Active PFC: The Power Behind Efficient Fan Performance
In today’s electrified world, maximizing energy efficiency isn’t just about using less power; it’s about using the right kind of power. That’s where Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) comes in. As a pioneer in EC fan technology, ebmpapst has integrated this powerful feature directly into many of our products to improve fan efficiency and performance, reduce waste, and protect power grids. But what exactly is Active PFC, and how does it benefit you?

What Is Active PFC?
Every electronic device draws electricity to function, but not all of it gets used efficiently. Devices with a poor power factor consume more electricity than necessary, generating harmonics and reactive power that strain the electrical grid and waste energy.

Active PFC solves this problem. It improves the ratio of usable (effective) power to total (apparent) power by reshaping the current waveform to align with the voltage. This results in a sinusoidal, in-phase current with minimal distortion. In simple terms, your system uses energy more effectively and cleanly.

How ebmpapst Uses Active PFC
While many manufacturers rely on bulky, external filters to fix power factor issues, ebmpapst does things differently. We’ve integrated active PFC directly into our EC centrifugal fans, addressing harmonics right at the source. This innovation reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to as low as 2%, a significant improvement compared to older systems, which may show THD as high as 33%.

More specifically, you’ll find our three-phase active PFC technology in RadiCal, RadiPac 3, and AxiEco product lines, where it plays a crucial role in high-performance cooling applications.

Where It Matters Most
Active PFC isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s a real-world solution for critical systems:

• Data Center Cooling: EC fans with active PFC deliver stable cooling without oversizing energy components. This ensures uninterrupted data flow and reduces electrical load fluctuations. Data processing in a data center uses an enormous amount of electrical energy, most of which is converted into heat. For example, a next-generation CPU can produce more heat per square inch than a hot plate. Maintaining precise conditions (72°F at 55% humidity, without fluctuation, 24/7) is essential to ensure continuous operation and avoid unscheduled stoppages. On average, cooling accounts for 22% of a data center’s total energy demand, yet only about half of the total energy is used for actual IT purposes. Optimizing cooling not only reduces energy consumption but also allows downsizing of the power supply infrastructure, cutting both energy usage and installation costs.
• Healthcare Facilities: A stable power supply is vital in hospitals. Active PFC minimizes interference and prevents grid-related emergencies while keeping operating costs low.
• Industrial Ventilation and Commercial Buildings: Systems run more reliably, and energy supply infrastructure can be scaled down, saving space, money, and complexity.

Benefits for Customers
By choosing ebmpapst EC fans with active PFC, you unlock several key advantages:

• Maximum Efficiency: Active PFC ensures only the necessary power is drawn, reducing energy bills and environmental impact.
• Nearly Ideal Power Factor (λ ≈ 0.998): This means nearly all the power drawn from the grid is used with no waste or penalties.
• Enhanced Grid Stability: Smoother, cleaner power reduces electromagnetic interference and keeps critical systems running flawlessly.
• Improved Harmonics (THD ≤ 5%): With virtually no current distortion, there’s less stress on infrastructure and fewer electrical disturbances.
• Compliance Made Simple: Systems meet legal EMC compliance and energy standards; no extra filters or compensators are required.
• Easy Integration: Plug-and-play functionality makes installation quick and scalable, even for systems with multiple fans.
• A Single, Trusted Source: Get fans, electronics, and support all from ebmpapst, an industry leader with decades of experience in intelligent air movement.

Final Thoughts: Efficiency in Top Form
Just as EC motor technology revolutionized fan performance with intelligent speed control and brushless design, Active PFC is raising the bar for power quality and reliability. By integrating this technology into our fans, ebmpapst ensures your systems not only consume less energy, but also consume it smartly.

Whether you're running a high-stakes server room or a hospital critical care unit, EC fans with Active PFC are your assurance of peak performance, lower operating costs, and long-term sustainable HVAC solutions.

Experience the power of clean, efficient energy. Choose ebm‑papst fans with Active PFC.

Read more about this revolutionary technology or connect with a member of our team for personalized insights.