Air multiplier fan
An air multiplier fans blow air from an oval opening without exposed blades, the vanes are hidden within the frame. Air movement is created within the frame, directed and focussed to the central void (or toroid), to create the cooling effect through air flow. Unlike an axial fan, which creates intermittent air flow, pressure and some noise as the blades turn, an air multiplier fan separates the blades from the air flow thus creating a continual constant air flow and less noise. It is also called a bladeless air fan.
The first patent for a bladeless desk fan is recorded as being by the Japanese firm Tokyo Shibaura Electric in 1981 (now known as Toshiba). In 2009 James Dyson, improved on the original design by benefitting from what is known as the Coanda effect, where air tends to flows along the curvature of a surface rather than separating from it, this was named and patented as the air-multiplier bladeless fan.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning.
- Air handling unit.
- Building management systems.
- Building services
- Building services engineer.
- Chilled water fan coil system vs refrigerant based system
- Constant air volume CAV
- Evaluation of cooling effects: outdoor watermist fan
- Fan.
- Fan coil refurbishment for improved operational efficiency
- Fan coil unit
- Fan coils
- Fan convector
- Fan heater
- How do I know what capacity fan coil I need?
- How does a chilled water fan coil unit work?
- HVAC
- Intermittent extract fan
- Types of pump.
- Variable air volume VAV
- Ventilation
- What are the different types of fan coil units?
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.




















