>>>>> "DANMAS" == DANMAS <DANMAS@aol.com> writes:
DANMAS> In my original post, I said "for the same
DANMAS> cooling." That applies to whatever RPM the engine
DANMAS> is operating at. If it takes 21.6 HP to operate
DANMAS> the mechanical fan at 4800 RPM, it will take at
DANMAS> least 26 HP to operate an electric fan with the
DANMAS> same air flow.
Once again, I have to disagree. It would take 26HP to operate
the _same_ fan with the same airflow, but as I noted, at
least the TR-4 fans can be improved on greatly in efficiency
and weight, and I'd guess that the TR-6 fans can at least
be improved on in efficiency.
DANMAS> For anyone contemplating a swap to an electric
DANMAS> fan, it would be a good idea to have all the
DANMAS> facts. Anyone making the swap to gain 18 HP,
DANMAS> especially at normal driving speeds, will be
DANMAS> disappointed. Likewise, at normal driving speeds
DANMAS> there won't be a dramatic increase in economy. Due
DANMAS> to the sporting nature of our cars, they are most
DANMAS> often driven around windy, twisty, roads, at a
DANMAS> relatively slow speed. An electric fan would be on
DANMAS> quite a bit under these conditions.
I have an acquaintance locally who has an electric on his Spit.
He says it turns on about three times a week when he's not
idling at a stop light or something, and it's his daily
driver. YMMV.
-MM
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