What is the difference between the Valiant Ventum 3 and its smaller brother the Ventum 2?
Well, basically, it’s simply smaller, i.e. the difference can be easily spotted from first glance at the box. The bigger fan’s box dimensions are just 5% larger. Both fans are secured by an outer, and then an inner box, where they are held tightly to avoid blades bending or any another damage.
The Ventum 2’s overall height is smaller, and consequently its weight is 60g less; it only has two blades instead of three and their diameter is 25mm shorter. Is that all? Again, basically, yes. But, and there is always a “BUT”. Here we explore the subtler differences between the two fans.
Why have two different models been introduced?
Some time ago, actually three years ago, to be more precise, the Valiant PremiAIR, also known by the name Premium held the title of best seller among the stove fans powered by the Peltier module. The following season Valiant Firesides introduced the two Ventum models. Watching the success of the Ventum 3 from the merchant’s point of view was truly inspiring.
The Valiant Ventum 3 stormed to the highest step of the winners’ podium immediately, while the Ventum 2 stayed in the shadows, but naturally basked in the glory of its bigger brother. Where the customer was captivated by the beauty and performance of the Ventum 3, but sadly had a smaller aperture over the stove top, the Ventum 2 stove fan came in to action, as the latter offered comparable quality and performance and it was 25mm smaller, so it could fit on stoves built into a fireplace recess.
httpsv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbUOSkaYjRI
The Valiant Ventum 3 starts at the low temperature of 45°C thanks to its newly designed motor. The Ventum 3 is 199mm high. Many stoves are fitted into fireplace recesses, so quite often the Ventum 3 won’t fit in the tiny apertures above the stove. To meet these common demands, the Valiant Ventum 2 was introduced. The designers’ goal was to keep the airflow rate as high as possible despite the shorter overall dimensions. Below you will find a few pictures and visualisations that will show you how that goal has been achieved.
The two fans sit on the same 110mm by 75mm base – which means that exactly the same heat rate is transferred on to the down side of the Peltier module surface. The same Peltier module is squeezed between the heat sinks and the top sections which are responsible for the efficient cooling, by taking the warmth away from their fins so the upper surface of the Peltier module is significantly cooler and the electricity of the right voltage can be created.
The top sections are different though. This is the part that makes the Ventum 2 25mm smaller. The design of the top sections appears to have a common pattern. As the motors are mounted to the section at approximately the same height, the smaller fan’s rotating blades protrude above the stove – unlike the Ventum 3.
Obviously, the numeric name of the two fans refers to the number of blades. In short, the 2 blade fan is 25mm shorter in diameter and is about one third lighter which leads to a simpler conclusion that with the same voltage created by the same Peltier module the motor will spin much faster than if it was weighted with 3 blade fan.
How does the airflow compare?
The profile of the Ventum 2 blades looks much more aggressive to compensate for the lack of one blade.
Surprisingly when we checked the airflow speed of both fans at their highest temperature we discovered that the Ventum 2 actually pushes air at 10 m/s whilst the Ventum 3 at 9m/s This is a non-scientific test by no means, and these values shouldn’t be treated as such. It just shows us that the air is pushed faster by the smaller fan and creates a directed airflow – which can be useful in a narrow room or when one wants to push the heat flow through the door. The Valiant Ventum 3 creates a much wider airflow cone and so is designed to spread the air evenly around a large room.
Are the Ventum fans noisy?
Judging by the number of questions we receive, one of the biggest concerns of most customers is the noise pollution created by rotating blades of working Ventum fans. So, we tried to set up a test for that as well. Again, the test is just for indication purposes and not scientific – we simply used a smartphone app that measures noise levels. The values we got from a non-calibrated device wouldn’t be of much use, unless they’re connected a to noise we’re all familiar with. So, we placed the phone with a running application about 100mm behind the fans at their max spin to discover that they produce roughly the same noise level of 50dB. That’s pretty quiet. A standard fridge freezer creates up to 40 – 45dB. It would be barely imperceptible when you’re sitting snuggly on the sofa across the room.
Where should the Valiant stove fans be placed?
Last but not least, the Valiant fans placement must be mentioned. The topic goes beyond the spectrum of the article as the same rules refer, not only to Valiant stove fans, but pretty much to all Peltier powered stove fans. Basically, they need to stay away from the hot flue pipe. How far? On the whole as far as possible. The Valiants’ manufacturer advises at least 50mm to the side. If the fan is to be placed in front of the flue, then 150mm gap is necessary. The Valiant fans can be used on stoves mounted in a fireplace with a low hood. It’s good to remember, the Peltier fans work on a simple principal: the hotter the base section and the cooler the top section, the better. If we disrupt the cooling of the top section for any reason, it would be reflected in the fans’ performance. Test out various placements of the Valiant fans to find the best position for your set-up.
