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
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.