In the cooling and ventilation industry, Cross Flow Fans and Centrifugal Fans are two common and essential fan types. Although both are used for air movement and heat dissipation, their design, airflow direction, pressure capabilities, and applications are significantly different.

Customers often ask:

“What is the difference between a cross flow fan and a centrifugal fan?”

This article explains the key differences and provides professional selection advice based on Chungfo product expertise.

1. Different Working Principles

Cross Flow Fan

A cross flow fan uses a long cylindrical blade design where air enters along the entire length of the fan and exits uniformly on the opposite side.

Features:

Wide and uniform airflow

Low pressure but large air curtain

Low noise and smooth operation

Common applications:

Air conditioners

Air curtains

Consumer electronics

Projectors

Ventilation modules

Centrifugal Fan

A centrifugal fan draws air into the center of the fan and expels it at a 90-degree angle through the outlet.

Features:

High air pressure

Strong directional airflow

Excellent performance in high-resistance environments

Common applications:

Industrial systems

Automotive electronics

Power supplies

Servers

HVAC ventilation

2. Structural Differences

Structure determines performance, and performance determines application.

3. Noise Comparison

Cross Flow Fans → quieter, smoother airflow

Centrifugal Fans → slightly louder, but maintain strong airflow under load

Products requiring silent performance, such as appliances, usually choose cross flow fans.

4. Application Comparison

A quick summary:

5. How to Choose? Chungfo’s Professional Advice

Need wide, uniform airflow → Cross Flow Fan

Need high pressure & strong directional cooling → Centrifugal Fan

High resistance environment → Must use a centrifugal blower

If unsure, Chungfo engineers can help evaluate airflow, pressure, and mechanical fit.

6. About Chungfo

Founded in 2000, Chungfo Electronic Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of cooling and ventilation fans, specializing in:

DC Fans，AC Fans，Blower/Centrifugal Fans，Cross Flow Fans.

Applications include:

Home appliances，Industrial equipment，Automotive electronics，Ventilation systems，Servers and UPS systems.

Chungfo produces more than 8 million fans annually and supplies customers across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

7.Why Choose Chungfo Fans?

Chungfo is trusted worldwide due to:

International certifications (UL, CE, RoHS)

Long lifespan up to 50,000 hours

Custom voltage, airflow, and size support

Professional R&D and automated production

Whether you need a high-pressure centrifugal blower or a silent cross flow fan, Chungfo provides reliable and efficient cooling solutions.