Thermatic Fan History, Innovation and Wind Tunnel Testing at Davies Craig.

19/03/2019 12:00AM

Physics is sometimes seen as being the exclusive domain of people like Einstein, Rutherford, and Newton. One of the laws of thermodynamics is: “If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other. This law helps define the concept of temperature.”

In simple terms, heat is generated inside an engine from movement and the ignition of fuel. That heat is transferred into the engine itself and must be removed as quickly as possible. Radiators or heat exchangers do a good job of this but rely on fluid circulation and air movement in order to dissipate that heat.

Fans attached to engines soon assisted in that but a clear need to improve upon that was recognized. It’s 1971 and a pair of Aussie engineers, Daryl Davies and Bill Craig, put their heads together and gave the world the electrically powered thermatic fan.

The benefits of a non-engine driven fan became immediately apparent. There is a lack of drag on the engine itself, which means more available horsepower, better fuel economy, less wear and tear, and better air-conditioning performance thanks to a constant airflow when required.

Another benefit is the added airflow from the versatile design. Rather than being only to spin in one direction by being bolted to the front of the engine, an electric fan can be reversed so it can push or pull air, depending on placement.

Davies Craig, as a result of their engineering background and history, continually refine and improve their products. Wind tunnel testing is familiar to us for aircraft and car design, as two examples, however it’s also been applied to the fans and the shrouds of the products. This reduces turbulence at the far end of the fan blades and the shrouds direct air more efficiently. Even the blades themselves were refined and will continue to be as technology improves. It also ensures that Davies Craig can back up their claims with real word testing and results.

Logic applies to the fans as well. One can go and buy a fan attached to a pen and powered by a small battery, and that will be almost adequate to cool a human face. But if a room is to be cooled, a bigger fan and a higher level of airflow is needed. As a result, Davies Craig have engineered a range of fan sizes. This allows a wide variety of applications, from small cars to family sedans and SUVs, to trucks and motor sport applications, in sizes starting at 8 inches and going all the way to a massive 16 inches.

But in order to work as intended, there has to be a range of electronic items to back the hardware up. There are different mounting kits, different kinds of temperature readers, and systems to suit the different electrical outputs of varying vehicles.

Davies Craig have an online store for added convenience, and back up their products with excellent customer services plus an industry leading two year warranty.

We’d love to hear about your experiences with Davies Craig, and how their products have helped your vehicles. Keep in touch via our blog and social media outlets.