How IP68 Splash Proof Fans Improve Temperature and Humidity Stability in Fermentation Systems

— San Ace Splash Proof Fan Application Case for Bakery & Confectionery Equipment

In modern bakery equipment, fermentation management is no longer just about “heating and humidifying.”

As sweet breads, artisan breads, frozen dough processes, and specialty bakery products continue to diversify, bakery equipment manufacturers are facing a new challenge:

How can temperature, humidity, and airflow inside the fermentation chamber be controlled more uniformly without drying the dough surface or causing uneven fermentation?

Especially in high-humidity environments with airborne flour dust, conventional cooling fans often encounter problems such as:

• Limited airflow adjustment range
• Unstable low-speed operation
• Reduced lifespan in humid environments
• Dust intrusion into bearings and electronics
• Difficulty maintaining precise airflow control

As a result, more bakery equipment manufacturers are beginning to reevaluate whether they need:

✅ PWM-controlled industrial fans
✅ IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof fans
✅ Long-life fans suitable for high-humidity fermentation environments

This case study introduces how a bakery machinery manufacturer optimized its fermentation control system using the San Ace Splash Proof Fan solution.

Case Study

Achieving Stable Fermentation Management with IP68 Splash Proof Fans and PWM Speed Control

Customer Profile

A kitchen and bakery machinery manufacturer
(Number of employees: approximately 100)

Main products include:

• Dough fermentation systems
• Commercial bakery equipment
• Proofing chambers
• Food processing machinery

As the market demanded more precise fermentation control for different bread types and production methods, the company began developing a next-generation dough fermentation management system.

Challenges

Challenge 1: Voltage-Based Speed Control Had Limited Adjustment Range

To regulate airflow inside the fermentation chamber, the engineering team initially attempted to control fan speed by adjusting the input voltage.

However, several problems quickly became apparent.

Problems with voltage control:

For dough fermentation, airflow must be carefully controlled:

• Too much airflow dries the dough surface
• Too little airflow causes uneven temperature and humidity distribution

The manufacturer therefore needed:

A fan capable of stable low-speed operation with precise airflow control.

Challenge 2: High Humidity and Flour Dust Required Superior Reliability

The internal environment of fermentation systems typically includes:

Airborne flour dust
High humidity
Continuous long-hour operation
Strict hygiene and cleaning requirements

Conventional fans may suffer from:

• Dust entering the motor and bearings
• Moisture-related failures
• Unstable rotation
• Shortened service life

The customer therefore required a fan with:

• High waterproof and dustproof performance
• Reliable operation in humid conditions
• Suitability for food equipment applications
• Long operational life

Solution

San Ace IP68 Splash Proof Fan with PWM Control

After consulting with SANYO DENKI engineers at an exhibition, the customer began evaluating the:

San Ace Splash Proof Fan Series

Key features included:

Why PWM Control Is Better for Fermentation Equipment

Traditional voltage control reduces fan speed by lowering the supply voltage.

This often causes:

• Startup instability
• Limited controllable range
• Speed fluctuation
• Risk of fan stalling

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control works differently.

Instead of reducing voltage, PWM rapidly switches the drive signal on and off to regulate fan speed precisely.

Advantages of PWM control:

✅ Stable fan rotation
✅ Better low-speed performance
✅ Precise airflow adjustment
✅ Easier automation integration
✅ Full operating voltage maintained

For fermentation systems, this means:

Air circulation can be controlled more delicately, helping maintain consistent temperature and humidity without drying the dough surface.

Why IP68 Matters in Bakery Fermentation Systems

Some may wonder:

“Why is IP68 necessary if the fan is not directly exposed to water?”

In reality, fermentation environments involve more than just liquid exposure.

Challenges include:

• High humidity
• Condensation
• Flour dust
• Frequent cleaning
• Moisture intrusion over time

Dust Protection

IP68 protection helps prevent:

• Flour dust entering the motor
• Bearing contamination
• Reduced fan lifespan

Waterproof Protection

The fan can continue operating reliably in:

• High-humidity conditions
• Condensation-prone environments
• Cleaning and washdown situations

This is especially important for food equipment applications.

Customized Lead Wire Extension Improved Hygiene and Reliability

During installation, the customer discovered that the standard lead wire length was insufficient.

Using extension joints or connectors would have introduced:

• Additional connection points
• Hygiene concerns
• Reduced environmental resistance
• Increased failure risk

To solve this issue, SANYO DENKI proposed:

Customized Lead Wire Lengths

Benefits included:

✅ Fewer connectors
✅ Improved environmental resistance
✅ Better hygiene performance
✅ Simplified equipment design
✅ Reduced development workload

According to the customer:

The customized lead wire solution not only improved reliability but also shortened the overall development cycle.

Results

After adopting the San Ace Splash Proof Fan solution, the manufacturer achieved significant improvements.

Improved Fermentation Environment Control

✅ More uniform temperature and humidity distribution
✅ Better fermentation consistency
✅ Flexible airflow management for different bread modes

Improved Airflow Control

✅ More precise PWM speed control
✅ Stable low-speed operation
✅ Wider airflow adjustment range

Improved Reliability

✅ Stable operation in humid environments
✅ Reliable performance in dusty conditions
✅ Reduced fan failure risk with IP68 protection

Why Industrial Splash Proof Fans Are Becoming Essential in Food Equipment

Today, IP68 industrial fans are increasingly used in:

• Dough proofers
• Fermentation chambers
• Commercial ovens
• Food processing equipment
• Central kitchen systems
• Automated cooking machinery

Because these applications commonly involve:

Dust
Moisture
Heat
Frequent cleaning
Long operating hours

Consumer-grade fans are often unable to provide the long-term reliability required in these demanding environments.

Conclusion

In modern bakery equipment, fans are no longer just cooling components.

They have become:

A critical part of the fermentation environment control system.

As manufacturers continue pursuing:

• Better temperature and humidity uniformity
• Stable dough quality
• Flexible process control
• Long-term operational reliability

Industrial fans featuring:

✅ PWM precision control
✅ IP68 waterproof and dustproof protection
✅ Long operational life

are becoming an increasingly important solution for advanced fermentation systems.

For manufacturers developing:

• Fermentation systems
• Dough proofers
• Bakery machinery
• Food processing equipment

the San Ace Splash Proof Fan series may be a valuable option worth evaluating.

jamicon cooling fan，AVC cooling fan，jentech cooling fan，AVC fan

SANYO San Ace 40x40mm IP68 Splash Proof Fan