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Electric fan

The power output of the electric fan depends on the version:

The electric fan is arranged behind the cooler. The Digital Engine Electronics (DME) activate the electric fan. A new  feature is that the power supply from terminal 30 via a relay comes from the Digital Engine Electronics (DME). The electric fan is controlled by the Digital Engine Electronics (DME) via a pulse-width-modulated signal (evaluation by electronic circuitry in the electronics of the electric fan). The Digital Engine Electronics (DME) control the various electric fan speeds by means of a pulse- width-modulated signal (between 7% and 93%). Pulse duty factors less than 7% and greater than 93% do not trigger activation but rather they are used for fault recognition purposes. The speed of the electric fan is dependent on the coolant temperature at the coolant outlet (radiator) and the pressure in the air conditioning system. When the car's driving speed increases, the speed of the electric fan decreases.

Fig 1: Identifying Electric Fan Components
G09870858Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Index Explanation
1 Drive for electric fan
2 4-pin plug connection
3 Fan cowl

The drive of the electric fan is a brushless motor. The electric fan has its own electronic evaluation unit and its speed is regulated by a pulse-width modulated signal. The pulse duty factor in the normal operating mode (100 Hz) is converted into a speed signal.

For the after-run of the electric fan, the Digital Engine Electronics (DME) lower the frequency to 10 Hz. The pulse duty factor is used to select the time (maximum 11 minutes) and speed of the electric fan.

The permitted operating temperature lies between -20 °C and 120 °C. The static pressure lies between 0 and 0.8 bar.

The following illustration shows the air flow rate of the electric fan.

Fig 2: Fan Output Characteristic Curve
G09870859Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Example: characteristic curve depending on fan output

Index Explanation
1 Static pressure
2 Characteristic curve for flow rate
3 Volumetric flow