11kW Sweeper Truck Fan

This article's table of contents introduction:

1. What is the "Fan" in a Sweeper Truck?
2. Key Specifications for an 11 kW Fan System
3. Why 11 kW? (Typical Applications)
4. Comparison with Other Classes
5. Important Considerations for an 11 kW Fan
6. Alternatives / Upgrades
7. Summary

It appears you are asking about the fan system for a sweeper truck (street sweeper) that typically operates at 11 kW (approximately 14.7 HP) .

Here is a breakdown of what this specification means, the likely technology involved, and how it compares in the industry.

What is the "Fan" in a Sweeper Truck?

Street sweepers use a powerful centrifugal fan to create suction. This suction pulls debris (dirt, leaves, gravel, litter) from the broom path into a hopper (debris tank). The "11 kW" refers to the power consumption of the electric motor (or the power take-off [PTO] demand) driving that fan.

Key Specifications for an 11 kW Fan System

• Motor Type: Typically a 3-phase electric motor (e.g., 400V / 480V) driven by a hydraulic pump or a dedicated inverter from the truck's auxiliary power system. Some older trucks use a mechanical PTO to a hydraulic pump.
• Airflow (CFM): An 11 kW fan on a medium-duty sweeper usually produces 8,000 – 12,000 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow at the nozzle.
• Vacuum Pressure: Typically 18 – 28 inches of water column (1.5 – 2.3 kPa) for standard sweeping. Higher pressure is needed for heavy debris or wet material.
• Speed: The fan impeller (often a radial/centrifugal design with backward-curved blades for efficiency) spins at 1,500 – 3,000 RPM depending on the drive ratio.

Why 11 kW? (Typical Applications)

• Medium-Duty Sweepers: Used for parking lots, city streets, and industrial yards.
• Regenerative Air Sweepers: These trucks use a "blast and suction" system. 11 kW is a common power level for the suction fan in models like the Elgin Whirlwind or Tymco 600.
• Mechanical Broom Sweepers: In a broom sweeper (e.g., Elgin Pelican), 11 kW powers the main suction pickup head.

Comparison with Other Classes

Important Considerations for an 11 kW Fan

• Current Draw: At 400V 3-phase, an 11 kW motor draws roughly 20–25 Amps (full load). This requires a substantial auxiliary generator or a high-capacity hydraulic system.
• Noise: An 11 kW fan at full speed is loud (typically 80–90 dB(A) at the operator's ear). Noise suppression ducts and mufflers are critical.
• Efficiency: Modern sweepers use variable frequency drives (VFDs) to modulate fan speed. Running a fan at 100% power (11 kW) constantly wastes fuel. Most operators run at 60-80% power for light sweeping, dropping consumption to 7-9 kW.
• Maintenance: A fan at this power level creates significant bearing and seal stress. The impeller should be inspected for wear (erosion from sand) and balance every 500–1000 operating hours.

Alternatives / Upgrades

• High-Efficiency Impeller: Replacing a standard steel fan with a composite or aluminum backward-curved impeller can reduce the required motor power to 9 kW for the same airflow.
• Dual-Fan Systems: Some trucks split the 11 kW load across two smaller fans (e.g., 5.5 kW each) for better spatial distribution of suction (one for left gutter, one for right).

Summary

An 11 kW fan on a sweeper truck is a standard, workhorse specification for a mid-size city or industrial street sweeper. It balances suction power with fuel efficiency and is typically found in regenerative air sweepers or high-lift mechanical sweepers capable of handling wet leaves and heavy debris.

If you need to repair, replace, or spec a new motor/fan for a sweeper, confirm:

1. RPM (e.g., 1800 RPM at 60 Hz, or 1500 RPM at 50 Hz).
2. Mounting (B3 foot mount or B5 flange mount).
3. Duty Cycle (S1 continuous or S6 intermittent).
4. Voltage (e.g., 400V/690V or 480V).