A short history of the humble desk fan
How was it invented, and where is it headed?
Within offices across the UK the humble desk fan has been an essential cooling item during the summer, helping to increase comfort levels and ultimately productivity. But what is the history of this super-useful appliance, and what’s next for it?
The development of the electric fan was started by Dr. Schuyler Wheeler. He invented the desktop two-blade electric fan in 1822 at the age of 22 and patented a type of electric battery which could power it for a sustained period. The fan, which had no safety features such as a protective cage, was marketed by Crocker & Curtis Electric Motor co. and Dr. Wheeler went on to become a prominent member in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The second advancement with the electric fan was made by Philip H. Diehl. Diehl took a sewing machine motor and mounted a fan blade to it. He then attached this to the ceiling, and thus, the first ceiling fan was born.
Over time, motors and fans were made more powerful, more efficient, and safer and just like Wheeler’s invention, the ceiling fan is a popular cooling appliance today.
Ceiling fans are being stamped out though by the wonderful technology of air conditioning. Desk fans are too, but desk fans are still a popular product within buildings without air conditioning and within buildings with limited space — they take up little room, provide a decent gust, and cost little to run.
Desk fans today
There are two main types of desk fan today — battery-powered and mains-powered. Battery-powered desk fans usually clip onto the edge of a work desk or other surface and run on one power setting, whilst mains-powered desk fans stand upright, have numerous settings, and require a constant mains supply.
Each type of desk fan has its benefits. Battery-powered desk fans are more portable and cheaper to purchase, but mains-powered desk fans are more powerful and generally last longer. Also, it is generally considered that smaller battery-powered desk fans are a temporary solution for cooling while larger mains-powered desk fans are a permanent solution.
The future
There isn’t much room for further advancement with desk fans but desk fans which also cool air as well as fan it are in the pipeline. These aren’t air conditioners per se, for they have no chemicals.
Be sure to check out our excellent range of fans, including our range-topper which comes with chrome styling and three speed settings to choose from.
