These fans works in the same way that any standard fan operates. The fan’s purpose is to ensure cool operating temperatures and in order to achieve those temperatures the fan will spin at variable rates in order to supply the device with fresh air. Working with information provided by the device it is cooling, the fan supplies just the right amount of cool air to the components, protecting against heat that can harm the electronics and cause drop-offs in performance.
The fan’s angled blades force air outside of the device to move into the device in a single direction. The aerodynamic shape of the blades forces air from one side of the housing through the middle and out to the other side at an accelerated rate. The cool air is rushed from the outside into the peripheral, creating a steady current of moving air. The side that brings air into the fan generally faces away from the device that it is cooling, allowing for the cooler air surrounding the device to enter. This helps eliminate settling dust, as well as helps keep temperatures in the device cool for optimal performance.
The cool air flow is regulated by a mechanism similar to a house’s thermostat. A small temperature gauge inside the device will decide how much airflow is needed to cool the device based on its performance demands. The fan’s blades will then spin either faster or slower depending on the needs of the device (how hard it is working, how long it has been on for, surrounding room temperature, etc…) until temperatures are regulated. The cooling fan will then run at an idling speed in order to maintain these temperatures or completely shut down if its use is not needed by the computer.
