James Dyson, the inventor of the Dyson Air Multiplier, wanted a fan that didn’t emit choppy waves of air, so he sought a way to capture the benefits of a fan without its most central components: its blades. With that said, when looking at the Dyson Air Multiplier, you might wonder how it works–or if it even works at all.
The Dyson Air Multiplier relies on its unique shape to suck in and release air. It depends on its pedestal, inner fan blades, and pressurized air to create a steady breeze. It also relies on its circular shape, which allows it to draw in air from multiple angles.
The process is really more complicated than that, but you don’t have to be an engineer to have a basic understanding of how the Dyson Air Multiplier works. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative device and how it triumphs over its competitors.
How Does the Dyson Air Multiplier Work?
Here’s a basic explanation about how the Dyson Air Multiplier works:
Air Goes Through a “Mixed-Flow Impeller”
When you turn on the Dyson Air Multiplier, it will draw in air from the bottom and channel that air into an impeller. The impeller is an electric motor that increases air pressure and flow. The Dyson Air Multiplier can increase airflow 15 times its original pressure.
The Air Is Driven Upward
After the air goes into the impeller, it exits through a small slot located on the bottom of the fan’s circular shape. The air then goes over a small ridge, which creates negative air pressure. This sucks in air and channels it forward.
The Multiplied Air Creates an Even Conical Flow
Once the air is channeled forward, it relies on something called “viscous shearing.” In doing so, the air can maintain a steady breeze of air in one direction. It continues to draw in air from all around it, and by relying on its design, the fan can release pressurized air.
This is an extremely basic outline of how the Dyson Air Multiplier works, and while the product itself has a simple design, its internal workings are anything but.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Fan and a Dyson Air Multiplier?
If you think about it, your traditional box fan is a relatively simple machine. A box fan operates on a basic servo motor, which allows the blades to spin in a circular motion based on their power source.
A Dyson Air Multiplier is far more complex. Instead, it relies on:
- Its design, which intentionally creates air resistance to “multiply” air
- Its nine internal blades, which work together to create a solid “cone” of air
- The principles of “entrainment” and “inducement,” which draws in air
- Its ability to increase and decrease air pressure at will
The last point is one of the best parts about the Dyson Air Multiplier. Regular box fans don’t draw in air; they just circulate already-existing air around it. The Dyson Air Multiplier sucks in air at about 5 gallons a second––the equivalent of a Dyson vacuum cleaner.
Is the Dyson Air Multiplier Better Than Traditional Fans?
Inventor James Dyson told the Telegraph that his invention was better than traditional fans because:
It Doesn’t Release Choppy Air
By relying on nine blades within the fan’s cylinder, it can create a smooth, steady stream of air. The same cannot be said for traditional fans since their blades just generate air forward––there’s not as much precision.
As we mentioned earlier, the Dyson Air Multiplier sends forward a steady cone of pressurized air; a traditional fan sends air forward in a sort of wave.
It Doesn’t Use as Much Energy
The average Dyson Air Multiplier only uses about 40 watts of electricity. Compared to a central air conditioning unit, this achieves a similar result without increasing your monthly electric bill. For reference, your garden-variety box fan uses about 75 watts of energy.
It’s Easy to Clean
Traditional fans, sadly, don’t usually have long lifespans. This is because dust, particles, and other airborne debris can clog up the blades over time or dull them altogether. Sure, you can periodically clean your box fan, but this takes time, and even so, you can’t mitigate the damage from day-to-day use.
The Dyson Air Multiplier doesn’t have any external blades, so all you have to do is wipe down the inside of the circular unit. This extends the device’s longevity and minimizes the damage from everyday use.
Final Thoughts
The Dyson Air Multiplier works by using engineering principles, its impeller, and its inherent air-resistant design. While it’s a bit pricier than your everyday fan, it produces a steady stream of air, and it’s virtually silent.