs change through the day. A fan selected for peak demand may spend much of its operating time at a lower duty. The right fan and control arrangement can deliver the airflow needed at each point without running at full output all the time.
Smooth-Air is moving the Monica range to EC technology, with new roof and wall options that offer finer speed control. The wider EC range also includes mixed-flow and centrifugal inline fans. The energy benefit for a particular project depends on fan selection, system resistance, control strategy and operating hours.
Monica EC roof and wall extract fans
Smooth-Air's Monica EC range includes roof-mounted and wall-mounted extract units in 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm sizes. They accept a 0–10 V DC speed-control signal. An optional ECFANCONTROL wall controller is available; a suitable system can also use demand-based control or building-management integration where specified.
The roof units have aluminium housings and the wall units use galvanised steel. Selected 150 and 200 mm roof models are offered with powder-coated finishes. Check current product details and availability when selecting a unit.
Stepped and continuous speed control
A compatible three-speed AC fan offers low, medium and high settings. A Monica EC fan can use a 0–10 V DC control signal to adjust speed continuously, allowing finer control of airflow. This comparison describes these control arrangements; other AC motor and drive combinations can also provide variable speed.
Three selected settings compared with continuous adjustment. The illustration shows control options, not measured fan performance.
Match airflow more precisely to demand
Reducing fan speed when less airflow is needed can reduce energy use. Continuous EC control can match changing demand more closely than three selected speed settings. Actual results depend on the fan, controls and operating conditions. Compare suitable fans at the required airflow and pressure, then account for the expected operating pattern.
The shaded area illustrates a potential benefit, not a measured energy saving. Actual results depend on the fan, controls and operating conditions.
EC options beyond Monica
The right format depends on where the fan is mounted, the airflow and pressure required, and how much sound control the application needs. Smooth-Air's EC Fan brochure covers established ranges, while the current product pages include newer additions.
- Inline mixed-flow: Jetflow SJMF EC and the compact Jetflow EC Lite suit circular-duct supply or extract systems. TT Boost EC offers another inline option where a higher airflow duty is required; TT Pro EC is also in the range.
- Sound-insulated inline: Jetflow SJMF EC Silent, Stream EC Silent and the EC models within the TT Silent-M range provide choices when noise is a key consideration.
- Inline centrifugal: the VK range includes EC models in a plastic casing for ducted supply or extract applications.
Control options, supplied controllers and performance differ by model. Check the current product data before specifying an EC fan; a 0–10 V control arrangement should not be assumed to be identical across the range. You can also browse the commercial fan range.
Explore the EC Fan brochure
See the established EC fan ranges, applications and technical data in one place. For newer additions, including Monica EC wall units and Jetflow EC Lite, check the current product pages.
Compare airflow, pressure and control
A fair AC-versus-EC comparison starts with the airflow and pressure the installation needs. Motor type alone does not determine the result. Smooth-Air can help select a suitable roof, wall or inline EC fan for a new project, or compare an EC option with an existing AC installation. EC technology also appears in the HEX390 heat recovery ventilation unit.
Find the right EC fan for your project
Have a defined airflow and pressure duty? The Smooth-Air Fan Selection Program lets you filter by duty and fan type, review technical data and export a fan schedule. Visit the programme page to request a copy. If you would like help comparing options, tell us the application, airflow, pressure or duct details, mounting location and preferred control method.
Explore the Fan Selection Program Ask us about EC fans
On the contact form, select Fans and mention EC fans in your enquiry.