Innovation and customer-centric product design are at the heart of both ebm‑papst and Q-PAC. Together, we’re combining decades of expertise in EC motor technology and system-level engineering to deliver the next generation of fans for commercial air handlers: high-performance, easy-to-integrate multimotor plenum fans (MPFs).

By pairing ebm‑papst’s leadership in efficient, intelligent air movement solutions with Q-PAC’s proven capabilities in fan system design, we’re reimagining how air moves through buildings while creating systems that are smarter, quieter, and more energy efficient than ever before.

What Makes EC Motor Technology Different
EC motors represent a significant advancement in air movement technology. By merging the reliability of AC power with the efficiency and controllability of DC motors, EC motors offer unmatched precision and performance. Integrated electronic controllers regulate both speed and power output, enabling systems to adjust dynamically in response to demand. This ensures that energy is used efficiently, reducing power consumption, improving reliability, and maintaining consistent airflow across varying conditions.

In contrast to traditional AC motors that run at a fixed speed, EC motors operate intelligently to continuously optimize performance. This efficiency advantage is especially valuable in HVAC systems where airflow needs fluctuate throughout the day, such as in offices, schools, and healthcare facilities that require both flexibility and consistency.

Why EC Motors Are Ideal for Multimotor Plenum Fans
When applied within a multimotor plenum fan, EC motors transform the way air is moved and controlled. Each impeller in the system operates as a part of a whole but maintains its own integrated motor and electronics to communicate with the central source of power within the MPF. This modular approach creates a powerful combination of efficiency, redundancy, and scalability. Key benefits include:

• Simplified integration: Each EC motor includes onboard power electronics that enable direct modulation, eliminating the need for separate variable frequency drives (VFDs) and reducing installation complexity. This allows for flexible control options for optimal set-up of the MPF, which can connect to a single device in the airstream rather than a multitude of different VFDs.
• Redundancy and reliability: If one motor requires servicing, the others will compensate accordingly, maintaining consistent airflow and system uptime.
• Energy efficiency: Multiple EC motors working together can deliver higher overall system efficiency than a single large fan under part-load conditions.
• Compact and quiet operation: EC motors minimize mechanical losses and vibration, resulting in quieter performance and a smaller footprint.

These advantages make EC motors an ideal choice for the MPF. This pairing of technology makes the MPF the optimal selection for both new air handlers and retrofits, where existing systems can be modernized without major structural changes.

Simplifying the Retrofit Process
Replacing legacy fan systems with MPFs equipped with EC technology delivers immediate benefits in both installation and operation. Because EC motors are compact and self-contained, retrofits often require less space and fewer system modifications. The integrated electronics streamline commissioning with preconfigured control settings and easy connectivity to building management systems via Modbus, BACnet, or analog signals.

Beyond installation, the Q-PAC MPF ensures peace of mind for facility managers and enables hassle-free operation with zero ongoing maintenance. The EC motors communicate with the Fan Controller to operate as a single device with self-monitoring capabilities. Operators can track real-time performance data, identify potential issues early, and maintain peak efficiency with minimal downtime.

Every EC motor from ebm‑papst is engineered for precision and quiet performance. Each motor and impeller is dynamically balanced in the factory according to ISO 21940 Grade G6.3 (equivalent to AMCA 204 BV-3), ensuring low vibration levels and smooth operation right out of the box. Those motors are used in the in-house manufacturing of the Q-PAC Multimotor Plenum Fan, in part, because the fans are balanced to such tight tolerances; they can be rigidly mounted without field balancing, significantly reducing installation time and the need for vibration isolation hardware. The factory balance allows the motors to operate with significantly reduced rumble and vibration, resulting in near-silent performance. The Q-PAC MPF has proven highly valuable in noise-sensitive environments such as office buildings, schools, churches, and healthcare facilities, where occupant comfort is a key design consideration.

In contrast, traditional fan technologies often require on-site balancing, which introduces risk for higher vibration levels and potential structural stress over time. By completing this process in a controlled factory environment, ebm‑papst ensures higher precision, less noise, and longer system life. EC motors are integral to the Q-PAC Multimotor Plenum Fan, working in tandem with other system components to sustain reliable airflow and full operational resiliency.

Performance, Control, and Connectivity
Modern buildings demand intelligent air movement solutions, and the use of EC motor technology in the multimotor plenum fan makes that possible. Advanced control options enable precise airflow management, while digital communication interfaces allow seamless integration into smart building systems. This data-driven approach supports predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and enhanced system visibility, helping facility managers make informed decisions that reduce operating costs over time.

With no belts, bearings, or external drives to maintain, the Q-PAC MPF delivers a true low-maintenance experience, leveraging the power of EC motor technology. Once installed, facility teams can rely on years of consistent performance with minimal intervention. This includes:

• No greasing or belt tensioning required
• No in-field balancing needed
• Reduced wear and fewer mechanical failures over time

These benefits allow maintenance staff to focus on higher-value tasks while maintaining confidence in continuous, reliable airflow.

Driving Efficiency, Simplicity, and Sustainability
Every EC motor produced by ebm‑papst reflects our commitment to Engineering a Better Life, both for our customers and the environment. Our technology not only improves system performance but also contributes to measurable reductions in energy use and emissions. Through continued investment in research and digitalization, ebm‑papst ensures that each generation of EC technology outperforms the last. The Q-PAC Multimotor Plenum Fan is driven by the commitment to create an HVAC fan solution that is well-engineered with the consumer in mind. Every decision about the fan design aligns to simplify airflow by eliminating maintenance, downtime, and complexity for building owners and maintenance teams alike. The collaboration of technology between ebm‑papst and Q-PAC allows for a fan solution that sets new standards in energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and ease of integration.

While ebm‑papst’s engineering heritage is rooted in German innovation, the company is proud to have created a strong local presence with U.S.-based R&D, production, and supply chain operations. Together with Q-PAC, the leader in the design and manufacturing of the multimotor plenum fan domestically, this partnership combines global engineering excellence with local manufacturing agility to ensure fast delivery, responsive support, and high-quality solutions built specifically for North American applications.

Applications
Multimotor plenum fans with EC technology deliver quiet, efficient, and controllable airflow across a wide range of environments, primarily focused on comfort cooling and critical applications. MPFs are particularly well-suited for educational facilities, where reliable ventilation and low noise levels are essential for maintaining healthy and comfortable learning spaces. In healthcare and other critical environments, their resiliency and precise control ensure continuous, stable airflow that supports patient safety and system reliability. Office buildings and commercial spaces benefit from the compact footprint and energy savings, while entertainment and performance venues appreciate the reduced noise and enhanced comfort these systems provide.

A System Designed as a Whole
Just as an EC motor operates as a finely tuned system with its electrical and mechanical components working together in perfect harmony, a multimotor plenum fan functions as a single, unified device made up of multiple high-efficiency EC motors. In both cases, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Each element is designed to perform independently yet seamlessly integrate into a cohesive system that delivers precise, reliable performance. This shared design philosophy, centered on simplicity, reliability, efficiency, and ease of use, defines both technologies. Together, ebm‑papst and Q-PAC bring this philosophy to life, redefining air movement and engineering smarter, more sustainable solutions, one plenum fan at a time.