This type of ceiling fan utilizes a belt and pulley system to rotate the fan blades. A motor drives a pulley connected to the fan’s rotor via a belt, similar to the mechanism found in older car engines or industrial machinery. This contrasts with direct-drive fans, where the motor is directly connected to the fan blades.
The belt-driven mechanism offers several advantages. Its operation tends to be quieter due to the decoupling of the motor and fan rotor. Furthermore, the system allows for greater flexibility in speed control, enabling a wider range of airflow options. Historically, this design was prevalent before the advent of compact, powerful electric motors suitable for direct drive. While less common today, it remains a viable option for specific applications requiring quiet performance or precise speed control.