<VV> Corvair Fan

[Dale Dewald]

Hello folks,

Based on my limited understanding of fluid flow, it is clear to me that a 
standard automotive radiator fan operates somewhat differently than the 
Corvair "fan."  The Corvair unit is a centrifugal blower, and has more in 
common with the blower in, say, a forced warm air furnace (which blows 
through ductwork--like the Corvair engine).  It is no surprise to me that 
attempts to use electric radiator fans end in failure; fans are not blowers.

I think that significant improvements could be made in the efficiency of 
the Corvair blower, particularly the late magnesium style.  In my mind the 
ideal blower would be modeled after the early steel curved fin impeller but 
molded from fiber reinforced plastic.  This would be the minimum starting 
point for making an electric motor powered Corvair cooling system.

Has anyone considered using a hydraulic fan/blower drive as done on heavy 
construction and agricultural equipment?  Just a thought.

Dale Dewald
Hancock, MI


At 10:04 PM 7/8/05 -0400, JVHRoberts wrote:
>I think we may need to dig deeper here. The Austin fan doesn't make much
>pressure compared to the Corvair fan, so there's something else going on 
>here
>that we're missing. I am CERTAIN you can't just stick an Austin fan in a
>vertical housing and get cooling as good as a Corvair fan. Not even close.