5.5kW Sweeper Truck Fan

This article's table of contents introduction:

1. What is it?
2. Key Technical Specifications
3. Applications and Suitability
4. Power Supply Requirements
5. Comparison with Other Common Sizes
6. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
7. Summary

This is a common specification for a fan used in a sweeper truck (also known as a road sweeper or street sweeper).

Here is a breakdown of what a 5 kW sweeper truck fan is, its power requirements, typical applications, and how it compares to other common sizes.

What is it?

A 5.5 kW (kilowatt) fan is the heart of the vacuum or suction system on a sweeper truck.

• Function: It creates the negative pressure (vacuum) needed to lift debris (dust, leaves, gravel, dirt) from the road surface into the hopper (collection bin).
• Power: 5.5 kW is a mid-range power rating. In horsepower (HP), this is approximately 4 HP (1 kW ≈ 1.34 HP).
• Type: It is almost always a centrifugal fan (squirrel-cage or radial blade design) to handle high static pressure and abrasive dust.

Key Technical Specifications

Depending on the manufacturer (e.g., Johnston, Schwarze, Elgin, Dulevo, or Chinese brands), the typical specs for a 5.5 kW fan are:

• Motor Voltage: Usually 48V DC (electric sweepers) or 380V/400V AC (hydraulic or mains-powered). 48V is very common for electric sweepers.
• Speed (RPM): 2,800 – 3,600 RPM (direct drive) or 1,450 RPM (belt-driven).
• Airflow: 3,000 – 5,000 m³/h (1,765 – 2,940 CFM) depending on the impeller design.
• Static Pressure: 2,000 – 4,000 Pa (8 – 16 inH₂O).
• Drive: Belt-driven (most common) or direct-drive (less common for 5.5 kW).

Applications and Suitability

• Ideal For:
  • Small to medium electric sweepers (e.g., 1m³ to 2m³ hopper capacity).
  • Indoor or noise-sensitive areas (malls, warehouses, airports) where hydraulics or loud diesel engines are prohibited.
  • Light to medium debris: Leaves, sand, gravel, paper, general street litter.
• Not Ideal For:
  • Heavy debris (large rocks, thick mud, heavy construction waste).
  • Very large road sweepers (these use 15 kW to 30 kW fans).
  • Continuous high-load operation (can overheat if motor is undersized).

Power Supply Requirements

If you are designing or repairing a system:

• 48V DC System: A 5.5 kW fan at 48V draws ~115A (Amps). This requires:
  • A very large battery bank (Lithium or Lead-Acid).
  • A controller capable of handling 120A+ continuous (e.g., Curtis 123x series or Kelly KBL).
  • Heavy-gauge wiring (2/0 AWG or larger).
• 400V AC System: A 5.5 kW fan at 400V draws ~14A. Requires a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) if speed control is needed.
• Hydraulic System: If driven by a hydraulic motor, you need ~15-20 L/min flow at ~200 Bar pressure.

Comparison with Other Common Sizes

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1. Overheating: 5.5 kW is a high power draw for a 48V system. If the motor controller is undersized or there is a blockage, the motor will shut down (thermal cutout).
2. Debris Blockage: A 5.5 kW fan is powerful enough to clog if a large piece of debris hits the impeller. The fan housing or suction hose may have a break-away valve or rubbish trap.
3. Belt Tension: Belt-driven fans require precise tension. A slipping belt reduces RPMs drastically, killing suction power.
4. Motor Brushes: If it's a DC brushed motor (common in older models), brushes wear out every 500-1000 hours.

Summary

A 5 kW sweeper truck fan is a powerful, energy-intensive component most commonly found in electric mid-range sweepers. It provides adequate suction for normal street cleaning but requires a robust electrical system (high current for 48V) or a direct AC/hydraulic power source. If you are sourcing a replacement, always match the voltage, RPM, and mounting flange to your existing fan.

Need a specific part? If you can provide the brand (e.g., Dulevo, Green Machines, Tennant, Miller Tech), I can narrow down the exact part number.