Fan Clutch

Clutches are regularly used on engine cooling system fan drives and can be engine or remote mounted.

Traditional fan clutch designs are restricted to on-off operation, via a friction drive. This arrangement is a relatively crude approach, and often results in high levels of thermal shock applied to the cooling system, operator annoyance (noise/loss of engine power), excessive fan cycling, non-optimised coolant temperature control, among other system inefficiencies.

The two speed electromagnetic fan clutches work on the principle of eddy currents, generated by precise positioning of permanent magnets between the driver and driven components of the clutch.

This first stage eddy current speed helps eliminate fan cycling and subsequent thermal stresses in the radiator. The second stage of the operation is full soft engagement via a temperature sensor when cooling demand is at the maximum.

 The clutches have a higher cooling capacity than a viscous clutch, due to zero slippage and thus efficient operation of engine cooling fan. Engine operating temperature is achieved in a more controlled manner, and there is no overcooling of the engine.

 Emissions are reduced and noise is minimal as only the fan rotates at full speed during peak load conditions.

The clutches can be directly mounted to the crank shaft, or bracket mounted in truck applications. Clutch bearings are optimised to operate in a high vibration/ high temperature environment during all modes of fan operation.

Linnig's field experience includes 150,000 clutches operational world wide in heavy duty trucks, for applications including coal and titanium mining. Fuel consumption savings can range from 1 to 4%.

 Air Radiators is the sole distributor of Linnig clutches in Australia and New Zealand